PART I “I won’t leave her alone not one single moment.” Jin’s voice sounded clear and pained in the entire set. Kazuya looked attentive and approved silently of this. It wasn’t his place to do so, but since being with Director Matsumoto he had gained some privileges.
“I’m not telling you to leave her!” Kimura Takuya’s voice sounded angry and had a tinge of defeat in it. “Just… just live your life.” Kazuya’s face lit up and a grin spread across it. This was a professional, he thought, admiration in his eyes.
“You can’t understand! It’s not that simple…”
And Kazuya knew that this was the right expression to have when having such a scene. That pained and defeated look, that bitter and longing tone and the way his body crouched a little made everything seem so real, so painful and unbearable. Kazuya believed that it was the best expression Jin could have brought. Not too much dramatic, not too little, just the perfect amount. He had to be impressed with Jin’s skills even if at first he had been skeptical of anything that might came from that arrogant star. He had been proven wrong and he was not ashamed to admit that he had preconceptions.
“And cut!” the director’s voice resounded in Kazuya’s ears and Jin’s face changed immediately from a pained one to a cheerful one with a happy smile plastered on. He practically bounced to where Matsumoto was standing and looking at the big screen on which the scene just filmed was playing. Jin followed his lead, observing carefully the scene, his eyes concentrated on his self, prepared to notice even the tinniest mistake. But it seemed that it wasn’t necessary because Jun just said an ‘okay’ and turned to leave and shoot the next scene which, luckily, didn’t involve Jin.
“You did well back there.” Kazuya said to Jin looking at the actor with a serene expression. “Keep it this way!” he smiled and then turned to Kimura to whom he showed a deeper admiration and congratulations than to Jin. It was clear that he was a fan of the older actor.
Jin had wanted to say something smug to Kazuya and maybe brag a little, but he hadn’t had the chance anymore when he saw the younger turning his back on him and… going to Kimura? Jin raised an eyebrow, wondering what the hell Kazuya wanted from that guy when he heard what he was saying - he just had a very fine hearing, okay? It wasn’t like he was eavesdropping. So he got mad and dashed to the two of them, smiling politely at the older.
“Excuse me, I was wondering if I could kidnap Kame for a while?” he asked with respect, looking only at Kimura.
Kimura looked surprised at the daring Jin and nodded slightly, not before saying something in return to Kazuya. “Thank you very much for your appreciations, Kamenashi-san. I always look forward to your opinions.” He smiled to the younger who seemed pleased to hear such a comment. And Kazuya would have liked to chat some more with his favorite actor, but Jin dragged him from there before he could have said a proper goodbye.
“Take a walk with me.” Was the only explanation Jin gave before he headed to the parking lot where he had left his car.
“And why should I?” Kazuya replied, slightly annoyed. “I have work and if you want to talk we can do it here too. I don’t see any problem.” The younger replied and stopped in his tracks, not wanting to follow Jin.
The actor groaned annoyed and stopped too, turning to look at Kazuya. “Your only work now is to keep me pleased because I’m your new boss for the time we’ll be shooting this movie.” He said with a bright smile, trying to keep his composure. “And your first assignment is to come with me.” Jin added with a firm tone, even if he somehow suspected that there will be resistance.
“Ah, I see.” Kazuya sighed and ruffled his hair. “Then it can’t be helped, boss.” He emphasized the last word before he took ahead of Jin and stopped again. He turned to Jin and with slightly embarrassed face he asked: “Where are we going again?”
Jin laughed, amused by the younger’s antics and cute expression. His first instinct was to mock him a little and say ‘wherever the wind takes us’ but then he changed his mind and concluded that he had acted in way too many sappy movies and this would be only a cheesy line in the end. Instead, he approached Kazuya and threw an arm over his shoulders, laughing in his ear. “Let’s go and grab something to eat. I’m starving since I didn’t eat this morning.” He confessed, cursing his stomach for growling for the last half an hour. Luckily for him that he was the only one who could hear it.
Kazuya ignored the slight churn of his insides and shook Jin off him. They weren’t that much of friends to be doing this. “We can’t. It’s not lunch time yet and I have to be back on the set.” He explained to Jin, hoping that he would understand.
Jin smiled gently. “You don’t have any work that’s not related to me.” He said, starting to walk and dragging Kazuya after him, holding his arm in a light grip. “I told you that you now work for me so you can forget all about your previous jobs. Jun will take care of it.” He calmly explained, even if it wasn’t really in his nature. He preferred more to do and show than to talk, but now he found it necessary, considering that Kazuya didn’t know him well.
“And I’m hungry.” He suddenly stopped and turned to look at Kazuya. “Do you want me to die of hunger?” he asked with a hurt voice, his playful eyes telling about the teasing in his voice that couldn’t be felt.
“You’re crazy.” Kazuya scoffed at him and looked away from those puppy eyes that would easily trap him if he wasn’t careful. He was a sucker for cutesy things and tragic romantic ones. “And we can simply have some lunch boxes that can be delivered here.” He then added with hope in his voice.
