Never Alone [Chapter 1]
Title: Never Alone
Chapter title: Our Souls
Author: heiseiera (me ^^)
Rating: PG (?)(/T) w00t, I have no idea xD
Pairings: Slight YamaChii, slight YamaJimaChii, later on YutoxOC, YamadaxChinenxOC, YamaChii (very complicated relationship there..)
Notes: This story started as an YamaChii oneshot..but somehow ended up with another chapter..may be kinda OOC sometimes..I'm still not used yet.
Two years had it been since their group had been formed. Two whole years and it yet seemed like it was yesterday they announced it to the world.
It wasn't as they didn't knew each other from before back then but now everyone seemed to be so much closer. They didn't only stick with one person, they were able to really enjoy themselves as a whole group now.
The only thing they missed was being able to be the whole group in public.
They couldn't go to amusement parks because of the crowds.
They couldn't go and shop because of the crowds.
They couldn't do anything because of the crowds.
But still..they were connected.
Connected by their souls.
The photo shooting for the upcoming magazine didn't take long this time. The theme was 'autumn' and 'school'.
Takaki Yuya was the only one of the members of BEST that actually had been looking forward for the shooting. Maybe it was because he had the chance to let his childish side out?
"Ne Yuuyan?" A little voice asked and poked Yuya on his arm.
"What is it Chinen?"
"Care to help me get my bag down?" Yuuri did his most adorable puppy face as Yuya only smiled.
"Of course I can. Did the staff put it too high again?"
"Un~!" A contented Yuuri replied.
They walked to the dressing room and when they entered it they saw Ryosuke sitting in the sofa and the bag was standing on the floor beside him.
"Is that my bag Yama-chan~?" Yuuri asked out of curiosity. They all had similar bags and the only thing that made them look different was that they had their names written on it.
"It is." Ryosuke answered. "I saw it up there when I looked for my bag and thought I might as well take it down for you."
"Thanks a lot Yama-chan!" Yuuri said and smiled broadly. He walked over to Ryosuke and lifted the bag up from the floor. Yuya walked out of the dressing room saying something about 'disturbing the moment'.
"You're welcome." Ryosuke replied and smiled back. "Although, I am missing my own bag, have you seen it?"
"It must have been the one I had in my locker then..they must have switched our bags." Yuuri replied and got a thoughtful look on his face.
"I see..can I go and get it?"
"Of course you can." Yuuri replied and took out the locker keys from his pocket. "Here's the key."
"Thanks." The slightly older boy took the keys and walked out of the room in the direction to the lockers. He didn't notice the stare he received from the younger boy.
A unique stare of affection. Through the years of friendship, something had started to grow within the little boy. It wasn't until the recently posted polls he finally realized it. He had always treated Ryosuke different.
During their time as the former Hey! Say! 7 they were talking a lot more than they do now. Even though they actually got time when doing their job as NYC Boys, but that time is over. Recently everyone had been busy with the photo shooting and the interviews for the upcoming magazine which was going to have an extra large Hey! Say! JUMP special.
Before he could think anymore of that, Ryosuke entered the room with bag hanging on his right shoulder.
"You were right. They had switched our bags." He said as he started to search through his bag.
"Yeah~ there's no way they would purposely place my bag up there." Yuuri said and pointed at the shelter which wasn't very high up for a normal length human, but for Yuuri it was high up.
"You're right.." Ryosuke laughed. "There's also no way that you would ever reach it then."
Yuuri laughed along but was a bit sad to hear that Ryosuke had pointed out his height. He couldn't do anything about his height. Sure, he had grown about 10 centimetres since they debuted but unfortunately the other members as well grew up and got taller, so the difference in his height didn't show as much as it would have done. After these two years he was used to be the shortest and smallest member and it seemed to be that way. His nickname was only a use for his skills. 'The little giant' was only a name he got because his skills even though he was smaller than everybody. Was he really proud of that? The only thing he was really proud of was his cute face.
"What are you thinking about Chii?" Ryosuke asked and waved his hand in front of Yuuri's face.
"Ah~! Nothing really..!" Yuuri tried to assure him but it didn't work on the older boy.
"You spaced out. You always do that when you're thinking hard on something.." Ryosuke said and raised an eyebrow. "What were you thinking on?"
"It's really nothing Yama-chan.." Yuuri said and smiled his cutest smile. "I was only thinking on how great Yama-chan did today!"
Ryosuke didn't catch that lie but left it as it was and sighed.
"If you say so..thanks, you did well too."
Yuuri smiled a contented smile of winning this discussion which could have led to revealing his hidden feelings for the older boy.
That day would come when he would tell his current best friend the truth but for now..he let it be as it always has been.
"I'll be waiting for outside Chii." Ryosuke said and waved Yuuri a 'see you later' as he nodded and started to search in his bag for his spare clothes and his hat. He didn't like the hat very much, but it was required by Johnny if they were outside. The hat made him feel smaller because it covered too much of his face. Actually..the hat didn't do much for a disguise..people recognized him because of his behaviour and height. No normal teenager almost at the age of 16 would go with some brand new brand clothes and a big hat on his head..especially not when you're in the height of 156 cm.
Yuuri sighed as he found his white T-shirt and his black cargo pants, but the hat was nowhere to seen.
"Have I forgotten it?" He asked himself and searched in the bag once again to make sure he didn't miss it in all confusion but no, it was no hat in sight.
Yuuri didn't know if he was either happy or annoyed.
"Might as well try to survive without it.." He finally said after changing his clothes and packed his bag and walked to the entrance where Ryosuke and Yuto stood and talked.
