Faded
Title: Faded (1/?)
Pairing: Ohmiya
Raiting/Genre: PG-13, angst.. romance?
Disclaimer: oh how I wish they were mine..
Summary: But this is the life he chose.
note: Hi! It's been awhile since I wrote something big... and this, this has taken me a long time to finish and it's only half of it. the other part is still unfinished. Anyway, this fic is a sequel for my old fic " One Last Time" that I wrote a year ago, which no one probably remembers... but if you want to read this, I suggest you to read that one first :3 and to remind you, my first nor second language isn't english. thanks for Betaing Piimy this for me <3 Also, my dear twinnie, thank you for poking and helping me to write this <3
He finally finished writing.
The new lyrics that he had promised to his manager to finish, were on the table.
He was tired; hungry and tired.
His head hurts. The melody was still going on inside his head.
His eyes were dry. How long has he been up? Looking at the small print.
His hands felt powerless. The worn out pencil is was the table on top of the papers.
His heart felt empty. The cries and shouts from his heart had been written down to the papers.
He feels lifeless.
Tired, to the bone.
Sleep.
That's the first thought that comes after he had been sitting here on his couch for an hour, and after he had finally put down his pencil.
I need sleep.
Nino finally mustered all the last remnants of his strength to get up and walk to his bedroom. The minute he drops to his bed, he's dead to the world.
-
He has lived in this apartment for a year now. It's still half empty, or is it half full? He doesn't know, doesn't care. Does it matter if there isn't any paintings or photos on the wall? Does it matter that there wasn't really any plants or flowers in the rooms? Does it matter if there aren't much of furniture inside the apartment? No, it doesn't. He had all the things he needed in there and that's enough.
Sometimes he misses seeing some color when he's drinking his morning coffee. Sometimes when his window is open, he can smell the fresh air and misses the flowers’ scent flying around the house. Sometimes, when he has his eyes closed, he could feel the warmth of “home” all around him and makes him smile, but the moment he opens his eyes, it's gone and he cries in the cold darkness of his apartment.
But this is the life he chose.
Nino wakes up at one point, not enough to think coherently, but enough to remove his sleep tussled clothes to a big loose t-shirt and crawl under the blanket before he was once again out like a light. The next time he wakes up, it’s because his throat is dry and it's killing him. Nino crawls up to the cold floor, half consciously walking to the bathroom for a cup of water. Amazingly, he checks his phone and answers his manager with a message, well if you can call a one word a message that is, before he crashes back on bed for the third time.
After 14 hours, Nino finally ascended from his sleep enough for his brain to start functioning normally.
Nino stretched his sore limbs, his joints clicking before he slumped back to bed limply.
He reached out towards his nightstand, hoping to find his phone. He doesn't remember where he dropped it between the brainless message and dropping down to unconsciousness. Nino tapped at the top of the table unable to find the searched item. He retreated his hand, trying to form a new plan with his slightly sleep fogged brain.
Under the pillow?
That could be possible.
Nino hid his hand under his pillow, moving it around to touch the empty space and trying to locate the searched item. Finally, his hand hit something small and hard. Snatching it, he brought it out and up above his face. Squinting his eyes, he tries to understand what he's seeing on the screen.
His manager has left him a couple of messages. One is about congratulating him for finally finishing his songs and asking if he could show them to him next time they were going to meet. The other one is him reminding Nino that he has still one day off left.
The bright red numbers, from the clock that was on his nightstand, said it was 1:00pm.
So half day left of his little “vacation”.
Nino had been working hard in the past year. His debut single was a hit, and he has become a well-known idol in Japan in a couple of weeks. He had been ready to for the ugly judgments of his music and haters, or the rocky road to go forward with his single not selling well. So it had been a bit of a surprise that so many people liked his songs, but he was happy. He was happy that people liked to listen to the songs that were important to him.
And becoming famous meant a lot of work, magazine shoots, interviews, live performances and so on.
There was hardly even one day off in his schedules, just couple of hours here and there. But he didn't complain. No. He was glad. The full schedule helped him to not to think too much of other things. It helped him stay focused on his work and keep the unwanted feelings and thoughts away, keep them inside that small little box that he had thrown and buried deep inside his heart.
It had of course become hard for him to walk around outside without any disguise, but he hardly went out on his free times so it didn't really bother him.
So how did he spend his free time? Smashing buttons and screaming at stupid characters not obeying his commands, or if the opponent was just a pure asshole. Either way, it wasn’t a bad way to spent his day offs.
And this half day was going to be spent that way too.
With that in mind, Nino stood up from his bed to go to toilet. After washing his face and teeth, and turning the kettle on in the kitchen, Nino switched his game console on.
Let's kill some bastards.
-
The next day Nino walked towards a small cafe nearby his apartment. The cafe was unknown by most people, but there were a small group of people who knew about it and frequently visited. The workers had become kind of like his friends over the year. Knowing each others names but not really seeing each others anywhere else than in the cafe. But it was like a small outside family.
It was small, hidden and comfy. Just perfect for morning coffees when you didn't want to stay inside the apartment.
Or like this time, he was to meet his manager at the cafe before they left to work.
The smell of coffee waffled to his nose as he opened the door.
-
Nino was already half way through his first cup of coffee when Takahiro, his manager showed up.
“Good morning, Nino.” Takahiro smiled as he took a seat of the table where Nino had seated himself.
“'-ning” Nino answered in a mumble, too tired to try to be a normal person and talk with full sentences yet.
His manager, Mizushima Takahiro, wasn’t surprised by the lack of conversation as he has already gotten used to Nino's lazy morning behavior over the time they have been working together. Takahiro has never complained about it and had just let the idol get his spirit back little by little by the time. That's what Nino liked about his manager. He was easy going but hard working. Nino was happy that he has been lucky enough to get him to be his manager.
“Did you bring your songs?” Takahiro inquired smoothly, after half a cup of coffee. Well as smoothly as monkey would. Like on his friends... old friend.
“yea...” Nino breathed lightly, his coffee warming him inside out. He put his cup down and picked up his bag, magically brought the music sheets out with a small old ipod nano.
-
“I like these. I really do.” Nino's manager, Takahiro, said, after reading the music sheets intensely and the small demo audios of them from the old iPod nano that Nino had had since 6 years ago. The iPod nano that he had stolen from one certain person from his past. “The lyrics tells the stories and you can feel the feelings coming out of them.”
Nino just hummed for a response.
“I'm quite sure even after checking these quickly that these will be approved by the management without problems. They will love these songs without questions!” Takahiro continued as he placed the sheets inside a binder.
“By the way, have you been thinking about that opportunity that we talked about last time?” His manager questioned lightly, like it was just a little matter. “It would be good for you to try it”
And you would get some more popularity, right? Nino continues in his head. That's what you're thinking right?
Well, he has actually been thinking about it and it wouldn't be bad to try right? If it didn't work then it won't work and that's it.
“I have” Nino mumbled out loud, fingers curled around the coffee mug. Stealing the warmth. “Maybe it would be nice to try”
“That's great to hear” Takahiro beamed, “Do you have any ideas?”
