Fan Fiction |
by Hibiscus
“The guys eschewed the party for some trip they absolutely had to go on.” Rainie said to Ariel as they entered the ballroom of a party thrown by some business tycoon. Because the tycoon was a great contributor to the various movies and dramas in terms of financial support, they were obliged by their management companies to attend the party.
“That’s too bad,” Ariel said looking appreciatively at the array of food on the buffet tables. “Joe would have thought he had died and gone to heaven.”
Suddenly Rainie clutched Ariel’s arm. “What?” Ariel asked. And Rainie nodded towards a group of ladies.
“That’s Kireinagai K.” Rainie said. “Wow, I didn’t think she’d be so young,” Ariel said reverently. “Her play was absolutely amazing.” Suddenly she had an idea.
“Let’s go introduce ourselves, Rainie.”
Ariel and Rainie mingled and walked all the way to where the young playwright was holding court over an increasing and ardent group of admirers.
She smiled when the playwright met her gaze and extended her hand. “Hi, I’m Lin Yi Chen and this is my friend-“
“Rainie Yang, I know.” Kireina K said graciously accepting Ariel’s hand and shaking it.
“I saw Carpe Diem the other day and I can’t tell you how much I am in awe of your talent.” Ariel said giddily.
“The admiration is mutual, for you both.” Kireina K said smilingly.
“I have a request,” Ariel said. “If you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course, what can I do for you?”
“Could you please give me an autograph for a friend who is your greatest fan?” Ariel asked.
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A few hours earlier…
“Ethan, I swear if you make ask me for a pit stop one more time, I’m going to buy you an ice cream container so we can drive for fifteen minutes without stopping!” Joe grumbled.
“Don’t hate, Joe.” Mike said. “Let the man enjoy being ogled at by the service station girls.” Mike grinned.
“There were girls there?” Ethan said, sticking his head out of the window. A couple Aunties were gathered outside and blew him kisses as they noticed his attention. Ethan blanched and hurriedly settled into his seat; head safely back in and for added security put the windows up.
Mike and Joe burst out laughing.
Ethan scowled and said, “It’s not funny!” He lifted his bottle to take a deep drink of water and Mike snatched it away from him.
“No, I’ll give this to you when we are a kilometer away from Miaoli. If you don’t drink, you won’t have to go and we won’t have to stop.”
“Xiao Mei, you are so smart.” Joe fluttered his eyes at Mike.
“I know.” Mike grinned airily.
“Ugh. What if I have to go anyway?” Ethan grumbled.
“Cross your legs.” Mike said.
Joe started laughing.
“Do I look like a girl?”Ethan said.
“Do you really want me to answer that?” Joe called from the front.
“I’m so abused, I-” Just then Ethan’s phone beeped and he stopped in midsentence to check the message.
“Who was it?” Mike asked curiously.
“No one.” Ethan said.
Mike smirked. “So why are you texting no one back.”
“None of your business.” Ethan replied.
“Tickle him. He’ll tell then.” Joe said.
Ethan looked horrified. “It was no one, I swear. It wasn’t Rainie either!”
Joe and Mike laughed again.
“You two are disgustingly cute.” Mike said.
“Not as cute as Mike and me but close.” Joe added.
“I have no idea what you are talking about, dude.”
“Admit it Ethan. You’ve fallen big time.” Joe smirked.
“Whatever. We are just friends.”
“Man, that’s so lame.” Mike replied. “Just friends. HAH.”
“Like you and Ariel.” Ethan smiled sweetly.
Mike stopped smiling abruptly and turned his head towards the window.
“No, like me and Ariel?” Joe said, oblivious to the change in Mike’s demeanor.
“What?” Mike and Ethan looked at Joe curiously.
“Well, Ariel’s my best friend. And I’m hers. So, friends like me and Ariel?” Joe explained.
Ethan and Mike exchanged glances.
“Joe, do you like Ariel?” Ethan asked, shooting a quick look in Mike’s direction. Mike had turned his head away again, looking out the window.
“Of course I like her. She’s my friend.” Joe replied.
“No I mean do you like her…, I dunno man, do you like her the way you liked Leila in Grade 9?” Ethan asked.
“Hey look, that’s the last pit stop we’ll get until we reach the city. Do you want to stop or should we continue?” And Joe successfully deflected the question.
They reached Miaoli a bit after six and checked into their hotel, avoiding the front entrance and as such the prying eyes of the public.
“You ready man?” Joe and Ethan stood outside Mike’s room.
“Yeah, hold up, gimme a minute.” Mike called.
He opened the door a minute later and they walked down to the lobby of the hotel where there was a florist’s still open. They entered the store and Mike engaged the shop’s assistant’s attention. Her gaze widened as she realized who the three men in front of her were.
“H-h-how can I help you?” She stammered, their sheer presence stealing her of her previous coherence.
“Give us three bouquets full of yellow flowers.” Ethan said quietly.
“Any preference… um…er…I mean which flowers?” The girl asked, her eyes darting from Mike to Ethan to Joe.
“It doesn’t matter. As long they are yellow flowers.” Joe said.
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Back in Taipei…
“Where did the boys say they were going?” Ariel asked from the corner of her mouth, smiling at one of their many acting colleagues at the party.
“To Miaoli.” Rainie replied, nodding at another suited superstar.
“Hmm.”
“Yeah, they always go there at this time of the year.” Rainie added, sipping her champagne.
“Isn’t that where Mike’s mom was from?” Ariel turned to Rainie, a curious frown on her face.
“Oh.” Rainie breathed. The frown smoothed out from Ariel’s face and another softer, more compassionate expression took its place.
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Author's Note: Exams are over. Expect frequent updates until the story is completed. The following chapters may garner two possible reactions from you: a) outrage b) annoyance c) happiness. I'm sorry if the story does not walk the path you wanted it to but if it's any consolation, it never goes where I want it to either so pttthhhbt. Thank you for reading for all the good luck you guys sent my way.