If sparkles could have been seen, it would have been sparkling out of Ryosuke's eyes. He had a unique way of looking at people, you'd never know when his cold glare comes or if it is the very curious look that's shown.
Without noticing it, Yuuri started to drown in the sea of Ryosuke's eyes but was soon awake after a friendly slap on his back from no one other than the youngest member in the group - Morimoto Ryutaro.
"What's up Chinen?" He asked cheerfully and smiled.
"Uh..nothing really..! I was about to go to Yama-chan and Yuto-kun." Yuuri replied.
"I see..well, tell them I said 'hi'!" Ryutaro said. "I have to fetch my brother."
Morimoto Shintaro, the younger brother of Ryutaro and a younger version of Ryutaro too whose career is going upstairs every day.
"I will, take care!" Yuuri replied and waved him off as he walked over to Ryosuke and Yuto.
"Hello Chii~!" Yuto greeted happily. "How're you doing..? Oh wait, something is missing..?"
"Hello Yuto-kun, I'm fine thanks and yes something is missing." Yuuri replied in one breath to not let Yuto ask questions between his answers.
"Your hat." Ryosuke pointed out. "You don't have it on you."
"It seems like I have forgotten it." Yuuri said and sighed. "Johnny-san is going to kill me if he gets to know this.."
"Don't worry Chii~!" Yuto exclaimed. "We're still here for you!"
"That really encourages me..thanks.." Yuuri replied sarcastically.
"I don't think he would kill you..if he does..he's one member short.." Ryosuke pointed out.
"You're right." Yuuri said and smiled. Every encouraging word from Ryosuke did Yuuri took to his heart. It was as if only his words could make him believe.
"Shall we go then?" Yuto asked and started to walk as the others followed him. "We can take another route and drop you off first if you want Chii.."
"No, it's no problem!" Yuuri assured him. "I can walk alone, I'm fine with that!"
"I'll go with him." Ryosuke said. "You're doing fine without me?"
"Of course." Yuto replied and winked. "I'm not the Yuto-man without a reason!"
"Since when did you became 'the Yuto-man' ?" Yuuri asked and raised an eyebrow.
"Since now." Yuto replied and smiled goofily.
"We take the side street while you take the main street Yuto-kun." Ryosuke said and pointed at the almost empty street. "It will draw less attention to us."
"I know, see you in school tomorrow then?" Yuto asked and waved them off.
"Of course, take care!" Both Ryosuke and Yuuri replied before they started to walk towards the almost empty street.
They had been walking in silence for about four minutes when five older and taller guys appeared in front of them.
"Well well..what do we have here?" The tallest one of them asked and looked at Ryosuke and Yuuri. "Two brats that think they own the street because they think they have a good fashion sense huh?"
"I think I also think that I see something that should be here Abunai-sama." The skinniest one of them said.
For some reason, none of the younger boys did move or say anything.
"Are you deaf also?" The tallest, called Abunai, asked.
"Why don't we just finish them off and walk on?" A tattooed guy pointed out and a sound of metal against the stone wall could be heard.
A knife maybe?
"Whatever they do..Yama-chan..don't think on me." Yuuri suddenly whispered to Ryosuke. Why should they have the luck to meet these guys after a successful photo shooting?
"Whatever you do Chii..don't ever try to make me to not think of you." Ryosuke hissed as he watched the older guys carefully. "If I have to, I'll take the blow."
Yuuri's eyes went wide as he saw the serious look in Ryosuke's eyes.
"Shall we start with the girl?" One of them said before Yuuri could reply and both Ryosuke and Yuuri raised their eyebrows. Girl?
Yuuri fiddled with his hair and noticed that it almost reached his shoulder when he didn't wear his hat on while Ryosuke's was styled in a very masculine way..but at the same time..very childish..
He frowned at the thought that he was the one to be mistaken as a girl but the thoughts didn't last long. Two of the guys had started to walk forward and had a evil smirk on their faces.
"Why don't you just let her go and let the older ones have their fun?"
"If you do that, you're not going to end up so bad.." The other one said and was about to reach out and touch Yuuri's arm when Ryosuke slapped it away.
"Don't. Touch." He hissed and glared at the guy but it didn't seem to work as he only smirked.
"You're going to be over protective now?"
"I guess I am." Ryosuke taunted and Yuuri only stared at Ryosuke. Could it be that he actually cared..more than it looked like?
The older boy of the two glanced back and watched Yuuri's face filled with fear, or so was it what he thought it was. Yuuri was more shocked than afraid. Here he thought that Ryosuke didn't see him more than a simple friend. Of course, a friend would also help you out in this kind of situation but he wasn't totally helpless. He was a guy after all…even if these stupid jerks didn't see that…
"You have a pretty nice face.." Abunai said and smirked. "Such a waste if we would ruin it.."
Yuuri's widened even more when he saw that Abunai was serious of beating..or doing whatever to Ryosuke.
"Yama-chan..don't.." Yuuri pleaded and nudged Ryosuke's arm.
"I'm not going to do anything…as long they don't do anything.." Ryosuke said and gritted his teeth.
"Little girl, why don't you dump your boyfriend and come over here?" A guy in the back rows shouted. "We're going to take better care of you!"
Yuuri tried not to yell at them of being wrong about his gender because he didn't want to add more problems to the scene. As he was about to answer he saw that the guarding body of Ryosuke disappeared from his sight and instead he saw an evil smirk instead. Yuuri quickly turned his gaze from the smirk to the boy who laid on the ground and tried to get up from the sudden attack but the other guys came and held him down as Abunai only smirked more.