“Maybe some rap? It would be nice to try that together with those songs” he muses against the cup as his manager raises up from his chair. “What do you think?” Nino asks, it wouldn't hurt to know his opinion, it's not like he's going to bite his head off if he thinks it's a bad idea.
“Hmm, not a bad idea” Takahiro nodded. “I can suggest this idea to the management”
Nino looked at his manager as the man carefully adjusted the binder into his hand bag, before he gulped down the last of his coffee and got up.
It was time for work.
Work meant money.
And money meant video games.
To Nino, it was simple as that.
-
『Hey I just wanted to inform you that the management really liked your songs! I told you that they would like them, didn't I? They are amazing!! :D Anyway, they weren't able to choose between the two songs which one would be the main song in this new single, so they decided to go with the easiest decision: Both songs will be the main songs.
See?! They are starting to love you and your songs more and more! Soon the whole world will start to love them too!
Also, I talked about the collaboration with the management and they didn't decline the idea of having a rapper as the collab singer.
Ah, I will tell you more and show you the information about your single when I pick you up. I hope you remember that you have an interview in about a couple of hours? I will be there in 25 min.
- Takahiro』
-
Two weeks later, Nino got to know the singers’s name from Takahiro after a photo shoot and interview for More magazine.
They were walking towards the elevator, when Takahiro's phone rang, indicating that he had gotten a mail. They stepped inside while the manager was reading whatever the mail contained.
“Oh! They decided the person who will be good to sing with you on your songs.” Takahiro suddenly said, surprising Nino from his slumber.
“Ah, is that so...” Nino responded quietly.
“He isn't so well known as a singer yet, but he's an upcoming star like you and he's known for many other things.” Takahiro smiled at him, seemingly very happy at this decision. “This would be good for both of you”
“Actually, he's one of my old school friends” Takahiro continued, stuffing his phone back to his pocket. “He's really good at singing and loves to rap. I've been thinking that he would be a really good choice for this collab.”
“Is that so” Nino reiterated weakly.
“Yes. I think your voices would mix well together.” Takahiro happily explained. “Ah~ I really hope this would go well”
Nino hummed in a response as they walked out to the parking lot. He still didn't know exactly who it was that he was going to sing with.
“Ah, yes!” Takahiro starts, as they stopped at the car, searching for his keys. “Well I don't know if you know him, but his name is Sakurai.” Takahiro happily mumbled as he brought up the keys and clicked the button to open the doors.
Nino didn't hear or see the lights flashing, signing that the doors were open. He had frozen next to the door and all he was able to sense was his manager's voice as the name rang inside his head.
“Sakurai Sho” Takahiro singsonged as he sat in the drivers seat.
-
For one thing, Nino was glad that he didn't have to meet Sakurai-san right away when they started recording his songs. He was supposed to come alone at least 3 or 4 times more before they would be recording together.
Also, it seemed that Sakurai-san would come alone one time before their recording together. It would be before his last one or the one before that.
It meant that he would be able to actually hear him singing. He would be able to listen to it and then comment if he likes it or not. Not that it would change anything if he didn't. He was sure he would try to find a way to not to work with Sakurai; because it was the management who had decided that Sakurai would be the featured singer in his song. But you never know. A problem could happen. Like, maybe he just didn't sound good or that Sakurai's voice just didn't go with his.
Something, you wouldn't know before it was right in front of your eyes.
And Nino was ready to find that something.
-
Sadly, a week later Nino had to admit his defeat
His voice was good.
Nino had to say that Sakurai's voice was good and it did fit perfectly with the song. It would be a lie if he said that he wasn't surprised. He was, for two reasons. One, he never thought that the news caster would have that kind of voice. Two, he actually liked his voice. It was deep but he was also able to go high and Sakurai sang smoothly. Plus, it also fit with his voice.
Sigh.
There was no reason for him to complain. At least not a good reason that wasn't too personal to say for the management to change their mind.
Now he just needed to prepare himself to meet Sakurai face to face.
It has been a long time since he had seen Sakurai.
Well, okay, Nino would have seen him on TV if he did try to watch the news but he didn't. There was really no reason for him to watch the news. He would check them from the internet if needed. And hey, his TV was only turned on when he was playing games. No time for silly news.
And no, it wasn't because he wasn't ready to see his face. Pfft, why would he do that?
Anyway, the last time Nino saw the man was when he followed him and another man to a restaurant because of reasons. Reasons he didn't really want to think at that moment.
Even though he thought of them every night.
Nino had stopped trying to see him anywhere, after that one and only call from Sakurai as the man had wanted to speak with him.
Okay, to tell the truth, he wasn't sure if he was ready to see and meet this man face to face.
Fuck.
-
After three weeks, Nino was standing outside the recording building, hoping fort he best of him that he would survive from this experience.
He had no idea how the meeting would go and how Sakurai and him would sing together after that.
Taking a shaky breath, Nino stepped forward.
Let's get this over with.
But the moment Nino's eyes landed on the recording rooms door, his knees were going to give out.
He wasn't ready for this. No matter how much he told himself that he definitely was, he just fucking wasn't.
He just wasn't ready to meet this man.
The man that took away his happiness.
Who the fuck would ever be ready for that?
-
In the end Nino was forced inside as one of the recording staff came and dragged him in while talking lively about how amazing his music is and how grateful he is that he got to work with him.
Nino listened the talk with half an ear while trying to concentrate on his body. His feet felt heavy as rocks, his breathing was ragged and his head was spinning.
He could hear Takahiro’s voice. It wasn't that far away from him. They had decided to meet here.
Well.. Nino had decided. He had wanted to come here alone, so he would have time to relax in order to not to show his manager how panicked he was about this meeting.
Taking a big shuddering breath, Nino turned to look around the room, trying to locate his manager.
He finally found him, when Takahiro let out a loud laugh. He was standing close to the sofas that were placed close to the wall at the end of the room, talking brightly with a man.
Nino was only able to see the man's back but even that was already enough for him to recognize the man in question. He's seen that back too many times for his liking.
Sakurai Sho.
He's here.
The next moment Nino was running out.
-
“Nino, are you okay?”
Nino could hear Takahiro's voice behind the door.
Nino closed his eyes, trying to breathe normally after throwing up his whole breakfast down the toilet. He really hoped that his manager was alone since he wasn't really in a presentable state.
Nino counted slowly to ten, while he was resting his cheek against the toilet seat, hoping for his headache to fade away when his manager finally showed up on the doorway of the small toilet cubicle.
“Nino!? Is everything okay? Are you feeling sick?” Takahiro asked in panic, already fishing out his phone, ready to call for help.
“I'm okay,” Nino huffed as he got up from the floor, “I probably ate something bad this morning.”
”Seriously, I'm okay” Nino patted Takahiro's shoulder as he passed him to wash his face in the sink. “No need to worry, I'm not going to die, okay?” he joked lightly.
But when Nino looked at his manager through the mirror, he could see that Takahiro wasn't convinced by that.