“Or not.” Jin grinned at him, starting to walk again, this time with his back so that he could face Kazuya while he talked. “Come on, I haven’t been in Japan for five years. I want to see the town and how much it changed, not to sit in a dressing room and eat a lunch box.” He pouted and crossed his arms to show how upset he was.
“Then go and take your friends.” Kazuya muttered upset. “Leave me alone.” He then glared at Jin and stopped. “I don’t have time to leisure around.”
“What’s the problem if you go with me?” Jin stopped again when he saw that the younger isn’t following. “It’s not like I’m going to eat you.” He raised an eyebrow, staring at Kazuya and wondering why didn’t Kazuya want to go with him. It wasn’t such a big deal, was it?
Kazuya sighed tiredly. “Look, I’m not like you and frankly, I don’t want to be.” He started and had the kindness to look sympathetic. “I want to work and I don’t want to take off work just for a meal. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to join you on your frivolous way to live.” Kazuya said and almost turned around to leave, but he stood his ground there. Jin was his boss after all, right? That if he took account of what he had said earlier and Kazuya was too much of a workaholic to distrust Jin on this one.
A flash of hurt mixed with annoyance showed up on Jin’s face for a few seconds before it changed to an expressionless one. “Well, too bad for you because I expect you to be at the restaurant in five minutes. If you’re not there, you can consider yourself fired.” Jin said with a calm voice, turning his back on Kazuya and leaving.
The assistant stood there for a couple of moments with a dumbfounded expression. Then anger flashed in his eyes and he quickly ran after Jin, catching him just when he was about to enter the parking lot. “I hate you.” He hissed the moment his hand grabbed onto Jin’s arm and looked at the actor’s face.
“Well, guess what, Einstein, I don’t really love you either right now.” Jin replied, brushing off Kazuya’s hand and looking at him with anger in his eyes. He really didn’t understand, all he did was to ask him out for a nice and quiet lunch. Why was Kazuya making such a drama out of it?! “And you know what’s the best part?” he asked, an arrogant smirk on his lips. “I’m your boss.” He grinned happily, turning again to leave.
“You mean the worst part.” Kazuya replied back with a fierce expression. “And yes, you’re my boss. So for now, I’ll join you to lunch.” He agreed and started to walk again.
Jin groaned again, already feeling exhausted for dealing with Kazuya’s moods even if it was only for a few hours. “Oh, God, is this how it’s going to be for a few months?” he whined to no one in particular, watching the younger’s back as it slowly drifted away from him. “He doesn’t even know which one is my car.” Jin mused, but chuckled when he realized that Kazuya was heading into the right direction. He dashed towards him and managed to reach the car before the younger, opening it and flopping inside. “Tell me a good restaurant.” Jin demanded when he saw Kazuya installed on the passenger’s seat, next to him.
But Kazuya didn’t spoke at first. He stood there silent and sneakily looking around. Until now he had used brand new cars, but somehow he found this car extraordinarily and unnecessarily extravagant and breathtaking. Maybe it was because of the warm colors, or maybe because of the leather chairs which had a softness to it… or maybe because of the car’s wheel and border which looked the last invention. Either way, Kazuya felt suffocated by the sudden richness of the car and soon, Jin’s presence had him choked his words. And the actor was asking him about a good restaurant. Ha! That must be a total joke because the last restaurant Kazuya had gone to was a small place where they served the best ramen.
But lucky enough, he does read magazines and recently he saw a review of an Italian restaurant. Maybe Jin would like it… So he told the actor about it and how to get there. Half an hour later, he totally regretted his choice, though his boss seemed quite happy so he had to man himself up and bear with all of this.
“It’s pretty nice here.” Jin hummed with a slightly satisfied voice while he glanced around the restaurant. In fact, he loved Italian food, he even thought that it’s the best invention that the world had ever seen so he was kind of surprised when they got there and Jin saw it. He grinned to himself, thinking that Kazuya must have known about his appreciation to the Italian cuisine and smiled even wider to a waiter when he came to lead them to their table.
“Please check out our menu and I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order.” The waiter said when Jin and Kazuya were seated and with a polite bow, he made himself disappear, leaving the two of them alone once again.
Kazuya took out the menu and almost closed it when the numbers sprang to his eyes. But he refrained from doing so and braced himself to go down all the menu in search for something cheaper. But there was none and a small sigh almost escaped his lips. He glanced around and noticed two women whispering to themselves and looking towards their direction. When their eyes laid on him, an expression of utmost disdain appeared on their pretty faces. Instinctively, Kazuya turned his head away only to see another pair of eyes directed at him, snicker and mocking clearly stated. Therefore, Kazuya forced himself to look again at the menu and almost found himself sick when the numbers danced in front of him again.
“Have you decided yet?” the waiter asked and Kazuya almost jolted from his chair. He had a glassy look and with half-a-mouth he asked for some water.
