CLASSMATES (27/?)
a/n: Minna, I m really sorry for all the grammar errors,, i typed this one real fast, and directly here in lj and not in MS word, so there's probably too many errors, i will do some revision if there's a need. ..wanna say sorry in advance to those fans of other JE groups, especially Yamapi's and Toma's (although I'm a fan myself) for literally making them the bad guys in this chapter. As for the chapter itself, I'm really worried that this might get a little boring. The reason why I wrote this chapter is to give justice on the original plot and Shi's character itself, before i actually go over to the current flow of the story which was a little bit different form from what i first planned, but I'm happy with the current setting so minna, please bear with me just with in this chapter okay? thank you so much:). As always.. comments are loved.
CHAPTER 27
-HONTOU NO SHIGOTO-
Shi sighed heavily as she entered the building. It had been a week since the incident with Sho and the kids being closer to him wasn't helping the situation at all. More to say, it was actually making it worse for her to cope with her job especially now that she still has her "real job" up to her sleeves. She had no idea what magnet Sho could have had used to be able to reach to the twins like that. She even remembered having the urge to snatch their phones away but think otherwise each time she sees them all smiles after spending a minute of conversation or after receiving a mail from Sho. And its been a week, 8 days to be exact..what exactly does he plan to do? . She still could not grasp what he had been thinking, nor if the man had ever think about it. In fairness to Sho, the man's influence seemed good towards her kids and it's very obvious because her kids were more sociable these past days and always wearing that sunny expression compared from the first time they enrolled in school.
She sighed again, breathing rather heavily as she continue pacing back and forth inside the lobby for what seemed like forever, still couldn't make up her mind whether to go and greet Johnny or to head straightly to the location where she's supposed to be going. She didn't really think it as a good idea anyway. Just the very thought of being inside JE building made her stomach fluttered a million times. Just thinking about the possibility that she might have, if God forbid, to encounter Sho once again, plus the fact that being around idols were not really up to her pleasure. That fact resurfaced when she practically bumped into someone, making her lose her balance and drop all her things on the tiled floor.
"Daijobu ka?" the man asked worriedly, catching her with arms on her back. Both their faces inches away from each other, but the man furrowed his eyebrows upon recognition. "Shi?"
"Jun-kun?" She said in utter bewilderment. The first and the last time she bumped with the guy, it did not do her any good especially when it practically made her redo all her plans. Shi unconsciously look over her things on the floor the moment she remembered the incident, which was rather awkward given their current position. It was like dejavu. The only difference was that Jun wasn't shouting at her like a jerk, similar to that first time they met, but instead he bent down to a sitting position and started gathering all her things after he made sure that she had regained her balance.
"There you go" Jun smoothed the papers before handing it over to her. But before he actually did that, he carefully examined the plans in his hand and before she knew it, Jun gave her a questioning gazed. Shi was just too stunned to react. She didn't expect Jun could be that nice if he just wanted to.
In front of her, Jun could not believe his thought, or rather, could not simply make out his own thought. When he noticed that the lady was still unmoving, he literally waved his hand in front of her which made Shi snapped back to reality.
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"For a while there I was bracing myself for some scowling from you." She told him jokingly. They were on a nearby café, thanks to Jun for the guy was so persistent on taking her there. Whatever his purpose she didn't know because she was still dozing off when the guy pulled her hand and brought her there.
Jun's cheeks colored a deep shade of pink when he heard the girl's remark. Well, he couldn't blame her for it was actually what he did the first time she bumped at him.
"Ah~ you remembered that.. gomen.. was really pissed that time." Jun said apologetically.
"Yeah, you were practically pissed that you stomped all over my things which cause me a lot of trouble than you ever can imagine." She smirked and rolled her eyes when she saw Jun making a weird reaction. It was obvious that the guy felt guilty towards that incident.
"I'm sorry." Jun bowed his head, too ashamed of what he did but at the same time curious about those papers. "I think you really had a hard time with your boss because of those papers." He couldn't help but add.
"Boss?huh? what papers?" Shi asked in confusion.
"Ugh.. please don't make me recall that incident, I was the one at fault okay? There's no need to bash me on that topic." He told her slightly annoyed because the girl seemed enjoying the moment. "Never mind.. what I'm saying is that you were scolded by your boss after that incident right? Because somehow all those floor plans were ruined.." Jun explained.
"EH?" Shi couldn't find any words to react.
"Don't "eh" me. Couldn't you find any word to express your thought? It was a good thing that I recognized you right away, if not, you'll be reprimanded by your boss again, worse if you'll get fired because of me, I wouldn't be able to sleep if that happens." Jun said rhetorically unable to notice that Shi was actually trying to prevent herself from laughing out loud.
"Why do you think so?" She asked him, letting out a soft giggle. She still wanted to confirm her thoughts although it amazed her how the guy could come into a conclusion about her work but never really got it right.
"You work as a secretary to an architectural or engineering firm right?" Jun answered confidently. "Based from what I saw earlier, I didn't need to be an expert to know exactly what it was. That's why when you told me it caused you a lot of trouble, I knew you were scolded that first time we met.." Jun trailed off because the girl in front of her burst out laughing which made him furrowed his eyebrows.
Baka! If you just looked closely on the plan you'll know what my profession is. She wanted to tell him but instead, "Sorry for laughing. I couldn't help it because you were making a weird face" she told him exactly the words of her kids. "But its past Jun-kun, I don't mind."
She smiled sweetly at Jun, the kind of smile which can make any guy melt. Jun covered his already blushed face, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of her. He couldn't believe that Shi's smile could still turn his world upside down. Damn Jun… get a hold of yourself or you'll be betraying your two friends..Jun thought. "Ne` Shi, how's the twins?" Jun asked suddenly making Shi choked at her coffee.
"A-h, they're fine I guess. These past days they've been in close contact with their da- Sho I mean, and I think its doing them a lot of good." She answered honestly, trying to cover up her mistake of nearly saying the word "dad".
"Ah sou ka~but how 'bout you Shi?" Jun gazed at her intently, calculating every word she utters.
"Ah~ I d-d-don't see your p-point there Jun-kun." She answered looking away. The guy seemed weighing onto her every word and meeting Jun's eyes will only make her reveal every single thing she's not yet ready to face, not now, not in that place.
"Oh okay, but it was good to see you coping and your kids being happy.. isn't that more important Shi-chan?" Jun challenged her.
"I guess.. they're happy now,, but I wonder if that will still be the case if they know." Shi told Jun defiantly. She's starting to get really annoyed for a reason she didn't know and Jun's frank way of speaking to her added to that annoyance. Honestly, it was getting on her nerves. "Look, I dunno where you're heading at, but if you want us to get along just fine, please don't make me say things I don't want to say at the moment." She almost yelled in panic. Her heart started beating abnormally and she didn't know how long will she be able to hold it if their conversation continued.
"Well I guess I need to wait and see if Sho's plan will really work" Jun said in a low voice that even Shi couldn't hear. Especially if Shi's so stubborn about it., It was Jun's time to sigh heavily.
"Did you just say something?" Shi looked at him because she missed what Jun had said.
"Nope, I was just thinking if its good for you to stay this long, bec-" Jun told her but was cut in mid-sentence.
"Oh crap!" She glanced at her watch and realized that she totally lost track of time. "Sorry Jun-kun, and thanks for the coffee." She stood and prepared to leave. "About a while ago, I apologize for that, you shouldn't have said it bluntly like that" Shi smiled before turning her back to him. Much to her surprise, Jun grabbed her hand which made her nearly jump at the gesture and stare back at Jun.
"Nani?" she asked.
"Um, about what I told you, I'm sorry, but I still believe that you should think over those things, for once, for your kids.. they deserve the truth you know.." Jun told her sincerely. Shi stared blankly at him as she tried to vie that stabbing feeling which was starting to build around her chest like that time with Sho. Jun had a point. No matter how long it takes, sooner or later, she will need to face the truth.
"Not now Jun.. not now." She told him while struggling to blink away her tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes at any moment. "In time when I'm ready." Shi looked straightly in his eyes and smiled bitterly before snapping her hand out of Jun's grip. She quickened her footsteps to get out of the café before Jun could follow up his thoughts.
It took Jun a minute or so to be able to get back to reality. He was quite appalled when he saw Shi's grieved expression but he was more disturbed by the tears that she was obviously fighting hard not to fall. He scolded himself for letting the matters out of hand. Blame him and his curiosity. He didn't expect Shi to lose her cool just by the simple mention of the thing that was circulating about her neither when she actually yelled at him when he asked her something that was a bit unnecessary at that moment. One thing Jun realized though was the fact that Shi's still gravely affected by what happened between her and Sho. But Jun knew he can't backed out, they knew they couldn't back out- because the moment they found out the truth, even if they want it or not, they were bound to be involved in that matter concerning their fellow member. He was with that thought when Nino called him asking what was keeping him and later tell him to go directly at the conference hall where all, if not, some Johnny's talents were summoned.
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Almost an hour had passed but Shi was still there in her car, parked a few blocks away from JE building, her head resting at the steering wheel. She still could not make up her mind whether to cancel her appointment or not. In her current state, it was not advisable to face those people whom she was supposed to meet. Her eyes were red, but not swollen, due to the tears that fell instantly off her eyes the moment she left the café. Her composure a little out of place because her hair was in a total mess from merely scratching her head, unable to clear her mind off from that conversation, worse when Jun's words kept ringing on her ears. She was a little distracted when her phone rang.
"Where the hell are you Shi?" Johnny asked from the other line.
"Sorry Jii-chan," Shi replied guiltily but almost lifeless. The old man seldom talks to her like that unless if the situation calls it. From the tone of the old man's voice, and the way he spoke to her, it was evident that the situation was nowhere near good.
"You didn't answer my question child, where are you? What happened to you?" the old man's voice softened upon hearing her lifeless voice.
