[Fanfiction] Hazukashii Smile : CHAPTER ONE (NEWS) PARTS 1-3 *** updated***
Part 3: HAPPY MUSIC
Till when are you going to look for yourself
The truth is, even though I understand,
Just lift your head up.
Shige looked up to an old poster of NEWS in his room. It was his favorite. Not only did he look especially cool in it, but it had Nishikido Ryo in it. Nishikido Ryo was his mentor, his idol, his band mate and friend, who abruptly left them to find greener pastures in the United States. He understood Ryo, because if it was him, he would also do it in a heartbeat. He also believed that Ryo had other reasons for going that he was not telling anyone.
Shige had hypothesized three things. First, it may be that Ryo needed some kind of artistic retreat to recuperate from his overworking in Japan. He knew that a change of environment would inspire him and he would be able to create more awe inspiring songs like Potential or Code.
Second, Shige thought that it was a well deserved prize for this very hard working senpai. Imagine working more than 60 hours a week, with two very successful pop groups, doing two tours, two performances, two interviews… you get the picture. It is very tiring. In Shige’s humble opinion, Boss-chan was really tired and needed rest. Johnny-sama just gave it to him before he kills himself overworking.
Third, which is probably farfetched, was that Ryo WAS actually sick and had to get treatments in the United States. He knew that a modeling and shooting stint would only take a few days to a couple weeks because that’s how he saw Yamashita Tomohisa do it. But Ryo has been absent for months and he was really getting worried.
He wondered how long Ryo would have to stay there and when he would come back. The few e-mails that Ryo sent him had seemed vague on the date of his return and felt a little heavy. For a genius like Shige, he was not sure what to really make of it. But, knowing Ryo, he would have his reasons. Whether the group would like it or not was another story. He only hoped that Ryo was holding his head up on the other end and living a happy life like he said in his e-mails.
Can you change the blue feeling?
Pop, it's like pink
If it doesn't disappear, it seems to be blotting out.
Everything going to be OK!
Shige rose from his bed and clicked on his e-mail to check for assignments and return e-mails from his classmates in Aoyama Daigaku Law School. Half of him wanted the same kind of retreat that Ryo was having. Must be nice not having to lead a double life, like he was. But then again, Kato Shigeaki would not have it any other way. The busy life suited him just fine. He probably would not know what to do with himself if he was idle.
All these depressing thoughts were getting to him, so he turned his full attention to the screen in front of him. He didn’t know what was more depressing: the things he was thinking about earlier, or the fact that he had more homework than he could normally handle. He browsed through the e-mails one by one, sorting through them in organized folders. Then it caught his eye.
A sign. At least he knew that the Nishikido was alive. He had an e-mail anyway. He was cheered up by the fact that it looked like a personal e-mail rather than one of those group e-mails that he used to receive from him. It looks like he finally had personal things to say to Shige. It made him happy.
He remembered before when he was younger. He thought he was very lucky to be put into a group with two of the greatest Johnny’s members: Yamashita Tomohisa and Nishikido Ryo. For months, he felt fan boyish pride swell up in his chest whenever he would come to the studio and promote stuff with NEWS. He was still unsure of how long it would last but he hoped that at least they would have meaningful friendships together.
He was glad he had shared experiences with them. Especially with Ryo, who taught him a lot. Ryo was a lot more experienced than he was. He was a lot cooler, more handsome and Shige felt lucky that he was even giving him the time of day. Shige only wished to be half the idol that Ryo was.
He grinned as he quickly finished his sorting and clicked on the e-mail that Ryo sent him. Oh, this was going to be good.
Even though you're crying,
Cry out until you wither
Make your voice heard til far
To: s.kato@jemail.co.jp
From: r.nishikido@jemail.co.jp
Subject: Yo, Kato-bengoshi kun!
Shige,
Yo! It’s been a while, ne? How many books have you read since I left? Any good ones? I read your recommendation, and I enjoyed it. Paulo Coelho is a genius. The Alchemy was a great read. I couldn’t put the book down. It was such a compelling story. Thank you again. The book of your choice just made me get to know you a little deeper. I suddenly realized that the awkward geek that used to just gawk at me onstage was now a man, and not only that, a bona fide idol that is to be admired for his handsome looks and his brains.
No, this is not some kind of prank. I am serious. I know that by now you have figured out that I am not really doing any movie or modeling here in the USA. In fact, I know that by now you have formed some hypothesis of what I am doing here in the US. With your brain and ability to do research, I have a hunch that one of them should be correct. But I will not indulge you by telling you what I am doing here. That’s for you to find out. After all, there will be no thrill if you don’t find out on your own.
Shige, I wish I got to know you a little better while I was there. I wish we shared more experiences together and not only the rabid bickering that we do. We are both very good looking; talented and creative Osakans and we should have bonded. But for some reason, you were awkward with me. I also didn’t really give you the time to bond, and so it was also my fault. Forgive me. But, you know what? I will never forgive the fact that you don’t know Kansai-ben anymore. You traitor!
I admire you for shooting for your dreams - both of them - at once. An idol who is studying law! Wow, who could imagine? I know that it is hard to juggle both lives at once, and I admire your determination to excel at both. I hope you do finish law school, and when you do, I hope you have a great practice.
Do you remember the times when I put you down? It was my way of training you to be stronger. All the times I made fun of you, humiliated you and ignored you, were my ways of teaching you to be a better person. I hope you learned a lot from me, because I have learned from you too.
Shige, you are an opinionated person with a voice. I know that you will use that huge brain of yours to make your voice heard for things that matter. I want you to cry out for justice, and I want you to scream loud and clear. You hear me? But, I also wish that you do this with humility. Do not be a pig-head.
I just wish I could see you grow - even just a little more. I’ll see you in the flipside. Be happy. I’ll always be where the music is.
Yours truly,
Ryo
PS. I wrote some songs while I am here. I want you to sing them. You have the right voice for it. Johnny -sama will talk to you about them.
Baby, listen to the HAPPY MUSIC
Forever living in your heart
Baby resound to the crazy heaven
RIDE ON! RIDE ON!
Oh I wanna be your sound
HAPPY MUSIC
Shige closed his eyes in respect for Ryo. He didn’t have to think about it. He knew. Now, he was more determined to succeed. He was a little more confident, because he had someone with him. He knew Ryo has never left him. He never will. He said it himself. Ryo will always be where the music is. He smiled as his song “Happy Music” came on his music player. Ryo was his “Happy Music”, who will forever be living in his heart.
**Page 2**