CLASSMATES 39/40
a/n: guys.. I hate to say it, but it will soon come to an end..I planned to post a one shot fic of Nino before posting the last chapter.. what do you think?.. ooohh.. and I'm excited to share to you Nno fic.. but of course it will be out after Sho's story. :) Comments are loved. Please let me know your insights..
CHAPTER 39
TRUST AND JEALOUSY
Shi stared aimlessly at the ceiling. When she looked at the clock, its almost 3am, but somehow, she can’t make herself fall asleep, afraid that if she lets herself be, something worse will happen. There were a lot of things that were running on her mind- things that were too unbearable so to speak.
Thinking about what happened and her conversation with that woman, she felt scared. The feeling of helplessness sank deep within her. But she can’t help it, the lives of those people whom she loves dependent on her. If she makes the wrong decision, it will be like a bomb fighting against time.
++++++++++++
Beep. Beep.
Sho reached for his phone over his bedside table. The rays of light escaping through his windows suggested that it was already morning. He was delighted when his phone registered the name of the person who was the subject of his dreams. He almost jumped on his bed out of happiness when he read the subject.
From: IloveShi
Subject: Date
Message: Kids told me that its your day-off tomorrow. It’s a date then.
He typed in his reply and waited. After a minute, his phone beeped again.
From: IloveShi
Subject: Re: Date
Message: Baka! Hentai! Shuji and Shuri will be coming with us!
Sho felt a bit disappointed, but nonetheless, since it will be the first time that the four of them will go out, he still feels excited about it.
++++++++++
Shi opened her closet and felt sad when she saw the small traveling bag which contained all her important documents and some of her clothes. Because she wasn’t able to sleep that much or rather, she wasn’t able to sleep at all last night, she opted to pack her things and strengthen her resolved. And that’s when she came up with a decision. While those thoughts playing on her mind, she heard her phone’s tone as she walked towards her bed where the phone was resting.
From: Ilovethisdork
Subject: Re: Date
Message: Yosh. Want me to reserve a room?
She had to laugh bitterly upon reading his reply. Awhile ago, before Nakahara-san fetched the kids, she learned that tomorrow was Sho’s day-off, and so, she came up with the idea of the four of them going out, as her parting gift.
Shi typed in her reply and her gaze wandered around the room until it settled on one loose floorboard where she kept those things that shouldn’t be seen especially by them, “Gomen ne~ Sho…..” Shi whispered silently while her tears kept on falling.
+++++++++++++++
“Sho? Where are we going?” Shi asked momentarily when Sho took a sudden detour.
“You’ll see,” Sho just smiled seeing the anxiety on her beautiful face. He looked on his rearview mirror and noticed the twins talking animatedly, unbothered with the detour.
“Hey, whatever it is that you’re planning, I’m telling you..” She shot a deadly stare at Sho making the guy laugh on her reaction.
“For once, just trust me okay?” He said, turning around the driveway until they enter a garden with a wide pathway that lead to a fine looking manor.
“Where exactly are we?” Shi asked.
“Tousan, why are we here?” Shuii asked opening the door to his side and went out.
“Uwaa~ Papa, why are we here?” Shuri beamed at them before following her brother outside.
The two adults followed suit.
Shi couldn’t believe her eyes. She held her breath while staring admiringly at one of the grandest manor she ever seen, the grandiose staircase adorned by different ornaments, and the large two-way door which stood just above the staircase.
“Hey, why do I have a feeling that I’m the only one who was oblivious of where we are?” Shi asked the three who just smiled mischievously.
“Angel-chan!”
Shi turned at the source of the voice and was surprised to see Sho’s younger sister walking towards them.
“Mai-chan?” She furrowed her eyebrows and turned to Sho.
“Look, I’m sorry Shi,.. when Okaasan heard that the four of us will go out, she insisted that we come here first before we go elsewhere..” Sho explained.
“Oh..” Shi was speechless. Not because she didn’t want it, but rather appreciated it.
“Are you mad?” Sho asked worriedly when she stayed silent.
“Ah..n-no.. I’m just.. erm..” But Shi was lost for word. “I mean,. T-thank y-you for bringing us here..”
“Actually, it was the second time for the kids..”
They turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Sho’s mother.
“Ah..ohayou Sakurai-san,” Shi bowed politely. “Thank you for..”
