[Fanfic] Oshiete, Jun-kun - Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
He buried his head in his hands, feeling the tiredness sink in. It was close to 5 in the morning and he was still at work. Who else would be up at this ungodly hour? Looking back up again, he could see the staff sleeping in their chairs, some with papers covering their faces, others with their caps. Leaning his head back, he tried to relax. Finally, this is the day. “Sho-san, will you be needing me for anything else tonight?” asked his manager, who had insisted on staying with him. “I’m fine, you should go home and rest,” he smiled. “Alright. Good night, Sho-san. Good luck,” she tried hard to give him a bright smile, but he knew just how drained she was. He managed a smile back and watched her leave.
With a big sigh, he pulled out his phone to send a text message: “Still at the studio. I’m so tired, but there’s no time to rest...I hope I’m not disrupting your sleep. I know how grumpy you can get when you’re awakened for no reason. ( ^ ^ ; )” Hitting ‘send’, he leaned his tired head back, feeling the fluorescent light burning his eyes. How he wished to be at home right now...or in Jun’s arms and sleeping with him. Shaking his head from such thoughts, he forced himself to focus. I don’t have time to be thinking like that. In only a few hours, they were going to make the big announcement in the morning news, and he has to be prepared for it.
Suddenly, his phone beeped, indicating an incoming message. “Don’t push yourself too hard. You’ll need energy for later. I’m up, revising lines,” there was a long space before a short sentence at the end, “I miss you.” That made him smile like an idiot. Pressing a number on his speed dial, he decided to call instead. “Moshi moshi?” answered Jun’s deep voice on the other end. “Ah, moshi mosh, am I bothering your line revision?” asked Sho, heading out of the room in case he woke his staff up. “No, if the phone didn’t just ring, I would’ve fallen asleep. What are you doing still at the studio?” asked Jun now. “Mm, it’s the launching date today so I have to get things ready in time for the morning news’ announcement. Isn’t it a little late to be revising lines? What time do you have to be on set?” asked Sho, checking the clock again. It was 5:15 in the morning.
“Mm, actually, I woke up at 5 to go over my lines again. I have to be on location at 6 since make-up takes at least an hour before shooting. Are you sure you’ll be okay? Do you have any other work later?” Jun’s voice had a note of concern, making him smile. “Yeah, but that’s normal. I can probably sneak in a few minutes of sleep here and there. Don’t worry, I’ll be okay. Well, I should let you get back to your lines. I’ll see you later okay?” Sho didn’t want to stay on the phone too long, with his work nagging at him. “Alright, take care of yourself there. I don’t want you collapsing from exhaustion, ne? Ja, mata ne, Sho-san,” said Jun. “Mm, mata. Oh, and Jun?” Sho swallowed before he replied, “I miss you too.” Jun gave a short chuckle before they exchanged goodbyes.
It felt amazing to him that it had already been almost a month since that night in Tokyo Tower, but everything remained the same, except his relationship with Jun was getting much more comfortable. He found that because of their youngest member’s sensitivity, Sho can talk about anything and Jun would pay him every ounce of attention. They had fought once due to differences of opinion, but then things were okay again. It occurred to him then, after their first fight that he couldn’t possibly have the same relationship with someone else the way he has with Jun. Any other person would argue with him and refuse to apologize because of pride or something irrelevant like that, but Jun was courageous enough to fight with him, and after only ten minutes, was able to see eye-to-eye with him again, accepting his own opinion as well as Sho’s mutually.
He respected Jun a whole lot more now that they were honest with each other. Despite the other members knowing, they still felt like they should continue addressing each other with the occasional honorific, although there were times when they just call each other by name. Heading back into the recording room, he grabbed tapes and mixes, giving them a listen while he let the others continue their sleep. Making small notes here and there, he felt happier after speaking to Jun, despite the time. Once he was done listening, he finished off his ‘thank you’ note and proceeded to clean everything up. Suddenly, one of the staff members stirred. “Oh, Sho-kun, I’m sorry. I fell asleep while you were still awake! Ah, we should get moving, it’s almost time for the announcement!” Ken, the audio engineer started to panic, but Sho just smiled.
