The Price of Fame - Chapter 3
Title: The Price of Fame
Author: hanez
Genre: Angst
Theme: Celebrity Jin / High School Student Kazuya
Rating: PG
Summary: Kazuya is a third year high school student, and is a great fan of Akanishi Jin, Japan's most popular and hottest male singer, who is cool but cold on the outside. His appearance is simply a facade, wanting to please the high expectation of fans. Deep down inside, Jin was a lonely young man, who lacked of love. Kazuya's one wish is to meet his idol one day, and when he was given the chance, he had fallen for him hard, getting himself involve into a world so different from his.
~``~
That day, they did not exchange any words. Everything was uncovered in silence, just by gazing deeply into one another, almost as if the pair of eyes was a see through to one’s past.
Jin's eyes were full of sorrow and sadness. So much that Kazuya starts to comprehend how a good-looking and successful man like him was missing his happiness. It was true then, that money and fame brought to the sacrifice of that one important thing.
He's singing with all his heart but he's not happy, the smile he flashed does not reach to his face, it was as if he was forcing a smile he had not wanted to. Smile from the bottom of your heart, and not because you had to, for you would only give out a false personality to your fans.
It was just a smile, just a smile, you would say. But for us fans, it meant more than anything else.
Jin had given the teenager money for a cab ride home, stating that it was dangerous if he were to travel by other means of transport. He placed some cash into Kazuya's pocket, hailing a cab soon after, pushing the dumbfounded boy into the vehicle. Not even a chance did Jin allowed Kazuya to make a decision of his own, as everything happened too quickly for him to retort.
Akanishi Jin kept his gaze locked to that one particular cab until it was gone from his sight. With a mixed feeling, he called up his driver to pick him up. Only his driver, his staffs at the mansion, and one Kamenashi Kazuya knew where he lived.
He knew the name of the young boy, but other than that, he knew nothing at all.
~``~
The Tokyo Dome Concert had just ended. Kazuya was completely thrilled being able to watch his idol perform that close. It was too much like a dream come true furthermore the ticket was a gift by Akanishi Jin himself. Not like other fans, he could only afford to purchase a fan merchandise of Jin. Kazuya did not want to misuse the pocket money his parents gave him therefore buying just one item with his own savings was more than enough.
He closed his eyes when he heard Akanishi Jin singing his favourite ballad song. His voice was melodious, with the rhythm flew beautifully together as one. It was as if Jin was alone in this Dome, the spotlight shone on him was the only source of light in this spacious Concert venue.
Singing for someone, the lyrics graciously moving by itself, is more meaningful than singing aimlessly, with no purpose of direction. The beauty of a song can then be recognised.
The moment Kazuya fluttered his eyes open, he found Akanishi Jin's brown orbs staring at him. Not knowing what to do, he simply waved the uchiwa he was holding at him and flashed one large happy smile. Kazuya was grateful at being given a chance to attend his idol's concert, even if this would probably be his first and his last.
Just for that one song, Akanishi Jin had sang with full of power and ... feeling.
~``~
Jin didn't know why but since the last meeting with the younger boy, he could not get him out of his mind. His thoughts were constantly of him, intimidated by his strong determination. Not hearing anything from the latter caused him to feel worried.
He heaved out a sigh, realising that he had reveal a little of himself to a stranger. He too could not help but feel a change in him. The emotions he thought had died were slowly coming back to him.
Kamenashi Kazuya. 17 - Turning 18 this year.
The boy had barged into his life without any warning, challenging that he knew the truth from the glitz and glamour of his career. He was just a young teenager who was completely oblivious on the hardships of the real world.
He knew nothing at all!
But after that encounter, perhaps a friend would not be bad after all, as long as he kept a safe distance.
~``~
Kazuya was alone in his house since his family members had gone out for shopping. He had given a reasonable explanation to them, saying that he had wanted to study for his common test. That was the truth besides not in the mood to leave the house. He was too anxious for that particular test. He needed to score well constantly to be accepted in a university.
He was busy with his studying when the doorbell rang. He raised his eyebrows in suspicion, thinking that his family members couldn't have done shopping in just a short moment of time. Nevertheless, Kazuya got up lazily and answered the door.
“Yes?” He gazed up at his visitor, shocked to see a familiar disguised celebrity standing in front of him, what more on his doorsteps. He froze on the spot as he stared clueless at Akanishi Jin, totally not expecting him of all people.
