YabuHika fic
Title : Fair and Unfair
Author : akinoyama (Ha-chan and her little frustration then added by her partner’s rants….)
Pairing : as always our lovely old-married couple, YabuHika
Rating : PG-13
Summary : Yabu was quite sad about the fact Hikaru didn’t get many solo lines.
Warning : Terrible English, Un-betaed, quite long, It’s not really good (don’t expect so high)
Notes : -It’s only fiction
-It’s inspired from Hara-chan’s rant
-It’s my first one-shot after awhile
-I DO APOLOGIZE if there’re something hurt you in this fiction.
Hey! Say! JUMP just finished their first recording for their upcoming album, JUMP No.1. The ten of them looked tired but there was absolute happiness plastered on their faces. It took almost three years for them to have an opportunity to record their album -their first album-. And what made it special was each of them contributed their talents in making the album, either in music or lyrics. Other than the previous singles and some songs they ever sang before, all the lyrics for the rest were written by them.
However, amongst the happiness they showed, there was someone who was looking in worry at a certain person. His mind had been bothered by some thoughts since their manager decided who would sing the lines in each song. It made him frowned at the decision back then. He almost wanted to protest about the distribution, but when he unconsciously took a glance at his long-life partner, his protest faded away as he looked a smile appearing on his face.
It did not take more than a minute to make his brain worked in wonder why that boy could happily smile after he looked at those papers with songs written on them. He thought it was not something he could be happy for. When he was about to ask, the younger boy suggested to tell the others right away. And he did not have the chance to ask until today since he witnessed the excitement of his friends when they gave them the copy of the papers. He did not want to ruin that moment by his thoughts so he kept it aside for awhile.
But, today, he had determined to ask him, no matter what. It really ate his brain. He slowly approached the younger boy who was talking to Yuuto and Keito excitedly.
“Hikaru…” He called and made him turned around to face him. “Let’s have a drink.” He said and pulled the younger boy’s wrist without waiting his reply.
Hikaru did not struggle but gave the unofficial leader a question look. Have a drink at this time? Maji ka yo??? Moreover, it looked like would be just the two of them. It was not a usual invitation; there must be something behind it. Those were what the younger boy thought.
“Oh… That sounds good!” Takaki innocently butted in.
“Let’s have a drink together!” Daiki suggested as he along with Takaki stood up and approached his two friends, but someone in sudden tugged his clothes. He turned around and saw Inoo smiled at him while shaking his head side to side, signaling him to just simply stay still like a good child.
“Yeah… that sounds good.” Yabu replied, smiling but there was a clear annoyed tone from him. The tone that could make the others goosebumps. “Want to come along?” He offered but his eyes said the opposite way. His eyes that usually gave a warm feeling in sudden brought a death feeling. He was ready to ‘kill’ anyone who tried to ‘disturb’ his time to have a serious talk with Hikaru.
Takaki and Daiki gulped then shook their heads, giving a sign they understood that they were not invited. The stare of their unofficial leader really frightened them as if they were being stared by a ‘predator’ who would be so happy to ‘eat’ his preys.
“W-well… you two can go first.” Takaki stuttered, trying to calm himself. He knew if he kept staying here, Yabu would keep him ‘alive’.
Daiki simply nodded his head since he was in losing words state by Yabu’s intense stares at him because he had not given his answer. He looked horrible.
“Sou… ja… we’ll go.” And with that Yabu left along with Hikaru. He was happy to know his friends could understand the implicit meaning from his words. Their discourse competence was, indeed, good. They were not that stupid although they did not enter university like Inoo.
After Yabu and Hikaru were not seen anymore, Takaki and Daiki breathed out in relief meanwhile the others chuckled or you could say they almost laughed.
“What’s wrong with Yabu-kun just now?” Takaki wondered since he did not notice anything that could make him annoyed.
“It must be because Yuuto and Keito!” Daiki suddenly accused, darting his eyes at two boys who was standing next to each other.
“HEY!” Yuuto and Keito who were standing at the corner yelled.
“What do you mean, Dai-chan?” Keito asked with his cracking voice as Daiki hardly yelled at him.
“You monopolized Hikaru!” Daiki cleared his previous statement while placing his hands around his waist. He was sure the only thing that could make a Yabu Kouta so scary was related to his precious partner, Yaotome Hikaru.
“We didn’t!” Yuuto replied and tapped Keito’s back, soothing him as the older boy could not say a word due to the shock. Although Keito looked like strong regarding his strong body, he was a cry-baby. So… please, ‘don’t yell at him’. “We just talked less than five minutes, seriously!” He added, reminding Daiki that they were not in a place to be blamed. “What should be angry for?” He asked back. He knew Yabu would not get mad if he simply talked to Hikaru less than one hour. It clearly did not mean he ‘steal’ Hikaru’s attention from him after all.
“Yuuto’s right.” Ryuutarou said afterwards. “They just talked in less than five minutes.” He re-stated Yuuto’s statement as they just went out from the studio 10 minutes ago and Hikaru spent the first minutes by bouncing around the room aimlessly before he ended up talking to Yuuto and Keito.
“But… you also monopolized him, Ryuu-chan.” Takaki muttered.
“EH?????????”
“Before the recording, you played around with him alone.” Takaki said firmly.
The youngest amongst them admitted he had played with Hikaru before the recording started, yet, it was because Hikaru asked him.
“And then you kept standing beside him during the recording.” Daiki explained, slightly pouting as he turned to look at Ryuutarou.
Ryuutarou rolled his eyes. “Those all are not my wish! First, he was the one asked me to play around. Second, I was the first one who chose that place and then Hikaru stood beside me. I don’t ask him to stand next to me!”
“Ryuu’s right in the second case. I’m the witness.” Yamada calmly stated since he was between Ryuutarou and Chinen during recording. He looked Ryuutarou chose the spot first and then Hikaru approach him, asking him whether he could stand next to him or not.
“Okay… okay… let’s stop this silly commotion.” Inoo calmly muttered after he darted his sight to each side, the accuser and the accused. He thought this silliness should be stopped before Yabu and Hikaru came back and all of them would get scolded by those two.
“Yeah… yeah… there’s no use to have quarrel over little things.” Chinen added. “We should save our energy because we still have another recording soon.”
The eight of them then stopped by busying themselves with each other companions.
******
Yabu took Hikaru to a quiet place behind their recording studio, very far from the commotion their friends were making on the building. They sat on the bench and saw the blue sky hanging above them. It’s so refreshing and calming.
“Ii kimochi!” Hikaru chirped as he stretched his arms and inhaled the fresh air outside the studio. He secretly thanked Yabu for bringing him out of the building to see the sky and enjoy the fresh air.
Yabu simply smiled looked at the way Hikaru enjoyed their time outside. He passed the ice-coffee can without any words.
“Thanks.” Hikaru tersely said as he took the can from Yabu’s hand and right away opened it up. They were out for having a drink anyway. As he took a sip of his drink, he waited some words from Yabu.
“Hika…” Yabu began as he held his can with both hands, not opening it yet. It was simply a polite excuse to drag him out.
“Hmm?”
“I think we should talk.”
“Aren’t we talking now?” Hikaru playfully shook his head and giggled a little.