“What’s with the formality Shi-chan? Didn’t I tell you to call me okaasan?” Yuko(?) smiled.
“But..Sho and I are not yet married..” her cheeks turned a shade of pink upon uttering those words.
“No but’s dear.. I don’t think its necessary that you get married now, afterall you have two adorable kids ne~ but I’m not saying that its okay not to get married either..” Yuko placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled widely at her while thinking how lovely she looked when blushing.
“Ah..h-hai.. arigatou…” Shi’s cheeks blushed even more.
“Oh.. isn’t she lovely?” Yuko asked the two siblings who nodded and turned her attention back at Shi, “I should be the one thanking you, and also I apologize for the trouble.. I thought Sho would mention it to you, but turned out that he had not.”
“Iie. Daijobu.. I’m happy to be able to visit your house..” Shi replied.
“Mou~ okaasan, save your chats later, for now, let’s go inside shall we?” Mai said putting an arm over Shi’s shoulder and ushered her inside.
“Ah.. h-hai.. sorry for keeping you outside that long..”
+++++++++++++++
“I wonder what thoughts are running in your mind?” Sho sat beside her and marveled at the beautiful scenery.
After attending to his mom’s request, having eaten lunch together, the four of them set out and headed to a small hill with a beautiful meadow. The two kids tired out because of running and playing, that they end up sleeping on the mats Shi initially prepared for their date-turned-out-picnic, leaving him and Shi to admire the scenery.
“What’s in my thoughts that you were so curious about?” Shi glance at him smilingly.
“Hmm.. I’m curious whether or not I am included in those thoughts..” Sho answered pulling some hair strands that were covering her face and tucked it behind her ears.
“You are..” She said but the guy remained askance, so she added. “A lot.” Shi told him, overwhelmed by his actions.
“Seriously?” Sho pouted thinking that she was taking him lightly.
Shi looked at him straightly in the eyes, and without warning, she kissed him.
“Yeah..,” She said before taking his lips once more. Shi didn’t know what came over her, but the pain and sadness that started building in her heart was overwhelming her, that her hands started moving on its own accord, running across his shoulder, until it wrapped around his neck.
Sho started kissing her back, not minding the sadness that was emanating from her. What’s wrong Shi? Why won’t you tell me? ..He wondered what’s wrong, what’s making her sad, but the softness of her lips that was melting against his, made it harder for him to think.
+++++++++++
“Shi?” His eyes traveled around and recognized that he was lying on his bed, in his own room.
Remembering what happened last night, he assumed that Shi probably didn’t want his mom seeing them together in his room, so she went and slept in their kids’ designated room instead. Having those thoughts in mind, Sho left his bed, feeling overjoyed, that he missed out the small paper that was on his bedside table and headed towards his kids’ bedroom.
“A-re? Where’s your mom?” Sho asked the kids who just woke up from sleep.
“Ohayou papa!” Shuri greeted.
“Ohayou Tousan!” Shuji greeted as well.
“Ohayou, Shuri, Shuji.. but where’s your mom?” he asked again.
“Eh? I thought she was in your room ‘tousan..” Shuji answered hesitantly and kept his thoughts to himself.
Upon hearing that, Sho strode out of the room and looked for her. He reached the dining hall and saw Shu and his mom currently eating breakfast, but there was no trace of Shi. When his mom saw him, Yuko was deeply troubled.
“Sho, did you fight with Shi-chan last night?” She asked.
“No.. why?” Sho felt constricted. Remembering the moment in the hill yesterday, Sho realized that something was off.
“She was in a hurry when she left at 4am..” Yuko told him.
4am? That was an hour after what happened between us..Sho thought and glanced doubtfully at his mother.
“Your father has an appointment outside the country so I was already up and saw her leaving..” She recalled.
“Did she say anything to you?” Sho questioned despite the stabbing pain on his chest.
“Not that much.. She just thanked me and your father. She said she had urgent business to attend to. When I asked her if you knew, she told me that you were sleeping soundly and that she left a note. But it’s a little odd Sho..” Yuko(?) started to feel weird about having this conversation with his son.
“What’s odd?” Sho managed to ask further.