Jin didn’t seem to notice Kazuya’s restlessness and started to order, eyes concentrated on the menu. “I’ll have a Calamari Stew, Tagliata and… Orecchiette With Fresh Tomatoes And Pecorino. And I want Lemon Ricotta & Mascarpone Cheesecake for dessert.” He smiled, giving back the menu to the waiter and only now looking at Kazuya and expecting him to place an order.
Kazuya barely smiled when he repeated to the waiter that he just wants water. All those things Jin just said were distant to him and even if he wanted to get closer, he couldn’t because he lacked the money.
The waiter left, but Jin still seemed upset about Kazuya’s lack of enthusiasm. “You still haven’t decided what to eat?” he sighed, thinking that even if they bring him his food, he still has to wait for Kazuya’s which maybe will be a little delayed.
“I’m not hungry.” Kazuya replied automatically. “I… came only because you asked me to.” The younger avoided to say forced me to.
“But I’m not going to stand here and watch you watch me while I eat.” Jin pouted again. “Don’t you know that it’s rude to eat while someone else drinks water?” he snorted, as if such a scenario was totally impossible. “If you don’t eat then I can’t eat either, so order whatever you want. After all, it’s my treat.” He winked at Kazuya, his eyes twinkling with excitement. He hadn’t been to an Italian restaurant for a long time and he was delighted to eat his favorite food again, even more if he would enjoy it with Kazuya.
“Thanks but no thanks.” The assistant quickly said and bowed his head a little. “Like I said, I’m not hungry, so eat without worrying about me.” He tried to smile but he felt his lips glued and his jaw tightly clenched. Even if it was Jin’s treat, Kazuya wasn’t going to accept any of it. Besides being an workaholic, Kazuya also had a much too big pride for his skinny body.
“Order, Kamenashi, or I’m going to tell Matsumoto that I’ll take some time off today and I’ll make sure to add that it’s only your fault.” Jin threatened and raised two fingers to call another waiter for Kazuya to place his order too. “Now.” He added with a cheesy smile. “Or I’m going to do it for you.”
“Then I hope you’re going to chew it for me too…” Kazuya’s temper came back to life, his brown eyes glittering with fire. “… ‘cause I won’t eat a thing.” He continued, smiling sweetly. “And you can’t force me to eat if I don’t want.” He also added, pursing his lips as if to show he was going to stay this way if Jin was trying anything funny with him.
Jin just shrugged. “Bring me… Perfect Potluck Pasta Bake, Beef Rolls In Red Wine Tomato Sauce and some Mini Quiche Appetizers. And for dessert, he’ll have the same as me, Lemon Ricotta & Mascarpone Cheesecake.” He grinned at the waiter and waited until he was far enough to not hear him when he turned to talk to Kazuya. “You really want me to force you to eat?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow and looking expectantly at the younger. He had a few ways to make him… and it wouldn’t bother him to use them at all.
“Seeing that you ordered for an entire family, yes.” Kazuya replied, amazed at what words he had heard in just mere seconds. But he wasn’t going to show that he was amazed, overwhelmed and out of his place.
“It isn’t that much.” Jin frowned. “They always cheat and give smaller portions so I have to make up for it.” He grinned like a fool. “But don’t worry, I’m going to loo~ve to make you eat.” He sing-sung happily, half dreaming, half paying attention.
“Yeah, keep dreaming, you crazy.” Kazuya muttered and tried to fix his clothes, though he was aware that no matter what he’ll do to them, they will never be brand clothes. It wasn’t usually a problem for him, but such moments had him all flustered and ashamed of his poor state. As an assistant, he was supposed to earn more, but he had to pay lots of things among them being his brother’s school fees. So he couldn’t afford too many when you had a rent, bills and a brother to feed. But until now he had managed so he wasn’t complaining much, only in such moments.
Only that Jin didn’t seem to notice something was wrong, maybe because he never thought that there is something wrong with Kazuya’s clothes and never even imagined that he doesn’t have money to frequent such expensive places. So he continued to frown, upset at Kazuya’s lack of collaboration. “Why is it so hard for you to eat with me?” he sighed, utterly defeated. “It’s not like I’m such a bad person.” He simply stated, his eyes shining with that je-ne-sais-quoi that made him famous.
“Because you’re the boss and I’m your assistant.” Kazuya replied coolly, not in the mood to explain his lack of money. “In case you have forgotten, this is Japan, not America. We have rules and statuses that must be preserved.”
“But it’s a stupid rule.” Jin complained and whined again. “And it’s not like you follow those rules either seeing as you can answer to me very rudely, if I may say.” He smirked, obviously not angry at all for Kazuya’s behavior. “You just use this pretext to get out of this mess.” He then plainly accused, not really keen on giving up his free way of talking and saying whatever it’s on his mind.
Well, it appeared that the international star wasn’t that stupid after all, Kazuya mused and almost smiled. “I’m an avid follower of those rules.” He replied as he took the glass of water to his mouth. “But I take notice of them only with those I feel they deserve.” He added, peering at Jin with malicious eyes over the glass’s brim.
“So what, I deserve to be treated with disrespect and have you staring at me while I eat?” Jin cocked an eyebrow, looking inquiringly at the younger. “I didn’t know you have such a fetish.” He then joked, slightly making fun of Kazuya.