Yabu rolled his eyes. “I’m serious, Hikaru.” He put his can on his side.
Hikaru turned his head and saw the older boy who was looking far away.
“So, we’re not an old married couple whose hearts connected even without words anymore?” The younger boy playfully asked, slightly teasing his words during their magazine interview few days ago.
Yabu pouted and turned to see Hikaru. “Do you think there’s really an old married couple who never talk about something to each other out there???? It’s impossible unless they’re really not able to speak!!” He raised his voice.
Hikaru blinked as Yabu raised his voice when he was talking to him. The older boy hardly did it. “Ok. Ok. I’m sorry. I was trying to joke.” He apologized heartily as he made him got angry while placing his can on the bench. “You look so serious, so… I wanted to make you a bit relax.” He softly mumbled. He understood that Yabu was probably tired with their schedule, thus he did not want to make him feel more stressed.
Yabu softened his eyes hearing the reason. He should not have to raise his voice.
“Saa… what do you want to talk?” Hikaru asked softly.
“It’s about your feelings.”
“Mine?” Hikaru mumbled as he tilted his head, frowning at him. He was sure the taller boy was not going to talk about their ‘feelings towards each other’, considering the way he delivered the topic. He sounded so weak, tired, hesitant, and sad.
Yabu nodded. “Your feelings about this album.”
Hikaru slightly chuckled again. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? I’m happy. Really, extremely.” He replied in honesty. “You don’t have to be that serious if you just want to know about it. My feelings are just like you and the others. Really happy and get excited for our first album.” He thought the older boy would ask something that more serious considering his look.
“Are you really happy, Hika?” Yabu sounded to doubt the answer of his question.
“Huh? What do you mean?” The younger boy naturally asked back. He was curious why Yabu seemed not to believe his happiness.
“You… you don’t get much solo lines.” Yabu said hesitantly with disappointment filled in.
Hikaru could not hold his laugh anymore so he let it out. “So… you think I should cry just because of parts of songs???”
“But… Hika… I think you deserve it. You used to get many lines when we’re…”Yabu paused, taking a breath. “We’re on Ya-Ya-yah.”
Hikaru instantly stopped laughing and took a deep breath after Yabu mentioned about Ya-Ya-yah. “But… we’re not on Ya-Ya-yah now.” He uttered in slight sad tone as his friends’ faces came into his mind although he was looking at the clear sky.
“But…”
“Kouta…” Hikaru cut in. “I’m okay.” He reassured tersely
“No… Hika… you should not take it for granted. You wrote lyrics and even made a song, but you don’t ‘own’ the songs. I think there’s still time, we could do something about it.” Yabu impatiently and desperately told his feelings about Hikaru’s contributions.
“No… Kouta. We don’t have to do anything.” Hikaru calmly stated, smiling.
“Hika. It’s not fair!” Yabu raised his voice in frustration. His partner did not deserve to be treated like this. He deserved better, more than this.
“Oh… c’mon… Kouta, don’t be like a child.” Hikaru persuaded in soothing tone. He could understand the reason why something like this happened and he did not mind it at all. So… why should Yabu get upset instead?
“I don’t.” Yabu denied. “I just concern about your contribution, your feelings. You deserve to get more solo lines in our album.” He kept being stubborn with his belief.
“Kouta… listen to me.” Hikaru ordered as he cupped Yabu’s face. “It’s not an album for the two of us only.”
“I know that! But it’s still unfair! Thus I want to help you to get what you should get.” Yabu tried to make Hikaru understood his point.
Hikaru sighed and withdrew his hands. “Kou… don’t you think there’re people whom you should concern more than me about that fairness you’re making fuss about?” He wisely asked back. It was quite unfair either if Yabu only thought about him. Although the 10 of them decided not to have a leader, Yabu seemed to play the role already since their debut. Therefore, he should concern the other members too, not only him.
“Others???” Yabu absentmindedly wondered.
“You know what I mean, Kou. There’re still Keito, Ryuu, and Inoo who don’t get much portion in a song either, especially those two from 7. It’s so hard to hear their voice.”
Yabu looked down. What Hikaru just said was undeniable bitter fact. “I know that.”
“Sa… don’t be so biased towards me, Kouta. They’ll get jealous if they figure it out.” Hikaru lovingly stated to make Yabu realize his childish mistake by his own.
“And you know the best that amongst JUMP members, you’re the one whom I concerned the most.” Yabu re-stated his words during their interview, reminding Hikaru that he would be the one he always thought.
“I know.” Hikaru smiled. He needed not to be reminded about that thing. Although they hardly got chance to have an interview and photo-shoot together as a couple, it did not imply they were drifting apart. They had special bond that only the two of them could understand, the connection that no one could ever break. “But don’t you think you’re a bit overacting just now?”
“I’m just worried about the less of your voice.” Yabu whined, hoping his smile maker could agree with him.
“Huh?”
“What if the management will separate you from me?” Yabu asked, looking straightforwardly into Hikaru’s eyes. He clearly looked like frightened. “What if they plan this intentionally so that the fans will gradually accept it?” He spilled out his fear. What if the way Hikaru left should be the same with the way he joined Ya-Ya-yah years ago? At that time, Hikaru was simply a freshly junior, but somehow, he easily got chances performed with Ya-Ya-yah little by little… and then he found his place at the group. His feelings when he saw Hikaru for the first time at the Shounen Club studio was right in the end. He had something that strongly attracted him to the unfamiliar little boy and ended up with Yabu approached Hikaru to know who he was. And apparently, the agency could see the same thing that Hikaru could still shine in the agency although he was paired up with him -the voice of angel-.
Hikaru gave a faint smile. “Kou… you’re worrying too much.” He mumbled as he began stroking Yabu’s hair softly and lovingly, planning to calm him down.
“I’m not!” Yabu disagreed again. He was not exaggerating his fear nor worrying too much. It was simply a fact. “There’s nothing management can’t do by their authority… just like Taiyou’s and Shoon’s cases…” His voice became shakier and shakier. “I-I don’t want to lose you as well.” He honestly said before he buried his face onto Hikaru’s shoulder. “I-I-I don’t want it happen… Hika…” He truly did not want to lose Hikaru from his side. Well… the younger boy had become a part of his life for seven years after all. He was used to be cared by Hikaru all the time. Thus, it must be weird for not having him near him.
Hikaru continued tapping softly the boy’s hair but said nothing for awhile. “If it really happens, what will you do, Kou?” He asked in serious tone, making Yabu pulled away and stared at him.
“I-I…” Yabu did not know what the best he should say. He was never brave enough to even imagine one day their manager REALLY told him about Hikaru’s leaving and the days he should go through afterwards -alone-.
Hikaru plastered a smile, seeing the tense on Yabu’s face. “No need to answer, Kou!” He laughed a little. “I’m not that…” He never finished his sentence as Yabu in sudden cut his words.
“I swear to you, I’ll never let it happen!” Yabu in sudden declared in a very serious tone. “I’ll do something to prevent it. Even though I have to lose my lines to give them to you, I don’t mind it. As long as you stay.”