"Don't. Touch." Ryosuke hissed again and glared at Abunai.
"Don't talk!" The tattooed guy said and slapped him. Thank God that he didn't use his knife..
Abunai still smirked as he leaned towards the shocked boy who only had one thing in his mind. Yuuri could almost feel the older guys breath when a punch came out of nowhere.
"Haven't your mothers told you to not pick a fight with younger boys?" Hikaru's voice echoed in the empty street.
"Hikaru-kun!" Yuuri exclaimed.
"What's up with that face Yamada?" Hikaru teased Ryosuke.
"Heh.." Ryosuke said and smirked as he fought himself away from the guys but unfortunately the tattooed guys knife scratched him on his arm and it started to bleed. "I was just about to let the fun begin.."
"You looked pretty beaten up." Hikaru laughed as Abunai made an effort to punch him but Hikaru just dodged the blow and took a hold of Abunai's shirt and held him up.
"Don't even try to.." Hikaru warned him and gave him a glare which Abunai gladly returned and smirked again.
"Are you trying to be the cool guy and save this cute little couple?"
"If you haven't noticed..they're both guys."
"WHAT?!" The guys behind Ryosuke exclaimed and looked at Yuuri with wide eyes.
"That's was a surprise.." Abunai said but didn't stop smirking. "Such a waste for the mankind.."
Yuuri caught the dirty look Abunai gave him and shivered.
"Let's move on.." Abunai said and the other guys slowly backed off and himself slowly followed as Hikaru let go of him.
There was a silence between the three of them before Ryosuke winced.
"Yama-chan! You're hurt!" Yuuri exclaimed.
"It's nothing." Ryosuke said. "Don't worry."
"Yuto called and was worried because he haven't heard anything from you guys since you parted." Hikaru said.
"So that's was why you found us." Ryosuke said.
"Of course, the older ones are supposed to take care of the younger ones."
"They surely didn't follow that.." Yuuri complained. "Yama-chan..let's go to my house and treat your wound."
"..fine.." Ryosuke said and gave up.
They walked to Yuuri's house and with the help of Yuuri's mother they treated Ryosuke's wound as much as possible.
"You have to get this wound surely looked up later Yamada-kun." She said.
"Thanks a lot Chinen-san." Ryosuke said and bowed. "I will check it later at the hospital."
"That was the least I could do.." She replied and sighed. "I can't believe how cruel they're now.."
"I agree..even though they're 16 years old, they're not even safe on the streets anymore." Hikaru said as he came back from the phone.
"Isn't it the fan girls so is it another thing.." Chinen-san complained. "I almost wish sometimes that you could quit the agency.."
"Mum!!" Yuuri exclaimed.
"It's true Yuuri, I don't want you guys to be in danger."
"I have talked to the others..and they want to have a critical meeting tonight..if it's okay.." Hikaru said and the two younger boys looked at him and Ryosuke raised an eyebrow.
"Well..I can drive you guys there.." Chinen-san said.
"Thanks mum!" Yuuri said and hugged her. "You're the best!"
"I know, I know..!" They all laughed as Chinen-san took out her keys to the car and they drove to the agency where they met the other members.
"Yama-chan! Chii!" Yuto exclaimed and hugged them both and Ryosuke winced as Yuto's sudden hug touched his arm. "Are you okay?!"
"Yeah..if you just let me go…." Ryosuke said and tried to breath Yuuri as Yuto's hug got tighter. "You're almost strangling Chii.."
"I'm sorry!! I was so worried! I shouldn't have left you alone!" Yuto said and let go of them.
"Don't worry..you wouldn't have done much in that situation.." said.
"As if you did much.." Yuto muttered and started to mumble about being too skinny for his age.
"Come on guys..Johnny-san wants to meet us now." Kota said and mentioned them to come in. Yuuri waved a good bye to his mother as they walked to Johnny's office.
"I heard you two were hurt in a accident?" Johnny asked and looked at Yuuri and Ryosuke.
"That's right." They both replied, even though Yuuri wasn't hurt physically but psychically.
"As you all know..we have encountered many accidents the last six months..and the fans are going wilder and wilder and I'm worrying about your safety."
"That's right. They're coming closer and closer to our private life." Yuya said. "The younger boys can't even go out alone anymore."
"I know..and I think this is a serious problem and I have thought of a plan..but you might not like it, but as it is now, it seems like the only option." Johnny said and looked each boy in the eyes.
"What do you have in mind Johnny-san?" Keito asked.
"We're going to split Hey! Say! JUMP."
"WHAT?!" The boys exclaimed.
"Don't get me wrong, it's not permanently, only for a time to fix things here." Johnny said and stayed calm.
"Okay…?"
"Let's see these things this way; you're going on a new tour. A worldwide tour."
"Cool!" Yuto exclaimed happily but regained his seriousness again after getting looks from the other members.
"But that's only what we say to the fans; we're saying that you're preparing for a worldwide tour and will be inactive for a time." Johnny looked at them as they nodded in agreement. "I'm going to contact your parents and tell them the truth."
"Where are we going?" Kei asked.
"To different places."
"Are we going as our subgroups or..?" Yuya asked.
"BEST is going to be as a subgroup since you all are older." Johnny replied.
"But what about us?" Ryosuke said.
"You and Chinen-kun is going outside Asia, I know it's pretty far away, but it's for your safety. You are the ones that have been most affected."
"But what about me?" Yuto asked.
"Morimoto-kun is going to stay here in Japan because he's still too young and he has his brother to think of too, Okamoto-kun is free to choose if he wants to move to England and continue his studies there or not. About you, Nakajima-kun," Johnny said and pointed at Yuto. "You is going to accompany Yamada-kun and Chinen-kun."