"In my car, outside your building," She replied hesitantly, but chose not to lie. If there's someone she wouldn't lie to, it was this grandpa of hers.
"What? You're telling me that you were just there outside while practically making my talents wait for you and waste their precious time?" Johnny's voice was back again to that tone awhile ago.
"Sorry.. I couldn't help it.. something came up and I was distracted, I met Jun-kun, we talked, I was afraid, I was sad, I felt worse jiichan.." Shi started crying over the phone. She couldn't make herself believe that all things were fine with her as long as she indulge herself f to work. "Grandpa, can you cancel the meeting? I don't think I can face those people right now. And I might end up messing the project which I worked endless nights to finish." She pleaded. The truth is, she's not afraid about the presentation, she's more afraid about the possibility that she might see Sho there and all the ARASHI members who had made an impact on her recently.
"That's exactly why I need you to come here right now and prove yourself dear.." He told her calmly but firmly. "Look, I don't know what kind of conversation you had with that guy, and good Lord knows how I'm dying to know the exact details, but that can wait Shi, right now, you shouldn't let your emotions interfere with your profession. My God Shi, you manage to live your life these 5 years but just because you had met the twin's dad and his friends, you're going to ruin it all? Goodness! I know you better than that!"
"But Jii-chan~"
"No BUTs child, I need you to stay focus and pull yourself together while I try to quiet the crowd. 20 minutes. See you at the conference hall. Don't let me down." And with that Johnny ended the call.
Johnny was right. She can't let her emotions interfere with her profession. Just like that time when she didn't let the pain get in way with her studies, just like that time when she didn't let her thought clouded by her deep affection for Sho, just like that time when she managed to bring back all the pieces of her broken life without making such a ruckus while striving to raise her kids. Just like that time.. Shi thought. She didn't study and finish her MS just to be sidetracked by that man. For once, she will bury all her emotions up to the very depths of her soul and will make sure that it will not resurface for a while. Not again. Never. And with that determination, Shi re-fix her hair, re-apply her makeup, and braced herself for her project.
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There was a loud noise coming inside the conference hall situated at the top of the building. The place was quite huge that it can house 100-200 people so it was not a problem. It was one of those rare occasions when their boss would actually call all the talents to have a meeting. The only difference was that it was not mandatory for all the talents to attend so the number of people was fewer than that of normal. Only groups/single artist who had debuted, and recently debuted were there curious as to what the old man would have to say this time. Not that they deem it as boring, but the matter or the topic of discussion was unknown for the first time that they patiently or impatiently waited.
"What's with that old man? Making us wait here for more than an hour? Who does he think he is?" Masuda exclaimed totally pissed.
"Baka!He's our boss" Yuya told him, quite amused at his bandmate's reaction. They hardly see him pissed like that.
"Well, you're right Tego-chan, but making us wait here when our works are piled up was unforgivable. " Ryo shrugged at how their younger member seemed to be cool about it.
"But I think he had his reasons," Yasuda commented as he sat beside his fellow member who happened to be with his other group.
"It better be good Yasuda, or one day I'm going to strangle that old man." Yamapi told them which made the guys sharing the long table with them to actually exchange glances. "Where are the others by the way?" He asked Yasuda but was distracted when he saw the door opened and three people emerged carrying the JE Stadium model which was displayed at the lobby that explained why something was lacking the moment he entered the building. He was always fascinated by that model and not seeing it this morning actually bothered him.
"Wow. I'm really amazed who could come up with such a brilliant model as that." Yokoyama who had recently joined them remarked.
"It was remarkable isn't it? I wonder if that's the reason why Johnny gathered us here.." Sho said across the table. The guys looked surprised hearing his comment, especially when he's someone who will not regard those things as remarkable especially when it’s the one causing them delays.
"Hey don't butt in other's conversation." Ryo smirked at Sho who looked slightly embarrassed upon realizing what he'd done.
"Ah, gomen, can’t help it..it was really remarkable." He told them, the truth is, he's also pissed by now because he still has news zero to concern himself to, yet Johnny was making them wait, taking all his breaks away from him.
"Guys, why make such a great deal about it? Its not that we're required to attend to this right? Instead of fussing over, why don't you just leave?" It was Nino this time. He was annoyed at how the guys kept on complaining about that simple matter. "If you don't want to listen to the man himself, then just go." Nino told them sarcastically, not really looking at them because his attention was at his DS.
"Kya~ Sorry, sorry, Nino-chan didn't mean it like that." Aiba uttered words of apology. For a while there, he wanted to hit the brat and his big mouth which practically was done by Ohno, but not in a harsh way, their leader just nudge the brat to stop. Lucky for them, this made the guys laugh.
"Save by the bell Ninomiya! It was good that you have Aiba around, or I swear I dunno how to react on what you'd just said." Shige who had just arrived commented for the first time. "But see, Nino-sempai had a point. Since neither of us were moving, then that means we're curious as well. And about that model, I overheard Johnny talking to someone"
"You did?" Masuda beamed at him.
"Yep, it was actually pretty harsh, the way he talked to the woman," Shige told them lazily.
"Woman? Are you saying that this whole sh*t has something to do with a woman?" Yamapi stressed over.
"Um, I dunno. Just that~" but Shige's words were cut the moment he saw Johnny's assistant enter. "Now this was interesting." He told them instead. The guys were meaning to ask questions, but he just motioned them to pay attention to the man in front of the huge conference hall.
"Sorry to make you wait~" the assistant started but was cut in midsentence.
"Finally!"
"How long do you intend us to wait?"
"Nani ga?"
The guys said impatiently so it was impossible to know who said what.
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"As I was saying, I gathered you here to meet someone. Well, basically, its not necessary that you meet the person, but as talents and as future users of this JE Sta-" Johnny was cut in mid-sentence.
"You actually will let us meet him? Yatta! I really wanted to meet the one who created the model!" Chinen said excitedly unaware that he's interrupting his boss. The older guys roared in laughter which made the younger guy bowed his head in embarrassment.
"Well, thank you for that wonderful reaction, but you see, the person is not "he" its "she"." The old man told them amusedly seeing the changes in their mood. Some gasped, some delighted, some even rolled their eyes in disbelief.
"So you're saying that you actually made us wait for more than an hour just to meet this woman?" Ninomiya asked in disbelief which silenced the crowd.
"She's not just 'this woman', she has a name you know," Johnny snapped, making all the people inside the hall to hold their breaths as if doing so will lessen the tense atmosphere. Jun mouthed a silent "baka" at Nino who gave a half hearted smile as a response to the youngest member. "Besides," their attention turn back at their boss who looked scarier than when he was first interrupted by Chinen, "You and your group were the first ones to express utter amazement upon seeing that model when I first brought it here five years ago, shouldn't you be happy that finally you'd be meeting her? Why being hard headed just because you waited for more than an hour?" Johnny told them, his tone more serious than usual.
"Sorry Johnny-san, but I think, what Nino meant was that if that woman-" but paused when Johnny widened his eyes, "Sorry, I mean if she's very serious about her job, shouldn't she be considering the circumstances that all of us here are busy and that every single minute was important." Ohno explained calmly. Some of the guys nodded their heads in agreement.
"Oh, you're saying that she's not professional, is that what you mean young man?" Johnny asked, all attentions were back at Nino again.
"No sir, but I'm starting to believe that she was. No offense but look sir, as much as we admit, all of us here admit, that the first time we ever laid our eyes on that model, we were all amazed, but that doesn't mean we'll waste our time waiting for someone who doesn't know the word "punctual" at all. Especially when you, yourself sir, was the one who taught us that word." Nino answered, his every words carefully uttered with respect so as not to offend their boss. What he can't understand was why the old man was so keen to side with the unknown woman.
Johnny was lost for words because the guy had a point, but he should not waver. He knew he had to establish some rapport before introducing the girl to them, which basically, will not be as easy as how he thought it would be. Because if he was in their shoes, he'll get mad as well for Shi had made them wait. Johnny had no choice but to tell them a story.
"In reference to what ARASHI-san had tell us a while ago," This time Johnny was talking to all of them his tone still in serious mode, " Let me recount a story five years ago before I brought this JE Stadium model here in Japan, but first listen to this. All people had their own circumstances- whether they are great or small, famous or unknown, rich or poor, and in your case, idols or not idols. Just because you are considered as Japan's idols, doesn't mean your circumstances are greater than others. Sometimes, those people who are outside this business were experiencing far worse than you could ever think of. The jimusho was established to hone your skills not to boast it and look down on others but to reach out and offered them comfort in times when they're experiencing those circumstances where escaping reality is the best option. Imagine those people who are waiting for you to appear in every live concert, in every show, and in every activity when they are supposed to be busy minding their own lives, but they didn't care, why? Because they understand that you're idols and you do have a lot of circumstances. While you demand others to understand your circumstances, you need to consider theirs as well."
Upon hearing those words, some heads bowed in shame. Some even cried, Aiba can't stop himself from crying. Nino felt a lump in his throat that he can't react even when his mind was telling him that Johnny was wrong. Jun respected the old man even more. Ohno just stared blankly at the jimusho father. Across them, Yamapi sat impatiently. Yuya was teary eyed while being comforted by Masuda whose eyes were all red. Ryo just shrugged. Johnny had made his point.
"Now for the story, it was five years ago when I met this 16 years old girl-"Johnny started but was interrupted again this time by Kame who was sitting beside Jun.
"Are? 16? You're saying that the one who created that model was only 16 then? Sugoi!" Kame exclaimed but all eyes were intently upon the old man that no one bothered to react on what he said.
"Well, I thought you guys weren't that interested on "this woman"? Johnny taunted. He was pleased to see the changes in mood, especially when the dark atmosphere that lingered inside the hall was slowly disappearing.
"We're curious okay? Now can you stop beating around the bush Johnny-san and tell us what exactly happened?" Koyama joined in the conversation. "And guys please stop interrupting Johnny-san so that we could get this done for once!" Like Yamapi, he was impatiently waiting about the outcome of the story but was disturbed because the guys kept on butting in.