“Kou…”
“I’m serious, Hika!” Yabu declared, showing his strong determination through his eyes. He did not want to feel that feeling ever again. Guilt and failed. He betted losing Hikaru would affect him more than losing Taiyou and Shoon. When he lose the two, he still had Hikaru by his side… but if Hikaru left… NO! He could not stand it.
Hikaru smiled then held Yabu’s hands. “If you can say that, you should understand that there’s nothing we should do about that portion.”
Yabu frowned.
“Kou… you’re not the only who got hurt when Ya-Ya-yah disbanded for JUMP, I did too. And it’s not much different to Inoo-chan, Takaki, Dai-chan, Yuuto and Ryuu who used to be in J.J. Express. The decision not only affected us but them as well.” Hikaru started explaining. “And I’m sure we -I mean all of us- never want to experience that again, right?” He asked.
Yabu simply nodded.
“So… let’s think it’s just my little my way to give the other chance to sing, to keep them in JUMP.” Hikaru stated.
Yabu sighed. “But don’t you think it’s a bit useless since the ones who get the most part are still Yamada and Chinen?” He dryly argued although the fact told that Inoo and Daiki also could get pretty lines in each song along with Takaki.
Hikaru whacked Yabu’s head. “Don’t ever say something silly like that again! If Yamada and Chinen hear, they’ll cry.” He could not hold himself not to scold Yabu.
“But, it’s true, isn’t it? They dominate almost all of songs.” Yabu argued.
“Don’t forget that they’re the most popular among us. It’s not strange at all if they got many solo lines.” Hikaru retorted.
Yabu could only sigh hearing that. Popularity versus talent. Industry versus idealism.
Hikaru let out another laugh as he noticed something. “I think you should admit another thing, Kou.” He said, smirking.
“What?” Yabu lazily asked.
“Aren’t you just jealous because Yamada and Chinen start stealing your spotlight???” He playfully asked while poking his skinny cheek.
“I’m not!” He replied, blushing furiously.
“Yes, you’re Kou! I know you very well, remember?” Hikaru stated, teasing Yabu.
Yabu pouted. “Alright!” He scoffed. “I’m a bit tiny jealous.” He admitted while stressing the part ‘bit tiny’.
“You know you shouldn’t have. You still got what you should get, Kou.” Hikaru comforted.
“Why I got and you didn’t?” Yabu argued again and again.
“’Cause no one could deny that you’re the best singer in JUMP.” Hikaru calmly retorted.
“And you’re the best after me.” Yabu stated, making Hikaru blushed in embarrassment.
“Don’t exaggerate something, please.” Hikaru sheepishly pleaded. Being complimented by your ‘idol’, it’s kinda made him shy.
Yabu playfully ruffled Hikaru’s hair, without commenting how red his face now. “Now… I’m wondering why they’re so popular now.” He wondered why those 7 members managed to gain the highest number of fans.
“Well… despite the fact they’re cute and handsome at the same time, probably, the time for them finally come.” Hikaru responded. “I think they didn’t like us who easily got spotlight even when we just entered this agency. They needed time to get the chance. So… when JUMP was formed, they got their result of their hard work and JUMP is their place to shine.” He added his hypothesis.
Hikaru was a quite right. If he recalled the days when they were juniors, Yamada was not chosen as J.J. Express right away like Yuuto and Ryuutarou. Meanwhile, Chinen, it was pretty hard to hear his voice on Shounen Club before Hey! Say! 7 temporary-group formed. [I’m sorry if I’m wrong]
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Yabu’s question brought them back to their first matter.
Hikaru sincerely nodded. “I’m sure, Kou.”
“You don’t mind being like the man behind the scene?” Yabu delivered another question to make him belief Hikaru was really okay with this current condition.
“I’m content with that position. We’re a group consist of many people.” Hikaru replied in an instant because he did not have to think about the answer twice. “It’s not easy to give each of us same spotlight. So I think there’re still many ways to show our personal existence rather than singing lyrics. We can play instruments, write songs, make the music, arrange the song like Dai-chan did, play role in drama, arrange the concerts stuff, do the best in education, and so on.” He happily told his point, hoping Yabu could see this matter from other point of view. Fair and unfair was simply depended on the way people thought. It was not easy to have an objective mark, there was always be a slight subjective mark. “Therefore, just like you ever said, our job isn’t the steady one, so let me be the one to make it a bit more secure by giving you support from behind.”
Yabu forced a smile. “I still prefer you to sing rather than being the man behind the scene.” He whined again. Hikaru was used to sing after him, but now… he didn’t… except during live stage of their show. It was kinda ‘lonely’.
“You want JUMP become the second Ya-Ya-yah, Kou?” Hikaru directly asked and sharply stared at him. He actually did not to tell it in quite rude way but it seemed like Yabu could not understand until he showed that he was angry by his stubbornness.
Yabu gasped.
“JUMP isn’t Ya-Ya-yah, Kou and it’ll never be although you and I are on it. We can’t treat JUMP like the way we did with Ya-Ya-yah. Both of them are different. We can’t always be the dominant people in JUMP so clearly, Kou.” Hikaru said in frustration.
“Don’t Yamada and Chinen dominate?!” Yabu still found a way to argue. “They even already have their other permanent unit as NYC. Isn’t that enough to them to be the dominant there?”
Hikaru took another deep breath. He decided to be more patiently to comfort Yabu’s feeling right now. “Kou… if you continue thinking this way, JUMP will end shortly.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you not realize you’re starting to ruin the bond JUMP has? We started with 10 people, so I want to keep all of us in this group forever, Kou. I don’t want there will be one or some of us leave this group, or the worst quit the agency. I don’t want any of us feel being left. I don’t want JUMP have a law problem in the future. I want JUMP become the first Heisei group that can be proud for, all by ourselves, fans, agency, or even Japan. I want JUMP to be more than a singing and dancing group.” Hikaru told his hopes.
Yabu went silent, registering what Hikaru said.
“So, please, don’t confuse yourself by the silly thought about me not getting many solo lines. There’re still many other important things we should concern about than this matter.” Hikaru slowly persuaded yet you could tell he was comforting the taller boy’s feelings. “Let’s say… our shows, our album promotion, SUMMARY, next single, next concert both for JUMP and BEST I hope…”
The taller boy slowly smiled hearing the words from his long life partner, mainly on the BEST concert part. He wished the same thing, really. “I’m sorry, Hika.” Yabu finally apologized after all the things Hikaru pointed out registered on his brain. He understood he should not have acted like that. It would only hurt his comrades if they found out this.
“Ii yo, Kou. You said those things because you think about me, didn’t you?” Hikaru soothingly said, not wanting to blame or judge him like a sinner. No matter how great and awesome he was, Yabu was still not much different like other ordinary humans. His ‘leader’ sometimes did mistakes too, and he was there to ‘tell and correct’ him. He sometimes could not tell why he had a very good understanding about Yabu, but… well… it perhaps because of the time they had spent together for so long.
Yabu merely nodded.
“Sa… since you said bad things about our album, let me say the good ones.”
Yabu slightly pouted, making Hikaru chuckled.
“So, may I start?” Hikaru politely asked.
Yabu merely showed his permission.