The younger narrowed his eyes and scoffed at Jin. “Now you know.” He replied with an all-too-pleasant smile. “And I hope you’re prepared to eat all of it because I won’t eat a single bit.”
“That won’t be a problem for me.” Jin laughed, delighted at the idea that he could eat even more - he was planning to steal some of Kazuya’s food anyway, even if he thought that the younger really needs to eat more seeing as he was so skinny. He looked at Kazuya and sighed when his eyes met resistance yet again. “Look, we started on the wrong foot, but I’m really trying here to get along with you.” He said, a tinge of irritation in his voice. “You’re stuck with me for the following months, why can’t you try and be reasonable and at least try to befriend me?” Jin asked, already bored of Kazuya’s antics. The boy acted like Jin had eaten his whole family, for crying out loud.
“Why should I befriend you when after these following months, you won’t even remember me?” Kazuya shrugged, wondering for the first time why was he acting this way with Jin. The man had something that ticked him off, that was for sure. “Besides, I’m not here to make new friends, I’m here to work.” The assistant added, plain obvious that his work was sacred to him.
“I never thought that your work is to make me mad.” Jin countered for the first time, showing how much was Kazuya annoying him. “And could you please stop putting me a tag when you don’t even know me?” he then kindly asked, referring to Kazuya’s first assumption. Yeah, maybe it was true that he’ll forget about Kazuya the first moment he leaves Japan, but it wouldn’t be so if that damn stubborn guy wouldn’t act so conceited. “Because even if I would forget about you, no one could really blame me if I forgot about that guy from Japan who used to drive me crazy.” He added, a subtle accusation in his voice.
“If I stop with the tags, would you remember me?” Kazuya asked with an ironic voice. “And I’m sorry for driving you crazy…” he faked an apologetic look before he continued. “… you can ask anytime for me to be replaced with someone else.” Kazuya added, allowing himself some hope that he could return to Director Matsumoto and so all of his headaches would end.
“I would remember you if you’d be my friend.” Jin replied with a simple smile, ignoring Kazuya’s last sentence. Not even he was sure why he was doing this, but Jin knew that he was enjoying his time spent with Kazuya, even if all they did until now was to bicker. “Why is this so hard to do?” he asked again, hoping this time for a truthful answer.
Kazuya mused for a little while, looking carefully at Jin’s features. He was beautiful indeed, but more than that he had that exotic and erotic appeal that one could not ignore. He felt that Jin was a tad dangerous not because of his influence as a star, but because he might disturb the equilibrium of Kazuya’s life. So involuntarily, he also felt the need to keep Jin at a distance even if he was supposed to be rude.
“Why do you want us to be friends?” Kazuya asked with a curious voice. “It’s not like we have anything in common…” then he gave a small bitter laugh. Yeah, the younger knew well his place, so he didn’t need to get himself involved with an international star who will only make him feel more inferior than he does.
“Because I like you.” Jin replied immediately, like it was the most normal answer in the world, not looking at all ashamed of saying these words. Well, America kind of taught him to forget about things like these.
Thank God Kazuya hadn’t been drinking anything otherwise he might have choked. He looked perplexed as he heard Jin’s casual answer, wondering for a second if the actor realized what he had said. Let aside the word ‘like’ which had been like a cold shower for Kazuya, how about telling such words to a guy?! Jin was definitely not in his right state of mind. Maybe America had him turned gay or something…
“Ugh…” Kazuya made a sound, looking a bit wary at Jin. “I’m sorry but I’m not into that stuff.” He said as he indeed seemed sorry for the actor.
“What kind of stuff?” Jin answered confused with a cute frown, not understanding what was Kazuya implying.
The younger looked a bit taken back. Was Jin making fun of him? He frowned upon musing this and he muttered a pouting “Never mind.”
Jin shrugged, deciding that it wasn’t important enough to insist on this subject. He opened his mouth to say something but exactly then the waiter arrived with their food. Jin let him set the food on their table and ordered a bottle of wine before letting him go. He opened his mouth for the second time to say something, but someone else interrupted him this time too.
“Jin, fancy seeing you here!”
Jin growled annoyed and hit his head on the table before raising his gaze to look at his best friend who was now observing him and his partner with attention, standing in front of their table.
“Shouldn’t you be at work?” Jin raised an eyebrow, looking inquiringly at Yamapi.
“Yeah, but I skipped.” He proudly announced with a wide smile. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” he then whined, his gaze now resting on the younger only.
“My best friend, Yamapi, meet my new assistant, Kame.” Jin quickly said their names - more like nicknames - with a tired expression. Jin was glad to eat lunch with his best friend - because he was sure that Yamapi won’t miss the occasion - but he was concerned about other people who seemed to follow Pi like some dogs, certain people from the company Pi worked at that Jin simply couldn’t stand. He had a feeling that even after five years, this hadn’t changed.