"Hai. Hai. I wonder what's with young men these days..so impatient." Johnny told them, slightly shaking his head, marveling at the thought. "So back on the topic..
JOHNNY'S POV
It was only a spur of the moment that she disclosed to me everything. I did not know that time, but something about her told me that she was a nice girl, actually more than nice. I admire her courage more than anything about her, but what really amazed me that time was her determined spirit. She was pregnant when I met her, or at least, she didn't know at that time when I saw her that she's pregnant. Some gasped to this statement.
"Johnny-san, you have been standing there for a while," she told me.
"Ah gomen, I thought you didn't notice.. I was thinking about some things," I answered.
"Nani?" Shi smiled.
"Business stuff," I told her. I wondered how she was still able to smile even at times like this.. "My child, its okay to cry you know.. you don't have to hold your tears back..let it flow,." By the time I told her that, she began to cry then I realized that it was the first time she cried after knowing her condition. I just stayed there until there were no more tears for her to cry.
"Anou~ Johnny-san, I decided to let the baby live..", She told me, with tears still apparent in her eyes.
"Demo~ what about your studies? Your mom?" I asked her.
"daijobu. My mom knows me very well,.. I wont stop my studies just because I'm pregnant, instead I'll study hard BECAUSE im pregnant," Shi said calmly.
At that moment I thought she was amazing, her determination is way beyond amazing.
When I asked her if she planned to tell the child's father, she just shrugged and said to me, "Oh, it doesn't concern him. The moment he left, meant that he doesn't want to have anything to do with me, more so if it’s a child," she said bravely.
"Are you sure? I can he-", but before I could offer my help, She cuts off, "I also don’t want to have anything to do with him, so its really fine," and smiled, the kind of smile that would make anyone melt.
After that conversation with her, I practically gave her all the support she needed. I was also the one who called her mom and was really amazed at how her mom coped with the situation. That's when I learned that mother really knows best.
I stayed with her for quite some time, and that's when I learned how talented she was.
One day when I was back from a meeting, I found her lying flatly on the ground with her belly against the cold floor. At first I intend to scold her for it might cause harm to the baby inside her, but I was stunned when my attention was caught by what she was doing.
"Ah! Okaeri nasai jiichan!" She lifted her head when she felt my presence and smiled widely at me.
"Tadaima. What are you doing my child?" I asked her, my eyes still glued on the object she was making.
"I was bored jiichan so I thought of doing something and I found these parts on one of your cupboard upstairs erm~, I hope you don't mind jiichan."
"Of course I don't mind, those things were unusable anyway.." I told her.
"Eh? But these were all amazing."
"But what are you trying to construct my child?" I asked her for she was what anyone will call "child".
"At first, I planned on doing a miniature of the dome I saw when I first came to the Philippines, but I think its got a little bigger, and now I dunno how to finish it, because I lack some parts.." She told me excitedly.
"Ah sou ka~ ne are you really bored?" I was getting giddy all of a sudden.
"Hai. I am really bored jiichan, I didn't expect that being pregnant could sometimes be this boring so I draw a plan of this one, but it looked totally different from the one I told you before, do you want to see it?"..
"And that's when I manage to specifically ask her to design and construct a model of the stadium." Johnny told the guys in conclusion. "If I was the one to choose, I would actually hire her that moment right away, but she knew better. She refused my offer knowing that a lot of people will question her credibility. So in the end, I promised myself and her, that I will wait until she earned enough credit so that I can hire her as an engineer for this project, which as you can see, took her five years to gain." Johnny finished his line.
"So? That's it? I thought it was an amazing story, but it was rather egoistic Johnny-san. And you supposed us to believe that? Couldn't you come up with a better idea to introduce her to us?" Toma who was sitting beside Yamapi debunked the story.
"Supposing that what you're saying is true, what's amazing about her? If she was really that amazing why did she allowed herself to get pregnant by a guy who left her right after what happened to them, and what's worse, at sixteen! Isn't she what they called stupid? No matter how pretty she may be, or how smart a*$ she might be, it won't change the fact that she didn't use her brain so well that she ended up ~" Yamapi was cut in midsentence by a girl's voice.
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10 minutes ago..
Shi stood quietly outside the door to the huge conference hall. As instructed by Johnny, she was supposed to wait there until the old man settled the talents which started to get pissed by her tardiness. While waiting, she can't help but eavesdrop on how Johnny would pacify the crowd, but to her utter surprised, the old man started recounting a story, a story about her. She widened her eyes as she leaned her ears closer to the door wanting to know how far Johnny would go about telling them her life story. She was relieved when the old man didn't mention anything about the twins' father except for the fact that he actually stated that she didn't want anything to do with Sho. Shi sighed in relief only to find herself hearing those insulting words coming from the talent whose names she didn't even know.
"So? That's it? I thought it was an amazing story, but it was rather egoistic Johnny-san. And you supposed us to believe that? Couldn't you come up with a better idea to introduce her to us?" Toma who was sitting beside Yamapi debunked the story.
"Supposing that what you're saying is true, what's amazing about her? If she was really that amazing why did she allowed herself to get pregnant by a guy who left her right after what happened to them, and what's worse, at sixteen ! Isn't she what they called stupid? No matter how pretty she may be, or how smart a*$ she might be, it won't change the fact that she didn't use her brain so well that she ended up ~"
That did it. She doesn't usually care about what people say about her, but the guy was just too much that she can’t prevent herself from opening the door. The guys didn't even notice her entrance until she made her presence known.
"Thank you for that not so very good remark Mr. Idol-san, but I think as an idol, you shouldn't speak ill of others like that especially if you practically don't know anything about them. It’s a good thing though that there're no reporters here."She told him icily although deep inside her courage was failing, but there's no way in hell she'll gonna lose to that idiot.
All the guys stared in disbelief as Shi's presence struck them like one of those movies. What's more striking was how lovely and graceful the girl who had just appeared in front of them, gracing them with her soothing face amid those piercing eyes which was smiling at the same time mocking beautifully at them, deep hatred apparent in her eyes. They were too perplexed to see how her stunningly beautiful figure remained despite saying those cold words to Yamapi. Well, they couldn't blame her, for Yamapi had really gone too overboard.
"What the- who are you?" Yamapi asked in confusion.
"Oh why, Mr. Idol-san? Just a moment ago I heard you giving a heartfelt speech about my personality and how dumb I was for making myself pregnant at sixteen. Well sorry to disappoint you, but it would take a great deal of effort before those words could ever hurt me." She told him sarcastically.
The guys from ARASHI sat still in their seats-frozen for what seemed like eternity as this new revelation about Shi and her identity hit them deeply than any person inside the hall. Aiba nearly fell off his seat when he saw her. Ohno sat there with eyes widened; his thoughts fully awake like one of those times when he's fishing. Jun's mouth were gaping for now he understood why Shi ended up laughing when he told her about his assumptions on what her true profession is, because clearly, she's not just a mere secretary, Shi is what you would call, well, boss. Nino, for the first time in his life as a gamer, let himself lose on purpose to one of those games he's currently playing on his DS. It was, for him, the only way of punishing himself for those insolent words he said a while ago. As for Sho, he's too stunned he can't move or react.
What came next, shock was an understatement.
"Kyaaa~ TETSUKA SHI-chan!!" Yuya managed to walk towards the girl with a smooth stride and embraced Shi from behind.
"Eh?" the people stared in wonder, nearly forgetting what had just occurred between the girl and Yamapi, and utterly replaced with curiosity as to what was going on between Yuya and Shi.
"Shi Tetsuka! After 10 years! Finally see you again!" Yuya exclaimed while hands still wrapped around her from behind.
Shi spun around forcing the guy's arms to release her, which the latter consented when he felt pairs and pairs of eyes staring at him. "Tego-chan?" Shi couldn't believe her eyes as recognition dwelled on her.
"Uwaa~ you remembered? Ureshii!!!!" Yuya was about to hug her again but Shi was quick to dodge.
"Baka! You're the only person who ever call me by my full given name, how else am I supposed to forget you." She told him, this time giving him a genuine smile, the first time since she entered the hall.
"I'm so happy!" Yuya exclaimed still unaware of his surroundings. "ne~ Massu-chan, remember the girl whom I told you about two years ago?" He asked across the hall, trying to get the attention of his fellow member.
"Um~ Your classmate from the 7th grade? the one in the magazine?" Masuda replied hesitantly while eyes focus on Yuya, not wanting to see the reactions of their sempais.
""Hai! Shi Tetsuka was that girl." Yuya announced happily.
"Huh? What magazine? Someone could please explain what was happening?" Yasuda can't help but joined the conversation as well.
"You guys don't read do you? Two years ago, a girl named Shi Tetsuka was able to make history by perfecting a licensure exam [LE] in the -ugh-forgot the country, anyway,. she was featured as the cover model for TIME magazine that year. According to the article, it’s the first time in the country's history and in Asia that someone perfected a [LE]. What's more amazing is that Shi Tetsuka was only 18 that time."
"And she happened to be Tego-chan's classmate from the 7th grade. That's why he's so excited when he sees her in that magazine." Masuda explained lazily.
"Yes. Yes. Im really excited, but rumor said that after that interview, Shi Tetsuka was nowhere to be found, so I did some random search and guessed what I found. Two years ago, after missing in the crowd, she came back to Japan to further her studies. The school where she went is the same as where Sakurai-sempai graduated, what's the name again Massu-chan?" Yuya asked Masuda again.
"Keio" the guy told him listlessly.
"Yes, Keio. But according to the source it wasn't that easy. Knowing that school and it's reputation, even if Shi Tetsuka graduated and perfected the licensure exams in other countries as long as it is not in Japan, it doesn't matter. So they made her retake an exam here in Japan, and guessed what? Of course she passed, no, more than passed, she perfected it. So it was like she was the first student in Keio who ever manage to enter the Graduate School despite her age suited for bachelor's program. To sum it all, just four months ago, she graduated on top of her class." Yuya finished his dialogue.