“Speaking about my fewer solo lines, it’ll be something good for me since… you know I often forget the lyrics, right?” Hikaru asked while giving his goofy smile. “So, I can concentrate with other things, dancing or juggling, for the example. Or even the other idea to amaze our fans during concert. It’s our way to show our love and thanks for all the support they give to us.”
Yabu simply returned the smile.
“Despite your complaint, I personally think our album is great. It’s just our first and you can see we give many contributions on it already. It should be something we can proud of. Well, it should be as we make the fans to wait so long, more than two years after we debuted. Thus, it’ll be so lame and ashamed if we disappointed our lovely and loyal fans. We can go this far is also because of their love and support, can’t we?” Hikaru continued telling his personal thoughts in order to lighten Yabu’s day again.
Yabu could not show disagreement again. “You’re really grown up, nee?” He complimented silently, staring lovingly at him.
“And what makes me so surprised is we don’t have ANY solo songs here. Don’t you think it’s kinda amusing and surprising as we expected Yama-chan or Chinen would get their solo songs due to their popularity?” Hikaru in sudden pointed out.
Yabu blinked. He just realized it by now that they don’t have any solo songs. All the songs were sung together as group, either as JUMP, BEST, or 7.
“I think our manager and the other on the management could see us a group anyway, not simply looks us as 10 individual people.” Hikaru turned his face and looked at Yabu. What would they thought if their first album was merely filled in by solo songs? People who did not know about them might think their album was like a compilation album of 10 solo singers. “So, let’s work harder to keep the ten of us together.” He said and stretched his hand.
Yabu looked at that hand awhile before stretching his own hand, welcoming his. “My pleasure, Hikaru.” A smile appeared on his face. A true and sincere smile from the bottom of his heart. “It’s so nice to have a talk with you.”
Hikaru gave Yabu another best smile. “Never have those silly thoughts again, nee?” He playfully tapped his head and ruffled his hair. “It’s just our beginning, our first, Kou. I’m sure there’re many things we should learn and fix for the better second album.” He confidently stated.
“Hai~~” Yabu playfully sang. Their first album, if you compared with human, just like on his first year. The year where he started learning to walk, no matter how many times he fell down, he would gradually get up and stood up until he could walk by himself. Because just like a child who was being watched by his parents and family, JUMP also had each member, managers, management, fans, and also people from music industry who always kept their eyes on them. All the suggestions and critics would be very helpful for their improvement.
Hika, can you lend me something.” Yabu, out of blue, spoke.
“What?” Hikaru asked.
“Your strength.”
“Eh????”
“You can look everything calmly and think everything deeply. I want to lend it a little, so I won’t trouble you over silly things like this.” Yabu sheepishly mumbled, slightly blushing.
“Kou… don’t you know that you actually are the reason I can do such things?” Hikaru questioned, staring at him in the eyes.
Yabu frowned.
“I ever stated I’m so glad to have you in the same group, didn’t I?” Hikaru replied and earned a nod from the latter. “I’m glad because you’re actually my strength to keep move on and look ahead, Kou.” He softly uttered, blushing to admit that.
“Hika….”
“And what I do just now is simply the usual thing. We’re comrades after all. Thus, we should strengthen each other when the other starts to fall down.” Hikaru stated while bringing their hands together. “We’re a partner, so it’s not strange if we cover each other’s weakness. That’s how we always are.” He continued and in sudden he was pulled into Yabu’s arms.
“You’re very right, Hachibee…” Yabu uttered and stroked Hikaru’s hair.
“I’m so grateful to you for making me go this far.” Hikaru sincerely thanked.
“So, you don’t see me as your rival anymore?” Yabu teased.
“Don’t you say our relationship has turned out to be an old married couple??” Hikaru retorted playfully.
Yabu chuckled. “Yeah, we’re indeed an old married couple who has 8 children to be taken care for.”
Hikaru pulled away. “Then, let’s be good parents who gladly support their children and watch them.” He suggested, following Yabu’s lines. “Without any silly jealousy over their children.” He jokingly added, and earned a light smack on the head.
“And also strengthen each other.” Yabu added seriously. “Always stay beside me?”
“Yes, Kouta.” Hikaru tersely replied but the two of them knew it implied many things unsaid. The things only them knew and understood.
“Jaa… let’s go back now.” Hikaru said after looking at his watch. “It’s almost the time for the next recording.”
Yabu agreed, stood up then placed his arms on Hikaru’s shoulder.
“Hmm… Kou… there’s still another thing…” Hikaru in sudden said.
“What?”
“Although you think I don’t get enough solo lines like before, but I think the fans still could hear my voice during my live-stage either on YY JUMPing or School Kakumei. I hope those two shows could erase your worries.” Hikaru happily told him another thing he could say to comfort him.
Yabu smiled but he did not have to nod to make Hikaru knew he agreed let alone Hikaru already turned his gaze to the front. But, secretly, he vowed to himself he would never let anyone to separate JUMP, especially Hikaru from him.
And the JUMP’s parents walked side by side to the studio, discussing each member mistakes during the recording and the solutions along the way. They should give their best for their first album.
When they arrived, Yabu greeted the rest of JUMP cheerfully, making those eight wondered alone by his sudden change of mood. Yabu had become his usual state. They thought it was really great to have Hikaru by Yabu’s side because he was the one who could make Yabu back to the track.
To Yabu, the recording went smoother than the first one as his feeling had been lightened. He gave more feelings in his voice during the recording of their first album. The album -JUMP No.1- which started by 10 DREAMERs visualized INFINITY through their EYES then being CRIMSON because of love but still DID THE BEST accompanied and encouraged by the PASSION and SMILE creating MEMORIES and the DREAMS COME TRUE after passing the TIME with beautiful SCORE (achievement) but it was simply a SEED (start) to SCREAM their heart out and DASHed to the POWER and ended by saying THANK YOU to all their supporters who showered them by love. It was really a good opportunity to have an album with those 9 talented friends. He should be grateful instead of grumbling over. And as his gaze darted to Hikaru, he smiled to him, secretly saying ‘thank you for your love’.
Indonesia, 2010 July 06
Behind the Story:
Owh…. In the end I can finish this… I was afraid I couldn’t… XPPP The sentence in which I tried to include the songs in the album according their track number really ‘ate my brain’. XDDDDDD It’s really so hard to make a story-line based on the song titles, let alone keeping the songs like their order in set-list. And I think my story-line is really really bad.
And it’s my first one-shot after a long time, since 2010 February or March I think. I start to lose my ability to write one-shot after doing my second multi-chapter ‘My Former Lovers and Her Daughter’… XDDDD I hope it still could satisfy people who love YabuHika…
I DO apologize if I made some or many of you irritated with the way I presented this writing, the way I compared things, the way I mentioned Ya-Ya-yah, or anything else that may hurt you. I really don’t have any attention to hurt any of you.
I got the inspiration after reading Hara-chan’s rant few days ago… I’m sorry I didn’t give any comment there since my thoughts are as long as this fic…. XDDDDDDDDDD
Hope this little-not-good fic could make you feel even better (as someone has comforted your feelings earlier). And no offense if you have different thoughts with either me or Hara-chan about the album, solo lines, and who are being dominant…. It’s purely written for fiction and it may be a VERY EARLY BIRTHDAY gift to her…..