"I see.."
"Where are we heading to?" Yuuri asked out of curiosity.
"I have not yet decided, do you have any suggestions?"
"I would say the US, but there's a big chance that they're going to recognize us..since it's a big country..and we're not good at English either.." Yuto said.
"Why not Sweden?" Yamada suggested. "Tegomasu talked so dearly about it."
"Isn't that pretty far away?" Yuto asked.
"That's the point stupid." Yuuri said.
"Sweden would be a good place..it's not totally based on the English language and it's many people who're going there on vacations." Keito pointed out. "I also think that there are also cities that learn out Japanese."
"Are you okay with it?" Johnny asked the three of them.
"Yes, we are." They said in unison after hesitating a bit. Sweden was a country far away but as their sempais told so dearly about the country they thought that it maybe was a good idea to start over new.
"Then it's decided. I'm going to contact Sweden." Johnny said and waved them out of the office. "I call you when the departure date is ready."
"Did we make the right choice?" Yuuri asked Ryosuke when they came out of the office.
"I think we did." Ryosuke replied and sighed. "I prefer to move out from the country at the moment than face the problems we have here."
"I see.." Yuuri said and looked down.
"Don't worry, we're going to see each other someday." Kota assured him and petted him on his head. "We're going to visit you for sure."
"Yes! Don't even think that you're going to be free from us!" Yuya exclaimed with Daiki and Hikaru.
"I pray for your safety Yama-chan..Chii.." Kei said and smiled. "It's going to be fine."
"I think that too." Ryosuke said and returned the smile.
"Yosh! This is going to be fun!" Yuto exclaimed and pumped his fist in the air. "Now we just have to wait for the date!"
The others just sweat dropped as they saw his excitement over the break up.
"Tomorrow is the last rehearsal for the album." Kota said. "Be sure to be there."
The next day started good, but for Ryosuke it was quite painful after the punches and pushes he got yesterday but he managed to get himself to the rehearsal studio without any other problems.
"I'm here~" He said as he walked in to the studio and the others turned around to look at him.
"Morning Yama-chan~"
"Everyone's here?"
"I think so..if we haven't decreased to a smaller number over the night." Hikaru said.
"Okay okay, we're here everyone." Kei said and ignored him.
"Well..shall we begin the last rehearsal?" Yuya asked as the others nodded.
The album was an album that was predicted to be released in one month but as the recent problems came up, they have decided to release the album three months after they have started their "tour", to prevent the fans to gain up and crash them as they've bought the album.
The fans wouldn't be disappointed with the album, it included every single song they've done and a DVD for the two years anniversary that showed their way from their debut and to this moment when they recorded the album.
They worked with the album until lunch and managed to finish the first version of the album as they walked to the restroom and started to eat their lunch.
Many thoughts were flying around in the room as they ate in silence instead of the lively lunches they used to have.
A tension was growing stronger every minute and every one of them just waited for the announcement for when they were going to part.
A knock was heard on the door and ten heads turned their attention to the door as their manager came in.
"Hello boys." He greeted as they greeted him back. "I have some news for you."
"Is it about the tour?" Yuya asked.
"It is, just listen." He said and sighed. "Johnny-san told me that the flight to Sweden is ready in two days."
"That soon?!" Ryosuke exclaimed.
"Yes, he wanted you to go as soon as possible because you're going on a last interview tomorrow."
"I see..if we go that sudden, the fans aren't going to be able to regain their senses until we're out of the country." Yuuri mumbled to himself.
"We managed to burn the first version of the album, so we're more than pleased if you want to take it with you when you go." The manager said. "They're in the bag."
He placed a bag at the table and the boys took each one of them to themselves.
"It looks great!" Daiki exclaimed as he looked at the cover.
"We tried to make it as good as possible."
"You didn't have to.." Kei said.
"We're more than thankful for this." Yuya thanked him.
"We're going to treasure this." Ryosuke said and the others in 7 nodded.
"And also, BEST members, you're going to start your tour in South Korea in one week." The manager said and nodded to the BEST members. "Good luck with the second version."
"Thanks!"
The day went on and they managed to finish the album that day and were proud of the result. As the second version ended up being a bit better than the first version, they decided to only release the second version and have the first version as an extra version if needed, but the boy kept their copy of the first version instead of taking the second version.
As they walked out of the studio, the sun had started to set.
"Another day has ended.." Keito said and sighed. "It's going to be lonely without you guys.."
"We're going to miss you too.." The boys hugged each other in one big hug as they bid their good-byes.
"It's not as we're not going to see each other tomorrow." Yuto said and laughed.
"You're right, but you're going to be busy after the interview.." Kota said.
"How come? The interview is after lunch..?"
"Johnny-san told me when you were recording your solos that the date of the flight was false..he didn't even wanted the manager to know when you were going."
"When are we going then?" Yuuri asked.
"After the interview, so you better hurry up and say good-bye to your family and pack your things tonight."
"I see.."
"This is pretty serious right?" Ryutaro asked.
"It is..I'm sorry that we can't take you with us." Ryosuke said and petted him on the head.
"It's okay Yama-chan, someone has to take care of Shintaro.. I'm going to miss you." The younger boy said and smiled.
"We'll keep in touch right?" Daiki asked.
"Of course Dai-chan! I would never break it!" Yuto exclaimed and hugged the older boy one more time.
"Listen up guys.." Yuya said. "We're never alone."
"That's right." Hikaru continued and stretched out his hand as the others did the same. "We're always one."
"Always connected by our souls." They said in unison before they parted for the last time before the interview.