"Whoa~ I'm a-amazed y-you k-n-now s-so m-much a-a-bout me." Shi said in total surprise. She was shock when the guy mentioned about her perfecting the exam in the Philippines but what disturbed her was the guy's cunning way of searching about her whereabouts.
"Of course, because you were my first crush Tetsuka Shi-chan" He told him casually. "And I was so sad when you left without saying goodbye, but it made me even more sad knowing your story just now.. sorry.." To Yuya's surprise, someone patted his back. It was Johnny.
"Now, now, thank you for saving me all the trouble to talk sense with these young men. But could you please go back to your seat?" Johnny told the guy wearing a do-not-interrupt-me-again kind of expression.
"Ah- h-hai. I'm sorry sir" Yuya bowed his head in apology but his smile never left his face even after the moment he seated.
" Now you [pointed at Yamapi] you were saying something awhile ago right?" Johnny smirked at Yamapi who gave a faint smile.
"No Sir, I was just saying how amazing she could be for making it to the top despite what happened" Yamapi said, distracted by Yuya and his story.
"And how about you?" this time pointing to Nino.
"No sir, I wasn't paying attention that time when I said those words." Nino replied in deep shame. He didn't know what to say. He was cursing himself for saying those words. He just couldn't find himself an excuse, it was outrageous. Saying those things about the girl he love, it was plain dumb.
"Enough Johnny-san. It wasn't their fault anyway." Shi told the old man formally. As much as she wanted to get close with Johnny, she didn't want the guys to think that the reason why she got the job was due to over familiarity. She wanted to prove herself in her own ways.
"Okay, let's get back to business shall we? Mind to introduce yourself first?" Johnny asked her.
"Um~ okay." She told him before focusing her attention to the talents in front of her.
"All you heard about me, ridiculous as it may seem, were all true but I was never, even once, ashamed of it." She said as a start. "At first I really don't get it why your boss wanted me to meet you, but as what Johnny-san told you before, you'll be the one who'll use the future stadium. My only job is to present the details, so I guess it's better if you'll get familiarize with it. I will appreciate it more if you want some changes with the plan before we start the construction."
Shi ended her statement and proceeded to explain the technical details while pushing some buttons in the model, which the guys, even Johnny himself, didn't know it existed until that very moment.
++++++
"If you guys wanted some changes or you have any suggestion in mind, please feel free to approach me, thank you."
The presentation lasted for only 30 minutes since Shi didn't need to dwell much on engineering aspects because the guys wouldn't understand it anyway.
Before she actually reached her conclusion, the guys notice how she still hasn't introduced herself properly.
"Ah~ I am really sorry that.. I made you guys waited for too long, am really ashamed because of my misconduct a while ago. Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Tetsuka Shi-desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." Shi introduced herself in a very Japanese style and the guys gave her a round of applause.
+++++++++++++++
After non-stop questions from the guys, mostly from Chinen, who deliberately announced that he really wanted to know her, and from Yuya, who was being prevented by his bandmates from literally jumping on to her place, Shi had finally manage to arrange her things without making such a fuss, but, it was the same time when Johnny suddenly called her attention.
"Let's talk Shi." Johnny told her seriously.
OMG, time to listen to an old man again... Shi thought but erased it on her mind afterwards. "What it is Johnny-san?" She looked around, wary of the people that were still inside the hall.
Luckily for her, the guys were too absorbed on how amazing the model and its newly found hidden buttons (where a single push would actually let a viewer see behind the wall of the miniature, allowing them to have a clear picture on what's inside the model) and how it would be great to performed in there. As for her other concern, which was ARASHI to begin with, they were far from where she and Johnny were standing, but near enough to hear what the old man was about to say.
"That was very unprofessional of you Shi. Let me reiterate what I told you before, you shouldn't have allowed your emotions get in way with your work. I was very disappointed awhile ago." Johnny scolded her through gritted teeth. That had made Jun, who was sitting at the leftmost corner of the hall, winced at the unknown pain that surged through his mind as if acknowledging the fact that if not for him being nosy moments ago, Shi's professionalism wouldn't be put in question.
"It was a good thing that my talents waited, but what would you do otherwise? They didn't have much time to spare you know. Look what happened because you were late. I nearly got myself an argument with my talents and I don't want to repeat it again." Johnny spoke again, that stern expression from the first time he talked to her, never left his face.
Shi bowed her head in apology. As much as she wanted to complain to the old man about him having to reprimand her in front of the guys, she couldn't find the strength to do so, for she knew it was her fault in the first place. As much as she wanted to sulk about Johnny being inconsiderate to her, she chose to stay silent for that's one thing she loved about the old man. He sees her as his granddaughter, but he never tolerates wrong doings. And when the old man lectured, he sees to it, either in his meanest, cruelest, scariest, most humiliating, or whatever way, that you follow.
Every talent, if not, most talents in the jimusho could attest to that.
"I hope you understand the weight of your actions my child. This shouldn't happen again, do I make myself clear?" Johnny continued when Shi didn’t answer.
"Yes Sir." Shi replied looking straightly to the old man's eyes. "I promise, it won't Johnny-san. Moshiawake arimasen." Shi bowed her head which had caught the attention of the guys inside the hall, of which narrowed down to ARASHI who was sitting at the left side corner of the conference table, Yamapi beside Toma, Yuya who can't get his eyes off her, Masuda who was forcibly dragging Yuya outside the hall for their photoshoot, Chinen whose eyes were glued to the miniature and Kame who got a little distracted by Shi's gesture.
"There, there. It's fine now. " Johnny told her. He was about to say something when his assistant approached him which made Johnny look at his watch and utter, "Oh, it's this time already? Well, let's talk about the details some other time okay? I need to catch a flight to Hawaii this afternoon. Please prepare a more formal presentation for the sponsors which will happen after I come back." Johnny smiled at her and turned to leave. When he walked past her, Johnny leaned and whispered, "I trust you know the way out dear?" and went out of the room leaving Shi with her raised eyebrow.
Oh God let me die please?
"Anou~" She heard someone addressed her before she actually had time to contemplate on the old man's words. Shi spun around to see who called her attention only to find herself face to face with the idol who not long ago stated how dumb she was.
"Nani?" She asked, unaware that she still had her eyebrow raised.
"I'm sorry about earlie-" Yamapi stood there with his mouth gaping upon looking at her. Despite her pretty face, Shi was giving him an expression that had an i-don’t-have-anything-to-do-with-you-so-back-off kind of attitude. Not that Shi was aware she's wearing that kind of face though, for she was merely dozing off that time when Yamapi approached her, and that she was actually caught off guard.
When at last recovered from the shock of having face to face with Yamapi, with Johnny's last words still ringing on her ears, Shi softened her expression.
"Ah, its okay.." She finally managed to say.
"Whew. Finally. You gave me quite a fright there. I thought you would slap me or something. " Yamapi replied, smiling widely that his face could split into two on the sudden change of mood.
"Ah, iie. I'm not on the position to do that right?" Shi smiled genuinely this time which made Yamapi's heart skipped a beat.
"Ah sou ka~ oh by the way, Yamashita Tomohisa-desu" He said offering his hand.
"Well," Shi hesitated, "You heard my name and my story so there's no need to go over the introduction again." Shi replied while receiving his hand. She's not used to having skin to skin contact with guys, even if it’s a handshake, but it'll be a bit offending if she will not take that gesture. The thing was, she practically had to pull her hand away from his grip just to make him realize that he's holding it for too long which earned her another round of apology from the guy.
"S-sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just- I-I m-mean" the guy stuttered.
"Silly, its okay. Oh you're friends were calling you" Shi said to distract him, although, it was purely coincidental. Because the moment Yamapi turned his eyes from her to his friends, they were actually waiting for him at the door (except for yuya), ready to leave.
"oh, okay, see you around then. Although I'll appreciate it more if you had slapped me so that I would remember that I was the dumb one and not you." Yamapi grinned.
"Baka! I don't want your fans cursing me just because I had gone out of my mind and slapped you. Besides, my life's a bit hellish right now and I don't have plans on adding your fans' rage to that hell." Shi smiled before literally pushing him, "Now go, Nice too meet you Yamashita-san." Which had left the guy with no choice but concede.
When she thought she had time to finally continue on what she'd left doing, Yuya approached her.
"Ne~ Tetsuka Shi-chan, can I have your email?" Yuya asked him with puffy eyes. She stared at him, a bit puzzled.
"Onegai?" Yuya asked again when she did nothing but stare.
"Um," Shi started but weighed over things. Damn the guy for having an innocent look despite being older. Tsk. "Okay." She clicked her tongue when she felt she had no choice and rummaged her bag for her phone.
"Kyaa~ arigatou" Yuya told her. "Smile" and before Shi knew it, the guy took a picture of her before typing the address which he gladly received from her. Shi grudgingly typed in Yuya's email, which she did so as not to hurt the guy's ego.
"Jya~ mata ne Tetsuka Shi-chan." Yuya said.
Shi sighed in relief when Yuya turned his back to leave and she went on putting her things in place which was already pissing her off for it was delayed for umpteenth time. But to her surprise, Yuya came back only to embrace her once more.
"Im really glad to have met you again. After hearing what Johnny had to say a while ago, and knowing that it was you, it really broke my heart. I really wanted to hit that man, whoever he is, for leaving you." Yuya whispered, arms still around her.
Shi couldn't help but feel the painful emotions that come from the guy as she felt the dampness on her shoulder probably from Yuya's tears. She was lost for words upon realizing that his words were as innocent as how he looked. His feelings were the kind which you could find in a pure brotherly affection. Shi patted Yuya's back until the guy was satisfied, enough for him to stop from crying.