Author : akinoyama (Ha-chan and her little frustration then added by her partner’s rants….)
Pairing : as always our lovely old-married couple, YabuHika
Rating : PG-13
Summary : Yabu was quite sad about the fact Hikaru didn’t get many solo lines.
Warning : Terrible English, Un-betaed, quite long, It’s not really good (don’t expect so high)
Notes : -It’s only fiction
-It’s inspired from Hara-chan’s rant
-It’s my first one-shot after awhile
-I DO APOLOGIZE if there’re something hurt you in this fiction.
Hey! Say! JUMP just finished their first recording for their upcoming album, JUMP No.1. The ten of them looked tired but there was absolute happiness plastered on their faces. It took almost three years for them to have an opportunity to record their album -their first album-. And what made it special was each of them contributed their talents in making the album, either in music or lyrics. Other than the previous singles and some songs they ever sang before, all the lyrics for the rest were written by them.
However, amongst the happiness they showed, there was someone who was looking in worry at a certain person. His mind had been bothered by some thoughts since their manager decided who would sing the lines in each song. It made him frowned at the decision back then. He almost wanted to protest about the distribution, but when he unconsciously took a glance at his long-life partner, his protest faded away as he looked a smile appearing on his face.
It did not take more than a minute to make his brain worked in wonder why that boy could happily smile after he looked at those papers with songs written on them. He thought it was not something he could be happy for. When he was about to ask, the younger boy suggested to tell the others right away. And he did not have the chance to ask until today since he witnessed the excitement of his friends when they gave them the copy of the papers. He did not want to ruin that moment by his thoughts so he kept it aside for awhile.
But, today, he had determined to ask him, no matter what. It really ate his brain. He slowly approached the younger boy who was talking to Yuuto and Keito excitedly.
“Hikaru…” He called and made him turned around to face him. “Let’s have a drink.” He said and pulled the younger boy’s wrist without waiting his reply.
Hikaru did not struggle but gave the unofficial leader a question look. Have a drink at this time? Maji ka yo??? Moreover, it looked like would be just the two of them. It was not a usual invitation; there must be something behind it. Those were what the younger boy thought.
“Oh… That sounds good!” Takaki innocently butted in.
“Let’s have a drink together!” Daiki suggested as he along with Takaki stood up and approached his two friends, but someone in sudden tugged his clothes. He turned around and saw Inoo smiled at him while shaking his head side to side, signaling him to just simply stay still like a good child.
“Yeah… that sounds good.” Yabu replied, smiling but there was a clear annoyed tone from him. The tone that could make the others goosebumps. “Want to come along?” He offered but his eyes said the opposite way. His eyes that usually gave a warm feeling in sudden brought a death feeling. He was ready to ‘kill’ anyone who tried to ‘disturb’ his time to have a serious talk with Hikaru.
Takaki and Daiki gulped then shook their heads, giving a sign they understood that they were not invited. The stare of their unofficial leader really frightened them as if they were being stared by a ‘predator’ who would be so happy to ‘eat’ his preys.
“W-well… you two can go first.” Takaki stuttered, trying to calm himself. He knew if he kept staying here, Yabu would keep him ‘alive’.
Daiki simply nodded his head since he was in losing words state by Yabu’s intense stares at him because he had not given his answer. He looked horrible.
“Sou… ja… we’ll go.” And with that Yabu left along with Hikaru. He was happy to know his friends could understand the implicit meaning from his words. Their discourse competence was, indeed, good. They were not that stupid although they did not enter university like Inoo.
After Yabu and Hikaru were not seen anymore, Takaki and Daiki breathed out in relief meanwhile the others chuckled or you could say they almost laughed.
“What’s wrong with Yabu-kun just now?” Takaki wondered since he did not notice anything that could make him annoyed.
“It must be because Yuuto and Keito!” Daiki suddenly accused, darting his eyes at two boys who was standing next to each other.
“HEY!” Yuuto and Keito who were standing at the corner yelled.
“What do you mean, Dai-chan?” Keito asked with his cracking voice as Daiki hardly yelled at him.
“You monopolized Hikaru!” Daiki cleared his previous statement while placing his hands around his waist. He was sure the only thing that could make a Yabu Kouta so scary was related to his precious partner, Yaotome Hikaru.
“We didn’t!” Yuuto replied and tapped Keito’s back, soothing him as the older boy could not say a word due to the shock. Although Keito looked like strong regarding his strong body, he was a cry-baby. So… please, ‘don’t yell at him’. “We just talked less than five minutes, seriously!” He added, reminding Daiki that they were not in a place to be blamed. “What should be angry for?” He asked back. He knew Yabu would not get mad if he simply talked to Hikaru less than one hour. It clearly did not mean he ‘steal’ Hikaru’s attention from him after all.
“Yuuto’s right.” Ryuutarou said afterwards. “They just talked in less than five minutes.” He re-stated Yuuto’s statement as they just went out from the studio 10 minutes ago and Hikaru spent the first minutes by bouncing around the room aimlessly before he ended up talking to Yuuto and Keito.
“But… you also monopolized him, Ryuu-chan.” Takaki muttered.
“EH?????????”
“Before the recording, you played around with him alone.” Takaki said firmly.
The youngest amongst them admitted he had played with Hikaru before the recording started, yet, it was because Hikaru asked him.
“And then you kept standing beside him during the recording.” Daiki explained, slightly pouting as he turned to look at Ryuutarou.
Ryuutarou rolled his eyes. “Those all are not my wish! First, he was the one asked me to play around. Second, I was the first one who chose that place and then Hikaru stood beside me. I don’t ask him to stand next to me!”
“Ryuu’s right in the second case. I’m the witness.” Yamada calmly stated since he was between Ryuutarou and Chinen during recording. He looked Ryuutarou chose the spot first and then Hikaru approach him, asking him whether he could stand next to him or not.
“Okay… okay… let’s stop this silly commotion.” Inoo calmly muttered after he darted his sight to each side, the accuser and the accused. He thought this silliness should be stopped before Yabu and Hikaru came back and all of them would get scolded by those two.
“Yeah… yeah… there’s no use to have quarrel over little things.” Chinen added. “We should save our energy because we still have another recording soon.”
The eight of them then stopped by busying themselves with each other companions.
******
Yabu took Hikaru to a quiet place behind their recording studio, very far from the commotion their friends were making on the building. They sat on the bench and saw the blue sky hanging above them. It’s so refreshing and calming.
“Ii kimochi!” Hikaru chirped as he stretched his arms and inhaled the fresh air outside the studio. He secretly thanked Yabu for bringing him out of the building to see the sky and enjoy the fresh air.
Yabu simply smiled looked at the way Hikaru enjoyed their time outside. He passed the ice-coffee can without any words.
“Thanks.” Hikaru tersely said as he took the can from Yabu’s hand and right away opened it up. They were out for having a drink anyway. As he took a sip of his drink, he waited some words from Yabu.
“Hika…” Yabu began as he held his can with both hands, not opening it yet. It was simply a polite excuse to drag him out.
“Hmm?”
“I think we should talk.”
“Aren’t we talking now?” Hikaru playfully shook his head and giggled a little.
