#19 - Time
Title: Rewinding Memories (or 5 times Shige was touched by other members’ actions)
Group/pairing: NEWS (Shige-centered, platonic KoyaShige, slight RyoUchi)
Prompt: #19 Time (je_prompt)
Genre: Little bits of angst here and there
Rating: PG
Summary: Shige tries to recall the times when NEWS are together, and finds out just how much the members had changed his life, even through the most subtle gestures.
Disclaimer: I don’t need this, right?
Notes: Writer’s block be gone! Yeah! This is dedicated to miruiki and our elite prodigy, Shige. A late unbeta-ed birthday fic, but please read and comment! :D
1. When Johnny gathered 9 juniors and gave them sparkly and weird looking clothes, nobody had expected anything. After all, they are just innocent boys, their teeth are still crooked and some of them are still midgets. Even their voices still sounded like premature kids. Nobody had expected that they are going to be one of the most popular bands of this century.
At first, they hated each other. They fight, they quarrel, and they have their own “cliques”. RyoUchiPi, the three popular ones, the TOP people, while KoyaShigeNotti, the KKKitties and TegoMassu, the innocent my-paced group. Moriuchi left before their debut, no one actually remembered him anymore after he was gone, except for Shige. Shige has always been the sensitive one, and losing a friend will just hurt his feelings. He didn’t tell anyone, of course. Not even his best friend, Koyama.
The popularity of Yamapi and Ryo was overwhelming. Shige had really hoped that he could at least get featured in magazine covers; well he was in the covers, but always in the last row. Always. Sometimes, the photographer won’t even care whether he’s in the frame or not, as long as the ‘stars’ are in front. Which is why Shige had the smallest fan base. Emphasize the ‘had’.
Shige still remembers, a few weeks after their first concert tour, Koyama treated them all to dinner, and Ryo had suggested that they play a game. They had to tell what they hated concerning other members. “Being honest can help fix our relationship.” Ryo reasoned. Shige thought that maybe Ryo was the most matured member in NEWS.
However, Shige was reluctant, besides, he’s a sensitive guy. Giving some straightforward comments like “I don’t like your voice” or “Your fashion sense sucks” might add salt to the wound. They’re in a process of creating a bond, a bond that binds them; all 8 of them under a name. Shige doesn’t care about popularity or magazine covers or dance formations anymore; all he wanted was just friends. He wanted friends who he can laugh, cry and share secrets with. He wanted to be in this circle of people.
So when the other members agreed to play, he had to join too. Everyone started writing comments on a piece of paper. Shige held his pen, his left hand was shaking, and his right palm was sweating. Koyama glanced worriedly at his friend next to him, and when Shige dropped his pen, Koyama took his hand and said, “It’s okay. You don’t have to.” With just that, Shige’s racing heart immediately slowed down and Shige realized that he doesn’t hate anyone. In fact, he loved everyone. When it was his turn, Shige stood up from his chair and stayed silent for a few moments.
“Every single member of this group mattered to me.” Shige stated truthfully as he wiped his tears from his eyes. “Thank you for being here with me today.”
Koyama just smiled.
---
2. They had passed the stage of awkward silence and cold glares.
They had no more cliques, levels or whatsoever.
They were one.
They were NEWS.
Shige made his way through some hyperactive juniors bouncing happily along the hallway. “Morning, Kato-senpai!” A cute boy in green sparkly vest and black shorts walked past him. He remembered something. Yes, that was his first costume he wore on their tour. Of course he remembered them, that vest was so tight; he couldn’t even breathe when they danced to “News Nippon”.
Before he could even open the door that said “NewS”, he heard some voices from the room. Weird. Usually he’s the first one to arrive…
Shige didn’t want to disturb the room occupants, and was about to take off when he heard Tegoshi’s voice.
“What? Suspended?! He didn’t do anything!”
“This is final. NEWS will resume its activities, but without him.”
“But…”
Shige couldn’t take it any longer. Last time it was 9, then 8, and now 7? How many more members need to be kicked out?
He turned the knob and entered the room uninvited. Everyone was there, everyone except for him and Uchi. He doesn’t get it. Why must he always be left behind, even in such a crucial issue?
There were so many questions left unanswered. Twelve pairs of eyes were staring at him. Each pair had the same expression; disappointment. Wait, did he just saw Ryo’s eyes glittering? Ryo was alone at the corner, leaning against the window. His head was hanging down and Ryo’s stare was not of
disappointment.
It was of guilt.
Yamashita walked towards Shige who was unconsciously holding his breath and blinks. He pushed the younger man outside the door and followed.
