Mistaken Identity

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 18(Final)

2009-08-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

Chapter 18

The concert venue was packed. I couldn’t believe that many girls had the time to go to a concert at night. This was my first concert and might be my last. I saw many girls holding uchiwas with Arashi's faces glued on it and some girl were wearing their concert t-shirts.

I wanted to tell Nino to cut me off from his life for good. I was hoping that me coming here, I would get a chance to tell him that.

The doors finally opened and I handed my ticket to the lady. She smiled at me. Then she called someone over and whispered something in his ear.

She took me out of the line and the guy led me backstage. I shouted. “Eh? Where am I going?” I saw many glares coming from the girls. I sighed and I saw all the staff people running around.

I looked around and saw many juniors warming up backstage. They smiled and bowed their heads to me. I smiled back and I began to become confused. I didn’t know where this person was taking me.

Before I could stop to think, I was already in front of Arashi’s dressing room.

He knocked on the door and I heard someone saying. “Come in.” The guy opened the door for me and I saw Arashi sitting at a table with their costumes on.

They looked up at me. I was scared of what they were going to say to me. I bowed my head and walked forward. Sho got up and pulled out a chair for me. I bowed my head to him and sat down.

There was silence in the room. It started to irritate me. “Ano…” I started to say.

“Hikari, right?” Jun interrupted me. I looked over at Jun. He seemed pissed off. I nodded my head.

“Johnny-san told us what had happened.” Sho said. I looked at him and frowned. I bit my lip and played with my fingers.

“Did you know Naoko-chan had brain cancer?” Sho asked me. I shook my head and said in a quiet voice. “No, she didn’t like when people were concern about her health.” All five of them nodded their heads and I saw Ohno placing a cup of water in front of me.

I heard a knock coming from the door. “You’re on in 5 minutes.” They nodded their heads and Sho, Ohno, Aiba and Jun got up from their chairs. Aiba placed his hand on Nino’s shoulder and then they left.

I looked up to see Nino looking the other way. I stood up and placed my hands on the table. “Ninomiya-san, please stop remembering me. Just cut me off from your life and find someone else like Naoko. It’s the best thing for you and me.” I turned and walked away.

Then I heard a chair falling over and I turned to see Nino right in front of my face. “That’s the thing, I can’t stop thinking about you. I even tried dating after you left but your face kept appearing. Now, I realize that your face is totally different from Naoko’s. I feel like Naoko-chan wanted me to be with you. I couldn't concentrate entirely on my work because I knew I had to see you again.” I gasped and then I smiled.

He leaned in and kissed me on the lips. “Now I’m in love with you Hikari, but Naoko will always be in my heart.”

I smiled and said. “I didn't expect to fall in love with my sister's boyfriend..”

"Ninomiya-san, you're needed on stage." The staff member can again and shouted to Nino. He nodded his head and left. The staff member looked at me.

"Naoko-chan, is that you?" He asked me.

I smiled and shook my head. "No, I'm Hikari. Naoko's twin sister."

Probably that time we began walking different paths.
Until the day that those feelings will release their radiance.
If the wheel begin to turn, the journey would start.
I won't stray anymore, I gently embrace the past.

I told my secret that I was hiding for a long time only to you.
No matter when, my everything is probably still...

People who I don't know the names are passing by the noisy street.
It seems that everyone has someone important burning in their hearts.

I remembered the time I'd be crushed with many things I had.
Forever we are connected because those hands are not lying.
The days we cannot go back to are lovely but tomorrow is waiting for us.
No matter where, we can still go on.

- -"Still..." by Arashi

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 17

2009-08-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Chapter 17

I arrived home a few hours later and I noticed Naoko’s boxes already had arrived to my house. I smiled and loaded them inside in my living room. I found a lot of mail and messages from my answering machine.

There was one from Johnny-san, he said that he took everyone who knew Naoko really well to her grave. Then he said that everyone was devastated when they heard the news. I sighed. I still felt like that big boulder was still on my shoulders.

I went back to work the next day. They gave me flowers and celebrated my belated birthday. I tried to smile most of the time. I wasn’t really happy, every time I would think about being happy about my birthday. I would have a flashback to the time when Nino celebrated my birthday with me.

After a long day at work and celebrating my belated birthday at a restaurant with my co-workers, I came home feeling tired and drunk. I made myself drink until I threw up. I wanted to forget everything that had happened. Naoko, Nino, Arashi and Johnny-san. I finally escaped.

I had a really bad headache the next morning. I couldn’t walk and I called in to say that I was sick. I think they knew that I was badly hung-over.

I roamed around my house. I didn’t feel like going outside. I sat down on my bed. I sighed and looked around my room. Then I noticed Naoko’s boxes. I had to put them away.

I opened one of Naoko’s boxes and looked at what I stuffed inside. I didn’t even think when I was packing up Naoko’s stuff. I just threw all her stuff in some boxes and shipped it my place.

The box contained her papers. Then I saw a photo that stood out in the pile of papers. I picked it up and looked at it.

It was a picture of Naoko and Nino. I smiled. I placed it back and closed the box up with some tape.

I placed the boxes in my storage room. I sighed and I heard something falling into my mailbox.

I got up and checked what kind of mail I received. It was mostly flyers but then I saw a blue envelope. I checked to see the sender's name and I couldn't find one. I shrugged my shoulders and opened it up.

It was a ticket to an Arashi concert for tomorrow in Okinawa. I gasped. It must be from Nino.

I had to decide if I wanted to keep hiding or go face my fears.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 16

2009-08-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

Chapter 16

I arrived to the airport and bought a ticket to Okinawa. I had to wait two more hours until I could board my plane. I walked around the airport and saw a few fast food places open. I missed dinner so I bought myself some miso ramen. It was delicious.

I looked in the shops that were still open. I didn’t buy anything because I didn’t have anymore cash.

It was finally my time to depart.

I had a great time in Tokyo. I met lots of people because of my sister. It felt awkward but it was a good experience for me.

I picked up my stuff and was about to board the plane, when I heard someone calling my actual name.

“Hikari-chan!” I turned around. I saw Nino running to me. I gasped. I didn’t expect him to show up. I thought he hated me because I faked being Naoko.