Yabu rolled his eyes. “I’m serious, Hikaru.” He put his can on his side.
Hikaru turned his head and saw the older boy who was looking far away.
“So, we’re not an old married couple whose hearts connected even without words anymore?” The younger boy playfully asked, slightly teasing his words during their magazine interview few days ago.
Yabu pouted and turned to see Hikaru. “Do you think there’s really an old married couple who never talk about something to each other out there???? It’s impossible unless they’re really not able to speak!!” He raised his voice.
Hikaru blinked as Yabu raised his voice when he was talking to him. The older boy hardly did it. “Ok. Ok. I’m sorry. I was trying to joke.” He apologized heartily as he made him got angry while placing his can on the bench. “You look so serious, so… I wanted to make you a bit relax.” He softly mumbled. He understood that Yabu was probably tired with their schedule, thus he did not want to make him feel more stressed.
Yabu softened his eyes hearing the reason. He should not have to raise his voice.
“Saa… what do you want to talk?” Hikaru asked softly.
“It’s about your feelings.”
“Mine?” Hikaru mumbled as he tilted his head, frowning at him. He was sure the taller boy was not going to talk about their ‘feelings towards each other’, considering the way he delivered the topic. He sounded so weak, tired, hesitant, and sad.
Yabu nodded. “Your feelings about this album.”
Hikaru slightly chuckled again. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? I’m happy. Really, extremely.” He replied in honesty. “You don’t have to be that serious if you just want to know about it. My feelings are just like you and the others. Really happy and get excited for our first album.” He thought the older boy would ask something that more serious considering his look.
“Are you really happy, Hika?” Yabu sounded to doubt the answer of his question.
“Huh? What do you mean?” The younger boy naturally asked back. He was curious why Yabu seemed not to believe his happiness.
“You… you don’t get much solo lines.” Yabu said hesitantly with disappointment filled in.
Hikaru could not hold his laugh anymore so he let it out. “So… you think I should cry just because of parts of songs???”
“But… Hika… I think you deserve it. You used to get many lines when we’re…”Yabu paused, taking a breath. “We’re on Ya-Ya-yah.”
Hikaru instantly stopped laughing and took a deep breath after Yabu mentioned about Ya-Ya-yah. “But… we’re not on Ya-Ya-yah now.” He uttered in slight sad tone as his friends’ faces came into his mind although he was looking at the clear sky.
“But…”
“Kouta…” Hikaru cut in. “I’m okay.” He reassured tersely
“No… Hika… you should not take it for granted. You wrote lyrics and even made a song, but you don’t ‘own’ the songs. I think there’s still time, we could do something about it.” Yabu impatiently and desperately told his feelings about Hikaru’s contributions.
“No… Kouta. We don’t have to do anything.” Hikaru calmly stated, smiling.
“Hika. It’s not fair!” Yabu raised his voice in frustration. His partner did not deserve to be treated like this. He deserved better, more than this.
“Oh… c’mon… Kouta, don’t be like a child.” Hikaru persuaded in soothing tone. He could understand the reason why something like this happened and he did not mind it at all. So… why should Yabu get upset instead?
“I don’t.” Yabu denied. “I just concern about your contribution, your feelings. You deserve to get more solo lines in our album.” He kept being stubborn with his belief.
“Kouta… listen to me.” Hikaru ordered as he cupped Yabu’s face. “It’s not an album for the two of us only.”
“I know that! But it’s still unfair! Thus I want to help you to get what you should get.” Yabu tried to make Hikaru understood his point.
Hikaru sighed and withdrew his hands. “Kou… don’t you think there’re people whom you should concern more than me about that fairness you’re making fuss about?” He wisely asked back. It was quite unfair either if Yabu only thought about him. Although the 10 of them decided not to have a leader, Yabu seemed to play the role already since their debut. Therefore, he should concern the other members too, not only him.
“Others???” Yabu absentmindedly wondered.
“You know what I mean, Kou. There’re still Keito, Ryuu, and Inoo who don’t get much portion in a song either, especially those two from 7. It’s so hard to hear their voice.”
Yabu looked down. What Hikaru just said was undeniable bitter fact. “I know that.”
“Sa… don’t be so biased towards me, Kouta. They’ll get jealous if they figure it out.” Hikaru lovingly stated to make Yabu realize his childish mistake by his own.
“And you know the best that amongst JUMP members, you’re the one whom I concerned the most.” Yabu re-stated his words during their interview, reminding Hikaru that he would be the one he always thought.
“I know.” Hikaru smiled. He needed not to be reminded about that thing. Although they hardly got chance to have an interview and photo-shoot together as a couple, it did not imply they were drifting apart. They had special bond that only the two of them could understand, the connection that no one could ever break. “But don’t you think you’re a bit overacting just now?”
“I’m just worried about the less of your voice.” Yabu whined, hoping his smile maker could agree with him.
“Huh?”
“What if the management will separate you from me?” Yabu asked, looking straightforwardly into Hikaru’s eyes. He clearly looked like frightened. “What if they plan this intentionally so that the fans will gradually accept it?” He spilled out his fear. What if the way Hikaru left should be the same with the way he joined Ya-Ya-yah years ago? At that time, Hikaru was simply a freshly junior, but somehow, he easily got chances performed with Ya-Ya-yah little by little… and then he found his place at the group. His feelings when he saw Hikaru for the first time at the Shounen Club studio was right in the end. He had something that strongly attracted him to the unfamiliar little boy and ended up with Yabu approached Hikaru to know who he was. And apparently, the agency could see the same thing that Hikaru could still shine in the agency although he was paired up with him -the voice of angel-.
Hikaru gave a faint smile. “Kou… you’re worrying too much.” He mumbled as he began stroking Yabu’s hair softly and lovingly, planning to calm him down.
“I’m not!” Yabu disagreed again. He was not exaggerating his fear nor worrying too much. It was simply a fact. “There’s nothing management can’t do by their authority… just like Taiyou’s and Shoon’s cases…” His voice became shakier and shakier. “I-I don’t want to lose you as well.” He honestly said before he buried his face onto Hikaru’s shoulder. “I-I-I don’t want it happen… Hika…” He truly did not want to lose Hikaru from his side. Well… the younger boy had become a part of his life for seven years after all. He was used to be cared by Hikaru all the time. Thus, it must be weird for not having him near him.
Hikaru continued tapping softly the boy’s hair but said nothing for awhile. “If it really happens, what will you do, Kou?” He asked in serious tone, making Yabu pulled away and stared at him.
“I-I…” Yabu did not know what the best he should say. He was never brave enough to even imagine one day their manager REALLY told him about Hikaru’s leaving and the days he should go through afterwards -alone-.
Hikaru plastered a smile, seeing the tense on Yabu’s face. “No need to answer, Kou!” He laughed a little. “I’m not that…” He never finished his sentence as Yabu in sudden cut his words.
“I swear to you, I’ll never let it happen!” Yabu in sudden declared in a very serious tone. “I’ll do something to prevent it. Even though I have to lose my lines to give them to you, I don’t mind it. As long as you stay.”