Kazuya frowned a bit at the nickname Jin so kindly offered to him, but said nothing and looked with a smile at the other. “Nice to meet you, I am Kamenashi Kazuya.” He rose a bit just enough to bow in front of Yamapi. He had seen the guy on several magazines and a few TV shows, but since he was out of his work domain, Kazuya knew little about him and he was vaguely familiar.
Yamapi responded with a bow too and with a smile brighter than sun. “Nice to meet you as well, I’m Yamashita Tomohisa.” He introduced himself and handed Kazuya his card, glancing at Jin who was rolling his eyes. He hit the actor in the shin and Jin yelped painfully, glaring at his friend while Yamapi raised an eyebrow at him.
“No.” Jin simply said, shaking his head and crossing his arms. “I’m not in the mood for your army.” He added, as if that was an explanation.
“Bakanishi, I told you that I skipped work, they’re not here. I’m meeting with Ryo.” Pi replied patiently even if it seemed too polite to be genuine.
“Oh.” Jin’s face changed completely from annoyance to nothingness and then to cheerfulness. “Then sit down, have lunch with us!” he happily exclaimed, curling up his lips into a smile that rivaled Yamapi’s. His friend sighed but sat down and called a waiter to take his order too, dismissing him quickly.
While Kazuya was too overwhelmed to say anything. The moment he took Yamapi’s card and saw the names written there, he realized that he was way out of league at this table. And now Kazuya was aware why he had known little about Yamapi - it was because the man wasn’t even working in entertainment, he was the son of ones of the most powerful men in Japan. And such people don’t involve with people like Kazuya, they had greater assignments - in Yamapi’s case, he was a business man, economic department being his domain. The younger almost sighed and felt like he was there out of mistake, because he was definitely not meant to be there - surrounded by all these rich people with whom he had nothing in common.
“Akanishi-san…” he began, hating the plea in his voice. It wasn’t his fault, he didn’t ask to be brought here, yet he had to plead. “Can I go back to the studio?” Kazuya looked at Jin, gulping a little. He really wanted to go away from there, he was starting to feel suffocated.
“Why?” Jin frowned, not understanding what was the problem and not noticing that Kazuya was feeling uncomfortable. “Stay, have lunch with us. It’s more fun with more people.” He grinned at the younger and Yamapi chuckled.
“And to be honest, I’d like to talk with you.” Pi interfered in their conversation, addressing Kazuya. “My little sister wants to be a part of the entertainment industry too and she wants to work behind the scenes.” He offered as an explanation.
“So you’d rather talk with him than with your friend that you haven’t seen for five years?” Jin pouted childishly.
“I haven’t seen you, Jin, but we’ve talked everyday. Not like I could get rid of you.” Yamapi rolled his eyes, remembering those nights when Jin called - totally forgetting the time difference - or those late mornings when Jin used to disturb him again because he was drunk and didn’t have the brain to remember that Yamapi was into a meeting.
Now Kazuya was torn between work and his own feelings. If he stayed, he’d be so uncomfortable that he might make mistakes he will surely regret. But if he left, he’ll lose an opportunity for work. He gulped and tried a smile in Yamapi’s direction. “What would she like to do?” Kazuya asked, choosing his work over himself.
“Well, she said that she’d like to try and be a producer. She enjoys working with people and, honestly, bossing them around.” Yamapi laughed, trying to lighten up the atmosphere a little. “I haven’t talked much with her, but I remember her saying that she’d love to be an actor’s assistant or something like that for the moment.”
“Wasn’t she interested in photography last week?” Jin interrupted Yamapi, taking a bite from his food and humming happily for which he received a smack from his friend and a scold that he should wait for the others. Jin just stuck out his tongue and continued munching on his food.
Yamapi sighed. “She changed her mind again. That girl really doesn’t know what to do.” He replied with a defeated expression. “She’s talented but she doesn’t know what she wants. But she’s sure that it’s something behind the scenes.” He laughed and Jin smiled too.
Kazuya looked thoughtful for a few moments. “Did she do any courses regarding producing?” he asked with a professional voice. “Also, if she’s not consistent in her work, there’s nothing much she can do. Of course, she could get to be someone’s assistant, but she needs practice and knowledge about what she’s doing.” He continued, trying to explain the main point of such a job to Yamapi. “Being a producer and being an assistant are two different things. And either way, both of them demand a laborious and tedious work. It needs dedication.” He stopped and apologized with his eyes if he had said anything impolite.
“Yeah, I know.” Yamapi smiled lightly. “And I basically know from that idiot over there how much work it is but she simply doesn’t get it and Jin has no idea how to explain to her because words aren’t really his smart point.” He added at which the actor yelped a ‘hey’ visibly offended. Yamapi ignored him again. “You’d do me a great favor if you talked with her.” He then asked politely, bowing his head in front of Kazuya.
“Sure, I’d like to.” The assistant found himself saying though somehow he didn’t feel like it. “I’ll do my best to explain everything to her and if she still wants to do it, then I’ll offer her my support though it’s not much I can do.” He added apologetically.
“Great! I’d really appreciate if you…” Yamapi continued, but someone suddenly stopped him.