“Why..?” I asked. He was panting. He looked up and smiled. “Hikari-chan, please don't go. I've read Naoko's letter over and over again. I know you’re not Naoko-chan but somehow I can’t stop thinking about you. ”

He straighten his back and I said. “What? I don’t understand..” He giggled and said. “Sometimes, I don’t even understand myself.” I laughed and kissed him on his cheek.

“Ninomiya-san, please forget about me and move on. Naoko and I want you to be happy. I have to leave now.” I turned around and walked towards the plane.

I glanced behind me. I saw that he was crying and slowly walking away from me. I closed my eyes and bit my lip. I had to leave. It was the right thing to do.

I sat in the plane. I was thinking about Nino and everyone that Naoko knew. They would be left with unanswered questions. I probably wouldn’t be able to answer them.

I stared outside from the plane window, trying to hold back my tears.

[Side Story] I Could Never Forget You

2009-08-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

I Could Never Forget You

Ninomiya Kazunari's Point Of View

I was standing in front of my dead girlfriend's grave stone. I just found out that my girlfriend passed away a few weeks ago and I was in love with her twin sister, Hikari. I was confused. What was I going to tell Arashi, my girlfriend is dead and I kissed her twin sister without knowing it wasn't Naoko.

I messed up my hair and cried in front of Naoko's grave stone. I didn't even get to say my final good-bye to her. I loved her so much but why did she do that to me?

I slowly dragged myself back to my apartment. I was depressed and I got text messages from the guys. I ignored them. My heart was already confused and broken. I laid on my bed, thinking of the memories I shared with Naoko.

I suddenly widened my eyes. The letter that Hikari gave me. It was from Naoko. I quickly took it out from my pocket and opened it. I could smell the strawberry scent. She loved strawberries.

I opened it to see a short letter from Naoko. I guess she was sad while writing this letter. I could imagine her writing this farewell letter in her apartment. Trying to write about thoughtful and happy things.

Then I started to read the precious letter that my girlfriend wrote for me.

Dear Kazu,

I'm guessing my sister has revealed to you that she is not me. Gomen ne. For keeping my illness and my sister a secret. I thought it was good for you and me. I know you're strong enough without me. Look at you, you're a super star.

Please don't blame yourself. I want you to continue having a peaceful and happy life.

I've been keeping my illness a secret for a while. Before I met you, I knew I had this condition but I didn't expect to fall in love with someone who is like me. I always wanted to tell you but I was scared and worried. If I told you, you would concentrate more on me than your work.

Do you remember? When we first met at the department store. When I first saw you, I thought you were a stalker because you were wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. A few minutes later, fate came along. You picked up my cake thinking that it was yours. We argued and then the employee told us that it was the cake I bought. You were embarrassed and apologized to me. I couldn't hate you because you had a weird expression on your face, when you found out about you being wrong. Those memories will be forever in my heart and soul.

I love you and you'll always be in my heart.

"Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice but falling in love with you I had no control over."
- Anonymous

Love, Naoko

I dropped my head to the floor. I started to cry. I held the letter close to my heart. “Naoko, why…?” I muttered. I was sobbing. I laid back on my bed and tried to wipe my tears away but every time I wiped them away, new tears would come out.

A few hours later, my tears had dried out. I was staring at my ceiling, every time I would think of Naoko, I would think of Hikari. I shook my head. This wasn’t the time to be thinking about someone else.

I heard my cell phone ringing. I slowly grabbed it and it was from a friend. “Moshi-moshi?” I said.

“Nino-kun! Do you want to go to a goukon today? I need one more person.” My friend said. I had to stop thinking about Hikari and Naoko. I guess I could start dating someone else to get my thoughts rid of them.

“Sure. I’m up for it.” I said. I heard my friend shouting. “Okay, well it’s starting now. Meet me at…”

~*~

I arrived at the goukon place. I was wearing a simple t-shirt, a sweater and jeans. I didn’t feel like dressing up to impress some girl. I had my cell phone, didn’t bring my wallet, my keys and my cards. I was ready for the goukon.

I walked inside and looked through the windows. Then I saw my friend singing an Arashi song. I smiled and giggled. I opened the door and I saw everyone squealing.

“Ninomiya Kazunari! KYA! I can’t believe it’s him! Why is he here?” I heard the girls talking to each other. I smiled and my friend came over.

“Hey, I’m glad you could make it. Take a seat or you could sing.” My friend said to me. I nodded my head and sat down beside a girl.

She was cute. Her hair was in braids, she had glasses and she looked like a person that was dragged along with her friends.

“Konbawa.” I said to her. She nodded her head to me. I cocked my head and picked up the karaoke instruments.

The goukon was loud and I wanted to take a breather outside. I walked in the hallway and found a bench. I sat down and sighed. I was still depressed over Naoko and Hikari.

Then I saw that glasses girl again. She was walking out of the ladies washroom. I smiled at her and she nodded her head to me.

“What’s your name?” I asked her. I wanted to flirt with her and try to open her heart to me. Instead of always her giving me the cold shoulder. I was a free man now. I don’t have a girlfriend anymore so I’ll be fine.

“Rika. Kitamura Rika.” She said in a quiet voice. I smiled and asked. “Do you know my name?” She nodded her head to me.

“Do you want to sit? It’s pretty hot in there.” I pointed to the karaoke room. She nodded and slowly sat down beside me. “Ano..Do you have a boyfriend because you look like a girl that has a boyfriend..” I said. I started to sweat. I shouldn’t have asked her so straightforwardly.

She shook her head. “I came here because I wanted to find one. But I couldn’t believe that you came here. I mean you’re an idol.” She said to me.

I giggled. “You finally spoke to me.” She giggled along with me. I was getting more comfortable with her.

As I started to talk with her, I kept seeing Hikari’s face on her. Why did I kept seeing her face? Why is my heart beating faster if I see her face? Do I love Hikari or is it because she had Naoko’s face? I was confused.

“Gomen. I need to go now.” I said to Rika. She nodded her head. She seemed sad. I was feeling guilty for suddenly leaving her but I knew it was the right thing for me.