“Kou…”
“I’m serious, Hika!” Yabu declared, showing his strong determination through his eyes. He did not want to feel that feeling ever again. Guilt and failed. He betted losing Hikaru would affect him more than losing Taiyou and Shoon. When he lose the two, he still had Hikaru by his side… but if Hikaru left… NO! He could not stand it.
Hikaru smiled then held Yabu’s hands. “If you can say that, you should understand that there’s nothing we should do about that portion.”
Yabu frowned.
“Kou… you’re not the only who got hurt when Ya-Ya-yah disbanded for JUMP, I did too. And it’s not much different to Inoo-chan, Takaki, Dai-chan, Yuuto and Ryuu who used to be in J.J. Express. The decision not only affected us but them as well.” Hikaru started explaining. “And I’m sure we -I mean all of us- never want to experience that again, right?” He asked.
Yabu simply nodded.
“So… let’s think it’s just my little my way to give the other chance to sing, to keep them in JUMP.” Hikaru stated.
Yabu sighed. “But don’t you think it’s a bit useless since the ones who get the most part are still Yamada and Chinen?” He dryly argued although the fact told that Inoo and Daiki also could get pretty lines in each song along with Takaki.
Hikaru whacked Yabu’s head. “Don’t ever say something silly like that again! If Yamada and Chinen hear, they’ll cry.” He could not hold himself not to scold Yabu.
“But, it’s true, isn’t it? They dominate almost all of songs.” Yabu argued.
“Don’t forget that they’re the most popular among us. It’s not strange at all if they got many solo lines.” Hikaru retorted.
Yabu could only sigh hearing that. Popularity versus talent. Industry versus idealism.
Hikaru let out another laugh as he noticed something. “I think you should admit another thing, Kou.” He said, smirking.
“What?” Yabu lazily asked.
“Aren’t you just jealous because Yamada and Chinen start stealing your spotlight???” He playfully asked while poking his skinny cheek.
“I’m not!” He replied, blushing furiously.
“Yes, you’re Kou! I know you very well, remember?” Hikaru stated, teasing Yabu.
Yabu pouted. “Alright!” He scoffed. “I’m a bit tiny jealous.” He admitted while stressing the part ‘bit tiny’.
“You know you shouldn’t have. You still got what you should get, Kou.” Hikaru comforted.
“Why I got and you didn’t?” Yabu argued again and again.
“’Cause no one could deny that you’re the best singer in JUMP.” Hikaru calmly retorted.
“And you’re the best after me.” Yabu stated, making Hikaru blushed in embarrassment.
“Don’t exaggerate something, please.” Hikaru sheepishly pleaded. Being complimented by your ‘idol’, it’s kinda made him shy.
Yabu playfully ruffled Hikaru’s hair, without commenting how red his face now. “Now… I’m wondering why they’re so popular now.” He wondered why those 7 members managed to gain the highest number of fans.
“Well… despite the fact they’re cute and handsome at the same time, probably, the time for them finally come.” Hikaru responded. “I think they didn’t like us who easily got spotlight even when we just entered this agency. They needed time to get the chance. So… when JUMP was formed, they got their result of their hard work and JUMP is their place to shine.” He added his hypothesis.
Hikaru was a quite right. If he recalled the days when they were juniors, Yamada was not chosen as J.J. Express right away like Yuuto and Ryuutarou. Meanwhile, Chinen, it was pretty hard to hear his voice on Shounen Club before Hey! Say! 7 temporary-group formed. [I’m sorry if I’m wrong]
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Yabu’s question brought them back to their first matter.
Hikaru sincerely nodded. “I’m sure, Kou.”
“You don’t mind being like the man behind the scene?” Yabu delivered another question to make him belief Hikaru was really okay with this current condition.
“I’m content with that position. We’re a group consist of many people.” Hikaru replied in an instant because he did not have to think about the answer twice. “It’s not easy to give each of us same spotlight. So I think there’re still many ways to show our personal existence rather than singing lyrics. We can play instruments, write songs, make the music, arrange the song like Dai-chan did, play role in drama, arrange the concerts stuff, do the best in education, and so on.” He happily told his point, hoping Yabu could see this matter from other point of view. Fair and unfair was simply depended on the way people thought. It was not easy to have an objective mark, there was always be a slight subjective mark. “Therefore, just like you ever said, our job isn’t the steady one, so let me be the one to make it a bit more secure by giving you support from behind.”
Yabu forced a smile. “I still prefer you to sing rather than being the man behind the scene.” He whined again. Hikaru was used to sing after him, but now… he didn’t… except during live stage of their show. It was kinda ‘lonely’.
“You want JUMP become the second Ya-Ya-yah, Kou?” Hikaru directly asked and sharply stared at him. He actually did not to tell it in quite rude way but it seemed like Yabu could not understand until he showed that he was angry by his stubbornness.
Yabu gasped.
“JUMP isn’t Ya-Ya-yah, Kou and it’ll never be although you and I are on it. We can’t treat JUMP like the way we did with Ya-Ya-yah. Both of them are different. We can’t always be the dominant people in JUMP so clearly, Kou.” Hikaru said in frustration.
“Don’t Yamada and Chinen dominate?!” Yabu still found a way to argue. “They even already have their other permanent unit as NYC. Isn’t that enough to them to be the dominant there?”
Hikaru took another deep breath. He decided to be more patiently to comfort Yabu’s feeling right now. “Kou… if you continue thinking this way, JUMP will end shortly.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you not realize you’re starting to ruin the bond JUMP has? We started with 10 people, so I want to keep all of us in this group forever, Kou. I don’t want there will be one or some of us leave this group, or the worst quit the agency. I don’t want any of us feel being left. I don’t want JUMP have a law problem in the future. I want JUMP become the first Heisei group that can be proud for, all by ourselves, fans, agency, or even Japan. I want JUMP to be more than a singing and dancing group.” Hikaru told his hopes.
Yabu went silent, registering what Hikaru said.
“So, please, don’t confuse yourself by the silly thought about me not getting many solo lines. There’re still many other important things we should concern about than this matter.” Hikaru slowly persuaded yet you could tell he was comforting the taller boy’s feelings. “Let’s say… our shows, our album promotion, SUMMARY, next single, next concert both for JUMP and BEST I hope…”
The taller boy slowly smiled hearing the words from his long life partner, mainly on the BEST concert part. He wished the same thing, really. “I’m sorry, Hika.” Yabu finally apologized after all the things Hikaru pointed out registered on his brain. He understood he should not have acted like that. It would only hurt his comrades if they found out this.
“Ii yo, Kou. You said those things because you think about me, didn’t you?” Hikaru soothingly said, not wanting to blame or judge him like a sinner. No matter how great and awesome he was, Yabu was still not much different like other ordinary humans. His ‘leader’ sometimes did mistakes too, and he was there to ‘tell and correct’ him. He sometimes could not tell why he had a very good understanding about Yabu, but… well… it perhaps because of the time they had spent together for so long.
Yabu merely nodded.
“Sa… since you said bad things about our album, let me say the good ones.”
Yabu slightly pouted, making Hikaru chuckled.
“So, may I start?” Hikaru politely asked.
Yabu merely showed his permission.