“Before she left, she asked me to take care of you and the twins..I even laughed and told her that she sounded as if we won’t see each other again.. but she-“
Yuko wasn’t able to finish her sentence when Sho ran hastily towards his room and seconds later, his heartbreaking scream was heard all throughout the house.
++++++++++++++
“If you know what’s good for you, then you know what to do Tetsuka-san..”
“But-” she said feeling helpless at the moment.
“Why? Do you rather have it otherwise?” the woman laughed evilly.
“I need time..” she pleaded.
“Fine. 2 days Tetsuka-san. Do what you want and say farewell, after that, you’ll be meeting with my boss...”
“Fine.”
“A dream huh?”
She felt nostalgic. Five years ago, it was Sho who left her but, never in her life did she expect that one day she will also have to leave him.
Without a sound, Shi rouse up from the bed and started wearing her clothes on. After doing so, she walked towards his study table, pulled out a chair and sat. Upon examining the pile of papers, magazine and other things such as his previous scripts, what she saw there made her heart ache and her eyes began watering.
“Hey! What are you doing?” She raised an eyebrow seeing him with his digital camera.
“Couldn’t you tell? I thought you’re a genius!” he laughed seeing her grave expression.
“I told you I don’t want my pictures taken..” she said stubbornly.
“Oh c’mon Shi. Don’t be such a bore. Besides, there’s nothing wrong in taking pictures.. especially when you’re that pretty..” he complimented.
“Enough with your crazy antics, you moron!” She tried to snatch away the camera but to no avail, in the end, she paid the consequences.
“Hey, it’s a compliment you know.. I just want to have a souvenir of our memories together..” he said in a sad tone.
“Why? Are you leaving now?”
But Sho never answered that question. If he had just answered that question, if he had just been honest towards her, she could’ve done something about it, about their friendship, instead of ending up in a situation where both of them could be hurt. She knew that one day it will come to this, even though she least expected that it has nothing to do with Sho being an idol, rather, it was because of herself this time, her influence of being Tetsuka Reiko’s only daughter and appearance to be exact.
“Again?” Shi sighed in disbelief seeing another envelope in her doorpost. This time it was a photo of Jun kissing her. Yesterday it was a photo of her in her ruined dress while carrying Ohno when he was bitten. The other day it was her and Nino in the coffee shop and the day before that was Sho’s photo with the twins, the one that was posted in the newspaper.
She wondered who would be holding such grudge on her for them to follow her around. She even got death threats and foul letters. But since she had no idea, she chose to ignore it especially when the twins are still in the hospital. She never felt the need to tell the guys since like her, they also have problems of some sort up to their sleeves and adding to that was not on her vocabulary.
She likes keeping secrets, that’s just how she is. She always had trouble disclosing her life to others, even her mom knew that. If she were to count the number of friends she has, it won’t even fill up the number of her fingers. As far as she knows, she only has few girlfriends, one of them is Mai, and the other one is from her childhood days. As of her enemies, she only realized now that the anonymous letters and the photos came from two different people. They probably saw right through her and had managed to use her weakness against her. They knew that she wouldn’t bring herself to confide to them, even though it was scaring the hell out of her.
Shi scanned the pages of the photobook, smiling like an idiot through her swollen eyes seeing the happy memories of her and Sho together. I thought you didn’t keep this. . She thought and tears flowed aimlessly down her cheeks while she pulled out a pen and a paper and started writing.
Shi folded the paper and placed it on his bedside table. Wiping her tears off, she took one last glimpse at the calm face of Sho and stooped down to kiss him gently on the cheek. When Sho suddenly got hold of her hand, she felt her heart skipped a bit thinking what she should do if he woke up suddenly. Shi almost gave in to that had not she realized that the guy just dozed off. After a moment, she gently pulled his hand off hers and left without making a noise.
+++++++
“Shi..” Sho opened the door and walked in a hurry inside the apartment, searching all over the place for her. He reached her bedroom hoping she would be there but it was no luck.
“Why.. why Shi? I thought you love me..” He sat on the floor and rested his head on his knees sobbing, with his back against the foot of the bed. “I know now how it hurt you.. I know how painful it was now.. so please, please come back..” Sho continued weeping, his heart felt as if it was stabbed by thousands of blades. “Come back now Shi..I need you.. the kids need you..”