I went back to my apartment. I was in a mess. I couldn’t stop thinking about Hikari. Why? Then I suddenly perked up. I had fallen in love with Hikari but how? I mean, she’s pretty like Naoko. She has a cute laugh, she is friendly and shy… Wait, did I just name off things that I liked about her? I don’t completely know her but I already like some things about her. Yes, I was in love with Hikari.

I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed Naoko’s apartment number. No one picked up. Darn! She's not in Naoko's apartment. Then I decided to call Johnny-san. I had to tell the truth to him because he was a close friend to Naoko. She would always talk to him when she visited the building.

“Johnny-san, umm about Naoko-chan..” I said. “I know.” He replied back. I was stunned. “What…Why?” I said and then suddenly he laughed. “You said the same thing that Hikari-chan said.” I giggled and said. “Do you know where she is? I need to talk to her.

“I think she is going back home. She is from Okinawa and wanted to spend her birthday with Naoko but…” I nodded my head. “Then Naoko died and she replaced her.” I interrupted him. He giggled and said. “I think she is at the airport now. You should leave now before she boards that plane.” I nodded my head and quickly left my apartment. I didn’t want to miss this farewell and I wanted to confess to Hikari that I loved her.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 15

2009-08-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Chapter 15

I walked out of Johnny-san’s office. My eyes were lightly swollen. I decided to get some fresh air on the roof.

I saw no one standing on the roof and there was a bench. As I walked towards the bench, I saw a pot of flowers on a piece of stone. I picked up the small pot. I looked at it and noticed there was some initials on the pot.

“I.N & N.K” I smiled. It was Naoko and Nino’s special pot together. It was a pot of yellow tulips. I giggled. The yellow tulips blossomed and there was three of them. I placed it back on the piece of stone and I heard someone shouting.

“Naoko!” I tossed my back behind me and I saw Nino running towards me. “I told you they would blossom..” Nino smiled and touched one of the yellow tulips.

“Ninomiya-san… I have to tell you something.” I fixed my gaze at him. He giggled and said. “What’s wrong? You usually don’t address me as Ninomiya-san.. It makes me feel old.” He smiled and I started to frown.

“I’m not actually…Naoko.” I looked away. I placed my hand on my elbow and looked down at the floor. He placed his hand on one of my shoulders. I pushed it away and looked up.

“I’m Naoko’s twin sister, Hikari. Naoko died from a brain operation last week. She wanted me to give you this.” I grabbed the letter from Naoko and handed it to him. He looked surprised. He blinked his eyes and his mouth was hanging open.

I started to walk away from him. He grabbed my hand. “Aren’t you Naoko, my girlfriend?” Nino looked confused. I shook my head and pulled my hand off from his grip. “Can't you see my face is totally different from Naoko's?" He shook his head and looked dumbfounded. I sighed and said. "If you don’t believe me then follow me.”

~*~

Nino and I got out from the taxi and we were standing in front of a graveyard. His happy face turned into a frown. I walked towards Naoko’s gravestone and pointed to it. He finally realized that she passed away.

I walked away, leaving him with Naoko. My vacation in Tokyo had ended, now it’s time for me to return home and face my own reality. The reality that was for me.

I took a taxi to Naoko’s apartment. I found some boxes and packed up her stuff. I finished packing up her stuff and placed the boxes in the living room. Everything was gone. Her clothes, books, papers, music and much more was all packed. All I had to do is to send it to my place.

I took all the boxes to a moving company. I had asked them to send it to my house. By the time I arrived home, the boxes would be in front of my door. I paid and went back to Naoko’s apartment complex.

I grabbed my stuff from her room and I took a minute to look at her room. I closed my eyes and imagined how busy she would be in her apartment. Work, love life and her daily life all happened in this apartment. I opened my eyes and smiled.

“I’m leaving now. Sayonara.” I said to the apartment. I took the elevator down to the front desk. I didn’t see the old lady. I guess she was busy. I wrote a note and placed the key on the counter. I left and I went to the airport.

Soon, I was going to leave and wouldn’t be able to see everyone again.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 14

2009-08-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

Chapter 14

The hospital had finally released me. Apparently Nino had paid for my hospital bill before hand. I grabbed my things and reached for my cell phone in my purse. I felt a piece of paper in my purse, it was Naoko’s letter to Nino. I had forgotten all about it. I sighed and took a taxi to the Johnny’s building. I had to tell the truth to someone, so I decided Johnny-san would be the right person.

I arrived to the building and I saw everyone smiling at me, again. I walked up to the secretary and she gave me a pass, without asking me why I was there. I shrugged my shoulders and took the elevator up to Johnny-san’s office.

His secretary nodded her head to me and I walked towards Johnny-san’s office. I knocked on the door and I heard him shouting. “I’m busy right now!” I sighed.

“Ano..Johnny-san. It’s me.” I said in a quiet voice. I heard a sudden thump and I saw Johnny-san opening the door for me.

“Gomen, Naoko-chan. I thought you were a business partner of mine. Come in.” He smiled at me. I cocked my head and sat on his sofa. “What can I do for you?” He asked me in a kind voice.

I looked up at him. He was sitting in his big leather chair. “I have something to tell you.” He giggled at me and I was frightened a bit. “Usually, I’m the one that tells you my problems.” I giggled along with him.

I stood up. “Johnny-san…Iie. Kitagawa-san, gomenasai!” I bowed my head. “Naoko-chan, why are you apologizing?” He cocked his head and came over to me. He placed his hand on my shoulder. I pushed his hand away.

I looked down at the floor. “I’m not Naoko.” I muttered. My eyes started to get watery.

“Eh? I didn’t hear you.” Johnny-san said.

I looked up at him and stared at his eyes. “I’m not Naoko! I’m Naoko’s sister, Hikari.” Tears came down from my eyes. I had finally told the truth to someone.

He gave me a pleasant smile and placed his hands on my shoulder again. “I know.” I widened my eyes. I was stunned. He knew the truth but kept it away from me..

“What?..Why?” I asked. He nodded to me and said. “Sit down.” I slowly dropped myself on the sofa and Johnny-san handed me a box of tissues.

“After I met you at the balcony, I received a mail from Naoko. She explained that she had brain cancer. She wanted me to call you and ask you to come to Tokyo. Then, she wanted you to experience her life in Tokyo. Meet all her friends and co-workers. She wanted you to live out her life for a while. After, Naoko-chan wanted you to tell Nino-kun that she died and he should move on. Her uncompleted life was for you to finish it off in her place.” I could see Johnny-san having some sadness in his eyes.