Chapter title: Our Souls
Author: heiseiera (me ^^)
Rating: PG (?)(/T) w00t, I have no idea xD
Pairings: Slight YamaChii, slight YamaJimaChii, later on YutoxOC, YamadaxChinenxOC, YamaChii (very complicated relationship there..)
Notes: This story started as an YamaChii oneshot..but somehow ended up with another chapter..may be kinda OOC sometimes..I'm still not used yet.
Two years had it been since their group had been formed. Two whole years and it yet seemed like it was yesterday they announced it to the world.
It wasn't as they didn't knew each other from before back then but now everyone seemed to be so much closer. They didn't only stick with one person, they were able to really enjoy themselves as a whole group now.
The only thing they missed was being able to be the whole group in public.
They couldn't go to amusement parks because of the crowds.
They couldn't go and shop because of the crowds.
They couldn't do anything because of the crowds.
But still..they were connected.
Connected by their souls.
The photo shooting for the upcoming magazine didn't take long this time. The theme was 'autumn' and 'school'.
Takaki Yuya was the only one of the members of BEST that actually had been looking forward for the shooting. Maybe it was because he had the chance to let his childish side out?
"Ne Yuuyan?" A little voice asked and poked Yuya on his arm.
"What is it Chinen?"
"Care to help me get my bag down?" Yuuri did his most adorable puppy face as Yuya only smiled.
"Of course I can. Did the staff put it too high again?"
"Un~!" A contented Yuuri replied.
They walked to the dressing room and when they entered it they saw Ryosuke sitting in the sofa and the bag was standing on the floor beside him.
"Is that my bag Yama-chan~?" Yuuri asked out of curiosity. They all had similar bags and the only thing that made them look different was that they had their names written on it.
"It is." Ryosuke answered. "I saw it up there when I looked for my bag and thought I might as well take it down for you."
"Thanks a lot Yama-chan!" Yuuri said and smiled broadly. He walked over to Ryosuke and lifted the bag up from the floor. Yuya walked out of the dressing room saying something about 'disturbing the moment'.
"You're welcome." Ryosuke replied and smiled back. "Although, I am missing my own bag, have you seen it?"
"It must have been the one I had in my locker then..they must have switched our bags." Yuuri replied and got a thoughtful look on his face.
"I see..can I go and get it?"
"Of course you can." Yuuri replied and took out the locker keys from his pocket. "Here's the key."
"Thanks." The slightly older boy took the keys and walked out of the room in the direction to the lockers. He didn't notice the stare he received from the younger boy.
A unique stare of affection. Through the years of friendship, something had started to grow within the little boy. It wasn't until the recently posted polls he finally realized it. He had always treated Ryosuke different.
During their time as the former Hey! Say! 7 they were talking a lot more than they do now. Even though they actually got time when doing their job as NYC Boys, but that time is over. Recently everyone had been busy with the photo shooting and the interviews for the upcoming magazine which was going to have an extra large Hey! Say! JUMP special.
Before he could think anymore of that, Ryosuke entered the room with bag hanging on his right shoulder.
"You were right. They had switched our bags." He said as he started to search through his bag.
"Yeah~ there's no way they would purposely place my bag up there." Yuuri said and pointed at the shelter which wasn't very high up for a normal length human, but for Yuuri it was high up.
"You're right.." Ryosuke laughed. "There's also no way that you would ever reach it then."
Yuuri laughed along but was a bit sad to hear that Ryosuke had pointed out his height. He couldn't do anything about his height. Sure, he had grown about 10 centimetres since they debuted but unfortunately the other members as well grew up and got taller, so the difference in his height didn't show as much as it would have done. After these two years he was used to be the shortest and smallest member and it seemed to be that way. His nickname was only a use for his skills. 'The little giant' was only a name he got because his skills even though he was smaller than everybody. Was he really proud of that? The only thing he was really proud of was his cute face.
"What are you thinking about Chii?" Ryosuke asked and waved his hand in front of Yuuri's face.
"Ah~! Nothing really..!" Yuuri tried to assure him but it didn't work on the older boy.
"You spaced out. You always do that when you're thinking hard on something.." Ryosuke said and raised an eyebrow. "What were you thinking on?"
"It's really nothing Yama-chan.." Yuuri said and smiled his cutest smile. "I was only thinking on how great Yama-chan did today!"
Ryosuke didn't catch that lie but left it as it was and sighed.
"If you say so..thanks, you did well too."
Yuuri smiled a contented smile of winning this discussion which could have led to revealing his hidden feelings for the older boy.
That day would come when he would tell his current best friend the truth but for now..he let it be as it always has been.
"I'll be waiting for outside Chii." Ryosuke said and waved Yuuri a 'see you later' as he nodded and started to search in his bag for his spare clothes and his hat. He didn't like the hat very much, but it was required by Johnny if they were outside. The hat made him feel smaller because it covered too much of his face. Actually..the hat didn't do much for a disguise..people recognized him because of his behaviour and height. No normal teenager almost at the age of 16 would go with some brand new brand clothes and a big hat on his head..especially not when you're in the height of 156 cm.
Yuuri sighed as he found his white T-shirt and his black cargo pants, but the hat was nowhere to seen.
"Have I forgotten it?" He asked himself and searched in the bag once again to make sure he didn't miss it in all confusion but no, it was no hat in sight.
Yuuri didn't know if he was either happy or annoyed.
"Might as well try to survive without it.." He finally said after changing his clothes and packed his bag and walked to the entrance where Ryosuke and Yuto stood and talked.