For more than a minute, Shi was oblivious of their surroundings. Drown by Yuya's affection, she didn't notice the only group that was left inside the hall. Only when she had a glimpsed across the left corner of the hall that she realized how ARASHI had been their audience for a while and how Sho had his intense look on them, his eyes glaring.
As if anyone who gets in his own field of vision will be murdered instantly.
---------------------------------------------
forgetting those feelings is much like digging my very own grave and burying myself ALIVE..
CHAPTER 27
-HONTOU NO SHIGOTO-
Shi sighed heavily as she entered the building. It had been a week since the incident with Sho and the kids being closer to him wasn't helping the situation at all. More to say, it was actually making it worse for her to cope with her job especially now that she still has her "real job" up to her sleeves. She had no idea what magnet Sho could have had used to be able to reach to the twins like that. She even remembered having the urge to snatch their phones away but think otherwise each time she sees them all smiles after spending a minute of conversation or after receiving a mail from Sho. And its been a week, 8 days to be exact..what exactly does he plan to do? . She still could not grasp what he had been thinking, nor if the man had ever think about it. In fairness to Sho, the man's influence seemed good towards her kids and it's very obvious because her kids were more sociable these past days and always wearing that sunny expression compared from the first time they enrolled in school.
She sighed again, breathing rather heavily as she continue pacing back and forth inside the lobby for what seemed like forever, still couldn't make up her mind whether to go and greet Johnny or to head straightly to the location where she's supposed to be going. She didn't really think it as a good idea anyway. Just the very thought of being inside JE building made her stomach fluttered a million times. Just thinking about the possibility that she might have, if God forbid, to encounter Sho once again, plus the fact that being around idols were not really up to her pleasure. That fact resurfaced when she practically bumped into someone, making her lose her balance and drop all her things on the tiled floor.
"Daijobu ka?" the man asked worriedly, catching her with arms on her back. Both their faces inches away from each other, but the man furrowed his eyebrows upon recognition. "Shi?"
"Jun-kun?" She said in utter bewilderment. The first and the last time she bumped with the guy, it did not do her any good especially when it practically made her redo all her plans. Shi unconsciously look over her things on the floor the moment she remembered the incident, which was rather awkward given their current position. It was like dejavu. The only difference was that Jun wasn't shouting at her like a jerk, similar to that first time they met, but instead he bent down to a sitting position and started gathering all her things after he made sure that she had regained her balance.
"There you go" Jun smoothed the papers before handing it over to her. But before he actually did that, he carefully examined the plans in his hand and before she knew it, Jun gave her a questioning gazed. Shi was just too stunned to react. She didn't expect Jun could be that nice if he just wanted to.
In front of her, Jun could not believe his thought, or rather, could not simply make out his own thought. When he noticed that the lady was still unmoving, he literally waved his hand in front of her which made Shi snapped back to reality.
+++++++++++++++++
"For a while there I was bracing myself for some scowling from you." She told him jokingly. They were on a nearby café, thanks to Jun for the guy was so persistent on taking her there. Whatever his purpose she didn't know because she was still dozing off when the guy pulled her hand and brought her there.
Jun's cheeks colored a deep shade of pink when he heard the girl's remark. Well, he couldn't blame her for it was actually what he did the first time she bumped at him.
"Ah~ you remembered that.. gomen.. was really pissed that time." Jun said apologetically.
"Yeah, you were practically pissed that you stomped all over my things which cause me a lot of trouble than you ever can imagine." She smirked and rolled her eyes when she saw Jun making a weird reaction. It was obvious that the guy felt guilty towards that incident.
"I'm sorry." Jun bowed his head, too ashamed of what he did but at the same time curious about those papers. "I think you really had a hard time with your boss because of those papers." He couldn't help but add.
"Boss?huh? what papers?" Shi asked in confusion.
"Ugh.. please don't make me recall that incident, I was the one at fault okay? There's no need to bash me on that topic." He told her slightly annoyed because the girl seemed enjoying the moment. "Never mind.. what I'm saying is that you were scolded by your boss after that incident right? Because somehow all those floor plans were ruined.." Jun explained.
"EH?" Shi couldn't find any words to react.
"Don't "eh" me. Couldn't you find any word to express your thought? It was a good thing that I recognized you right away, if not, you'll be reprimanded by your boss again, worse if you'll get fired because of me, I wouldn't be able to sleep if that happens." Jun said rhetorically unable to notice that Shi was actually trying to prevent herself from laughing out loud.
"Why do you think so?" She asked him, letting out a soft giggle. She still wanted to confirm her thoughts although it amazed her how the guy could come into a conclusion about her work but never really got it right.
"You work as a secretary to an architectural or engineering firm right?" Jun answered confidently. "Based from what I saw earlier, I didn't need to be an expert to know exactly what it was. That's why when you told me it caused you a lot of trouble, I knew you were scolded that first time we met.." Jun trailed off because the girl in front of her burst out laughing which made him furrowed his eyebrows.
Baka! If you just looked closely on the plan you'll know what my profession is. She wanted to tell him but instead, "Sorry for laughing. I couldn't help it because you were making a weird face" she told him exactly the words of her kids. "But its past Jun-kun, I don't mind."
She smiled sweetly at Jun, the kind of smile which can make any guy melt. Jun covered his already blushed face, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of her. He couldn't believe that Shi's smile could still turn his world upside down. Damn Jun… get a hold of yourself or you'll be betraying your two friends..Jun thought. "Ne` Shi, how's the twins?" Jun asked suddenly making Shi choked at her coffee.
"A-h, they're fine I guess. These past days they've been in close contact with their da- Sho I mean, and I think its doing them a lot of good." She answered honestly, trying to cover up her mistake of nearly saying the word "dad".
"Ah sou ka~but how 'bout you Shi?" Jun gazed at her intently, calculating every word she utters.
"Ah~ I d-d-don't see your p-point there Jun-kun." She answered looking away. The guy seemed weighing onto her every word and meeting Jun's eyes will only make her reveal every single thing she's not yet ready to face, not now, not in that place.
"Oh okay, but it was good to see you coping and your kids being happy.. isn't that more important Shi-chan?" Jun challenged her.
"I guess.. they're happy now,, but I wonder if that will still be the case if they know." Shi told Jun defiantly. She's starting to get really annoyed for a reason she didn't know and Jun's frank way of speaking to her added to that annoyance. Honestly, it was getting on her nerves. "Look, I dunno where you're heading at, but if you want us to get along just fine, please don't make me say things I don't want to say at the moment." She almost yelled in panic. Her heart started beating abnormally and she didn't know how long will she be able to hold it if their conversation continued.
"Well I guess I need to wait and see if Sho's plan will really work" Jun said in a low voice that even Shi couldn't hear. Especially if Shi's so stubborn about it., It was Jun's time to sigh heavily.
"Did you just say something?" Shi looked at him because she missed what Jun had said.
"Nope, I was just thinking if its good for you to stay this long, bec-" Jun told her but was cut in mid-sentence.
"Oh crap!" She glanced at her watch and realized that she totally lost track of time. "Sorry Jun-kun, and thanks for the coffee." She stood and prepared to leave. "About a while ago, I apologize for that, you shouldn't have said it bluntly like that" Shi smiled before turning her back to him. Much to her surprise, Jun grabbed her hand which made her nearly jump at the gesture and stare back at Jun.
"Nani?" she asked.
"Um, about what I told you, I'm sorry, but I still believe that you should think over those things, for once, for your kids.. they deserve the truth you know.." Jun told her sincerely. Shi stared blankly at him as she tried to vie that stabbing feeling which was starting to build around her chest like that time with Sho. Jun had a point. No matter how long it takes, sooner or later, she will need to face the truth.
"Not now Jun.. not now." She told him while struggling to blink away her tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes at any moment. "In time when I'm ready." Shi looked straightly in his eyes and smiled bitterly before snapping her hand out of Jun's grip. She quickened her footsteps to get out of the café before Jun could follow up his thoughts.
It took Jun a minute or so to be able to get back to reality. He was quite appalled when he saw Shi's grieved expression but he was more disturbed by the tears that she was obviously fighting hard not to fall. He scolded himself for letting the matters out of hand. Blame him and his curiosity. He didn't expect Shi to lose her cool just by the simple mention of the thing that was circulating about her neither when she actually yelled at him when he asked her something that was a bit unnecessary at that moment. One thing Jun realized though was the fact that Shi's still gravely affected by what happened between her and Sho. But Jun knew he can't backed out, they knew they couldn't back out- because the moment they found out the truth, even if they want it or not, they were bound to be involved in that matter concerning their fellow member. He was with that thought when Nino called him asking what was keeping him and later tell him to go directly at the conference hall where all, if not, some Johnny's talents were summoned.
+++++++++++++++++++
Almost an hour had passed but Shi was still there in her car, parked a few blocks away from JE building, her head resting at the steering wheel. She still could not make up her mind whether to cancel her appointment or not. In her current state, it was not advisable to face those people whom she was supposed to meet. Her eyes were red, but not swollen, due to the tears that fell instantly off her eyes the moment she left the café. Her composure a little out of place because her hair was in a total mess from merely scratching her head, unable to clear her mind off from that conversation, worse when Jun's words kept ringing on her ears. She was a little distracted when her phone rang.
"Where the hell are you Shi?" Johnny asked from the other line.
"Sorry Jii-chan," Shi replied guiltily but almost lifeless. The old man seldom talks to her like that unless if the situation calls it. From the tone of the old man's voice, and the way he spoke to her, it was evident that the situation was nowhere near good.
"You didn't answer my question child, where are you? What happened to you?" the old man's voice softened upon hearing her lifeless voice.
"In my car, outside your building," She replied hesitantly, but chose not to lie. If there's someone she wouldn't lie to, it was this grandpa of hers.
"What? You're telling me that you were just there outside while practically making my talents wait for you and waste their precious time?" Johnny's voice was back again to that tone awhile ago.