Naoko was always thinking of me. Even though we were a few miles apart, she was always looking out for me. I covered my face with my hands. My emotional tears came running down my hands.

“Hikari-chan, right?” Johnny-san asked in a quiet voice. I nodded my head. “I will notify everyone in the building that Naoko has passed away. The only thing is I’m concern is Nino-kun. Will you be able to tell him the truth?”

I moved my hands away from my face. I widened my eyes and stared at the floor. It felt like my heart stopped beating for a few minutes. I hurt Nino’s feelings and I’m going to tear him apart even more. I know he wouldn’t believe me because I had Naoko’s face.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 13

2009-08-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

Chapter 13

I groaned. My back still felt stiff. I opened my eyes and I saw the room was pitch black. It was night time and my stomach was growling. I sighed and looked on my left. I saw Nino sleeping beside me. I smiled and I had an urge to touch his hair. It was a bit messy and an idol can’t have messy hair, right?

I decided to fix it up for him, as a favor. I slowly raised up my hand and fixed his waxy hair. He moved his head. I sighed and tried to fix it up for him again. He raised his head up and saw me. Oops! I woke him up.

“Gomen ne. I was fixing your hair.” He smiled at me. I gave him a weak smile. Then my stomach started to growl. He giggled and bent down to pick up something. It was a white box. He placed it on the table that was in front of me. He opened it and it was a birthday cake. I had totally forgotten that my birthday was this week. That was my main purpose for coming here, to celebrate my birthday with Naoko.

I widened my eyes. I straighten my back and I saw that the cake said. “Happy birthday Naoko and Kazu.” I looked up at Nino. He smiled at me and kissed me on the cheek.

“Happy birthday Naoko-chan.” He whispered to me. This was suppose to be a special moment for Nino and Naoko. Instead, he couldn’t even spend his birthday with Naoko this year.. He spent it with me.

Tears came out from my eyes. I looked away and covered myself with my covers. Nino started to shake me. “Naoko-chan, what’s wrong?” I had to stop spending time with him because I was about to rip myself soon.

“GO AWAY! I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU ANYMORE!” I shouted. I started sniffling, I didn’t want to say it but it was the only thing I could do.

He mumbled something and left the room. I took off the covers from my head and looked around the room. He had actually left. I looked at the cake that was in front of me.

I bit my lip, he really cared for me. Then I saw a card beside the cake.

Dearest Naoko,

I'm so happy to celebrate my birthday with you. We can always celebrate our birthdays together.

Naoko, when I met you at the department store, we each bought a birthday cake for ourselves. You laughed because we both ate a birthday cake alone. It made me really happy.

When I introduced myself as Ninomiya Kazunari, you didn’t even care that I was famous. I remembered what you said. “What you’re an idol? Ha. Then that means I’m a princess.” You didn’t even believe me. Then I brought you to the Johnny’s building. Instead of waiting for me, I had to wait for you until you were done talking to the employees.

You got along with anyone and no matter how mean they were to you. You helped them open themselves to you. I’m really proud of myself that I can tell people that you’re my girlfriend.

Happy birthday, Naoko.

Love, Ninomiya Kazunari

I wiped my tears away with my arm. The card was meant for someone who didn’t exist anymore. I placed the card back on the table and took a bite of the cake.

“Happy birthday, Hikari.” I said to myself and ate alone in the dark hospital room.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 12

2009-08-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Chapter 12

I slowly without trying to feel any pain, nodded my head. She grinned at me and I wanted to straighten my back. I slowly raised myself up and the doctor helped me. I smiled at her and she took a seat beside me.

“Ito-san, you’re on heavy pain medications for now. You were struck very hard and loss lots of blood. Your friends helped out by donating some blood to you. You should be grateful to them.” I nodded my head once.

“I’m surprised that you’re the perfect image of Naoko-chan.” She said intriguingly. I looked up at her. I cocked my head and she giggled.

“I was Naoko’s doctor. I knew she had brain cancer and suggested to her about the operation.” I closed my eyes. Naoko risked her life because she trusted in herself that she could survive.

“I was sad when I heard that Naoko-chan did not survive the operation. I was actually a bit surprised. I thought Naoko’s operation would run successfully because of her kind-hearted and free-spirited personality.”

I looked down. She sighed and placed her hand on my shoulder. “Hikari-chan, you’ll be staying in the hospital for a bit longer. We need to do some check-ups before we can release you.” I nodded and she got up. “If you were wondering, I didn't tell him about you being Naoko's twin sister. I know that you can replace Naoko-chan but no one can replace you.” She gave me a small smile and walked out of my room.

Her words burned through me. She was absolutely right about me. I thought replacing Naoko would be easy because I looked like her, but actually she was really different than me.

I cried. What she said helped made me realize that after I’m done telling everyone about Naoko’s death. I should go back to Okinawa and start anew, as Hikari not Naoko.

I slowly got up and walked to the window. I saw many cars driving by and people walking into the hospital. I sighed and I fell to the floor. My knees were in pain and I couldn’t lift myself up.

Then I turned my head to see someone coming in through the door. It was Nino and he looked worried.

“Naoko! Naoko!” He cried out to me. He ran and helped me up. He guided me to my bed and tuck me in.

“Nino…” I whispered. He shook his head and placed his hand on my forehead. “Rest for now. I’ll be staying here.” I nodded my head. I wanted to tell him the truth, but my body was in a bad condition that the truth had to wait.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 11

2009-08-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Chapter 11

I opened my eyes. I was wearing a white dress. I was standing in the middle of nothing. The whole room was white and then a blurred image walked forward. It was Naoko. I shouted. “Naoko!” I ran forward and hugged her.

She just smiled at me. Then she slowly faded into dust. I just stood there. She didn’t even get to speak to me. I fell to the floor and cried.

I blinked my eyes. I felt like my whole body was stiff. I wanted to move my legs but something was stopping me. I slowly opened my eyes. Then I squinted my eyes, my eyes wasn’t used to the brightness. I groaned.

I heard someone shouting beside me. I groaned again. My senses slowly started again. My ears adjusted to the sound and my eyes began to have color.