“Now look who’s here. The one and only Bakanishi Jin.” A sarcastic voice was heard, Pi laughed and Jin pouted. Kazuya just looked curious at who the newcomer was.
“Ryo-chan~.” Jin sang happily, raising from his chair and catching the man into a big and warm hug.
“You idiot, it’s been too long since I last saw you.” Ryo commented when they detached a little and Jin took the liberty to blush at his statement.
“Sorry.” He said, his head down and his eyes not meeting the other’s. “I missed you too.” He then added with a sheepish grin, a stranger light flickering in his orbs when they met Ryo’s, receiving another smack on his head.
“I would have killed you if you didn’t.” Ryo simply stated, even if his large smile was obviously telling how glad he was for meeting Jin again. “And who’s that?” he asked, looking at Kazuya curiously. He didn’t feel the need to acknowledge Yamapi too since it hadn’t been that long since they saw each other. “You already hit on a woman?” he added mockingly. Kazuya bit his tongue at Ryo’s remark. Last time he checked, he was still a guy and quite a good one.
“He’s Kame!” Jin answered excited, pointing at his assistant, at which Ryo raised an inquiring eyebrow while he studied the younger with scrutinizing eyes.
Kazuya threw a glare towards Jin’s direction when the actor called him again Kame like they were close or something like this. He rose again and bowed slightly. “Nice to meet you, my name is Kamenashi Kazuya.” He introduced himself.
“Nishikido Ryo.” The other said, also handing a card with his name on it to Kazuya, bowing his head. “You’re a friend of Jin’s?” he asked, sitting down at the table and making himself comfortable and calling for a waiter.
The moment Ryo said his name, Kazuya’s brain stopped functioning. He simply stared at Ryo with an unbelievable look on his face. “That Nishikido Ryo?!” he asked bewildered, not tearing his eyes from Ryo’s face. If he was right, then the man in front of him was Japan’s best movie director!!
“Um, if no one stole my name then I must be.” Ryo replied startled, looking weird at Kazuya.
The younger composed himself immediately, revising his behavior. He sat down and apologized to Ryo, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “I’m sorry, I must have been rude. It’s that…” he stopped, gazed one more time in awe and resumed his words. “It’s that your work is really famous and important for Japan’s cinematography. I am truly blessed to have met you on a day like this.” He continued, delight, respect and admiration written in his facial expression.
Ryo smiled, slightly impressed and amused in the same time for the younger’s enthusiasm. “Thank you for your words, I’m really grateful.” He said, also bowing his head a little with a small smile on his lips.
“What about me?!” Jin suddenly asked, pouting and feeling like he was the stranger among his friends.
Kazuya looked at Jin as if he just realized the actor was there too. He smiled to him and said with a polite tone: “You’re the important actor of our movie.”
“Yeah, like that makes me feel better.” Jin mumbled, still annoyed that Kazuya seemed so happy to meet Ryo while he had been bickering all the time with Jin. Another waiter came with Yamapi’s food and Jin’s wine, the actor taking the latter and pouring a glass for each of them.
“I thought you don’t like wine because it makes you sick.” Yamapi raised an eyebrow at him but Jin just shrugged.
“It’s Italian.” He said as if it explained everything and gulped down the glass, pouring another after.
That’s when Kazuya snatched his glass and set it further away from Jin’s reach. He looked scolding at the older. “You have shooting after this, you can’t drink.” He replied, his voice humble. “Even more the less if it makes you sick.”
“Yes, Mom.” Jin rolled his eyes but he listened to Kazuya and didn’t try to steal the glass from the younger. His friends started chuckling and Jin glared at them, daring them to comment on his behavior. Which, of course, Ryo did.
“Since when you’re so well-behaved?” he asked, mocking Jin and making him pout again.
“Yeah, somehow, it’s like it’s a new Jin.” Yamapi joined the fun in teasing their friend. “Did the Americans brainwash you?” he asked concerned, bringing his hand to Jin’s face to search it carefully but the actor slapped it away. “Or maybe Kame-chan has something to do with it?” he added on an excited tone. At this remark, the younger frowned a bit, wondering about the meaning behind it. Did Jin’s friends know about the actor being gay too?!
“Leave me alone!” Jin sulked, grabbing another bite and stuffing his mouth with food, resembling a child who got punished for something he didn’t do.
“Well, at least this hasn’t changed.” Ryo stated, looking at his friend who was now trying to ignore them.
Kazuya watched the scene in front of him with amusement, suppressing the chuckle he almost let out when Ryo implied that Jin was usually pigging when food was around. He then turned to Ryo and with an excited voice, he tried to talk with him.
“Nishikido-san…” he began, looking all flustered. “Your new movie is about to come out in a couple of days. I reckon it’s going to be another resonating success.” He smiled, genuinely believing what he was saying. “I’ll definitely go to its premiere.” Kazuya added like there wasn’t another greater honor than to attend one of Nishikido Ryo’s movies. Well, to Kazuya it wasn’t. The man was a treasure for Japan’s cinematography and since Kazuya worked in this industry, he had polished himself with the man’s movies, he had breathed them daily and still did it.