“What are you worried about? We’ve finished everything. There were just a few minor details left to figure out, but other than that, everything’s settled. Besides, I’m pretty happy with what we already have,” Sho chuckled. “Ah, but...you’re right. Are there still changes you’d like to make?” asked Ken now. “Yep, I’ve written them right here. You can choose which you’d like to change, but this is just my own input. Okay, I need to head out to get ready for my interview. Are you going to be okay in handling this?” he asked, grabbing his bag and getting to his feet. “Are you kidding? Just leave it to me. I’ll get it done to your specifications, Sho-kun. Good luck for that interview, ne?” Ken gave him a small salute as Sho nodded, thanking him for his hard work and heading out of the studio.
He had only an hour to get to the TV studio and get ready. I hope my nervousness doesn’t get the best of me today...
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“Right, let’s welcome a very special guest today: Arashi’s Sakurai Sho!” announced Hatori, the host for the morning show. Fixing his sleeve, he went out with as bright of a smile as he could muster, knowing he must look like hell. “Good morning. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu,” he bowed to the hosts. The problem for this particular show is that they told him it’ll be live on air, so he can’t screw anything up and has to be constantly alert. “Actually, Sakurai-san has been rather busy lately, haven’t you?” asked Hatori now, jumping straight into the interview. “Yes, I’ve been travelling to cover stories for News Zero and keeping up with Arashi’s members when it comes to work,” he answered. They asked him all sorts of things about News Zero and what made him decide to become a newscaster. “Well, I wanted to do something that no one from our Jimusho has done and since I’m interested in the news, I thought this would be the right path to take. I didn’t think they’d consider me seriously, but I’m glad they did,” Sho answered.
“You see? This is the reason why I love Arashi. Every member has their own special talent and are not afraid to show it,” said Hatori to his co-hosts. The ladies laughed while Sho could only manage a grin. It was known to him and the rest of his members that Hatori Shinichi was a big fan of theirs and often gets excited when they’re called for an interview. Hatori was speaking to him now, “You’re doing something else right now that no one in amongst your group members have done, aren’t you?” It was his cue for his big announcement: “Yes, I’m releasing a solo album on my birthday.” He had to grin as soon as the words came tumbling out of his mouth. The reactions on their faces was priceless.
“A solo album? Eh, so does that mean you’re removing yourself from Arashi?” asked a shocked Hatori. “No, no, no, of course not, Hatori-san. I’ve been experimenting with my own style and tastes in music, which have only been heard by my listeners on my radio show. Since I had enough to fill an album, I thought I’d release it. It’s still under our label, JStorm and there’s really no reason for me to go solo completely,” he explained. There was relief all around and he could see it even on some of the staff’s faces. “That was a shock. I thought Arashi was going to split up,” Hatori breathed a (slightly dramatic) sigh of relief. “Sakurai-san, what’s the title of your upcoming album?” asked one of the female co-hosts. Sho smiled as he held up the completed CD with album art proudly, “It’s called Just Sho, or JS for short, and it’ll be released on the 25th of January, which happens to be my 26th birthday.”
If he had to choose a word to describe their expressions, the term ‘marvel’ comes immediately to mind. They were simply marvelling at the CD as they passed it from one host to the other before it was returned to him. He could hear one of the tracks being played in the background. “Happy birthday in advance,” they bowed to him before Hatori continued, “You’re the main rapper of Arashi, so you are into hip-hop and rap type of music, right?” He returned their bow with a wide smile. “Thank you. Yes, I like all sorts of styles, since each one is distinct, but I find rap the most interesting style to sing,” he replied. “Ah, because you can trip over words and such, right? Have you ever tripped up when you rap? Or accidentally bitten your tongue?” asked Hatori now, while the studio laughs. “Actually, I have on many occasions. Rapping is harder than most people think, even though I write most of the rap lyrics myself. That’s the reason why I need to practice my rap part a lot,” Sho smiled.