“Baka! She’s waking up!” I heard someone whispering. I looked on my left side and I saw Nino standing beside me. “Naoko-chan, Naoko-chan.” I gave him a weak smile. He put his hand on my cheek. I wanted to tell him that I wasn’t Naoko but my body felt very weak.

“Naoko-chan! I’m glad you're alright.” I saw Aiba standing beside him. He gave me the thumbs up. I slowly lift my thumb up, it couldn’t go straight. I guess my body was still in shock from the accident.

I saw Ohno, Jun and Sho standing up in front of the sofa. “I’ll go get the doctor.” I saw Jun leaving the room and then I saw everyone crowding around me.

“Naoko-chan, can you speak?” Sho asked me with some concern. “I...need....some....sp..ace..” I slowly muttered. They stepped back.

I looked to my right and I saw a doctor and Jun coming in. I smiled and the doctor came to check my forehead. “Your fever has cooled down.” She wrote something down.

“What..is...wro..ng...wi..th...me?” I stuttered. The doctor gave me a pleasant smile and looked at Arashi. “It seems you’re popular.” The doctor said with some slight sarcasm. I gave her another weak smile and I looked at Nino. He nodded to me and said. “Minna, let’s go get some lunch.” He smiled back at me and planted a kiss on my forehead. Arashi left me and the doctor alone.

“So, it seems that you’re Naoko-chan.” The doctor gave me a look. She wrote more stuff down on her clip board. I looked away.

“From my information, you’re actually Ito Hikari. Am I correct?” I widened my eyes. She saw right through me.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 10

2009-08-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Chapter 10

I laid on my bed, well Naoko’s bed. I felt like I had a huge boulder on my back. I didn’t feel like moving.

This was suppose to be a good and happy vacation, instead I’m stuck replacing Naoko.

I sat up straight and looked around her room again. I already read her diary twice and it mostly talked about Nino.

I got up and looked at Naoko’s collection of manga in her room. It was filled with mostly shojo mangas. “Hime” was my all time favorite manga. Naoko didn’t like it as much as me, but she loved the drawings.

I picked it up from the shelf and something fell out. It was an envelope. I bent down and picked it up. On the front had my name on it and I turned it around to see her name written in small characters. I gasped.

I threw the manga on her bed and opened the envelope. I started to cry. The contents of the letter made me very emotional. I started to break down.

Hikari-chan, you finally got a hold of this letter. I guess I must be in heaven.. Hikari, I want you to read this letter carefully. I’m assuming that no one else except my company and you know that I’m dead. My boyfriend must think that you’re me. I hate when they mix us up.. Anyways, in my diary there are two pieces of papers at the end of my diary that are glued together. Can you open it and there will be a letter to my boyfriend. Please give it to him and that letter will explain everything to him.

I bet my boss told you that I died in a car crash or something like that.. Well, he was lying. Please don’t get upset at him, I had asked him to do that. The truth is, I have brain cancer. I have to go to Kyoto for a brain operation. There’s a 50-50 chance of me surviving. I want to take that risk because I have a chance of conquering this illness.

I missed you so much. You’re my precious little sister, even though I’m older than you by 2 minutes. I will never forget our memories together.

With love, Naoko

I wiped my tears away. My sister had covered the truth because she didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her. She wanted everyone to smile and forget about her.

I quickly grabbed her diary and opened it to the last page at the back. I saw a little flap and opened it. There was a strawberry scented letter. It was nicely folded and I held onto it. I had to give it to Nino.

I quickly put on my shoes and grabbed my purse. I placed the letter in my purse and quickly locked the door. I ran outside and I saw a taxi waiting on the other side of the street. I didn’t even think about looking both ways.

Suddenly I heard a honk, I turned to see Nino in his car and it hitting into me.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 9

2009-08-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Chapter 9

“Naoko-chan, daijobu?” Aiba asked me. I nodded my head and sat back down. I noticed that they had already ordered their meals.

Arashi started to eat and I ate as well. I was almost done my meal. I saved the shrimp tempura for last.

“Naoko-chan, why do you always save the shrimp tempura for last?” Sho asked me. I looked up at him. Then I looked down at my tempura and smiled. I guess Naoko didn’t change a bit over the years. She liked saving her favorites for last.

“I like to keep the flavor of the shrimp tempura in mouth.” I replied. They nodded their heads and I finished my lunch.

Not too long after I was done, Arashi was done. I reached for my wallet in my purse but Nino stopped me. “It’s okay. Jun-kun already paid for it.” I looked up to see Jun at the cashier, handing some money to the lady. I nodded and dropped my wallet back into my purse.

The six of us walked out of the restaurant and I saw Arashi walking to the underground parking lot. I felt someone holding onto my wrist. I tossed my head back and saw it was Nino stopping me.

“I’ll take you home.” Nino smiled at me. I nodded and he led me to his car in the underground parking lot. I got in and he started the car.

It was quiet on the ride back to Naoko’s apartment. I had nothing to share with him. I guess he didn’t want to talk yet.

We arrived to the parking lot of the apartment complex. I was about to get out of his car when he grabbed my arm. I looked over and asked. “Hmm.. Is something wrong?”

Then all of a sudden, he fixed his gaze on me. “Are you sure you’re fine? You’ve been acting weird since Sunday.”

“I’m fine, just tired from work.” I assured him. He looked like he was concern for me. It was nice in a way but I wasn’t Naoko. Naoko’s heart would have died on the inside if she was here.

He let go of my arm. I smiled and got out. “Ja ne.” I waved good-bye to him and closed his car door. He winded down the window and said. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” I nodded and he drove off.

I went to Naoko’s apartment and laid on her sofa. My heart couldn’t take it anymore. I had to tell the truth soon.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 8

2009-08-12T17:12:00.002-07:00

Chapter 8

“Ah, Johnny-san..” I was stunned. I could hardly speak. I was talking to the world famous Johnny-san. A person that everyone wanted to be. The successful owner of Johnny & Associates.

I blinked my eyes twice. He smiled at me and said. “How is your sister? Did you send her that e-mail?” I furrowed my eyebrows. My sister wanted to send me an e-mail because Johnny-san had told her to do. I started to become confuse.