“It’s Uchi. He…” Yamashita paused to take a deep breath.
“He got caught in a pub. He was arrested for underage drinking.”
Shige could feel the tense in the sentences. He could hear his own heartbeat, and as half of his brain tried to process the information, the other half tried to compose and arrange words so he can give a proper reply.
But he failed.
The only thing he managed to come up with was, “Hah?” followed by a couple of confused blinks.
Yamashita sighed and ushered him into the room, explaining everything. Tegoshi, Masuda and Kusano were trying very hard to calm Koyama down, who was breaking down and screaming things like “Johnny can’t do this to Uchi-kun!” and “We’re releasing a single soon! This can’t be happening!”
While Ryo just remained quiet.
---
Ever since Uchi’s suspension, everyone tried their best to remain calm. Activities resumed as usual, their concerts were successful, and each member had their own solo activities, too. They were prevented from contacting Uchi, but later Yamashita found out from Kanjani8’s Shibutani Subaru that Uchi was downgraded into a ‘trainee’, a status even lower than Juniors. When Yamashita broke the news, Ryo left the room without saying anything. Shige wanted to go and console him but Koyama stopped him.
”He needs some space.”
---
Everyone noticed how Ryo had changed since that incident. He was quieter. He had to juggle between the two bands; NEWS and Kanjani8’s activities. Both bands were active; singles, albums, photo shoots, concerts, etc. Shige wondered how Ryo managed to be in both groups but still maintain his own status and normal life. Shige looked up to Ryo, thinking that he was really a matured and tough young man, just like his first impression. That’s until one day, Shige saw Ryo sitting alone in front of the mirrors in the Juniors’ dancing room. Shige couldn’t really see the older man’s face, but he heard sobs and decided to leave Ryo some space, like what Koyama had told him to do.
One day, Shige arrived early again. He was about to take a short nap when his elbow accidentally hit something hard on the table by the couch. That ‘thing’ fell and Shige picked it up. It was Ryo’s journal.
Shige couldn’t resist and so flipped the first page open.
“Hiroki received a letter today. We are going to act together in ‘Isshun Kaze ni Nare’! I really think we’ll make a great colab. Let’s work hard together ne, Hiroki?”
Shige skipped a bundle of pages and spotted a picture of Uchi. He read the entry below it.
“I’m sorry. It was my entire fault, if only I had not invited you to come with me. Everyday I will turn to this page and repeat the same thing. I will never forgive myself.
I’m sorry, Hiroki.”
On the next page, there were scribbles of words and chords. They were not familiar, Shige registered as he scanned through the lines.
“The truth is that I always want to feel you by my left side
But because you’re not here, I deceive myself by thinking the bed isn’t that big on nights when I’m alone
Like this
I’ll play my guitar and change my feelings into a melody
It’s always like this; At times when you’re not around, the more I’ll try to find you”
Shige turned the page.
“Am I naïve for wanting more than I have now?
Are you going to suggest that I should be giving instead of receiving?
You can warn me that there is no such thing as forever,
But I want to shine with you,
Even if it's just for a moment.
I'll show you that I can protect every element that colors you.
I'll be by your side no matter what.
I will take away every little thing that saddens you,
So let this love last a little longer… this love… this love.”
Shige was stunned. No one could ever write something as beautiful as this. Shige was curious of what it would sound like.
When Ryo performed his solo entitled CODE with his guitar, singing with all his will, Shige could tell that Ryo was battling with himself. A part of Ryo wants to break free, to forget the past and move on, while the other part of him wants to stay in the deep pit of guilt that he had dug himself over the past few months. Shige realized just how important it is to cherish someone who’s been there for you because you never know when they will leave you.
After the performance, Shige walked up to Ryo and said, “Great job.” Ryo smiled a sincere smile, a smile that had been hiding for so long, and Shige knew that Ryo had won.
---
3. Not long after Uchi’ suspension, Kusano was also suspended. Shige remembered seeing Koyama and the other members in a very pathetic state, not being able to perform their duties well due to the excessive amount of stress. Koyama refused to even look at the paparazzi pictures. “Lies. Those are all lies.”
After an exhausting climb, they’re almost there, almost at the peak of their fame. And just in a matter of seconds, everything was crumbling down, their hopes crashed as the management announced their
hiatus.