“Really” Nino repeated, “I'm okay”
“If you are lying at the moment and I'm going to find it out later on, I'm going to fucking kick your ass as hard as I can” Takahiro said as he flipped his phone back to his pocket and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Takahiro wasn't a large person but he was still taller than Nino. It didn't look so intimidating but he knew his manager, and that when his manager was serious, he would most likely do what he says.
“I'm not lying, okay” Nino assured softly once again. “I really am okay”
Takahiro nodded though his eyes were sharp. “Just tell me right away, if you are feeling even slightly bad” his manager tightly ordered.
“I will.” he smiled as he turned around and looked straight into Takahiro’s eyes. “I promise,” Nino promised as he moved forward to tap Takahiro’s shoulder once again and started to walk towards the door, changing his voice to a more cheerful tone, one that he definitely wasn't feeling like, but Takahiro didn't need to know that.
“Let's go and meet all those new people that are waiting to see my handsome face, shall we?”
-
Takahiro led Nino through the room, introducing him to the new people that he still hand't met. There wasn't a lot of them, but to think this was only a recording meeting, it felt weird to even have this much people in one small place. But it was the first time for Nino and Sakurai to sing together or with anyone at the first place, so maybe this was just normal.
There was couple of the workers that came from the recording company to see how the work was going and the manager of Sakurai Sho, Yamashita Naru.
“I'm so thankful for letting us, well Sakurai, sing with you” the man in question, smiled. “I've always known that Sakurai is good at rapping and singing, but he's been a bit shy about trying it and letting people know.”
“But now he got this opportunity!” Yamashita cheered, “All thanks to you!”
“Ah no no, you shouldn't really thank me” Nino shook his head lightly, trying to be as humble as he could even though all he wanted to say was that he wished that he didn’t have to sing with him. It would have been much better if it was someone else, with Sakurai's singing abilities. But what can he do?
What was done was done.
“It was totally Takahiro's idea. He had recommended him and the management had just approved it. If there is anyone to thank, it should be him” Nino pointed out, pushing Takahiro a bit more forward with his hand.
“Is that so?” Yamashita asked in surprise, as he looked at Takahiro, making his manager blush lightly.
“Yes.” Nino boasted, grinning widely. He wasn't going to let the change of seeing his manager blush slip away, it was so rare to see nowadays so he was going to enjoy the moments when it did happen.
“Well, I've known Sho since we were in high school and I remember that he loved to sing. We haven't talked for a while but I suddenly saw the old photo of us when I was checking the candidates’ files. And soon without thinking, I was calling him to ask if he would be interested in trying this out. We then talked about it, and he explained that he has been wanting to try out and let his singing reach people’s hearts. Then I had just recommended him to the management. So I didn't really do anything.” Takahiro explained shyly.
“You did and I want to thank you for letting him have this opportunity. It wouldn't have happened if you didn't help us.” Yamashita concluded.
“By the way, Ninomiya-san, have you already talked to Sakurai-san?” Yamashita suddenly asked.
“Eh?” Nino replied in surprise.
“Have you already talked to Sakurai-san?” the manager inquired again.
“Ah-” Nino started, while turning to look at Takahiro.
“We were about to go meet him next” Takahiro quickly explained with a smile. “Actually, we could go now if that is okay for you, Yamashita-san?”
“Yes yes, of course!” Yamashita laughed, “If you have any questions from me, Ninomiya-san, don't be afraid to ask!”
“Of course, thank you” Ninomiya answered out of politeness.
“Well then, if you’ll excuse us” Takahiro said as they bowed to the man.
As they walked away, Takahiro asked in whisper, “How did you know that I had recommended Sho to the management?”
“How?” Nino whispered back. “You talked about how he was your old school pal so dreamily and I couldn't believe that the known news caster Sakurai Sho would, on his own, send a request to sing with me.” he explained.
Takahiro gaped at him.
Oh man, I wish I had a camera, Nino thought as he looked at his manager with innocent eyes and soft smile.
“You genius little bastard” Takahiro mumbled in embarrassment.
Nino only chuckled at that.
And soon he was close to fainting as they skipped to stop right behind the man that he was supposed to meet right from the start.
-
“Sho, this is Ninomiya Kazunari.” Takahiro introduced to his old school friend before he turned to look at him with a big smile, “Nino, this man here is Sakurai Sho”
With a forced smile, Nino raised his chin and looked straight at the man's eyes, before slightly they bowed to each other.
“Ninomiya-san, it's nice to finally meet you in person.” Sakurai suddenly expressed with a smile.
I wish I could say the same, Nino thought with a sarcastic voice.
They way Sakurai said those words would tell others that this was their first time meeting but truth was slightly different. And he could see that Sakurai did recognize him and knew who he was. Not as the upcoming singer but as the man that he had robbed. The man that he had stolen his happiness and love life.
Even though, those thoughts run around in his head, he didn't let any of it show on his face. If this was the game Sakurai wanted to play, then he can play it too. Nino wasn't one to pull back, he was the one who fought back.
The games on.
“It's nice to meet you too, Sakurai-san” Nino addressed with very polite voice while smiling like an angel.
-
After that, they hadn’t really talked.
They only see each other when they come to the recording. They talk to each other politely, like you would talk with anyone that you work with. But, they weren’t friends.
Not that Nino would like to be his friend.
If they talked, it was about the songs, or something related to the industry. It was mostly always about work. Sometimes there might be a word or two about where the other one had gone to eat (it was mostly Sakurai though) or if they met with their family.
It was never too personal.
Nino didn’t mind though.
He didn’t want to know and he didn’t want to tell.
But what made Nino perplexed, was that they have never talked about their past, that they actually have met before, that Sakurai was the one who took the first step to contact him, nor about the reason why they know each other.
He thought that Sakurai didn’t want to talk about his dating life in front of people; because he had acted like he hadn’t met him before, when Takahiro had introduced Sakurai to him. But since he was kind of like part of it, not a great way though, Nino was sure Sakurai would speak to him later.
But he hadn’t.
And that had surprised Nino.
He had waited for the ambush to happen sooner or later and had tried to make himself ready for it. Not that he was going to talk about it; cause he wasn’t going to nor was he going to get angry if he didn’t. It was actually better this way.
This way Nino didn’t need to go through those memories with someone involved in his past.
It just had surprised him. Nothing more.
He just hopes that it stays that way too.
-
Weeks later, they were walking out of the recording office. Takahiro is talking lively right in front of him about something he had read yesterday night from a newspaper.
They had almost finished the two songs they are singing together. They had just a bit more recording left as a duo and then Nino would have a couple more to finish alone for his last songs that have been chosen for to the upcoming single.
Nino feels so tired and all he wants to do is to go home and sleep.
But no. He had gone and stupidly promised to go out.
With a deep sigh, he sends a deep hateful glare towards his “trustful” manager.
Takahiko had begged for him to come with him and his friend to a small late night dinner. He had almost gone down to his knees to get Nino accept his suggestion.
Takahiro knows that Nino doesn't like to eat much outside or be with many people, but once in a while Takahiro tries and begs Nino to come with him. It's a nice thing to know that someone cares about what you are doing. Even though his manager has been a pain for his job. This was their free time, which means that Takahiro doesn't need to be with him if he doesn't want to but would still ask him to come. He's a great friend.