“Yeah, she is doing okay. She said that she might visit me in the future.” I hate lying to people, especially to a person who has power that could find me and then kill me. He nodded his head. “Well, I have to go to an audition soon. It was nice talking to you.” He got up and left the balcony.

I got up and placed my arms on the railing. Then I placed my chin on my arms. I closed my eyes and I imagined Naoko talking to everyone in the building. She would come in with a big smile and listen and chat with the employees. Then she would go see Nino in Arashi’s dressing room. She would greet and then hug him, like a couple would do.

I felt my heart throbbing. It was going to be heart-breaking to tell everyone that Naoko is not here anymore. It became more difficult for me to break the cold hearted news to everyone, especially to Nino. Who loved her very much.

I left the balcony and after a few floors later I saw a restaurant. I decided to grab some lunch. I took a seat at the back and I saw the waitress smiling at me. “Would you like to have the usual?” I looked up at her. I just nodded because I wanted to find out what Naoko liked from this restaurant.

The waitress came back with my tea and a meal set. It was shrimp tempura with soba. I smiled and stared at the food, remembering a precious childhood memory.

Naoko, why don’t you order something else than shrimp tempura. Don’t you get sick of that?” I asked her. We were in a restaurant with our parents. We were only 8 years old and I didn’t understand why she loved shrimp tempura so much.

“You know it’s my favorite!” I sighed and shook my head. “Hey, they're showing Mr. Bear on tv!” I pointed to the tv and she looked at the tv. I sneaked a piece of her shrimp and ate it. She turned her head back to her meal and shouted. “Hey! That was mine!!” I made a devilish smirk and she crossed her arms.

I grabbed a piece of my shrimp tempura with my chopsticks and took a bite into it. It was warm and crunchy. I understood why she loved it because of the texture. I smiled at the shrimp tempura that I took a bite of.

I ate some of my soba when some people sat in front of me. “Naoko-chan, you started to eat lunch without us!” I looked up to see Arashi smiling at me. I started to cough. I was chocking on some of my soba noodles. I grabbed my napkin and covered my mouth with it. Nino rushed over and patted me on my back. I turned red and I could smell his sweet scent. He wasn’t using any cologne.

“I’ll be back. I have to go to the washroom.” I got up and ran to the ladies room. My face was covered with redness. I washed my hands and threw the napkin out. I looked at myself through the mirror. I had to break the news soon or the storm I caused will be bigger than ever.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 7

2009-08-12T17:12:00.001-07:00

Chapter 7

The van finally came to a stop. I looked outside the window and noticed that we were outside of the Johnny’s building. I got down from the van and they led me inside. I saw many people bowed their heads to me, well to Arashi. I even got in without a pass. I guess she got along with anyone.

I followed Arashi to their dressing room. I sat down in a chair and Arashi placed their things on the huge table. I sighed. I didn’t even want to be in their dressing room in the first place. I know it’s a dream for every Arashi fan but I knew that my true identity might be revealed while I was there.

I heard someone knocking on the door. I looked around to see all the members were preoccupied with something. I got up and answered the door.

“Naoko-chan! It’s great to see you!” I looked down to see a small boy in front of me. I bent down and patted his head. “Nice to see you too. Um..” I stopped. I didn’t want to ask his name straightforwardly.

“Hamada Makoto.” I nodded my head and said. “Gomen ne. There are so many names that I have to remember.” He seemed disappointed. I felt sad and I didn’t like when I upset people. I patted his head again and said. “Next time, I’ll make sure that I know your name.” He gave me a big smile and walked inside the dressing room.

“Arashi-sempai, you have to meet Shinchi-sensei in Dance Room A.” They looked at him and nodded their heads. Makoto-kun left and I looked at Nino.

“You can stay here or talk with the people in the building. You always do that when you’re here. The dressing room will be unlocked. I’ll be back soon and remember that I need to talk to you.” He walked out of the door. I was left alone in Arashi’s dressing room.

After a few minutes in Arashi’s dressing room, I was bored. I decided that I’ll roam around the building.

I walked passed people and they gave me big smiles. I smiled back to them and I looked at the posters that was placed around the building. Most of them were concert and drama posters. I sighed. There was nothing else to do.

I wasn’t like my sister. My sister liked to talk to me constantly. I was always shy and quiet. I can start a conversation but I’m not confident in my talking. I would always stutter. Naoko would always talk for me.

I found a balcony that was outside. It had a bench and a fantastic view of the city. I sighed and sat down. I didn’t even notice that someone else was also sitting there.

“Naoko-chan, nice to see you again.” I turned my head to see an old man sitting beside me. I was startled and I said. “Gomen. I’ll go somewhere else.” I got up and he said in a gentle voice. “No, it’s okay. Don’t you remember this is our hang-out spot?” I nodded my head and I looked away from him. “Gomen, I’ve been..forgetting things easily.”

“It’s okay. I love introducing myself.” He giggled and I looked up.

“I’m the world famous Johnny-san.” The old man said and I gasped. Then I had shivers down my spine.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 6

2009-08-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Chapter 6

I wanted to brighten myself up. I decided to take a stroll in the neighborhood park. I walked by the beautiful blooming cherry blossoms and the river that ran through the park. It was wonderful and magnificent. There was also a garden. I saw many goldfishes and streams.

As I was walking out of the garden. I heard someone shouting. “Naoko!” I hesitated. It might be Nino and he would want to hang out with me. My conscious was kind of wrong but I didn’t plan to involve another person or people into my big mess.

I slowly turned around and I saw someone waving at me from a big white van. I cocked my head and some people came out. I gasped and tried to hide my face.

I heard squealing coming from the ladies who were also at the garden. They jumped up and down from where they were standing.

I felt a poke on my back. I turned my head behind me and I saw all the members of Arashi. They were smiling at me. “Ah..” I muttered under my breath. I started to back up. I wanted to run away and escape from this reality.

When I backed up, they had pinned me to a wall. “Naoko-chan, are you free today?” Sakurai Sho asked me. I looked at him. He showed off a friendly smile. Then I looked at the other members, they too was showing off a friendly smile. Including Nino.