The ladies asked Sho to teach Hatori a rap or two now, making him laugh. “I’m not sure whether he’s up to it.” Hatori shook his head, ready and willing to try his hand at rapping. “Okay, but it’s not going to be easy. I have a lyric card for Sakura Sake here and I’d like Hatori-san to sing this part,” Sho pointed out his rap that’s written on the card. As the show went for a short commercial, the ladies watched as he taught Hatori the rhythm and lyrics while the staff play the music in the background. “This is hard,” said the host as his co-stars laughed. Finally, the show returned on air. “Right, now it’s time to watch Hatori-san perform. Hatori-san, if you please!” said one of the ladies.
Sho stood to the side as the stage was cleared for Hatori’s ‘rap debut’. The song came on and he held tightly to the lyric card, waiting for his cue before jumping straight in: ““Migi e narae” kara fumidasu kono ippo wo, Utta ten ga - ahh!” he messed up the rhythm causing the studio to laugh. “This is so difficult, ne?” said Hatori now, “I actually bit my tongue!” The studio laughed again as Sho patted him on the shoulder, “It’s not bad for a first-timer.” Soon, they wrapped up the interview and the show, thanking him for his appearance and hard work. He promptly did the same as they walked him out of the studio set. “You can be sure I’ll buy a copy of this too. Rap is interesting, isn’t it?” said Hatori now as the staff removed his microphone.
“It is once you get used to the rhythm of the song and technical stuff like that. If my kind of music suits your taste, Hatori-san, please by all means purchase a copy. I’ll be happy to sign it for you as well,” Sho bowed to him before he thanked the staff once again. His driver was waiting to whisk him off to another show on the other side of the city. Breathing a sigh of relief, he leaned his head back as the van started to move. Knowing that it’ll take them about two hours to get to the next studio, Sho closed his eyes in hopes of sneaking in a few minutes of sleep. It was hardly past ten but his eyes hurt from the sunlight. Just as he was about to drift off, his phone vibrated against his leg. “Hai, Sakurai desu,” he answered without bothering to look at the number on the screen, his voice dragged out like he was hung over.
“Sho-san, how did it go?” said a familiar voice. “Oh, Jun! Ah, it was fine. I made the announcement without screwing up,” he perked up slightly. It was always nice to hear Jun’s deep voice in his ear, no matter what time of the day it is. “I’m glad. Where are you now?” he asked. Sho rubbed his eyes as he looked around, “Somewhere near the University of Tokyo. I’m on my way to do another show, but I’m just happy that this one would be pre-recorded for a later airing time.” Jun chuckled in his ear, “Otsukaresama deshita.” He had to smile, he never knew such simple words that he hears every day would have so much meaning when it came from someone he loved. “Still a long way to go for your shooting?” he asked. “Mm, we’re just about wrapping up for the day. Tomorrow’s shoot will be at 3,” Jun sounded regretful.
“3? Like 3 in the morning?” asked Sho with a frown. “Yeah...the director wants the right lighting at dawn so with all the setting up and make-up, it’ll have to be 3 in the morning,” said Jun, “But the good news is, I’m free for the rest of the day. Would you like to have dinner with me?” Again, Sho grinned widely. “Sure. I’ll see you at your place, is that alright? We can decide later if we want to eat in or go somewhere,” he said. Jun agreed and they hung up. The call giving him a burst of energy, he was glad to find that he was nearing the studio now.
Through a whirlwind of hours, he was relieved to hear his manager say, “That’s all for today, Sho-san.” He wanted to jump for joy, but tiredness kept him from doing anything except smiling. Practically pushing himself back into the van, he told the driver to drop him off near Tokyo Dome, saying that he’ll make his way home from there. “Are you sure? You look tired and you might collapse in the middle of the street,” said the driver now. Sho smiled as he shook his head, “It’s alright. I have an appointment with a friend anyway, so it’s fine. Without another word, he was driven toward the place he requested. His eyes felt heavy and sore, but his heart was beating in his chest so hard, it was keeping him awake.