“Can I come in?” Jin whispered, not able to meet the gaze of the boy. It was wrong of him to find Kazuya's whereabouts by backhanded methods, of which he had instructed his private investigator to search for information. But to think of it, there was no other way.
Kazuya nodded, instantly recovering himself from the shock. Leading Jin to the living room, he could not help but ask, “How did you know where I live?” To his knowledge, he had not given the singer his contact number, not even his address.
“I'm sorry.” That was the only thing Jin could provide him an answer, feeling quite ashamed of himself. He had never done something like this, being desperate to search for information on someone.
Understanding the awkwardness forming in the other, Kazuya decided not to pursue the issue. Giving out a nod, he excused himself to the kitchen to prepare tea for his guest.
Being alone in the living room, Jin scanned the place intently. It was much smaller compared to his mansion but putting the branded furniture and materials aside, he would very much preferred a cosy home like this. His was large but filled with loneliness.
“Sorry for waiting.” Kazuya knelt down, pouring tea into the cup he had set on the table, his every movement being watched by Jin with clear interest. “Help yourself.” Kazuya invited, sitting across him, the tray situated on his laps.
“You made this yourself?” Jin asked, sipping the tea. It may not be a branded type of tea but it tasted good. A self-made tea tastes different yet homely, it couldn't be compared to those from machines or packed ones. Receiving a nod from Kazuya, he responds, “It's nice. I don't even know how to make tea. Everything is being prepared for me.” He flashed him a sad look.
Kazuya nodded in assurance before his face lights up in excitement, suddenly coming up with a great idea to make the other feel better. “Then I'll teach you!” He shot up to his feet in happiness, both his hands situated to his waist.
“What?” Jin was taken aback by that, not really understanding what Kazuya had meant by that. Therefore he had not moved an inch at all.
“You said you didn't know how to make tea, right? Or maybe you know, but you just didn't have the time? Whatever it is, I'll teach you again! It's so easy, I tell you!” Kazuya exclaimed, noticing that the latter was feeling uneasy, he held him by his hand and guided him to the kitchen.
“Come on!”
In the end, not only Kazuya taught him how to prepare tea, but several other drinks as well. At that moment, smile and laughter filled the kitchen, as the two were enjoying themselves. That was perhaps the first time that Jin had smiled genuinely without any wariness, and Kazuya was the one to witness it.
He had a beautiful smile, just like I had imagined it would be.
~``~
“Which one is your room?” Jin asked the moment they walked out of the kitchen an hour later. He scanned the brown doors curiously, walking towards the one Kazuya had pointed to, turning the doorknob instantly. A simple, yet neat bedroom came into view.
“It's not as big as your guest room though. Like you see, it's relatively small.” He flashed a shy smile, and climbed up his bed, hugging his pillow close to his chest. He watched every movements of the singer, suddenly realising that it was Akanishi Jin in his bedroom, which would have been the dream of every fans of his.
Kazuya should have squealed with happiness the moment his idol appeared on his doorsteps out of nowhere. It was weird but he did not feel awkward being around the elder man, instead he felt content. Perhaps the reason why Kazuya was calm was that he did not treat Akanishi Jin as a celebrity, but as a normal human being ... and as a friend.
Amongst the books on the table, Jin picked up his album, and smiled. “You're really different compared to the other fans. They would have owned lots of merchandise of me in their home.” He turned to face the young boy.
“I couldn't afford them. Even if I have savings, it'd be more useful to use them for future studies. Besides, owning your album is more than enough. It's better than owning nothing at all.” Kazuya explained, his lips curved into a smile. His expression tells everything.
With that, Jin couldn't help but agree at that sentence. There are things that you could not own but being grateful to what you have is truly a great feeling. Coming here, Kazuya had taught him something precious.
Be appreciative of what you have, you might never know when it'll be gone.
It can be today, tomorrow, or in the near future.
~``~
He halted at the entrance door causing Kazuya to bump into his back, letting out one small gasp at the impact. Jin turned, and bent down a little to meet the boy's eyes level. He smiled earnestly before pulling him into a friendly embrace. Kazuya blinked, not expecting such a reaction from him, but did not push him away.
“Thank you for everything ... today.”