But at the moment that “great” word isn't really the first word to come to his mind.
But he has to say that Takahiro had played this well.
By not mentioning his “friend's” name, he had just said yes without thinking much. Next time he knows to be a bit more careful with his manager.
When they had finished the day’s recordings, Nino had gotten ready quickly, wanting to get the whole dinner thing over with so he could go home.
But the moment he saw that it wasn't only Takahiro that was waiting for him, he got a very bad feeling.
“Shall we go?” Takahiro had cheered, his hand around Sakurai's slopping shoulders.
He doesn't know if Takahiro had already guessed that he isn't so happy to be with Sakurai in the same room. Or was Takahiro being his all “weird friendly” self and thought that they just hadn't gotten to know each other well and wanted to help them.
Nino guesses it's the latter.
When the elevators doors closed right in front of them, the person he last hoped would speak opened his mouth.
“Hey I wanted to ask if you guys have already decided on what to do in the music video or are you guys still just thinking about it?” Sakurai questioned.
Nino looked up from his shoes in surprise. He could see Sakurai's face reflected from the doors. Sakurai was looking at Takahiro instead.
“I- I would like to help some way if that is okay?” the man continued, looking sheepish while his voice got that slightly worried tone.
Nino's eyes almost bugled out of his head.
What!? What is he going to do now!?
But as expected his perfect manager took a hold of the situation before he would mess it up. If you could say that.
“Of course you can!” Takahiro assured with a smile. “What do you have in mind?” Takahiro continued as he put his hand around Sakurai's shoulders, looking at the man in pure interest.
“Well I was thinking if we could have couple of dancers there to dance and maybe Ninomiya or both of us could dance a bit too, if that would look good. I know a couple of good dancers and one who would love to teach us a bit and maybe do the choreography to the songs.” Sho explained in delight.
Dancers? Why? Nino felt so confused.
“That actually sounds pretty good!” Takahiro whooped. “I can ask for the management’s opinion about this. I can't promise anything yet but that does sound like a good plan.”
Does it?
“What do you think Nino?” Takahiro asked as he turned to look at Nino. As if he just remembered that he actually was here.
Sigh.
Okay, Nino, that's just a stupid way of thinking. He's your manager. He works together with you. Of course he remembers that you are here.
But.. some how he has a very bad feeling about this. There is something that's prickling on is mind and telling him that he shouldn't agree to this.
“You could also play some piano in it since you're an amazing pianist. It would make your fans go crazy!” Takahiro proposed with small glee on his eyes. Not seeing the small hesitation in Nino's.
Well, Takahiro already said that it was a “good plan”. So, who he was to go against it? No matter what.
“Yeah, why not.” Nino answered with a sigh.
“Excellent!” His manager stated.
They finally got off the elevator and started to walk towards the car that seemed to be waiting for them. He let himself walk a bit slower than the other two, trying to leave a small gap between them. He wanted some peace for now. Peace to let his mind to calm down.
Even though there was the gap, he could still hear Takahiro talking wildly to Sakurai.
“Sho, did you know that Nino plays the piano really well? Also, weren’t you used to play the piano too? It would be amazing if both of you could play piano together someday!” Takahiro spoke joyfully, as they walked forward.
But it felt like all the words came through a piece of glass.
-
Nino came to the final meeting regarding what they are going to do in the music video and when it's going to be shot with Takahiro. He had just finished recording one of the songs of his single and his throat felt a bit sore.
It should be kind of expected that he isn't really wanting to speak much or trying to be as friendly as possible because, hey, he's tired and no one should be forced to do those things when they are tired. Especially when he's never been good at being extremely polite and friendly when he's tired.
And now he was in a meeting room that was full of people.
Great.
Sighing, Nino literally collapsed to his chair. Thankfully, his manager knew him well enough already; he brought him full cup of black coffee without a word. Thank god that he has Takahiro.
He thanks him with a small smile and a nod, reaching for the warm cup. The rich aroma floats to his nose as he lifts the cup closer and he wasn't able stop the small moan from escaping his throat as he smells it.
He could hear Takahiro chuckle in the background, but the sound is distant, as his brain shifts it’s focus on the black drink completely.
-
Nino’s thoughts snapped back to earth when someone finally started to talk.
“So we have been thinking about the idea Sakurai-san had given to Takahiro-san.” one of the men around the table says. Ah, it's the president.
'Okay, Nino it’s time to wake up' Nino told himself as he slightly shook his head in hopes of becoming a bit more awake.
“The idea is good. We believe that the fans would love to see some close up of Ninomiya-san playing the piano, since most of his songs in this new single are mostly played with the piano,” the president continued, his voice deep but powerful. “But if the video only has Ninomiya-san playing the piano and Sakurai-san rapping close to it, we thought it would be bit too simple...”
“So we decided that there would be couple dancers to dance and act a small part to the video.” the president finished with a nod.
“Sakurai-san you said that you have some dancers that you recommend.” the man next to the president asked.
Sakurai nodded. He looked all cool and clever, right there in his black suit jacket. He looked like an adult and a superstar.
A total opposite of him.
“Yes, I have some very good dancers that would definitely like to do this” Sakurai confirmed out loud. “One of them has already been in couple of music videos and has been asked to come to dance to some international singers’ music videos, too.” Sakurai explained. “She's known for her graceful and beautiful movements as well as quick and powerful ones. Also, she was in a well recommended and respected school for dancing and acting.”
“The other one has danced 3-4 years in theater and is highly praised by his dance movements and the way he's delved into his dance.” Sakurai stated, without a pause. “He had also choreographed some dance parts of the theater performances and they have been well liked as well as praised. Even though he hasn't been in music videos or in any movies before this but he's interested to try them out, if an interesting opportunity will arise”
“He actually has been asked to perform in other theaters but so far he has declined them.”
Theater? Why does this sound so prickly familiar?
“These two people know each other and have danced together before too,” Sakurai pointed out, before the management could say anything. “So, it wouldn't be much of a work for them to come up with a choreography for the songs.”
“I see” the one of the mens says from the other side of the table, the voice showing his interest. “And what are the names of these two dancers?”
Nino was starting to feel nervous about this.
He didn't know why he was feeling like that but something was pocking at his brain and telling him that that might not be a good idea.
Nino can feel the back of his hair stand up, his breathing getting labored as Sakurai opens his mouth.
“The first one is Swép Gabriella. She's from Hungary, but has lived most of her life in Japan.” Sakurai said confidentially.
And then, and he's 100% fucking sure it that, then Sakurai glanced at him.
He's 49% sure that he would love to run out of this room and never come back, the other 51% was a feeling of knowing that the look Sakurai-san had casted towards him, was as if he knew what the next name he was going to say, could to do to him.
Holding his breath, Nino hoped that the name, that he was waiting for Sakurai to spit out, wouldn't be the one he was already dreadfully expecting.
“And the second one is Ohno Satoshi” Sakurai finished.