If sparkles could have been seen, it would have been sparkling out of Ryosuke's eyes. He had a unique way of looking at people, you'd never know when his cold glare comes or if it is the very curious look that's shown.
Without noticing it, Yuuri started to drown in the sea of Ryosuke's eyes but was soon awake after a friendly slap on his back from no one other than the youngest member in the group - Morimoto Ryutaro.
"What's up Chinen?" He asked cheerfully and smiled.
"Uh..nothing really..! I was about to go to Yama-chan and Yuto-kun." Yuuri replied.
"I see..well, tell them I said 'hi'!" Ryutaro said. "I have to fetch my brother."
Morimoto Shintaro, the younger brother of Ryutaro and a younger version of Ryutaro too whose career is going upstairs every day.
"I will, take care!" Yuuri replied and waved him off as he walked over to Ryosuke and Yuto.
"Hello Chii~!" Yuto greeted happily. "How're you doing..? Oh wait, something is missing..?"
"Hello Yuto-kun, I'm fine thanks and yes something is missing." Yuuri replied in one breath to not let Yuto ask questions between his answers.
"Your hat." Ryosuke pointed out. "You don't have it on you."
"It seems like I have forgotten it." Yuuri said and sighed. "Johnny-san is going to kill me if he gets to know this.."
"Don't worry Chii~!" Yuto exclaimed. "We're still here for you!"
"That really encourages me..thanks.." Yuuri replied sarcastically.
"I don't think he would kill you..if he does..he's one member short.." Ryosuke pointed out.
"You're right." Yuuri said and smiled. Every encouraging word from Ryosuke did Yuuri took to his heart. It was as if only his words could make him believe.
"Shall we go then?" Yuto asked and started to walk as the others followed him. "We can take another route and drop you off first if you want Chii.."
"No, it's no problem!" Yuuri assured him. "I can walk alone, I'm fine with that!"
"I'll go with him." Ryosuke said. "You're doing fine without me?"
"Of course." Yuto replied and winked. "I'm not the Yuto-man without a reason!"
"Since when did you became 'the Yuto-man' ?" Yuuri asked and raised an eyebrow.
"Since now." Yuto replied and smiled goofily.
"We take the side street while you take the main street Yuto-kun." Ryosuke said and pointed at the almost empty street. "It will draw less attention to us."
"I know, see you in school tomorrow then?" Yuto asked and waved them off.
"Of course, take care!" Both Ryosuke and Yuuri replied before they started to walk towards the almost empty street.
They had been walking in silence for about four minutes when five older and taller guys appeared in front of them.
"Well well..what do we have here?" The tallest one of them asked and looked at Ryosuke and Yuuri. "Two brats that think they own the street because they think they have a good fashion sense huh?"
"I think I also think that I see something that should be here Abunai-sama." The skinniest one of them said.
For some reason, none of the younger boys did move or say anything.
"Are you deaf also?" The tallest, called Abunai, asked.
"Why don't we just finish them off and walk on?" A tattooed guy pointed out and a sound of metal against the stone wall could be heard.
A knife maybe?
"Whatever they do..Yama-chan..don't think on me." Yuuri suddenly whispered to Ryosuke. Why should they have the luck to meet these guys after a successful photo shooting?
"Whatever you do Chii..don't ever try to make me to not think of you." Ryosuke hissed as he watched the older guys carefully. "If I have to, I'll take the blow."
Yuuri's eyes went wide as he saw the serious look in Ryosuke's eyes.
"Shall we start with the girl?" One of them said before Yuuri could reply and both Ryosuke and Yuuri raised their eyebrows. Girl?
Yuuri fiddled with his hair and noticed that it almost reached his shoulder when he didn't wear his hat on while Ryosuke's was styled in a very masculine way..but at the same time..very childish..
He frowned at the thought that he was the one to be mistaken as a girl but the thoughts didn't last long. Two of the guys had started to walk forward and had a evil smirk on their faces.
"Why don't you just let her go and let the older ones have their fun?"
"If you do that, you're not going to end up so bad.." The other one said and was about to reach out and touch Yuuri's arm when Ryosuke slapped it away.
"Don't. Touch." He hissed and glared at the guy but it didn't seem to work as he only smirked.
"You're going to be over protective now?"
"I guess I am." Ryosuke taunted and Yuuri only stared at Ryosuke. Could it be that he actually cared..more than it looked like?
The older boy of the two glanced back and watched Yuuri's face filled with fear, or so was it what he thought it was. Yuuri was more shocked than afraid. Here he thought that Ryosuke didn't see him more than a simple friend. Of course, a friend would also help you out in this kind of situation but he wasn't totally helpless. He was a guy after all…even if these stupid jerks didn't see that…
"You have a pretty nice face.." Abunai said and smirked. "Such a waste if we would ruin it.."
Yuuri's widened even more when he saw that Abunai was serious of beating..or doing whatever to Ryosuke.
"Yama-chan..don't.." Yuuri pleaded and nudged Ryosuke's arm.
"I'm not going to do anything…as long they don't do anything.." Ryosuke said and gritted his teeth.
"Little girl, why don't you dump your boyfriend and come over here?" A guy in the back rows shouted. "We're going to take better care of you!"
Yuuri tried not to yell at them of being wrong about his gender because he didn't want to add more problems to the scene. As he was about to answer he saw that the guarding body of Ryosuke disappeared from his sight and instead he saw an evil smirk instead. Yuuri quickly turned his gaze from the smirk to the boy who laid on the ground and tried to get up from the sudden attack but the other guys came and held him down as Abunai only smirked more.
"Don't. Touch." Ryosuke hissed again and glared at Abunai.