“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said to the driver and got out. Tokyo Dome was almost deserted, save a few people walking around in the bleak January weather, hurrying to get to someplace warmer. Without another thought, he walked, heading past shops and buildings towards Koishikawa Shokubutsu-en, the botanical garden near Jun’s apartment building. His steps grow somewhat anxious as he drew near to the tall, dark-glassed building that was reflecting the gold sunlight, making his eyes sting. He wondered why he felt self-conscious when he’s just visiting his band member’s place, but if the paparazzi or the media were to find out...
Pulling his cap lower over his eyes, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and headed up to Jun’s apartment. Nodding to the guard at the front entrance, he made a beeline to the elevators. Since Arashi have been here countless times for New Year’s and birthday celebrations and get-well-soon visits, the guard knew him well enough not to stop him or issue him a visitor’s pass. Reaching the 14th floor, he breathed a sigh as he stepped out onto the lush carpeted hallway. Despite them leading separate lives, Jun was one of the first to live out on his own, making him the most independent out of the five of them in terms of not living with his family.
He stood in front of Apartment 14J, which Sho finds amusing every time he sees the plaque on the door. Jun had scouted an apartment for himself with specific criteria, exhausting even the real estate consultant. Finally, he was happy with this one and he proudly invited the other four for a housewarming party. They laughed at the fact that his door bore his initial, saying that if he wanted to be found out by his stalkers, it would be easy to guess which apartment he stayed in. Sho smiled as he stared at the black-painted door with its golden handle. Somehow just seeing the door itself made him feel warm. “Sho? I’m sorry, I didn’t think you’d be early. You didn’t have to wait at the door.” Turning, Sho smiled to see Jun walking down the hallway, dressed in black from head to toe.
“It’s alright, I figured it’d be safer up here anyway instead of hanging around the lobby,” he replied. Jun removed his sunglasses and opened the door, letting Sho enter. “Sorry for intruding,” said Sho politely as he took off his shoes and slipped into Jun’s comfortable house slippers. “You look like hell,” commented Jun, shutting the door. He couldn’t come up with a good retort, so merely smiled as he collapsed onto a nearby couch. “I feel like hell too...does that sentence even make sense?” Sho laughed as he rubbed his throbbing temples slowly with his fingers. “It’s still early, you know. You can use my room to sleep if you want,” offered Jun. Sho smiled, tempted by the offer, but all his bones felt like lead.
“Nope, here’s where I fell, here’s where I’ll lie down, if it’s alright with you,” he replied. Jun’s expression was gentle and understanding as he headed toward the bedroom and came back with a fluffy pillow for Sho’s head. “Mm...smells like you,” Sho slurred, breathing into the pillow. Within seconds, he drifted off to sleep. With a smiling sigh, Jun unwrapped Sho’s scarf and coat before proceeding to hang up his own. “You’re almost like a baby sometimes, Sho...” he whispered, softly pushing away stray hair from Sho’s forehead. It was one of those rare moments that they could be together and be themselves.
Normally, they’d have their separate jobs and everything, seeing each other only when Arashi has a collaborative work, like Shukudai-kun or a concert. But with his movies lining up and Sho’s album release plus his News Zero work, it was difficult to see each other on a more personal level. Jun had never talked about his point of view much to anyone, afraid of what they’d think or express, knowing that he has some pretty straightforward friends. Nino had made fun of him once after they confessed to liking each other after the year-end Countdown, but Sho had just laughed it off. He, on the other hand, was hurt but chose not to say anything. He hadn’t told Sho about it either.
More than anything in the world, he was afraid. Everything he’s experiencing was new, so he doesn’t know what steps to take. Sure, he’s been taught how to love women and cherish them because he grew up being close to his mother and sister the most. But here he is, in love with a man, and he’s always at a loss. How does one go about loving a man when you’re a man yourself? Is it the same as loving a woman? Or should he treat Sho as a woman just for the sake of gaining perspective? He didn’t know and there was no one to answer him.
Frustrated and confused, he was glad that seeing Sho’s face just silences all the questions, even for a brief instant. He was sleeping soundly, unaware of how Jun was intently staring at him. Getting up, he decided to think up something for lunch and maybe even read a book or two.
He was sure he’ll come up with the answers in his own time, just like he always does...