“I was about to go shopping.. If you’ll excuse me.” I was going to run for it when Nino grabbed me by the wrist. “Naoko, I want to talk to you. Can you come with us?” His low and raspy voice, tingled through my ears. I looked around me, all the girls started to give me evil stares and looks. I had other choice but to agree.

I climbed in the van. I felt nervous and scared. I wasn’t actually Naoko and everyone thought I was her. No one knew except for her co-workers that she was dead. I began to sweat.

“Naoko, daijobu?” Nino asked me. I turned my head to him. He was sitting beside me and Ohno was sitting on his other side. Aiba and Sho sat together in front of me and Jun sat in front of Ohno.

I nodded and gave him an assuring look. He smiled back at me, then he kissed me on my forehead.

“Aww! You guys look so cute together!” Aiba whined. I blushed and Nino giggled. “Aiba-kun, where is your girlfriend?” Jun asked and then he smirked. Aiba crossed his arms and I started to giggle.

Everyone laughed with me. I couldn’t help but to relax a bit. They were really friendly to me, I understood why Naoko loved Nino. Not just for his looks and status, it was because his personality was like Naoko’s.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 5

2009-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Chapter 5

I laid on the sofa. I was depressed. I didn’t want to go back to Okinawa because I felt bad for Naoko’s boyfriend. I didn’t have a lot of money left because I spent most of it on my plane trip here. I was bored because my sister is dead and I have no one to talk to.

I got up and walked over to her answering machine. I guess I can erase all of her messages. I heard every single message, it was mostly from Nino. I sighed and felt more depressed. I decided to cancel my sister’s credit cards and pick up her stuff from her work.

I called the credit card companies saying that Naoko will no longer need any credit cards. They told me it will take 48 hours for the account to be deleted. I hung up, grabbed my purse and locked the door behind me.

I took a taxi to her workplace where I told them that I was picking up my sister’s stuff. The secretary looked like she was going to cry when she saw me. I guess my sister made a huge impact on their lives. I knew she was kind, caring, funny and sociable but I didn’t know that she knew everyone in the building.

I took the elevator up to her boss’ floor. He looked at me with weary eyes. I was about to cry. He apologized, blaming himself for the death of Naoko. I told him it wasn’t his fault but it was fate.

After the long talk with her boss and how Naoko just brought happiness at work, I was finally able to gather her belongings.

I walked into her work area. Everyone looked up at me with shocked expressions. I bowed my head and quickly grabbed her stuff. I saw that they had placed a white flower in a vase on top of her desk. My heart saddened, her desk was very neat and organized. I saw some post it notes on her computer, reminding her to do some tasks.

I placed most of her belongings in a box and carried it outside. I could tell that everyone was giving me sad faces while I was leaving the floor.

~*~

I arrived back at Naoko’s apartment and placed her things in her room. I looked around her room and noticed that her computer was still on. I sighed and searched through her files. Then I clicked on one of her windows, it was an unfinished e-mail to me.

Dear Hikari-chan,

How are you? I miss you so much. I want to take a vacation to visit you in Okinawa. I should bring my boyfriend as well. You guys will get along with each other perfectly. You both love pranks and video games. Do you have a boyfriend? If you do, the four of us should hang out.

I have so many things to tell you. We have to catch up with each other. 6 years has been too long. We only have each other, I...

Tears started to over flow. I haven’t been so emotional since the death of our parents.

Now, its only me, myself and I.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 4

2009-08-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4

I gasped. “Why do you look so surprise? It seems like you don’t know me at all.” I blinked my eyes.

“Ah, gomen. I’ve been really busy with work.” I lied.

He looked concerned. I told him to sit down. I walked into the kitchen and found some coffee. I made some coffee and poured it into two cups. I handed him one and I placed mine on the coffee table.

“I missed you so much.” He whispered to me. I smiled and said. “Gomen I couldn’t.. See you this past week. You know work is really important to me.” I looked at him. He nodded like he understood me. He drank some of his coffee and I heard his phone ring.

He answered it and he talked to the person on the other line. He mostly nodded. I stared at him. His glossy eyes and smile.. Just staring at him so close, left me speechless.

He hung up and I snapped out at staring at him. He smiled at me. He got up and kissed me on the cheek. I was sitting on the floor and I was frozen in my spot. First, he kissed me as he walked in, then another kiss just now. Today is the greatest day of my life!

“I have to go to a filming. I’ll see you later.” He waved good-bye to me and he closed the door behind him.

I was still frozen. First, a super celebrity shows at my sister’s door. Second, he planted a kiss on my lips and cheek and then lastly, Ninomiya Kazunari is claiming to be my sister’s boyfriend.

~*~

I took a long bath after my long day. My sister’s life was unraveling in front of me. I decided to investigate more on my sister’s life. I opened her diary again and read through every single entry.

She mostly talked about Nino. They met at a department store. She was buying a birthday cake for herself and she noticed that someone (Nino) was doing the same thing. They hooked up and they have been together for 6 years.

I sighed and placed my hand on my forehead. How can I break the news to him. He will be devastated when he finds out that the love of his life had died in a car crash.

Maybe I can act as Naoko, even though I don’t anything about him. I’ll let the right moment to come and then I’ll break it down to him.

My heart started to hurt. I was caught in between of a relationship. Between my dead sister and the famous idol, Ninomiya Kazunari.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 3

2009-08-12T16:57:00.001-07:00

Chapter 3

The next day, my eyes were swollen. I couldn’t cry again because my tears had dried up. I went to her workplace and asked where she had been buried. They sent me their condolence. I nodded. I wondered why my sister had never told them about me.

I slowly dragged myself to her grave. I bought her favorite, yellow tulips and placed it on her gravestone. I bent down and placed my forehead on my arms. I couldn’t even see her before she died.

“I should have came earlier..” I muttered. I slowly got up and walked back to her apartment. I didn’t even feel like eating. I crawled into a ball and sat on her sofa.

I heard the doorbell. I looked up and ignored it. I didn’t feel like getting it.

The doorbell went off again. I sighed. I pushed myself up and looked through the peephole. I couldn’t see anything.

I opened the door and I was surprised to see someone famous at door. “Naoko-chan I was so worried about you, you didn’t even call me.” I was confused and cocked my head. He came in and I closed the door behind me.