During the hiatus, no one dared to bring up the stories about when they’re coming back. At first, Shige felt like they were in a tunnel; a deep one, and there’s no way to come out. The management showed no signs, but Shige knew that the members were working hard in order to make their dreams come true. Their dreams of being together again, as one, will come true. “NEWS will be awaken again. This is all just a dream.” Shige recalled Tegoshi’s words. It’s a wonder how the most playful member of NEWS could grow up in such a limited amount of time, Shige thought. Whenever Yamapi sent him a short message: “Be strong. We’ll make through this.” or Masuda called him to recommending him the new sushi restaurant nearby his apartment with a message: “Eat more, okay? Stay healthy so that we can start anew with more energy!”, Shige felt alive.
---
4. After a long wait, they were back in action, and Shige sensed some kind of a new atmosphere around them. Like they’re closer than before, and the friendship between the members had developed into a new stage. Of course, everyone was happy with this new change. Koyama even gave the bond; their bond a nickname. Member-ai.
The band was still not complete without Uchi and Kusano, Shige noticed. Ryo still space out sometimes, occasionally reminiscing about the past; telling stories about how Uchi and him composed lyrics. Other members grew closer. Sharing secrets was now not awkward anymore; Shige even told Tegoshi about his pink pajamas and his fetish for kimonos. They could laugh, sing, dance and interact with each other. They can produce such beautiful songs together. Most importantly, Shige found his ‘friends‘ he had been looking for.
5. Shige is now sitting at the VIP seat in Tokyo Dome. He sees a familiar figure walking out from the backstage with a microphone in his left hand, looking nervous. Koyama grins widely as he scans the sea of audience and sees Shige at the front row.
When Koyama starts to sing his latest solo, Shige claps his hands loudly; cheering him on. He doesn’t even care if his voice is remains unlistened as it is overpowered by 42,000 fans, he just wants to let Koyama know that he’s with him, and he’ll always be by his side.
Today is Koyama’s first solo concert, and here he is, watching his best friend singing his heart out, dancing to the sweet rhythm the latter had created himself. After 11 years of friendship, Shige doesn’t know what to do if Koyama is gone. Koyama, NEWS and his career had become a part of his life. Without them, his life will not be complete. Shige smiles slightly as he goes up the stage after the last song, and hugs Koyama, muttering a simple “Great work” that meant the world to Koyama. The cheers echoes.
--End--
A/N: Oh my god, it’s been forever since my last fanfiction. I feel so happy that I was able to post this. And to miru-chan, sorry for the late birthday fic! Hope you like it~ And if you’ve made it this far (as in you finished reading the whole fiction), do leave a comment, okay? Even a short one will make my day. :)
Group/pairing: NEWS (Shige-centered, platonic KoyaShige, slight RyoUchi)
Prompt: #19 Time (je_prompt)
Genre: Little bits of angst here and there
Rating: PG
Summary: Shige tries to recall the times when NEWS are together, and finds out just how much the members had changed his life, even through the most subtle gestures.
Disclaimer: I don’t need this, right?
Notes: Writer’s block be gone! Yeah! This is dedicated to miruiki and our elite prodigy, Shige. A late unbeta-ed birthday fic, but please read and comment! :D
1. When Johnny gathered 9 juniors and gave them sparkly and weird looking clothes, nobody had expected anything. After all, they are just innocent boys, their teeth are still crooked and some of them are still midgets. Even their voices still sounded like premature kids. Nobody had expected that they are going to be one of the most popular bands of this century.
At first, they hated each other. They fight, they quarrel, and they have their own “cliques”. RyoUchiPi, the three popular ones, the TOP people, while KoyaShigeNotti, the KKKitties and TegoMassu, the innocent my-paced group. Moriuchi left before their debut, no one actually remembered him anymore after he was gone, except for Shige. Shige has always been the sensitive one, and losing a friend will just hurt his feelings. He didn’t tell anyone, of course. Not even his best friend, Koyama.
The popularity of Yamapi and Ryo was overwhelming. Shige had really hoped that he could at least get featured in magazine covers; well he was in the covers, but always in the last row. Always. Sometimes, the photographer won’t even care whether he’s in the frame or not, as long as the ‘stars’ are in front. Which is why Shige had the smallest fan base. Emphasize the ‘had’.
Shige still remembers, a few weeks after their first concert tour, Koyama treated them all to dinner, and Ryo had suggested that they play a game. They had to tell what they hated concerning other members. “Being honest can help fix our relationship.” Ryo reasoned. Shige thought that maybe Ryo was the most matured member in NEWS.
However, Shige was reluctant, besides, he’s a sensitive guy. Giving some straightforward comments like “I don’t like your voice” or “Your fashion sense sucks” might add salt to the wound. They’re in a process of creating a bond, a bond that binds them; all 8 of them under a name. Shige doesn’t care about popularity or magazine covers or dance formations anymore; all he wanted was just friends. He wanted friends who he can laugh, cry and share secrets with. He wanted to be in this circle of people.