"Sorry.. I couldn't help it.. something came up and I was distracted, I met Jun-kun, we talked, I was afraid, I was sad, I felt worse jiichan.." Shi started crying over the phone. She couldn't make herself believe that all things were fine with her as long as she indulge herself f to work. "Grandpa, can you cancel the meeting? I don't think I can face those people right now. And I might end up messing the project which I worked endless nights to finish." She pleaded. The truth is, she's not afraid about the presentation, she's more afraid about the possibility that she might see Sho there and all the ARASHI members who had made an impact on her recently.
"That's exactly why I need you to come here right now and prove yourself dear.." He told her calmly but firmly. "Look, I don't know what kind of conversation you had with that guy, and good Lord knows how I'm dying to know the exact details, but that can wait Shi, right now, you shouldn't let your emotions interfere with your profession. My God Shi, you manage to live your life these 5 years but just because you had met the twin's dad and his friends, you're going to ruin it all? Goodness! I know you better than that!"
"But Jii-chan~"
"No BUTs child, I need you to stay focus and pull yourself together while I try to quiet the crowd. 20 minutes. See you at the conference hall. Don't let me down." And with that Johnny ended the call.
Johnny was right. She can't let her emotions interfere with her profession. Just like that time when she didn't let the pain get in way with her studies, just like that time when she didn't let her thought clouded by her deep affection for Sho, just like that time when she managed to bring back all the pieces of her broken life without making such a ruckus while striving to raise her kids. Just like that time.. Shi thought. She didn't study and finish her MS just to be sidetracked by that man. For once, she will bury all her emotions up to the very depths of her soul and will make sure that it will not resurface for a while. Not again. Never. And with that determination, Shi re-fix her hair, re-apply her makeup, and braced herself for her project.
++++++++++++++++++
There was a loud noise coming inside the conference hall situated at the top of the building. The place was quite huge that it can house 100-200 people so it was not a problem. It was one of those rare occasions when their boss would actually call all the talents to have a meeting. The only difference was that it was not mandatory for all the talents to attend so the number of people was fewer than that of normal. Only groups/single artist who had debuted, and recently debuted were there curious as to what the old man would have to say this time. Not that they deem it as boring, but the matter or the topic of discussion was unknown for the first time that they patiently or impatiently waited.
"What's with that old man? Making us wait here for more than an hour? Who does he think he is?" Masuda exclaimed totally pissed.
"Baka!He's our boss" Yuya told him, quite amused at his bandmate's reaction. They hardly see him pissed like that.
"Well, you're right Tego-chan, but making us wait here when our works are piled up was unforgivable. " Ryo shrugged at how their younger member seemed to be cool about it.
"But I think he had his reasons," Yasuda commented as he sat beside his fellow member who happened to be with his other group.
"It better be good Yasuda, or one day I'm going to strangle that old man." Yamapi told them which made the guys sharing the long table with them to actually exchange glances. "Where are the others by the way?" He asked Yasuda but was distracted when he saw the door opened and three people emerged carrying the JE Stadium model which was displayed at the lobby that explained why something was lacking the moment he entered the building. He was always fascinated by that model and not seeing it this morning actually bothered him.
"Wow. I'm really amazed who could come up with such a brilliant model as that." Yokoyama who had recently joined them remarked.
"It was remarkable isn't it? I wonder if that's the reason why Johnny gathered us here.." Sho said across the table. The guys looked surprised hearing his comment, especially when he's someone who will not regard those things as remarkable especially when it’s the one causing them delays.
"Hey don't butt in other's conversation." Ryo smirked at Sho who looked slightly embarrassed upon realizing what he'd done.
"Ah, gomen, can’t help it..it was really remarkable." He told them, the truth is, he's also pissed by now because he still has news zero to concern himself to, yet Johnny was making them wait, taking all his breaks away from him.
"Guys, why make such a great deal about it? Its not that we're required to attend to this right? Instead of fussing over, why don't you just leave?" It was Nino this time. He was annoyed at how the guys kept on complaining about that simple matter. "If you don't want to listen to the man himself, then just go." Nino told them sarcastically, not really looking at them because his attention was at his DS.
"Kya~ Sorry, sorry, Nino-chan didn't mean it like that." Aiba uttered words of apology. For a while there, he wanted to hit the brat and his big mouth which practically was done by Ohno, but not in a harsh way, their leader just nudge the brat to stop. Lucky for them, this made the guys laugh.
"Save by the bell Ninomiya! It was good that you have Aiba around, or I swear I dunno how to react on what you'd just said." Shige who had just arrived commented for the first time. "But see, Nino-sempai had a point. Since neither of us were moving, then that means we're curious as well. And about that model, I overheard Johnny talking to someone"
"You did?" Masuda beamed at him.
"Yep, it was actually pretty harsh, the way he talked to the woman," Shige told them lazily.
"Woman? Are you saying that this whole sh*t has something to do with a woman?" Yamapi stressed over.
"Um, I dunno. Just that~" but Shige's words were cut the moment he saw Johnny's assistant enter. "Now this was interesting." He told them instead. The guys were meaning to ask questions, but he just motioned them to pay attention to the man in front of the huge conference hall.
"Sorry to make you wait~" the assistant started but was cut in midsentence.
"Finally!"
"How long do you intend us to wait?"
"Nani ga?"
The guys said impatiently so it was impossible to know who said what.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"As I was saying, I gathered you here to meet someone. Well, basically, its not necessary that you meet the person, but as talents and as future users of this JE Sta-" Johnny was cut in mid-sentence.
"You actually will let us meet him? Yatta! I really wanted to meet the one who created the model!" Chinen said excitedly unaware that he's interrupting his boss. The older guys roared in laughter which made the younger guy bowed his head in embarrassment.
"Well, thank you for that wonderful reaction, but you see, the person is not "he" its "she"." The old man told them amusedly seeing the changes in their mood. Some gasped, some delighted, some even rolled their eyes in disbelief.
"So you're saying that you actually made us wait for more than an hour just to meet this woman?" Ninomiya asked in disbelief which silenced the crowd.
"She's not just 'this woman', she has a name you know," Johnny snapped, making all the people inside the hall to hold their breaths as if doing so will lessen the tense atmosphere. Jun mouthed a silent "baka" at Nino who gave a half hearted smile as a response to the youngest member. "Besides," their attention turn back at their boss who looked scarier than when he was first interrupted by Chinen, "You and your group were the first ones to express utter amazement upon seeing that model when I first brought it here five years ago, shouldn't you be happy that finally you'd be meeting her? Why being hard headed just because you waited for more than an hour?" Johnny told them, his tone more serious than usual.
"Sorry Johnny-san, but I think, what Nino meant was that if that woman-" but paused when Johnny widened his eyes, "Sorry, I mean if she's very serious about her job, shouldn't she be considering the circumstances that all of us here are busy and that every single minute was important." Ohno explained calmly. Some of the guys nodded their heads in agreement.
"Oh, you're saying that she's not professional, is that what you mean young man?" Johnny asked, all attentions were back at Nino again.
"No sir, but I'm starting to believe that she was. No offense but look sir, as much as we admit, all of us here admit, that the first time we ever laid our eyes on that model, we were all amazed, but that doesn't mean we'll waste our time waiting for someone who doesn't know the word "punctual" at all. Especially when you, yourself sir, was the one who taught us that word." Nino answered, his every words carefully uttered with respect so as not to offend their boss. What he can't understand was why the old man was so keen to side with the unknown woman.
Johnny was lost for words because the guy had a point, but he should not waver. He knew he had to establish some rapport before introducing the girl to them, which basically, will not be as easy as how he thought it would be. Because if he was in their shoes, he'll get mad as well for Shi had made them wait. Johnny had no choice but to tell them a story.
"In reference to what ARASHI-san had tell us a while ago," This time Johnny was talking to all of them his tone still in serious mode, " Let me recount a story five years ago before I brought this JE Stadium model here in Japan, but first listen to this. All people had their own circumstances- whether they are great or small, famous or unknown, rich or poor, and in your case, idols or not idols. Just because you are considered as Japan's idols, doesn't mean your circumstances are greater than others. Sometimes, those people who are outside this business were experiencing far worse than you could ever think of. The jimusho was established to hone your skills not to boast it and look down on others but to reach out and offered them comfort in times when they're experiencing those circumstances where escaping reality is the best option. Imagine those people who are waiting for you to appear in every live concert, in every show, and in every activity when they are supposed to be busy minding their own lives, but they didn't care, why? Because they understand that you're idols and you do have a lot of circumstances. While you demand others to understand your circumstances, you need to consider theirs as well."
Upon hearing those words, some heads bowed in shame. Some even cried, Aiba can't stop himself from crying. Nino felt a lump in his throat that he can't react even when his mind was telling him that Johnny was wrong. Jun respected the old man even more. Ohno just stared blankly at the jimusho father. Across them, Yamapi sat impatiently. Yuya was teary eyed while being comforted by Masuda whose eyes were all red. Ryo just shrugged. Johnny had made his point.
"Now for the story, it was five years ago when I met this 16 years old girl-"Johnny started but was interrupted again this time by Kame who was sitting beside Jun.
"Are? 16? You're saying that the one who created that model was only 16 then? Sugoi!" Kame exclaimed but all eyes were intently upon the old man that no one bothered to react on what he said.
"Well, I thought you guys weren't that interested on "this woman"? Johnny taunted. He was pleased to see the changes in mood, especially when the dark atmosphere that lingered inside the hall was slowly disappearing.
"We're curious okay? Now can you stop beating around the bush Johnny-san and tell us what exactly happened?" Koyama joined in the conversation. "And guys please stop interrupting Johnny-san so that we could get this done for once!" Like Yamapi, he was impatiently waiting about the outcome of the story but was disturbed because the guys kept on butting in.
"Hai. Hai. I wonder what's with young men these days..so impatient." Johnny told them, slightly shaking his head, marveling at the thought. "So back on the topic..