Oh fuck.
note2: Thank you for reading! I hope you will leave a comment! it would make me happy :3
Pairing: Ohmiya
Raiting/Genre: PG-13, angst.. romance?
Disclaimer: oh how I wish they were mine..
Summary: But this is the life he chose.
note: Hi! It's been awhile since I wrote something big... and this, this has taken me a long time to finish and it's only half of it. the other part is still unfinished. Anyway, this fic is a sequel for my old fic " One Last Time" that I wrote a year ago, which no one probably remembers... but if you want to read this, I suggest you to read that one first :3 and to remind you, my first nor second language isn't english. thanks for Betaing Piimy this for me <3 Also, my dear twinnie, thank you for poking and helping me to write this <3
He finally finished writing.
The new lyrics that he had promised to his manager to finish, were on the table.
He was tired; hungry and tired.
His head hurts. The melody was still going on inside his head.
His eyes were dry. How long has he been up? Looking at the small print.
His hands felt powerless. The worn out pencil is was the table on top of the papers.
His heart felt empty. The cries and shouts from his heart had been written down to the papers.
He feels lifeless.
Tired, to the bone.
Sleep.
That's the first thought that comes after he had been sitting here on his couch for an hour, and after he had finally put down his pencil.
I need sleep.
Nino finally mustered all the last remnants of his strength to get up and walk to his bedroom. The minute he drops to his bed, he's dead to the world.
-
He has lived in this apartment for a year now. It's still half empty, or is it half full? He doesn't know, doesn't care. Does it matter if there isn't any paintings or photos on the wall? Does it matter that there wasn't really any plants or flowers in the rooms? Does it matter if there aren't much of furniture inside the apartment? No, it doesn't. He had all the things he needed in there and that's enough.
Sometimes he misses seeing some color when he's drinking his morning coffee. Sometimes when his window is open, he can smell the fresh air and misses the flowers’ scent flying around the house. Sometimes, when he has his eyes closed, he could feel the warmth of “home” all around him and makes him smile, but the moment he opens his eyes, it's gone and he cries in the cold darkness of his apartment.
But this is the life he chose.
Nino wakes up at one point, not enough to think coherently, but enough to remove his sleep tussled clothes to a big loose t-shirt and crawl under the blanket before he was once again out like a light. The next time he wakes up, it’s because his throat is dry and it's killing him. Nino crawls up to the cold floor, half consciously walking to the bathroom for a cup of water. Amazingly, he checks his phone and answers his manager with a message, well if you can call a one word a message that is, before he crashes back on bed for the third time.
After 14 hours, Nino finally ascended from his sleep enough for his brain to start functioning normally.
Nino stretched his sore limbs, his joints clicking before he slumped back to bed limply.
He reached out towards his nightstand, hoping to find his phone. He doesn't remember where he dropped it between the brainless message and dropping down to unconsciousness. Nino tapped at the top of the table unable to find the searched item. He retreated his hand, trying to form a new plan with his slightly sleep fogged brain.
Under the pillow?
That could be possible.
Nino hid his hand under his pillow, moving it around to touch the empty space and trying to locate the searched item. Finally, his hand hit something small and hard. Snatching it, he brought it out and up above his face. Squinting his eyes, he tries to understand what he's seeing on the screen.
His manager has left him a couple of messages. One is about congratulating him for finally finishing his songs and asking if he could show them to him next time they were going to meet. The other one is him reminding Nino that he has still one day off left.
The bright red numbers, from the clock that was on his nightstand, said it was 1:00pm.
So half day left of his little “vacation”.
Nino had been working hard in the past year. His debut single was a hit, and he has become a well-known idol in Japan in a couple of weeks. He had been ready to for the ugly judgments of his music and haters, or the rocky road to go forward with his single not selling well. So it had been a bit of a surprise that so many people liked his songs, but he was happy. He was happy that people liked to listen to the songs that were important to him.
And becoming famous meant a lot of work, magazine shoots, interviews, live performances and so on.
There was hardly even one day off in his schedules, just couple of hours here and there. But he didn't complain. No. He was glad. The full schedule helped him to not to think too much of other things. It helped him stay focused on his work and keep the unwanted feelings and thoughts away, keep them inside that small little box that he had thrown and buried deep inside his heart.
It had of course become hard for him to walk around outside without any disguise, but he hardly went out on his free times so it didn't really bother him.
So how did he spend his free time? Smashing buttons and screaming at stupid characters not obeying his commands, or if the opponent was just a pure asshole. Either way, it wasn’t a bad way to spent his day offs.
And this half day was going to be spent that way too.
With that in mind, Nino stood up from his bed to go to toilet. After washing his face and teeth, and turning the kettle on in the kitchen, Nino switched his game console on.
Let's kill some bastards.
-
The next day Nino walked towards a small cafe nearby his apartment. The cafe was unknown by most people, but there were a small group of people who knew about it and frequently visited. The workers had become kind of like his friends over the year. Knowing each others names but not really seeing each others anywhere else than in the cafe. But it was like a small outside family.
It was small, hidden and comfy. Just perfect for morning coffees when you didn't want to stay inside the apartment.
Or like this time, he was to meet his manager at the cafe before they left to work.
The smell of coffee waffled to his nose as he opened the door.
-
Nino was already half way through his first cup of coffee when Takahiro, his manager showed up.
“Good morning, Nino.” Takahiro smiled as he took a seat of the table where Nino had seated himself.
“'-ning” Nino answered in a mumble, too tired to try to be a normal person and talk with full sentences yet.
His manager, Mizushima Takahiro, wasn’t surprised by the lack of conversation as he has already gotten used to Nino's lazy morning behavior over the time they have been working together. Takahiro has never complained about it and had just let the idol get his spirit back little by little by the time. That's what Nino liked about his manager. He was easy going but hard working. Nino was happy that he has been lucky enough to get him to be his manager.
“Did you bring your songs?” Takahiro inquired smoothly, after half a cup of coffee. Well as smoothly as monkey would. Like on his friends... old friend.
“yea...” Nino breathed lightly, his coffee warming him inside out. He put his cup down and picked up his bag, magically brought the music sheets out with a small old ipod nano.
-
“I like these. I really do.” Nino's manager, Takahiro, said, after reading the music sheets intensely and the small demo audios of them from the old iPod nano that Nino had had since 6 years ago. The iPod nano that he had stolen from one certain person from his past. “The lyrics tells the stories and you can feel the feelings coming out of them.”
Nino just hummed for a response.
“I'm quite sure even after checking these quickly that these will be approved by the management without problems. They will love these songs without questions!” Takahiro continued as he placed the sheets inside a binder.
“By the way, have you been thinking about that opportunity that we talked about last time?” His manager questioned lightly, like it was just a little matter. “It would be good for you to try it”
And you would get some more popularity, right? Nino continues in his head. That's what you're thinking right?
Well, he has actually been thinking about it and it wouldn't be bad to try right? If it didn't work then it won't work and that's it.
“I have” Nino mumbled out loud, fingers curled around the coffee mug. Stealing the warmth. “Maybe it would be nice to try”
“That's great to hear” Takahiro beamed, “Do you have any ideas?”