So when the other members agreed to play, he had to join too. Everyone started writing comments on a piece of paper. Shige held his pen, his left hand was shaking, and his right palm was sweating. Koyama glanced worriedly at his friend next to him, and when Shige dropped his pen, Koyama took his hand and said, “It’s okay. You don’t have to.” With just that, Shige’s racing heart immediately slowed down and Shige realized that he doesn’t hate anyone. In fact, he loved everyone. When it was his turn, Shige stood up from his chair and stayed silent for a few moments.
“Every single member of this group mattered to me.” Shige stated truthfully as he wiped his tears from his eyes. “Thank you for being here with me today.”
Koyama just smiled.
---
2. They had passed the stage of awkward silence and cold glares.
They had no more cliques, levels or whatsoever.
They were one.
They were NEWS.
Shige made his way through some hyperactive juniors bouncing happily along the hallway. “Morning, Kato-senpai!” A cute boy in green sparkly vest and black shorts walked past him. He remembered something. Yes, that was his first costume he wore on their tour. Of course he remembered them, that vest was so tight; he couldn’t even breathe when they danced to “News Nippon”.
Before he could even open the door that said “NewS”, he heard some voices from the room. Weird. Usually he’s the first one to arrive…
Shige didn’t want to disturb the room occupants, and was about to take off when he heard Tegoshi’s voice.
“What? Suspended?! He didn’t do anything!”
“This is final. NEWS will resume its activities, but without him.”
“But…”
Shige couldn’t take it any longer. Last time it was 9, then 8, and now 7? How many more members need to be kicked out?
He turned the knob and entered the room uninvited. Everyone was there, everyone except for him and Uchi. He doesn’t get it. Why must he always be left behind, even in such a crucial issue?
There were so many questions left unanswered. Twelve pairs of eyes were staring at him. Each pair had the same expression; disappointment. Wait, did he just saw Ryo’s eyes glittering? Ryo was alone at the corner, leaning against the window. His head was hanging down and Ryo’s stare was not of
disappointment.
It was of guilt.
Yamashita walked towards Shige who was unconsciously holding his breath and blinks. He pushed the younger man outside the door and followed.
“It’s Uchi. He…” Yamashita paused to take a deep breath.
“He got caught in a pub. He was arrested for underage drinking.”
Shige could feel the tense in the sentences. He could hear his own heartbeat, and as half of his brain tried to process the information, the other half tried to compose and arrange words so he can give a proper reply.
But he failed.
The only thing he managed to come up with was, “Hah?” followed by a couple of confused blinks.
Yamashita sighed and ushered him into the room, explaining everything. Tegoshi, Masuda and Kusano were trying very hard to calm Koyama down, who was breaking down and screaming things like “Johnny can’t do this to Uchi-kun!” and “We’re releasing a single soon! This can’t be happening!”
While Ryo just remained quiet.
---
Ever since Uchi’s suspension, everyone tried their best to remain calm. Activities resumed as usual, their concerts were successful, and each member had their own solo activities, too. They were prevented from contacting Uchi, but later Yamashita found out from Kanjani8’s Shibutani Subaru that Uchi was downgraded into a ‘trainee’, a status even lower than Juniors. When Yamashita broke the news, Ryo left the room without saying anything. Shige wanted to go and console him but Koyama stopped him.
”He needs some space.”
---
Everyone noticed how Ryo had changed since that incident. He was quieter. He had to juggle between the two bands; NEWS and Kanjani8’s activities. Both bands were active; singles, albums, photo shoots, concerts, etc. Shige wondered how Ryo managed to be in both groups but still maintain his own status and normal life. Shige looked up to Ryo, thinking that he was really a matured and tough young man, just like his first impression. That’s until one day, Shige saw Ryo sitting alone in front of the mirrors in the Juniors’ dancing room. Shige couldn’t really see the older man’s face, but he heard sobs and decided to leave Ryo some space, like what Koyama had told him to do.
One day, Shige arrived early again. He was about to take a short nap when his elbow accidentally hit something hard on the table by the couch. That ‘thing’ fell and Shige picked it up. It was Ryo’s journal.
Shige couldn’t resist and so flipped the first page open.
“Hiroki received a letter today. We are going to act together in ‘Isshun Kaze ni Nare’! I really think we’ll make a great colab. Let’s work hard together ne, Hiroki?”
Shige skipped a bundle of pages and spotted a picture of Uchi. He read the entry below it.