JOHNNY'S POV
It was only a spur of the moment that she disclosed to me everything. I did not know that time, but something about her told me that she was a nice girl, actually more than nice. I admire her courage more than anything about her, but what really amazed me that time was her determined spirit. She was pregnant when I met her, or at least, she didn't know at that time when I saw her that she's pregnant. Some gasped to this statement.
"Johnny-san, you have been standing there for a while," she told me.
"Ah gomen, I thought you didn't notice.. I was thinking about some things," I answered.
"Nani?" Shi smiled.
"Business stuff," I told her. I wondered how she was still able to smile even at times like this.. "My child, its okay to cry you know.. you don't have to hold your tears back..let it flow,." By the time I told her that, she began to cry then I realized that it was the first time she cried after knowing her condition. I just stayed there until there were no more tears for her to cry.
"Anou~ Johnny-san, I decided to let the baby live..", She told me, with tears still apparent in her eyes.
"Demo~ what about your studies? Your mom?" I asked her.
"daijobu. My mom knows me very well,.. I wont stop my studies just because I'm pregnant, instead I'll study hard BECAUSE im pregnant," Shi said calmly.
At that moment I thought she was amazing, her determination is way beyond amazing.
When I asked her if she planned to tell the child's father, she just shrugged and said to me, "Oh, it doesn't concern him. The moment he left, meant that he doesn't want to have anything to do with me, more so if it’s a child," she said bravely.
"Are you sure? I can he-", but before I could offer my help, She cuts off, "I also don’t want to have anything to do with him, so its really fine," and smiled, the kind of smile that would make anyone melt.
After that conversation with her, I practically gave her all the support she needed. I was also the one who called her mom and was really amazed at how her mom coped with the situation. That's when I learned that mother really knows best.
I stayed with her for quite some time, and that's when I learned how talented she was.
One day when I was back from a meeting, I found her lying flatly on the ground with her belly against the cold floor. At first I intend to scold her for it might cause harm to the baby inside her, but I was stunned when my attention was caught by what she was doing.
"Ah! Okaeri nasai jiichan!" She lifted her head when she felt my presence and smiled widely at me.
"Tadaima. What are you doing my child?" I asked her, my eyes still glued on the object she was making.
"I was bored jiichan so I thought of doing something and I found these parts on one of your cupboard upstairs erm~, I hope you don't mind jiichan."
"Of course I don't mind, those things were unusable anyway.." I told her.
"Eh? But these were all amazing."
"But what are you trying to construct my child?" I asked her for she was what anyone will call "child".
"At first, I planned on doing a miniature of the dome I saw when I first came to the Philippines, but I think its got a little bigger, and now I dunno how to finish it, because I lack some parts.." She told me excitedly.
"Ah sou ka~ ne are you really bored?" I was getting giddy all of a sudden.
"Hai. I am really bored jiichan, I didn't expect that being pregnant could sometimes be this boring so I draw a plan of this one, but it looked totally different from the one I told you before, do you want to see it?"..
"And that's when I manage to specifically ask her to design and construct a model of the stadium." Johnny told the guys in conclusion. "If I was the one to choose, I would actually hire her that moment right away, but she knew better. She refused my offer knowing that a lot of people will question her credibility. So in the end, I promised myself and her, that I will wait until she earned enough credit so that I can hire her as an engineer for this project, which as you can see, took her five years to gain." Johnny finished his line.
"So? That's it? I thought it was an amazing story, but it was rather egoistic Johnny-san. And you supposed us to believe that? Couldn't you come up with a better idea to introduce her to us?" Toma who was sitting beside Yamapi debunked the story.
"Supposing that what you're saying is true, what's amazing about her? If she was really that amazing why did she allowed herself to get pregnant by a guy who left her right after what happened to them, and what's worse, at sixteen! Isn't she what they called stupid? No matter how pretty she may be, or how smart a*$ she might be, it won't change the fact that she didn't use her brain so well that she ended up ~" Yamapi was cut in midsentence by a girl's voice.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10 minutes ago..
Shi stood quietly outside the door to the huge conference hall. As instructed by Johnny, she was supposed to wait there until the old man settled the talents which started to get pissed by her tardiness. While waiting, she can't help but eavesdrop on how Johnny would pacify the crowd, but to her utter surprised, the old man started recounting a story, a story about her. She widened her eyes as she leaned her ears closer to the door wanting to know how far Johnny would go about telling them her life story. She was relieved when the old man didn't mention anything about the twins' father except for the fact that he actually stated that she didn't want anything to do with Sho. Shi sighed in relief only to find herself hearing those insulting words coming from the talent whose names she didn't even know.
"So? That's it? I thought it was an amazing story, but it was rather egoistic Johnny-san. And you supposed us to believe that? Couldn't you come up with a better idea to introduce her to us?" Toma who was sitting beside Yamapi debunked the story.
"Supposing that what you're saying is true, what's amazing about her? If she was really that amazing why did she allowed herself to get pregnant by a guy who left her right after what happened to them, and what's worse, at sixteen ! Isn't she what they called stupid? No matter how pretty she may be, or how smart a*$ she might be, it won't change the fact that she didn't use her brain so well that she ended up ~"
That did it. She doesn't usually care about what people say about her, but the guy was just too much that she can’t prevent herself from opening the door. The guys didn't even notice her entrance until she made her presence known.
"Thank you for that not so very good remark Mr. Idol-san, but I think as an idol, you shouldn't speak ill of others like that especially if you practically don't know anything about them. It’s a good thing though that there're no reporters here."She told him icily although deep inside her courage was failing, but there's no way in hell she'll gonna lose to that idiot.
All the guys stared in disbelief as Shi's presence struck them like one of those movies. What's more striking was how lovely and graceful the girl who had just appeared in front of them, gracing them with her soothing face amid those piercing eyes which was smiling at the same time mocking beautifully at them, deep hatred apparent in her eyes. They were too perplexed to see how her stunningly beautiful figure remained despite saying those cold words to Yamapi. Well, they couldn't blame her, for Yamapi had really gone too overboard.
"What the- who are you?" Yamapi asked in confusion.
"Oh why, Mr. Idol-san? Just a moment ago I heard you giving a heartfelt speech about my personality and how dumb I was for making myself pregnant at sixteen. Well sorry to disappoint you, but it would take a great deal of effort before those words could ever hurt me." She told him sarcastically.
The guys from ARASHI sat still in their seats-frozen for what seemed like eternity as this new revelation about Shi and her identity hit them deeply than any person inside the hall. Aiba nearly fell off his seat when he saw her. Ohno sat there with eyes widened; his thoughts fully awake like one of those times when he's fishing. Jun's mouth were gaping for now he understood why Shi ended up laughing when he told her about his assumptions on what her true profession is, because clearly, she's not just a mere secretary, Shi is what you would call, well, boss. Nino, for the first time in his life as a gamer, let himself lose on purpose to one of those games he's currently playing on his DS. It was, for him, the only way of punishing himself for those insolent words he said a while ago. As for Sho, he's too stunned he can't move or react.
What came next, shock was an understatement.
"Kyaaa~ TETSUKA SHI-chan!!" Yuya managed to walk towards the girl with a smooth stride and embraced Shi from behind.
"Eh?" the people stared in wonder, nearly forgetting what had just occurred between the girl and Yamapi, and utterly replaced with curiosity as to what was going on between Yuya and Shi.
"Shi Tetsuka! After 10 years! Finally see you again!" Yuya exclaimed while hands still wrapped around her from behind.
Shi spun around forcing the guy's arms to release her, which the latter consented when he felt pairs and pairs of eyes staring at him. "Tego-chan?" Shi couldn't believe her eyes as recognition dwelled on her.
"Uwaa~ you remembered? Ureshii!!!!" Yuya was about to hug her again but Shi was quick to dodge.
"Baka! You're the only person who ever call me by my full given name, how else am I supposed to forget you." She told him, this time giving him a genuine smile, the first time since she entered the hall.
"I'm so happy!" Yuya exclaimed still unaware of his surroundings. "ne~ Massu-chan, remember the girl whom I told you about two years ago?" He asked across the hall, trying to get the attention of his fellow member.
"Um~ Your classmate from the 7th grade? the one in the magazine?" Masuda replied hesitantly while eyes focus on Yuya, not wanting to see the reactions of their sempais.
""Hai! Shi Tetsuka was that girl." Yuya announced happily.
"Huh? What magazine? Someone could please explain what was happening?" Yasuda can't help but joined the conversation as well.
"You guys don't read do you? Two years ago, a girl named Shi Tetsuka was able to make history by perfecting a licensure exam [LE] in the -ugh-forgot the country, anyway,. she was featured as the cover model for TIME magazine that year. According to the article, it’s the first time in the country's history and in Asia that someone perfected a [LE]. What's more amazing is that Shi Tetsuka was only 18 that time."
"And she happened to be Tego-chan's classmate from the 7th grade. That's why he's so excited when he sees her in that magazine." Masuda explained lazily.
"Yes. Yes. Im really excited, but rumor said that after that interview, Shi Tetsuka was nowhere to be found, so I did some random search and guessed what I found. Two years ago, after missing in the crowd, she came back to Japan to further her studies. The school where she went is the same as where Sakurai-sempai graduated, what's the name again Massu-chan?" Yuya asked Masuda again.
"Keio" the guy told him listlessly.
"Yes, Keio. But according to the source it wasn't that easy. Knowing that school and it's reputation, even if Shi Tetsuka graduated and perfected the licensure exams in other countries as long as it is not in Japan, it doesn't matter. So they made her retake an exam here in Japan, and guessed what? Of course she passed, no, more than passed, she perfected it. So it was like she was the first student in Keio who ever manage to enter the Graduate School despite her age suited for bachelor's program. To sum it all, just four months ago, she graduated on top of her class." Yuya finished his dialogue.
"Whoa~ I'm a-amazed y-you k-n-now s-so m-much a-a-bout me." Shi said in total surprise. She was shock when the guy mentioned about her perfecting the exam in the Philippines but what disturbed her was the guy's cunning way of searching about her whereabouts.