“Ryo, you have a new movie?” Jin answered instead of him, his eyes sparkling like a child’s. “It’s been so long since I last saw a movie produced by you.” He continued dreamily, not hiding the fact that he was also a fan of Ryo’s work. After all, the man was very good at his job and Jin was a person who knew how to respect such people - even if it was kind of invisible due to the fact that Ryo was also one of his best friends.
“I finished filming last week.” Ryo added, smiling brightly because his food has also been brought and now he could eat with the others. “But, God, it’s been a nightmare.” He complained after, taking one huge bit of his food and munching on it.
“When it isn’t?” Yamapi commented with a chuckle.
“When it’s the premiere? Maybe we can all go to it.” Jin proposed, remembering that it was something they used to do when they were all small and not famous at all. Things had changed so much in just five years, but inside they were still the same dorky kids that loved to hang out with each other.
And now Kazuya felt excluded. He could only stay there and watched how the three of them chatted happily showing their friendship and strong bond. He might feel envy if it wasn’t for the bitter feeling of being cast aside so easily and without a second glance. No, he wasn’t blaming anyone, it was… just destiny. His destiny to be around famous people and have nothing in common with them. Just a begging dog which had to wag his tail in order to get a piece of attention. Kazuya sighed to himself and took another sip of his glass of water. He wasn’t going to eat anything even if his stomach was making funny noises, fortunately, only for him to notice or hear.
“In a few days.” Ryo replied and smiled, feeling a little smug about his accomplishment. “I’ll reserve you some spots, but be there on time, please!” he emphasized the last word, straightly looking at Jin now. “It’s at eight o’clock and don’t you dare forget.” He then threatened, knowing that there are slight chances of Jin showing up on time.
“Don’t worry!” Jin responded with a confident air. “At eight sharp, me, Kame and Pi will be there to support you!” he added, bouncing on his chair, already looking forward to spend the night with his friends. After all, it’s been too long since he last saw them and even if they talked everyday on the phone… it wasn’t the same.
“Oh, no!” Kazuya suddenly said, looking flustered from each one of them. “I’m going with my brother and we have already bought tickets…” he muttered as he lowered his head under the three gazes of the men in front of him.
“I would really love it if you’d accept my invitation.” Ryo said with a gentle voice, looking at Kazuya. “Well, more like Jin’s.” he added as an afterthought at which Jin grinned. “Nevertheless, I would be happy to see you there as my guest, you and your brother too.”
“And then we can all go and get drunk after!” Jin cheered happily, throwing his fist in the air with a goofy smile.
“My brother is underage.” He shot a glance at Jin before turning to Ryo. His heart was thumping loudly as if he couldn’t believe what he heard. “I, I - ” Kazuya stuttered, not really knowing what to say. He would love to join Ryo and his friends, but he wasn’t sure if he should accept it so easily.
“Then he can go home and you’ll come with us.” Jin countered quickly, even if he wouldn’t have had any problem with bringing Kazuya’s brother too, but he had a feeling that Kazuya would snap if he said that so he wisely chose to shut up this time.
Kazuya closed his eyes as if praying for patience, then he looked only at Jin. “Although I would love to join you all for a drinking party, I’m afraid I can’t leave my brother alone at night. I have responsibilities, Akanishi-san, and I can’t simply cast them aside for just a night of fun.” And now Kazuya could simply walk into the nearest river and drown himself because he had scolded his star in front of his friends, in front of his most admired movie director.
“Then we’ll take him home!” Jin replied exasperated, rolling his eyes with an exaggerated move while his two friends started laughing. It was kind of fun to see someone with whom Jin couldn’t do what he wanted and it also seemed that Kazuya was a very interesting person to have the gut and do something like this.
“Who did you say you were?” Ryo asked, only now remembering that he didn’t know what was Kazuya doing there, with them, because the younger never got the chance to reply to his question.
Kazuya wanted to reply something back to Jin but Ryo interfered and he almost felt like hiding under the table. He bit onto his lower lip as he lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I am Kamenashi Kazuya, assistant of Director Matsumoto Jun. I’m currently assigned to Akanishi-san for the time while we’re doing a movie.” He lifted his head and gave a soft and low chuckle. “I’m sorry, I’m no one important nor friend of Akanishi-san.” He looked apologetic and in the same time, pitiful. If Kazuya knew this, then he would have hid this expression in the immediate moment.
“Now here’s one sad little child.” Yamapi joked, patting Kazuya on his shoulder.
“It doesn’t mean that you’re not important if you’re just a simple assistant.” Ryo added to support the younger, also patting his shoulder.
“He’s not just a simple assistant!” Jin denied immediately, a burning flame in his eyes. “He’s an assistant that refuses to be my friend and I don’t even know why!” he whined to his friends but they only laughed of his misery.
“I told you earlier why.” Kazuya replied slowly, finding it easier to talk back to Jin than to look at Yamapi or Ryo and their sympathetic looks. “And we should go back in fifteen minutes.” He then added as he checked silently on his watch.