"Don't talk!" The tattooed guy said and slapped him. Thank God that he didn't use his knife..
Abunai still smirked as he leaned towards the shocked boy who only had one thing in his mind. Yuuri could almost feel the older guys breath when a punch came out of nowhere.
"Haven't your mothers told you to not pick a fight with younger boys?" Hikaru's voice echoed in the empty street.
"Hikaru-kun!" Yuuri exclaimed.
"What's up with that face Yamada?" Hikaru teased Ryosuke.
"Heh.." Ryosuke said and smirked as he fought himself away from the guys but unfortunately the tattooed guys knife scratched him on his arm and it started to bleed. "I was just about to let the fun begin.."
"You looked pretty beaten up." Hikaru laughed as Abunai made an effort to punch him but Hikaru just dodged the blow and took a hold of Abunai's shirt and held him up.
"Don't even try to.." Hikaru warned him and gave him a glare which Abunai gladly returned and smirked again.
"Are you trying to be the cool guy and save this cute little couple?"
"If you haven't noticed..they're both guys."
"WHAT?!" The guys behind Ryosuke exclaimed and looked at Yuuri with wide eyes.
"That's was a surprise.." Abunai said but didn't stop smirking. "Such a waste for the mankind.."
Yuuri caught the dirty look Abunai gave him and shivered.
"Let's move on.." Abunai said and the other guys slowly backed off and himself slowly followed as Hikaru let go of him.
There was a silence between the three of them before Ryosuke winced.
"Yama-chan! You're hurt!" Yuuri exclaimed.
"It's nothing." Ryosuke said. "Don't worry."
"Yuto called and was worried because he haven't heard anything from you guys since you parted." Hikaru said.
"So that's was why you found us." Ryosuke said.
"Of course, the older ones are supposed to take care of the younger ones."
"They surely didn't follow that.." Yuuri complained. "Yama-chan..let's go to my house and treat your wound."
"..fine.." Ryosuke said and gave up.
They walked to Yuuri's house and with the help of Yuuri's mother they treated Ryosuke's wound as much as possible.
"You have to get this wound surely looked up later Yamada-kun." She said.
"Thanks a lot Chinen-san." Ryosuke said and bowed. "I will check it later at the hospital."
"That was the least I could do.." She replied and sighed. "I can't believe how cruel they're now.."
"I agree..even though they're 16 years old, they're not even safe on the streets anymore." Hikaru said as he came back from the phone.
"Isn't it the fan girls so is it another thing.." Chinen-san complained. "I almost wish sometimes that you could quit the agency.."
"Mum!!" Yuuri exclaimed.
"It's true Yuuri, I don't want you guys to be in danger."
"I have talked to the others..and they want to have a critical meeting tonight..if it's okay.." Hikaru said and the two younger boys looked at him and Ryosuke raised an eyebrow.
"Well..I can drive you guys there.." Chinen-san said.
"Thanks mum!" Yuuri said and hugged her. "You're the best!"
"I know, I know..!" They all laughed as Chinen-san took out her keys to the car and they drove to the agency where they met the other members.
"Yama-chan! Chii!" Yuto exclaimed and hugged them both and Ryosuke winced as Yuto's sudden hug touched his arm. "Are you okay?!"
"Yeah..if you just let me go…." Ryosuke said and tried to breath Yuuri as Yuto's hug got tighter. "You're almost strangling Chii.."
"I'm sorry!! I was so worried! I shouldn't have left you alone!" Yuto said and let go of them.
"Don't worry..you wouldn't have done much in that situation.." said.
"As if you did much.." Yuto muttered and started to mumble about being too skinny for his age.
"Come on guys..Johnny-san wants to meet us now." Kota said and mentioned them to come in. Yuuri waved a good bye to his mother as they walked to Johnny's office.
"I heard you two were hurt in a accident?" Johnny asked and looked at Yuuri and Ryosuke.
"That's right." They both replied, even though Yuuri wasn't hurt physically but psychically.
"As you all know..we have encountered many accidents the last six months..and the fans are going wilder and wilder and I'm worrying about your safety."
"That's right. They're coming closer and closer to our private life." Yuya said. "The younger boys can't even go out alone anymore."
"I know..and I think this is a serious problem and I have thought of a plan..but you might not like it, but as it is now, it seems like the only option." Johnny said and looked each boy in the eyes.
"What do you have in mind Johnny-san?" Keito asked.
"We're going to split Hey! Say! JUMP."
"WHAT?!" The boys exclaimed.
"Don't get me wrong, it's not permanently, only for a time to fix things here." Johnny said and stayed calm.
"Okay…?"
"Let's see these things this way; you're going on a new tour. A worldwide tour."
"Cool!" Yuto exclaimed happily but regained his seriousness again after getting looks from the other members.
"But that's only what we say to the fans; we're saying that you're preparing for a worldwide tour and will be inactive for a time." Johnny looked at them as they nodded in agreement. "I'm going to contact your parents and tell them the truth."
"Where are we going?" Kei asked.
"To different places."
"Are we going as our subgroups or..?" Yuya asked.
"BEST is going to be as a subgroup since you all are older." Johnny replied.
"But what about us?" Ryosuke said.
"You and Chinen-kun is going outside Asia, I know it's pretty far away, but it's for your safety. You are the ones that have been most affected."
"But what about me?" Yuto asked.
"Morimoto-kun is going to stay here in Japan because he's still too young and he has his brother to think of too, Okamoto-kun is free to choose if he wants to move to England and continue his studies there or not. About you, Nakajima-kun," Johnny said and pointed at Yuto. "You is going to accompany Yamada-kun and Chinen-kun."