"Of course, because you were my first crush Tetsuka Shi-chan" He told him casually. "And I was so sad when you left without saying goodbye, but it made me even more sad knowing your story just now.. sorry.." To Yuya's surprise, someone patted his back. It was Johnny.
"Now, now, thank you for saving me all the trouble to talk sense with these young men. But could you please go back to your seat?" Johnny told the guy wearing a do-not-interrupt-me-again kind of expression.
"Ah- h-hai. I'm sorry sir" Yuya bowed his head in apology but his smile never left his face even after the moment he seated.
" Now you [pointed at Yamapi] you were saying something awhile ago right?" Johnny smirked at Yamapi who gave a faint smile.
"No Sir, I was just saying how amazing she could be for making it to the top despite what happened" Yamapi said, distracted by Yuya and his story.
"And how about you?" this time pointing to Nino.
"No sir, I wasn't paying attention that time when I said those words." Nino replied in deep shame. He didn't know what to say. He was cursing himself for saying those words. He just couldn't find himself an excuse, it was outrageous. Saying those things about the girl he love, it was plain dumb.
"Enough Johnny-san. It wasn't their fault anyway." Shi told the old man formally. As much as she wanted to get close with Johnny, she didn't want the guys to think that the reason why she got the job was due to over familiarity. She wanted to prove herself in her own ways.
"Okay, let's get back to business shall we? Mind to introduce yourself first?" Johnny asked her.
"Um~ okay." She told him before focusing her attention to the talents in front of her.
"All you heard about me, ridiculous as it may seem, were all true but I was never, even once, ashamed of it." She said as a start. "At first I really don't get it why your boss wanted me to meet you, but as what Johnny-san told you before, you'll be the one who'll use the future stadium. My only job is to present the details, so I guess it's better if you'll get familiarize with it. I will appreciate it more if you want some changes with the plan before we start the construction."
Shi ended her statement and proceeded to explain the technical details while pushing some buttons in the model, which the guys, even Johnny himself, didn't know it existed until that very moment.
++++++
"If you guys wanted some changes or you have any suggestion in mind, please feel free to approach me, thank you."
The presentation lasted for only 30 minutes since Shi didn't need to dwell much on engineering aspects because the guys wouldn't understand it anyway.
Before she actually reached her conclusion, the guys notice how she still hasn't introduced herself properly.
"Ah~ I am really sorry that.. I made you guys waited for too long, am really ashamed because of my misconduct a while ago. Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Tetsuka Shi-desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." Shi introduced herself in a very Japanese style and the guys gave her a round of applause.
+++++++++++++++
After non-stop questions from the guys, mostly from Chinen, who deliberately announced that he really wanted to know her, and from Yuya, who was being prevented by his bandmates from literally jumping on to her place, Shi had finally manage to arrange her things without making such a fuss, but, it was the same time when Johnny suddenly called her attention.
"Let's talk Shi." Johnny told her seriously.
OMG, time to listen to an old man again... Shi thought but erased it on her mind afterwards. "What it is Johnny-san?" She looked around, wary of the people that were still inside the hall.
Luckily for her, the guys were too absorbed on how amazing the model and its newly found hidden buttons (where a single push would actually let a viewer see behind the wall of the miniature, allowing them to have a clear picture on what's inside the model) and how it would be great to performed in there. As for her other concern, which was ARASHI to begin with, they were far from where she and Johnny were standing, but near enough to hear what the old man was about to say.
"That was very unprofessional of you Shi. Let me reiterate what I told you before, you shouldn't have allowed your emotions get in way with your work. I was very disappointed awhile ago." Johnny scolded her through gritted teeth. That had made Jun, who was sitting at the leftmost corner of the hall, winced at the unknown pain that surged through his mind as if acknowledging the fact that if not for him being nosy moments ago, Shi's professionalism wouldn't be put in question.
"It was a good thing that my talents waited, but what would you do otherwise? They didn't have much time to spare you know. Look what happened because you were late. I nearly got myself an argument with my talents and I don't want to repeat it again." Johnny spoke again, that stern expression from the first time he talked to her, never left his face.
Shi bowed her head in apology. As much as she wanted to complain to the old man about him having to reprimand her in front of the guys, she couldn't find the strength to do so, for she knew it was her fault in the first place. As much as she wanted to sulk about Johnny being inconsiderate to her, she chose to stay silent for that's one thing she loved about the old man. He sees her as his granddaughter, but he never tolerates wrong doings. And when the old man lectured, he sees to it, either in his meanest, cruelest, scariest, most humiliating, or whatever way, that you follow.
Every talent, if not, most talents in the jimusho could attest to that.
"I hope you understand the weight of your actions my child. This shouldn't happen again, do I make myself clear?" Johnny continued when Shi didn’t answer.
"Yes Sir." Shi replied looking straightly to the old man's eyes. "I promise, it won't Johnny-san. Moshiawake arimasen." Shi bowed her head which had caught the attention of the guys inside the hall, of which narrowed down to ARASHI who was sitting at the left side corner of the conference table, Yamapi beside Toma, Yuya who can't get his eyes off her, Masuda who was forcibly dragging Yuya outside the hall for their photoshoot, Chinen whose eyes were glued to the miniature and Kame who got a little distracted by Shi's gesture.
"There, there. It's fine now. " Johnny told her. He was about to say something when his assistant approached him which made Johnny look at his watch and utter, "Oh, it's this time already? Well, let's talk about the details some other time okay? I need to catch a flight to Hawaii this afternoon. Please prepare a more formal presentation for the sponsors which will happen after I come back." Johnny smiled at her and turned to leave. When he walked past her, Johnny leaned and whispered, "I trust you know the way out dear?" and went out of the room leaving Shi with her raised eyebrow.
Oh God let me die please?
"Anou~" She heard someone addressed her before she actually had time to contemplate on the old man's words. Shi spun around to see who called her attention only to find herself face to face with the idol who not long ago stated how dumb she was.
"Nani?" She asked, unaware that she still had her eyebrow raised.
"I'm sorry about earlie-" Yamapi stood there with his mouth gaping upon looking at her. Despite her pretty face, Shi was giving him an expression that had an i-don’t-have-anything-to-do-with-you-so-back-off kind of attitude. Not that Shi was aware she's wearing that kind of face though, for she was merely dozing off that time when Yamapi approached her, and that she was actually caught off guard.
When at last recovered from the shock of having face to face with Yamapi, with Johnny's last words still ringing on her ears, Shi softened her expression.
"Ah, its okay.." She finally managed to say.
"Whew. Finally. You gave me quite a fright there. I thought you would slap me or something. " Yamapi replied, smiling widely that his face could split into two on the sudden change of mood.
"Ah, iie. I'm not on the position to do that right?" Shi smiled genuinely this time which made Yamapi's heart skipped a beat.
"Ah sou ka~ oh by the way, Yamashita Tomohisa-desu" He said offering his hand.
"Well," Shi hesitated, "You heard my name and my story so there's no need to go over the introduction again." Shi replied while receiving his hand. She's not used to having skin to skin contact with guys, even if it’s a handshake, but it'll be a bit offending if she will not take that gesture. The thing was, she practically had to pull her hand away from his grip just to make him realize that he's holding it for too long which earned her another round of apology from the guy.
"S-sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just- I-I m-mean" the guy stuttered.
"Silly, its okay. Oh you're friends were calling you" Shi said to distract him, although, it was purely coincidental. Because the moment Yamapi turned his eyes from her to his friends, they were actually waiting for him at the door (except for yuya), ready to leave.
"oh, okay, see you around then. Although I'll appreciate it more if you had slapped me so that I would remember that I was the dumb one and not you." Yamapi grinned.
"Baka! I don't want your fans cursing me just because I had gone out of my mind and slapped you. Besides, my life's a bit hellish right now and I don't have plans on adding your fans' rage to that hell." Shi smiled before literally pushing him, "Now go, Nice too meet you Yamashita-san." Which had left the guy with no choice but concede.
When she thought she had time to finally continue on what she'd left doing, Yuya approached her.
"Ne~ Tetsuka Shi-chan, can I have your email?" Yuya asked him with puffy eyes. She stared at him, a bit puzzled.
"Onegai?" Yuya asked again when she did nothing but stare.
"Um," Shi started but weighed over things. Damn the guy for having an innocent look despite being older. Tsk. "Okay." She clicked her tongue when she felt she had no choice and rummaged her bag for her phone.
"Kyaa~ arigatou" Yuya told her. "Smile" and before Shi knew it, the guy took a picture of her before typing the address which he gladly received from her. Shi grudgingly typed in Yuya's email, which she did so as not to hurt the guy's ego.
"Jya~ mata ne Tetsuka Shi-chan." Yuya said.
Shi sighed in relief when Yuya turned his back to leave and she went on putting her things in place which was already pissing her off for it was delayed for umpteenth time. But to her surprise, Yuya came back only to embrace her once more.
"Im really glad to have met you again. After hearing what Johnny had to say a while ago, and knowing that it was you, it really broke my heart. I really wanted to hit that man, whoever he is, for leaving you." Yuya whispered, arms still around her.
Shi couldn't help but feel the painful emotions that come from the guy as she felt the dampness on her shoulder probably from Yuya's tears. She was lost for words upon realizing that his words were as innocent as how he looked. His feelings were the kind which you could find in a pure brotherly affection. Shi patted Yuya's back until the guy was satisfied, enough for him to stop from crying.
For more than a minute, Shi was oblivious of their surroundings. Drown by Yuya's affection, she didn't notice the only group that was left inside the hall. Only when she had a glimpsed across the left corner of the hall that she realized how ARASHI had been their audience for a while and how Sho had his intense look on them, his eyes glaring.
As if anyone who gets in his own field of vision will be murdered instantly.
---------------------------------------------
forgetting those feelings is much like digging my very own grave and burying myself ALIVE..