“And I still don’t understand why. You’re judging me just because I’m an actor and you’re my assistant.” Jin accused Kazuya and that was when Ryo and Yamapi decided that they need to do something and stop Jin’s big mouth. They knew how the actor can be and why he couldn’t get why was Kazuya refusing, because he never believed in positions and keeping your distance from someone just because he’s somewhere higher than you. For him, it was natural to be Kazuya’s friend if they were to spend the following three months together.
“And are you planning to eat all that in only fifteen minutes?” Ryo asked the younger, pointing to the food spread in front of him, and completely ignored Jin who chose to sulk again because of this.
“Don’t be shy, Jin is paying for all of us!” Yamapi chirped happily.
“For you two too?” Jin asked, cocking an eyebrow at his two friends.
“You’re the jerk who left for five years.” Ryo replied without even looking at Jin and still staring at Kazuya.
“No, I’m not eating.” Kazuya replied and his cheeks colored again.
“And why is that?” Ryo asked, curious about his reason.
Kazuya bit the inside of cheek, trying to find the best answer. “Erm… because I didn’t pay for it.” He answered looking straight into Ryo’s eyes like wanting to say that he didn’t accept treats from other persons, especially his superiors.
“So? It’s not like we are going to pay for it too.” Yamapi shrugged and took one Mini Quiche Appetizers to bring it in front of Kazuya’s mouth, planning to feed him if the younger would still resist.
“Don’t be shy and accept the food.” Ryo added with a kind smile, trying to encourage the younger.
Kazuya looked from Yamapi to Ryo, not really understanding why Jin and his friends were trying to force him to eat if he didn’t want. If it had been him, Kazuya would have definitely overlooked and said nothing, letting the other person do as he pleases. Pouting a little, glaring at Jin - as if it was his fault - and then looking with puppy eyes at Yamapi and Ryo, Kazuya took the appetizer and chewed on it slowly. He closed his eyes appreciatively, enjoying the rich taste and the way it melted in his mouth, making him crave for more. But he wasn’t going to, so he opened his eyes and gave a little bow, still chewing the food.
“And that’s all?” Jin asked, raising an eyebrow, his face saying that he was expecting something more. They had only ten minutes now, right? The younger had to hurry up a little if he wanted to have his lunch or he’ll miss the chance to eat.
“Yeah, it’s okay. Thank you very much.” Kazuya said and thought of getting a lunch box later. He considered this just a small snack. “I have to go to the bathroom now, so, if you’ll excuse me…” he said and rose from his chair.
“He really makes me mad.” Jin commented as Kazuya was leaving, making sure that the younger is hearing him and watching him taking the food and starting to eat it by himself. It’s not like he’ll waste such a good food.
“You know, it must be your fault too.” Yamapi said with a knowing smile. “You must have done something which triggered this behavior towards you.”
“I didn’t do anything!” Jin quickly defended himself. “Anything more than I usually do, that is.” He added as an afterthought. But he was always like this and people still liked him in the end, realizing that even if he is smug and arrogant and all of that, he’s also a good friend and a fun person to hang out with. He didn’t get why it wasn’t the same with Kazuya too.
“Just try to act nice with him.” Yamapi suggested. “He’s a nice person from what I’ve seen and he has treated us with respect.”
“Yeah, you and Ryo. Not me.”
“Then just forget about it!” Ryo rolled his eyes, not really getting why was Jin so obsessed with this kid. He didn’t have anything special and he wasn’t some kind of woman which Jin wanted to have in his bed. So why was the actor so set to have Kazuya as his friend?!
“I can’t.” Jin mumbled with a sour voice. “I like him and I want to be his friend.” He confessed, aware of the fact that even he didn’t know the reason behind his weird behavior. Luckily for him, Yamapi and Ryo decided to let it go and talked about something else until Kazuya returned, now half of the younger’s food eaten by Jin - occasionally by his friends too.
“Sorry for waiting.” Kazuya came back and smiled a bit awkward. He had talked with his brother who called him because of his school’s fees. It had touched a sensitive string in Kazuya that talk, but he had promised to give the money as soon as possible. That meant that he had to go to the school and ask for a little time…
“Akanishi-san, if you’re ready, we can go now…” he said and looked at Jin.
“Yeah, yeah.” The other one growled, half-annoyed and half-wondering when he became such obedient with Kazuya, and sat up, looking expectantly at his friends. “I’ll see you guys tonight, right?”
“Tonight at your place?” Ryo asked, being the only one who didn’t know about their plans to hang out and tell stories about the time they have lost.
“At ten p.m.” Jin answered with a grin and made a peace sign, turning his back on them and leaving his friends to follow Kazuya.
He still had some work to do and Jin had a feeling that this day won’t end as quickly as he wanted it to. Especially not when Kazuya was still acting so cold with him. He sighed, but decided that… well, that it wasn’t that bad. Not if he was still able to see Kazuya’s round ass swaying in front of his eyes. Of course, he’ll never admit this, not even to himself. Denial was a bliss sometimes.