"I see.."
"Where are we heading to?" Yuuri asked out of curiosity.
"I have not yet decided, do you have any suggestions?"
"I would say the US, but there's a big chance that they're going to recognize us..since it's a big country..and we're not good at English either.." Yuto said.
"Why not Sweden?" Yamada suggested. "Tegomasu talked so dearly about it."
"Isn't that pretty far away?" Yuto asked.
"That's the point stupid." Yuuri said.
"Sweden would be a good place..it's not totally based on the English language and it's many people who're going there on vacations." Keito pointed out. "I also think that there are also cities that learn out Japanese."
"Are you okay with it?" Johnny asked the three of them.
"Yes, we are." They said in unison after hesitating a bit. Sweden was a country far away but as their sempais told so dearly about the country they thought that it maybe was a good idea to start over new.
"Then it's decided. I'm going to contact Sweden." Johnny said and waved them out of the office. "I call you when the departure date is ready."
"Did we make the right choice?" Yuuri asked Ryosuke when they came out of the office.
"I think we did." Ryosuke replied and sighed. "I prefer to move out from the country at the moment than face the problems we have here."
"I see.." Yuuri said and looked down.
"Don't worry, we're going to see each other someday." Kota assured him and petted him on his head. "We're going to visit you for sure."
"Yes! Don't even think that you're going to be free from us!" Yuya exclaimed with Daiki and Hikaru.
"I pray for your safety Yama-chan..Chii.." Kei said and smiled. "It's going to be fine."
"I think that too." Ryosuke said and returned the smile.
"Yosh! This is going to be fun!" Yuto exclaimed and pumped his fist in the air. "Now we just have to wait for the date!"
The others just sweat dropped as they saw his excitement over the break up.
"Tomorrow is the last rehearsal for the album." Kota said. "Be sure to be there."
The next day started good, but for Ryosuke it was quite painful after the punches and pushes he got yesterday but he managed to get himself to the rehearsal studio without any other problems.
"I'm here~" He said as he walked in to the studio and the others turned around to look at him.
"Morning Yama-chan~"
"Everyone's here?"
"I think so..if we haven't decreased to a smaller number over the night." Hikaru said.
"Okay okay, we're here everyone." Kei said and ignored him.
"Well..shall we begin the last rehearsal?" Yuya asked as the others nodded.
The album was an album that was predicted to be released in one month but as the recent problems came up, they have decided to release the album three months after they have started their "tour", to prevent the fans to gain up and crash them as they've bought the album.
The fans wouldn't be disappointed with the album, it included every single song they've done and a DVD for the two years anniversary that showed their way from their debut and to this moment when they recorded the album.
They worked with the album until lunch and managed to finish the first version of the album as they walked to the restroom and started to eat their lunch.
Many thoughts were flying around in the room as they ate in silence instead of the lively lunches they used to have.
A tension was growing stronger every minute and every one of them just waited for the announcement for when they were going to part.
A knock was heard on the door and ten heads turned their attention to the door as their manager came in.
"Hello boys." He greeted as they greeted him back. "I have some news for you."
"Is it about the tour?" Yuya asked.
"It is, just listen." He said and sighed. "Johnny-san told me that the flight to Sweden is ready in two days."
"That soon?!" Ryosuke exclaimed.
"Yes, he wanted you to go as soon as possible because you're going on a last interview tomorrow."
"I see..if we go that sudden, the fans aren't going to be able to regain their senses until we're out of the country." Yuuri mumbled to himself.
"We managed to burn the first version of the album, so we're more than pleased if you want to take it with you when you go." The manager said. "They're in the bag."
He placed a bag at the table and the boys took each one of them to themselves.
"It looks great!" Daiki exclaimed as he looked at the cover.
"We tried to make it as good as possible."
"You didn't have to.." Kei said.
"We're more than thankful for this." Yuya thanked him.
"We're going to treasure this." Ryosuke said and the others in 7 nodded.
"And also, BEST members, you're going to start your tour in South Korea in one week." The manager said and nodded to the BEST members. "Good luck with the second version."
"Thanks!"
The day went on and they managed to finish the album that day and were proud of the result. As the second version ended up being a bit better than the first version, they decided to only release the second version and have the first version as an extra version if needed, but the boy kept their copy of the first version instead of taking the second version.
As they walked out of the studio, the sun had started to set.
"Another day has ended.." Keito said and sighed. "It's going to be lonely without you guys.."
"We're going to miss you too.." The boys hugged each other in one big hug as they bid their good-byes.
"It's not as we're not going to see each other tomorrow." Yuto said and laughed.
"You're right, but you're going to be busy after the interview.." Kota said.
"How come? The interview is after lunch..?"
"Johnny-san told me when you were recording your solos that the date of the flight was false..he didn't even wanted the manager to know when you were going."
"When are we going then?" Yuuri asked.
"After the interview, so you better hurry up and say good-bye to your family and pack your things tonight."
"I see.."
"This is pretty serious right?" Ryutaro asked.
"It is..I'm sorry that we can't take you with us." Ryosuke said and petted him on the head.
"It's okay Yama-chan, someone has to take care of Shintaro.. I'm going to miss you." The younger boy said and smiled.
"We'll keep in touch right?" Daiki asked.
"Of course Dai-chan! I would never break it!" Yuto exclaimed and hugged the older boy one more time.
"Listen up guys.." Yuya said. "We're never alone."
"That's right." Hikaru continued and stretched out his hand as the others did the same. "We're always one."
"Always connected by our souls." They said in unison before they parted for the last time before the interview.