“Maybe some rap? It would be nice to try that together with those songs” he muses against the cup as his manager raises up from his chair. “What do you think?” Nino asks, it wouldn't hurt to know his opinion, it's not like he's going to bite his head off if he thinks it's a bad idea.
“Hmm, not a bad idea” Takahiro nodded. “I can suggest this idea to the management”
Nino looked at his manager as the man carefully adjusted the binder into his hand bag, before he gulped down the last of his coffee and got up.
It was time for work.
Work meant money.
And money meant video games.
To Nino, it was simple as that.
-
『Hey I just wanted to inform you that the management really liked your songs! I told you that they would like them, didn't I? They are amazing!! :D Anyway, they weren't able to choose between the two songs which one would be the main song in this new single, so they decided to go with the easiest decision: Both songs will be the main songs.
See?! They are starting to love you and your songs more and more! Soon the whole world will start to love them too!
Also, I talked about the collaboration with the management and they didn't decline the idea of having a rapper as the collab singer.
Ah, I will tell you more and show you the information about your single when I pick you up. I hope you remember that you have an interview in about a couple of hours? I will be there in 25 min.
- Takahiro』
-
Two weeks later, Nino got to know the singers’s name from Takahiro after a photo shoot and interview for More magazine.
They were walking towards the elevator, when Takahiro's phone rang, indicating that he had gotten a mail. They stepped inside while the manager was reading whatever the mail contained.
“Oh! They decided the person who will be good to sing with you on your songs.” Takahiro suddenly said, surprising Nino from his slumber.
“Ah, is that so...” Nino responded quietly.
“He isn't so well known as a singer yet, but he's an upcoming star like you and he's known for many other things.” Takahiro smiled at him, seemingly very happy at this decision. “This would be good for both of you”
“Actually, he's one of my old school friends” Takahiro continued, stuffing his phone back to his pocket. “He's really good at singing and loves to rap. I've been thinking that he would be a really good choice for this collab.”
“Is that so” Nino reiterated weakly.
“Yes. I think your voices would mix well together.” Takahiro happily explained. “Ah~ I really hope this would go well”
Nino hummed in a response as they walked out to the parking lot. He still didn't know exactly who it was that he was going to sing with.
“Ah, yes!” Takahiro starts, as they stopped at the car, searching for his keys. “Well I don't know if you know him, but his name is Sakurai.” Takahiro happily mumbled as he brought up the keys and clicked the button to open the doors.
Nino didn't hear or see the lights flashing, signing that the doors were open. He had frozen next to the door and all he was able to sense was his manager's voice as the name rang inside his head.
“Sakurai Sho” Takahiro singsonged as he sat in the drivers seat.
-
For one thing, Nino was glad that he didn't have to meet Sakurai-san right away when they started recording his songs. He was supposed to come alone at least 3 or 4 times more before they would be recording together.
Also, it seemed that Sakurai-san would come alone one time before their recording together. It would be before his last one or the one before that.
It meant that he would be able to actually hear him singing. He would be able to listen to it and then comment if he likes it or not. Not that it would change anything if he didn't. He was sure he would try to find a way to not to work with Sakurai; because it was the management who had decided that Sakurai would be the featured singer in his song. But you never know. A problem could happen. Like, maybe he just didn't sound good or that Sakurai's voice just didn't go with his.
Something, you wouldn't know before it was right in front of your eyes.
And Nino was ready to find that something.
-
Sadly, a week later Nino had to admit his defeat
His voice was good.
Nino had to say that Sakurai's voice was good and it did fit perfectly with the song. It would be a lie if he said that he wasn't surprised. He was, for two reasons. One, he never thought that the news caster would have that kind of voice. Two, he actually liked his voice. It was deep but he was also able to go high and Sakurai sang smoothly. Plus, it also fit with his voice.
Sigh.
There was no reason for him to complain. At least not a good reason that wasn't too personal to say for the management to change their mind.
Now he just needed to prepare himself to meet Sakurai face to face.
It has been a long time since he had seen Sakurai.
Well, okay, Nino would have seen him on TV if he did try to watch the news but he didn't. There was really no reason for him to watch the news. He would check them from the internet if needed. And hey, his TV was only turned on when he was playing games. No time for silly news.
And no, it wasn't because he wasn't ready to see his face. Pfft, why would he do that?
Anyway, the last time Nino saw the man was when he followed him and another man to a restaurant because of reasons. Reasons he didn't really want to think at that moment.
Even though he thought of them every night.
Nino had stopped trying to see him anywhere, after that one and only call from Sakurai as the man had wanted to speak with him.
Okay, to tell the truth, he wasn't sure if he was ready to see and meet this man face to face.
Fuck.
-
After three weeks, Nino was standing outside the recording building, hoping fort he best of him that he would survive from this experience.
He had no idea how the meeting would go and how Sakurai and him would sing together after that.
Taking a shaky breath, Nino stepped forward.
Let's get this over with.
But the moment Nino's eyes landed on the recording rooms door, his knees were going to give out.
He wasn't ready for this. No matter how much he told himself that he definitely was, he just fucking wasn't.
He just wasn't ready to meet this man.
The man that took away his happiness.
Who the fuck would ever be ready for that?
-
In the end Nino was forced inside as one of the recording staff came and dragged him in while talking lively about how amazing his music is and how grateful he is that he got to work with him.
Nino listened the talk with half an ear while trying to concentrate on his body. His feet felt heavy as rocks, his breathing was ragged and his head was spinning.
He could hear Takahiro’s voice. It wasn't that far away from him. They had decided to meet here.
Well.. Nino had decided. He had wanted to come here alone, so he would have time to relax in order to not to show his manager how panicked he was about this meeting.
Taking a big shuddering breath, Nino turned to look around the room, trying to locate his manager.
He finally found him, when Takahiro let out a loud laugh. He was standing close to the sofas that were placed close to the wall at the end of the room, talking brightly with a man.
Nino was only able to see the man's back but even that was already enough for him to recognize the man in question. He's seen that back too many times for his liking.
Sakurai Sho.
He's here.
The next moment Nino was running out.
-
“Nino, are you okay?”
Nino could hear Takahiro's voice behind the door.
Nino closed his eyes, trying to breathe normally after throwing up his whole breakfast down the toilet. He really hoped that his manager was alone since he wasn't really in a presentable state.
Nino counted slowly to ten, while he was resting his cheek against the toilet seat, hoping for his headache to fade away when his manager finally showed up on the doorway of the small toilet cubicle.
“Nino!? Is everything okay? Are you feeling sick?” Takahiro asked in panic, already fishing out his phone, ready to call for help.
“I'm okay,” Nino huffed as he got up from the floor, “I probably ate something bad this morning.”
”Seriously, I'm okay” Nino patted Takahiro's shoulder as he passed him to wash his face in the sink. “No need to worry, I'm not going to die, okay?” he joked lightly.
But when Nino looked at his manager through the mirror, he could see that Takahiro wasn't convinced by that.