His hair was full of wax, he was wearing a gray sweater and black jeans. He took off his boots and turned around. He grabbed me and planted a kiss on my lips. Off course, I pushed him away and shouted. “What are you doing?”

He looked at me. “Don’t you know who I am?” I nodded and said. “You’re the famous idol, Ninomiya Kazunari.”

He nodded at me and said. “Well yeah, I can’t believe you have forgotten me over this past week.” Then he muttered something under his breath. He came closer to me. He cupped my cheek with his hands. “Don’t you remember? I’m also your boyfriend.”

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 2

2009-08-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2

I bent down and picked up the papers that was scattered across the room. I sighed and piled the papers up, and placed it on her coffee table. I turned on the lights and suddenly her phone rang.

I jumped up. I calmed myself down and I couldn’t decide to pick it up or not. I shrugged my shoulders. I answered the phone call. The person probably knows where my sister is.

“Moshi-moshi?” I said. There was a suddenly pause. Maybe it was a prank call or one of those stupid advertisement phone calls. I was about to hang up, when I heard someone’s voice on the other line.

“Naoko-chan?” It sounded like a man’s voice. “Hai..” Before I could ask who the person's name was. He hung up on me. I pulled the phone away from my ear and shook my head. I place the phone back.

I turned around and looked around the room. It looked like Naoko was really frustrated and threw all her papers around the house. I sighed. I walked over to the pile of papers that I placed on the coffee table. I read them and it was information on her work.

I couldn’t find anything interesting. I walked into her bedroom and looked through her drawers. I found more papers on her work and her diary. I took out her diary and opened it.

The first entry was dated back to 2001. I flipped through her pages. I felt bad for looking through her privacy but that was the only thing I could do, since I didn’t know where she was. I stopped at an entry that caught my interest.

June 17, 2008

Today, my boyfriend and I celebrated our birthdays. It was cute since we got to blow out the candles together. We kissed and hugged each other. Then we exchanged presents. I gave him a new video game and he gave me a glass figurine. It was really cute. It was a monkey. I told him that he was like a monkey, with his devilish smile and mischievous ways. He laughed. I had a great birthday.

I smiled. My sister was really happy with her life in Tokyo. Meanwhile, I was stuck in Okinawa working at a bar.

I flipped to the last entry in her diary. It was dated from last week.

June 2, 2009

I have to go to Kyoto tomorrow. My boyfriend came over and he told me that he will be busy as well. We made a promise that we’ll see each other next week. I cooked dinner for the two of us. He enjoyed my shrimp tempura, after I forced him to eat it. (>_<)

I nodded my head. She was in Kyoto but the entry said that she was suppose to meet her boyfriend this week. I had shivers down my spine. I heard my cell phone ring. I quickly closed her diary and answered my phone.

“Hikari-chan, it’s me.” It was my land lady in Okinawa. I smiled and said. “Ah, obaa-chan. I thought I already paid for my rent.” I looked up. I paid my rent before I left so there shouldn’t be any problems for me.

“I know but I have some important news to tell you. Your sister has..” She paused. She sounded sad and I could hear her sniffling.

“Your sister was in a car crash 5 days ago. The funeral has already took place. It seems that your sister never told anyone about you.” I was stunned. Tears started to run down on my cheek. My only sister died and I wasn’t there to attend her funeral.

I sobbed. I hung up the phone and crawled into her bed. I curled into a ball and tears flowed out.

Mistaken Identity- Chapter 1

2009-08-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

I finally arrived in Tokyo. After a long 2 hour flight from Okinawa, I made it back to my hometown. All the lights and sounds just ringed through my ears. It has been 5 years since I moved to Okinawa and now I’m back to visit my sister.

I was standing in front of Tokyo International Airport and was exhausted from the plane ride. I hate taking plane rides because I was always think that the plane might crash. The worst thing about plane rides is when you get air bubbles stuck in your ears and it takes a long time for it to pop. When it does, your ears really hurt.

I grabbed my cell phone from my purse and took out a piece of paper. The paper was wrinkled and torn a bit but it had my sister’s phone number and address on it.

I dialed the number and it rang for a while.

“Hmm.. I guess she’s not at home...” I muttered. I hung up and took a taxi to my sister’s apartment address.

During the ride to my sister’s apartment, memories of her flashed in my head.

My sister and I were very close. Closer than you think...actually we’re twins. Fraternal twins to be exact. We shared everything with each other, like clothes and we would always talk with each other about boys and celebrities. When I was younger, I ran away from home because I had a huge argument with my parents. My sister knew where I was, even though I didn’t tell anyone where I was. She was always there for me and I was there for her.

I finally arrived at her apartment complex. I paid the nice and kind taxi driver, then grabbed my stuff from the trunk. I stood outside and looked up. It was a huge apartment complex.

I took a deep breath in and walked into the apartment. The automatic doors opened I saw an old lady at the desk. I smiled and walked up to her.

“Ah, Naoko-chan. You’re finally back.” The old lady smiled at me. She was short, chubby and wrinkled but she had a cute smile.

People mistaken me for my sister all the time. I was used to it. I was confused, did she say that my sister left? I cocked my head.

I needed to find out where my sister went to. Maybe her apartment has some information that can lead me to her. The problem was I didn’t have a key.

“Um.. Obaa-chan. I think I left my key somewhere. Do you have a spare key that I can use?” I asked her. She gave me a stern look. I shyly smiled and she turned around to the key cabinet. She picked up a key and handed it to me.

“You can keep the key. I have a master copy.” I nodded and said. “Arigato gozaimasu.” She nodded her head and left the desk.

I took my luggage and climbed onto the elevator. I looked at my torn paper and went up to my sister’s floor.

I walked down the hallway until I stopped at my sister’s apartment door. I sighed and opened the door with my key.

The door widened and I was surprised to see the whole house was a mess. I slowly walked inside and closed the door behind me.

Mistaken Identity- Prologue

2009-08-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

Prologue

I never expected my vacation to be so stressful. I just wanted to spend my vacation with my sister in Tokyo. Everyday, I would discover something new. Which ended up turning my world up side down. Each day, I was overwhelmed with different emotions.

First, her boyfriend is extremely good-looking.

Second, she knew everyone and they loved her.

Third, she kept my existence to her friends and loved ones a secret.