“I’m sorry. It was my entire fault, if only I had not invited you to come with me. Everyday I will turn to this page and repeat the same thing. I will never forgive myself.
I’m sorry, Hiroki.”
On the next page, there were scribbles of words and chords. They were not familiar, Shige registered as he scanned through the lines.
“The truth is that I always want to feel you by my left side
But because you’re not here, I deceive myself by thinking the bed isn’t that big on nights when I’m alone
Like this
I’ll play my guitar and change my feelings into a melody
It’s always like this; At times when you’re not around, the more I’ll try to find you”
Shige turned the page.
“Am I naïve for wanting more than I have now?
Are you going to suggest that I should be giving instead of receiving?
You can warn me that there is no such thing as forever,
But I want to shine with you,
Even if it's just for a moment.
I'll show you that I can protect every element that colors you.
I'll be by your side no matter what.
I will take away every little thing that saddens you,
So let this love last a little longer… this love… this love.”
Shige was stunned. No one could ever write something as beautiful as this. Shige was curious of what it would sound like.
When Ryo performed his solo entitled CODE with his guitar, singing with all his will, Shige could tell that Ryo was battling with himself. A part of Ryo wants to break free, to forget the past and move on, while the other part of him wants to stay in the deep pit of guilt that he had dug himself over the past few months. Shige realized just how important it is to cherish someone who’s been there for you because you never know when they will leave you.
After the performance, Shige walked up to Ryo and said, “Great job.” Ryo smiled a sincere smile, a smile that had been hiding for so long, and Shige knew that Ryo had won.
---
3. Not long after Uchi’ suspension, Kusano was also suspended. Shige remembered seeing Koyama and the other members in a very pathetic state, not being able to perform their duties well due to the excessive amount of stress. Koyama refused to even look at the paparazzi pictures. “Lies. Those are all lies.”
After an exhausting climb, they’re almost there, almost at the peak of their fame. And just in a matter of seconds, everything was crumbling down, their hopes crashed as the management announced their
hiatus.
During the hiatus, no one dared to bring up the stories about when they’re coming back. At first, Shige felt like they were in a tunnel; a deep one, and there’s no way to come out. The management showed no signs, but Shige knew that the members were working hard in order to make their dreams come true. Their dreams of being together again, as one, will come true. “NEWS will be awaken again. This is all just a dream.” Shige recalled Tegoshi’s words. It’s a wonder how the most playful member of NEWS could grow up in such a limited amount of time, Shige thought. Whenever Yamapi sent him a short message: “Be strong. We’ll make through this.” or Masuda called him to recommending him the new sushi restaurant nearby his apartment with a message: “Eat more, okay? Stay healthy so that we can start anew with more energy!”, Shige felt alive.
---
4. After a long wait, they were back in action, and Shige sensed some kind of a new atmosphere around them. Like they’re closer than before, and the friendship between the members had developed into a new stage. Of course, everyone was happy with this new change. Koyama even gave the bond; their bond a nickname. Member-ai.
The band was still not complete without Uchi and Kusano, Shige noticed. Ryo still space out sometimes, occasionally reminiscing about the past; telling stories about how Uchi and him composed lyrics. Other members grew closer. Sharing secrets was now not awkward anymore; Shige even told Tegoshi about his pink pajamas and his fetish for kimonos. They could laugh, sing, dance and interact with each other. They can produce such beautiful songs together. Most importantly, Shige found his ‘friends‘ he had been looking for.
5. Shige is now sitting at the VIP seat in Tokyo Dome. He sees a familiar figure walking out from the backstage with a microphone in his left hand, looking nervous. Koyama grins widely as he scans the sea of audience and sees Shige at the front row.
When Koyama starts to sing his latest solo, Shige claps his hands loudly; cheering him on. He doesn’t even care if his voice is remains unlistened as it is overpowered by 42,000 fans, he just wants to let Koyama know that he’s with him, and he’ll always be by his side.
Today is Koyama’s first solo concert, and here he is, watching his best friend singing his heart out, dancing to the sweet rhythm the latter had created himself. After 11 years of friendship, Shige doesn’t know what to do if Koyama is gone. Koyama, NEWS and his career had become a part of his life. Without them, his life will not be complete. Shige smiles slightly as he goes up the stage after the last song, and hugs Koyama, muttering a simple “Great work” that meant the world to Koyama. The cheers echoes.
--End--
A/N: Oh my god, it’s been forever since my last fanfiction. I feel so happy that I was able to post this. And to miru-chan, sorry for the late birthday fic! Hope you like it~ And if you’ve made it this far (as in you finished reading the whole fiction), do leave a comment, okay? Even a short one will make my day. :)