“Really” Nino repeated, “I'm okay”
“If you are lying at the moment and I'm going to find it out later on, I'm going to fucking kick your ass as hard as I can” Takahiro said as he flipped his phone back to his pocket and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Takahiro wasn't a large person but he was still taller than Nino. It didn't look so intimidating but he knew his manager, and that when his manager was serious, he would most likely do what he says.
“I'm not lying, okay” Nino assured softly once again. “I really am okay”
Takahiro nodded though his eyes were sharp. “Just tell me right away, if you are feeling even slightly bad” his manager tightly ordered.
“I will.” he smiled as he turned around and looked straight into Takahiro’s eyes. “I promise,” Nino promised as he moved forward to tap Takahiro’s shoulder once again and started to walk towards the door, changing his voice to a more cheerful tone, one that he definitely wasn't feeling like, but Takahiro didn't need to know that.
“Let's go and meet all those new people that are waiting to see my handsome face, shall we?”
-
Takahiro led Nino through the room, introducing him to the new people that he still hand't met. There wasn't a lot of them, but to think this was only a recording meeting, it felt weird to even have this much people in one small place. But it was the first time for Nino and Sakurai to sing together or with anyone at the first place, so maybe this was just normal.
There was couple of the workers that came from the recording company to see how the work was going and the manager of Sakurai Sho, Yamashita Naru.
“I'm so thankful for letting us, well Sakurai, sing with you” the man in question, smiled. “I've always known that Sakurai is good at rapping and singing, but he's been a bit shy about trying it and letting people know.”
“But now he got this opportunity!” Yamashita cheered, “All thanks to you!”
“Ah no no, you shouldn't really thank me” Nino shook his head lightly, trying to be as humble as he could even though all he wanted to say was that he wished that he didn’t have to sing with him. It would have been much better if it was someone else, with Sakurai's singing abilities. But what can he do?
What was done was done.
“It was totally Takahiro's idea. He had recommended him and the management had just approved it. If there is anyone to thank, it should be him” Nino pointed out, pushing Takahiro a bit more forward with his hand.
“Is that so?” Yamashita asked in surprise, as he looked at Takahiro, making his manager blush lightly.
“Yes.” Nino boasted, grinning widely. He wasn't going to let the change of seeing his manager blush slip away, it was so rare to see nowadays so he was going to enjoy the moments when it did happen.
“Well, I've known Sho since we were in high school and I remember that he loved to sing. We haven't talked for a while but I suddenly saw the old photo of us when I was checking the candidates’ files. And soon without thinking, I was calling him to ask if he would be interested in trying this out. We then talked about it, and he explained that he has been wanting to try out and let his singing reach people’s hearts. Then I had just recommended him to the management. So I didn't really do anything.” Takahiro explained shyly.
“You did and I want to thank you for letting him have this opportunity. It wouldn't have happened if you didn't help us.” Yamashita concluded.
“By the way, Ninomiya-san, have you already talked to Sakurai-san?” Yamashita suddenly asked.
“Eh?” Nino replied in surprise.
“Have you already talked to Sakurai-san?” the manager inquired again.
“Ah-” Nino started, while turning to look at Takahiro.
“We were about to go meet him next” Takahiro quickly explained with a smile. “Actually, we could go now if that is okay for you, Yamashita-san?”
“Yes yes, of course!” Yamashita laughed, “If you have any questions from me, Ninomiya-san, don't be afraid to ask!”
“Of course, thank you” Ninomiya answered out of politeness.
“Well then, if you’ll excuse us” Takahiro said as they bowed to the man.
As they walked away, Takahiro asked in whisper, “How did you know that I had recommended Sho to the management?”
“How?” Nino whispered back. “You talked about how he was your old school pal so dreamily and I couldn't believe that the known news caster Sakurai Sho would, on his own, send a request to sing with me.” he explained.
Takahiro gaped at him.
Oh man, I wish I had a camera, Nino thought as he looked at his manager with innocent eyes and soft smile.
“You genius little bastard” Takahiro mumbled in embarrassment.
Nino only chuckled at that.
And soon he was close to fainting as they skipped to stop right behind the man that he was supposed to meet right from the start.
-
“Sho, this is Ninomiya Kazunari.” Takahiro introduced to his old school friend before he turned to look at him with a big smile, “Nino, this man here is Sakurai Sho”
With a forced smile, Nino raised his chin and looked straight at the man's eyes, before slightly they bowed to each other.
“Ninomiya-san, it's nice to finally meet you in person.” Sakurai suddenly expressed with a smile.
I wish I could say the same, Nino thought with a sarcastic voice.
They way Sakurai said those words would tell others that this was their first time meeting but truth was slightly different. And he could see that Sakurai did recognize him and knew who he was. Not as the upcoming singer but as the man that he had robbed. The man that he had stolen his happiness and love life.
Even though, those thoughts run around in his head, he didn't let any of it show on his face. If this was the game Sakurai wanted to play, then he can play it too. Nino wasn't one to pull back, he was the one who fought back.
The games on.
“It's nice to meet you too, Sakurai-san” Nino addressed with very polite voice while smiling like an angel.
-
After that, they hadn’t really talked.
They only see each other when they come to the recording. They talk to each other politely, like you would talk with anyone that you work with. But, they weren’t friends.
Not that Nino would like to be his friend.
If they talked, it was about the songs, or something related to the industry. It was mostly always about work. Sometimes there might be a word or two about where the other one had gone to eat (it was mostly Sakurai though) or if they met with their family.
It was never too personal.
Nino didn’t mind though.
He didn’t want to know and he didn’t want to tell.
But what made Nino perplexed, was that they have never talked about their past, that they actually have met before, that Sakurai was the one who took the first step to contact him, nor about the reason why they know each other.
He thought that Sakurai didn’t want to talk about his dating life in front of people; because he had acted like he hadn’t met him before, when Takahiro had introduced Sakurai to him. But since he was kind of like part of it, not a great way though, Nino was sure Sakurai would speak to him later.
But he hadn’t.
And that had surprised Nino.
He had waited for the ambush to happen sooner or later and had tried to make himself ready for it. Not that he was going to talk about it; cause he wasn’t going to nor was he going to get angry if he didn’t. It was actually better this way.
This way Nino didn’t need to go through those memories with someone involved in his past.
It just had surprised him. Nothing more.
He just hopes that it stays that way too.
-
Weeks later, they were walking out of the recording office. Takahiro is talking lively right in front of him about something he had read yesterday night from a newspaper.
They had almost finished the two songs they are singing together. They had just a bit more recording left as a duo and then Nino would have a couple more to finish alone for his last songs that have been chosen for to the upcoming single.
Nino feels so tired and all he wants to do is to go home and sleep.
But no. He had gone and stupidly promised to go out.
With a deep sigh, he sends a deep hateful glare towards his “trustful” manager.
Takahiko had begged for him to come with him and his friend to a small late night dinner. He had almost gone down to his knees to get Nino accept his suggestion.
Takahiro knows that Nino doesn't like to eat much outside or be with many people, but once in a while Takahiro tries and begs Nino to come with him. It's a nice thing to know that someone cares about what you are doing. Even though his manager has been a pain for his job. This was their free time, which means that Takahiro doesn't need to be with him if he doesn't want to but would still ask him to come. He's a great friend.