Kazuya merely nodded. He did not understand why his heart is beating rapidly, his cheeks felt so hot being in such a close proximity with the other. Closing his eyes, he wished this moment could last a while longer.
~``~
Alone in his bedroom, Akanishi Jin was busy humming to his new melody, writing the notes down on a piece of paper whilst strumming his guitar. The lyrics would come later. For the first time in his two years of becoming a famous celebrity, did he felt as inspirational as the present time.
He starts to understand the real meaning of a song, all through the meeting with Kazuya. They were neither friends nor lovers, but they have something that brings them together.
Their existing bond.
~``~
Classes had just ended for Kazuya, but he remained seated, his mind in a dreamy state. Everything seemed like a dream to him. Meeting Akanishi Jin, attending his concert, chatting and laughing with him and then that unexpected hug initiated by the idol himself. Kazuya had blushed furiously but at the same time his heart beats with excitement, unable to deny that he had enjoyed the moment.
What is this feeling?
He laid his head on his desk, grinning happily.
~``~
On the way to the convenience store, Kazuya suddenly jerked forward when he felt a vibration in his jeans pocket, a familiar ring tone began playing. He was too caught up in his thoughts to realise his surroundings, and as a result of that, he got a fright. “Hello?” Kazuya quickly answered, patiently waiting for a response from the other line.
“It's me.”
Kazuya's eyes widened at the voice, not mistaking it to be Akanishi Jin's. He did not remember giving his phone number to him so how was he able to ...
“I'm sorry.” Jin interrupted his train of thoughts and continued, “ The other day at your house, I missed call my number using your cell phone when you weren't looking so I kind of have your contact in my memory. I apologise for being rude.” He bowed, even though he knew Kazuya couldn't see.
The shock in Kazuya slowly faded away, as he replied, “It's alright. But you know ... you could have just asked. I'll be glad to give you my phone number.” The last sentence was a whisper with Kazuya fanning himself, suddenly feeling hot.
“I guess my hands just reacted instinctively, miscalling my own number when I saw your phone. Weird, isn't it?” Jin chuckled, he felt safe just simply chatting with the young man. There was a short silence before he spoke again, “Do you want to spend some time at my house?”
“Yes.” Kazuya whispered at once, finding it hard to believe what the other had asked of him. His lips moved on its own, agreeing immediately. In this moment, he reacted as his heart had commanded, and not his mind.
“Where are you now? I'll get my driver to pick you up, with a different car, of course.”
His original intention of purchasing some necessities was soon forgotten as he provided the singer with all the details.
~``~
The entrance door opened revealing Kazuya, who stepped inside the mansion rather guardedly, bowing to the man who stood by the door in elegance posture. He bit his lip, simply standing by the side, suddenly feeling out of place. The moment he saw Akanishi Jin walking down the staircase, his awkwardness vanished.
A smile soon lifted on Kazuya's face.
~``~
“I've got a new song composition. Do you want to hear it?” Receiving a good response from the younger one, Jin began playing his guitar, fallen deep into concentration. Kazuya, on the other hand, simply listened, mesmerised by the beauty of the song.
“It's so beautiful.” He praised when the song was completed, looking at Jin in awe. All of his songs were superb and well composed, what more this particular new song that he had just composed. There were no other suitable words to express his feelings right now. He felt so touched that a single tear fell down to his cheeks.
“What's wrong? You're crying.” Jin was surprised to see the tear shed on his newly made friend. Did his music have such a big effect to the person listening to it? So much that it would bring tears ...
“Nothing, it's just ... your song ... is so beautiful ...” The teenager sniffed.
Jin smiled, the image of the younger boy in tears looked so serene. Without any hesitation, he sat beside Kazuya on the bed and pulled him into an embrace, patting him lightly on the head. He whispered out a soft thank you.
At that moment, Kazuya finally realised the weird feeling in his heart.
It's love.
~``~
Author’s Note: This chapter was done rather quickly because I typed them at work last Thursday, the day I returned to work after 2 days of MC. The following two days I basically did nothing so typed chapter 3 during work, while listening to music (using earpiece of course). I did my checking and editing so that took some time. Don’t expect Chapter 4 to be out so soon as this coz I’ll be very busy since it’s the last 3 weeks for my school internship. I still have the report to do. Like I said, updates will be slow, but will surely be updated. Not to worry.