“Speaking about my fewer solo lines, it’ll be something good for me since… you know I often forget the lyrics, right?” Hikaru asked while giving his goofy smile. “So, I can concentrate with other things, dancing or juggling, for the example. Or even the other idea to amaze our fans during concert. It’s our way to show our love and thanks for all the support they give to us.”
Yabu simply returned the smile.
“Despite your complaint, I personally think our album is great. It’s just our first and you can see we give many contributions on it already. It should be something we can proud of. Well, it should be as we make the fans to wait so long, more than two years after we debuted. Thus, it’ll be so lame and ashamed if we disappointed our lovely and loyal fans. We can go this far is also because of their love and support, can’t we?” Hikaru continued telling his personal thoughts in order to lighten Yabu’s day again.
Yabu could not show disagreement again. “You’re really grown up, nee?” He complimented silently, staring lovingly at him.
“And what makes me so surprised is we don’t have ANY solo songs here. Don’t you think it’s kinda amusing and surprising as we expected Yama-chan or Chinen would get their solo songs due to their popularity?” Hikaru in sudden pointed out.
Yabu blinked. He just realized it by now that they don’t have any solo songs. All the songs were sung together as group, either as JUMP, BEST, or 7.
“I think our manager and the other on the management could see us a group anyway, not simply looks us as 10 individual people.” Hikaru turned his face and looked at Yabu. What would they thought if their first album was merely filled in by solo songs? People who did not know about them might think their album was like a compilation album of 10 solo singers. “So, let’s work harder to keep the ten of us together.” He said and stretched his hand.
Yabu looked at that hand awhile before stretching his own hand, welcoming his. “My pleasure, Hikaru.” A smile appeared on his face. A true and sincere smile from the bottom of his heart. “It’s so nice to have a talk with you.”
Hikaru gave Yabu another best smile. “Never have those silly thoughts again, nee?” He playfully tapped his head and ruffled his hair. “It’s just our beginning, our first, Kou. I’m sure there’re many things we should learn and fix for the better second album.” He confidently stated.
“Hai~~” Yabu playfully sang. Their first album, if you compared with human, just like on his first year. The year where he started learning to walk, no matter how many times he fell down, he would gradually get up and stood up until he could walk by himself. Because just like a child who was being watched by his parents and family, JUMP also had each member, managers, management, fans, and also people from music industry who always kept their eyes on them. All the suggestions and critics would be very helpful for their improvement.
Hika, can you lend me something.” Yabu, out of blue, spoke.
“What?” Hikaru asked.
“Your strength.”
“Eh????”
“You can look everything calmly and think everything deeply. I want to lend it a little, so I won’t trouble you over silly things like this.” Yabu sheepishly mumbled, slightly blushing.
“Kou… don’t you know that you actually are the reason I can do such things?” Hikaru questioned, staring at him in the eyes.
Yabu frowned.
“I ever stated I’m so glad to have you in the same group, didn’t I?” Hikaru replied and earned a nod from the latter. “I’m glad because you’re actually my strength to keep move on and look ahead, Kou.” He softly uttered, blushing to admit that.
“Hika….”
“And what I do just now is simply the usual thing. We’re comrades after all. Thus, we should strengthen each other when the other starts to fall down.” Hikaru stated while bringing their hands together. “We’re a partner, so it’s not strange if we cover each other’s weakness. That’s how we always are.” He continued and in sudden he was pulled into Yabu’s arms.
“You’re very right, Hachibee…” Yabu uttered and stroked Hikaru’s hair.
“I’m so grateful to you for making me go this far.” Hikaru sincerely thanked.
“So, you don’t see me as your rival anymore?” Yabu teased.
“Don’t you say our relationship has turned out to be an old married couple??” Hikaru retorted playfully.
Yabu chuckled. “Yeah, we’re indeed an old married couple who has 8 children to be taken care for.”
Hikaru pulled away. “Then, let’s be good parents who gladly support their children and watch them.” He suggested, following Yabu’s lines. “Without any silly jealousy over their children.” He jokingly added, and earned a light smack on the head.
“And also strengthen each other.” Yabu added seriously. “Always stay beside me?”
“Yes, Kouta.” Hikaru tersely replied but the two of them knew it implied many things unsaid. The things only them knew and understood.
“Jaa… let’s go back now.” Hikaru said after looking at his watch. “It’s almost the time for the next recording.”
Yabu agreed, stood up then placed his arms on Hikaru’s shoulder.
“Hmm… Kou… there’s still another thing…” Hikaru in sudden said.
“What?”
“Although you think I don’t get enough solo lines like before, but I think the fans still could hear my voice during my live-stage either on YY JUMPing or School Kakumei. I hope those two shows could erase your worries.” Hikaru happily told him another thing he could say to comfort him.
Yabu smiled but he did not have to nod to make Hikaru knew he agreed let alone Hikaru already turned his gaze to the front. But, secretly, he vowed to himself he would never let anyone to separate JUMP, especially Hikaru from him.
And the JUMP’s parents walked side by side to the studio, discussing each member mistakes during the recording and the solutions along the way. They should give their best for their first album.
When they arrived, Yabu greeted the rest of JUMP cheerfully, making those eight wondered alone by his sudden change of mood. Yabu had become his usual state. They thought it was really great to have Hikaru by Yabu’s side because he was the one who could make Yabu back to the track.
To Yabu, the recording went smoother than the first one as his feeling had been lightened. He gave more feelings in his voice during the recording of their first album. The album -JUMP No.1- which started by 10 DREAMERs visualized INFINITY through their EYES then being CRIMSON because of love but still DID THE BEST accompanied and encouraged by the PASSION and SMILE creating MEMORIES and the DREAMS COME TRUE after passing the TIME with beautiful SCORE (achievement) but it was simply a SEED (start) to SCREAM their heart out and DASHed to the POWER and ended by saying THANK YOU to all their supporters who showered them by love. It was really a good opportunity to have an album with those 9 talented friends. He should be grateful instead of grumbling over. And as his gaze darted to Hikaru, he smiled to him, secretly saying ‘thank you for your love’.
Indonesia, 2010 July 06
Behind the Story:
Owh…. In the end I can finish this… I was afraid I couldn’t… XPPP The sentence in which I tried to include the songs in the album according their track number really ‘ate my brain’. XDDDDDD It’s really so hard to make a story-line based on the song titles, let alone keeping the songs like their order in set-list. And I think my story-line is really really bad.
And it’s my first one-shot after a long time, since 2010 February or March I think. I start to lose my ability to write one-shot after doing my second multi-chapter ‘My Former Lovers and Her Daughter’… XDDDD I hope it still could satisfy people who love YabuHika…
I DO apologize if I made some or many of you irritated with the way I presented this writing, the way I compared things, the way I mentioned Ya-Ya-yah, or anything else that may hurt you. I really don’t have any attention to hurt any of you.
I got the inspiration after reading Hara-chan’s rant few days ago… I’m sorry I didn’t give any comment there since my thoughts are as long as this fic…. XDDDDDDDDDD
Hope this little-not-good fic could make you feel even better (as someone has comforted your feelings earlier). And no offense if you have different thoughts with either me or Hara-chan about the album, solo lines, and who are being dominant…. It’s purely written for fiction and it may be a VERY EARLY BIRTHDAY gift to her…..