But at the moment that “great” word isn't really the first word to come to his mind.
But he has to say that Takahiro had played this well.
By not mentioning his “friend's” name, he had just said yes without thinking much. Next time he knows to be a bit more careful with his manager.
When they had finished the day’s recordings, Nino had gotten ready quickly, wanting to get the whole dinner thing over with so he could go home.
But the moment he saw that it wasn't only Takahiro that was waiting for him, he got a very bad feeling.
“Shall we go?” Takahiro had cheered, his hand around Sakurai's slopping shoulders.
He doesn't know if Takahiro had already guessed that he isn't so happy to be with Sakurai in the same room. Or was Takahiro being his all “weird friendly” self and thought that they just hadn't gotten to know each other well and wanted to help them.
Nino guesses it's the latter.
When the elevators doors closed right in front of them, the person he last hoped would speak opened his mouth.
“Hey I wanted to ask if you guys have already decided on what to do in the music video or are you guys still just thinking about it?” Sakurai questioned.
Nino looked up from his shoes in surprise. He could see Sakurai's face reflected from the doors. Sakurai was looking at Takahiro instead.
“I- I would like to help some way if that is okay?” the man continued, looking sheepish while his voice got that slightly worried tone.
Nino's eyes almost bugled out of his head.
What!? What is he going to do now!?
But as expected his perfect manager took a hold of the situation before he would mess it up. If you could say that.
“Of course you can!” Takahiro assured with a smile. “What do you have in mind?” Takahiro continued as he put his hand around Sakurai's shoulders, looking at the man in pure interest.
“Well I was thinking if we could have couple of dancers there to dance and maybe Ninomiya or both of us could dance a bit too, if that would look good. I know a couple of good dancers and one who would love to teach us a bit and maybe do the choreography to the songs.” Sho explained in delight.
Dancers? Why? Nino felt so confused.
“That actually sounds pretty good!” Takahiro whooped. “I can ask for the management’s opinion about this. I can't promise anything yet but that does sound like a good plan.”
Does it?
“What do you think Nino?” Takahiro asked as he turned to look at Nino. As if he just remembered that he actually was here.
Sigh.
Okay, Nino, that's just a stupid way of thinking. He's your manager. He works together with you. Of course he remembers that you are here.
But.. some how he has a very bad feeling about this. There is something that's prickling on is mind and telling him that he shouldn't agree to this.
“You could also play some piano in it since you're an amazing pianist. It would make your fans go crazy!” Takahiro proposed with small glee on his eyes. Not seeing the small hesitation in Nino's.
Well, Takahiro already said that it was a “good plan”. So, who he was to go against it? No matter what.
“Yeah, why not.” Nino answered with a sigh.
“Excellent!” His manager stated.
They finally got off the elevator and started to walk towards the car that seemed to be waiting for them. He let himself walk a bit slower than the other two, trying to leave a small gap between them. He wanted some peace for now. Peace to let his mind to calm down.
Even though there was the gap, he could still hear Takahiro talking wildly to Sakurai.
“Sho, did you know that Nino plays the piano really well? Also, weren’t you used to play the piano too? It would be amazing if both of you could play piano together someday!” Takahiro spoke joyfully, as they walked forward.
But it felt like all the words came through a piece of glass.
-
Nino came to the final meeting regarding what they are going to do in the music video and when it's going to be shot with Takahiro. He had just finished recording one of the songs of his single and his throat felt a bit sore.
It should be kind of expected that he isn't really wanting to speak much or trying to be as friendly as possible because, hey, he's tired and no one should be forced to do those things when they are tired. Especially when he's never been good at being extremely polite and friendly when he's tired.
And now he was in a meeting room that was full of people.
Great.
Sighing, Nino literally collapsed to his chair. Thankfully, his manager knew him well enough already; he brought him full cup of black coffee without a word. Thank god that he has Takahiro.
He thanks him with a small smile and a nod, reaching for the warm cup. The rich aroma floats to his nose as he lifts the cup closer and he wasn't able stop the small moan from escaping his throat as he smells it.
He could hear Takahiro chuckle in the background, but the sound is distant, as his brain shifts it’s focus on the black drink completely.
-
Nino’s thoughts snapped back to earth when someone finally started to talk.
“So we have been thinking about the idea Sakurai-san had given to Takahiro-san.” one of the men around the table says. Ah, it's the president.
'Okay, Nino it’s time to wake up' Nino told himself as he slightly shook his head in hopes of becoming a bit more awake.
“The idea is good. We believe that the fans would love to see some close up of Ninomiya-san playing the piano, since most of his songs in this new single are mostly played with the piano,” the president continued, his voice deep but powerful. “But if the video only has Ninomiya-san playing the piano and Sakurai-san rapping close to it, we thought it would be bit too simple...”
“So we decided that there would be couple dancers to dance and act a small part to the video.” the president finished with a nod.
“Sakurai-san you said that you have some dancers that you recommend.” the man next to the president asked.
Sakurai nodded. He looked all cool and clever, right there in his black suit jacket. He looked like an adult and a superstar.
A total opposite of him.
“Yes, I have some very good dancers that would definitely like to do this” Sakurai confirmed out loud. “One of them has already been in couple of music videos and has been asked to come to dance to some international singers’ music videos, too.” Sakurai explained. “She's known for her graceful and beautiful movements as well as quick and powerful ones. Also, she was in a well recommended and respected school for dancing and acting.”
“The other one has danced 3-4 years in theater and is highly praised by his dance movements and the way he's delved into his dance.” Sakurai stated, without a pause. “He had also choreographed some dance parts of the theater performances and they have been well liked as well as praised. Even though he hasn't been in music videos or in any movies before this but he's interested to try them out, if an interesting opportunity will arise”
“He actually has been asked to perform in other theaters but so far he has declined them.”
Theater? Why does this sound so prickly familiar?
“These two people know each other and have danced together before too,” Sakurai pointed out, before the management could say anything. “So, it wouldn't be much of a work for them to come up with a choreography for the songs.”
“I see” the one of the mens says from the other side of the table, the voice showing his interest. “And what are the names of these two dancers?”
Nino was starting to feel nervous about this.
He didn't know why he was feeling like that but something was pocking at his brain and telling him that that might not be a good idea.
Nino can feel the back of his hair stand up, his breathing getting labored as Sakurai opens his mouth.
“The first one is Swép Gabriella. She's from Hungary, but has lived most of her life in Japan.” Sakurai said confidentially.
And then, and he's 100% fucking sure it that, then Sakurai glanced at him.
He's 49% sure that he would love to run out of this room and never come back, the other 51% was a feeling of knowing that the look Sakurai-san had casted towards him, was as if he knew what the next name he was going to say, could to do to him.
Holding his breath, Nino hoped that the name, that he was waiting for Sakurai to spit out, wouldn't be the one he was already dreadfully expecting.
“And the second one is Ohno Satoshi” Sakurai finished.
Oh fuck.
note2: Thank you for reading! I hope you will leave a comment! it would make me happy :3