Sho cried endlessly remembering how much it took him to pacify their kids awhile ago, how much it hurt to lie right in front of them while having to swallow his tears, how hard it was to explain why they woke up without their mom by their side, and how long it took to persuade them to remain in their grandmother’s care while his mind was in the brink of sanity and his heart was about to burst thinking where she might be. When he recalled the last words that she’d written to him, it felt as if his life had ended.
Sho,
I’m leaving you like how you left me five years ago. How does it feel to be abandoned by the person you love? To be betrayed by the person you trust? To be deceived by the person you valued the most? Now you know. The fact that you’re reading this meant that I’m already gone. I atleast tried to love you the way I had loved you before, but I just couldn’t. They say that trust isn’t something that could be easily achieved once it was gone. Well, that is true you know, because I never trusted you again after that time. Afterall you left me right? Be grateful that I’m leaving the twins to you. For now, enjoy the moments while they’re with you. One day, I’ll come back to get what’s originally mine.
Shi
“It’s all lies right Shi? There’s no way you could say that to me..” Sho sobbed until his eyes hurt and there were no tears to flow.
Downstairs,
“Are you sure about this Jun?” Ohno creased his forehead.
“Yes Ridaa. Who else could drive her away? Only that reporter knew who she was.. I only need some proof before we act..” Jun told them, stress written all over his face.
“What proof?” Aiba asked.
“Anything,… anything that could tell us the reason what had made Shi-chan left..” Jun said while scanning the magazines under the center table.
“But what if Angel-chan really meant what she wrote? What if she really intended to revenge on Sho?” Aiba asked worriedly.
“Baka! don’t say unnecessary things! She wouldn’t do that.” Jun hissed angrily, while this time searching the drawers.
“Jun’s right.. I don’t believe that Angel could do that.... she loves Sho and her kids too much.. for her to say those cruel things and leave..There must be a reason behind it.. ” Nino copied what Jun was doing, Ohno did the same thing.
“Aiba-chan, just check on Sho, will you?” Jun commanded. They were too busy searching the room and Aiba’s questions wasn’t helping.
With head bowed so low and shoulders dropped, Aiba went to find Sho upstairs.
Upstairs,
“Sho-chan?” Aiba entered the room and found Sho sitting on the floor. On his hands was Shi’s letter, already crumpled because the older member was gripping it too hard. “Sho-chan?” He sat beside him.
“Aiba-chan..” Sho leveled his head to have a look on Aiba and turned his body to face him. “Shi was lying right?” he asked grabbing the man on his shoulder.
“Sho-chan, I-“ Aiba hesitated but pulled the man closer to his arms, the older guy didn’t struggle.
“Her letter.. it was full of blot... its not that hard to tell that those were from the tears that were falling while she’s writing it.. If she’s not lying then why was she crying?” Sho asked the miracle boy, his head resting on his chest.
“I dunno Sho-chan.. I dunno..” Aiba looked at him sympathetically. “Like what the guys said.. she must have a reason..”
“What reason?” Sho asked drawing slightly away from Aiba, his hand wiping the tears off his eyes.
“I dunno.. but that is what we’re trying to find out..” Aiba told him without meeting the guy’s eyes, for a reason, he couldn’t bear seeing Sho in so much pain. His eyes traveled around the room and sensed a strange feeling when his attention was caught by a loose floorboard just a few meters beside Sho. “I wonder what’s in there?” he muttered before crawling towards the loose floorboard, instantly forgetting the situation they were in.
“What is?” Sho asked turning to see where the younger guy was going. When Aiba stopped a few meters from him and lifted up the loose floorboard, he felt intrigued that he followed him as well.
“What was it?” Sho asked when he saw what was in AIba’s hands.
“The reason why Shi left..” Aiba uttered and for a while felt a pang of guilty by accusing Shi about having her revenge on Sho.
Sho snatched the envelope off Aiba’s hand and scattered all the contents on the floor, revealing 7 to 8 photos with different message on the back and hate mails.
When he flipped one of the photos, bearing the words “GET LOST TETSUKA SHI”, Sho was too struck, he couldn’t move.
It was a photo taken just after the first day of their shooting.
After being silent for a couple of minutes, Aiba shouted across the room, calling the attention of the guys downstairs. Moments later, they were joined in by Jun, Nino, and Ohno.
“Doyukoto?” Ohno asked when they saw all the photos, having Nino and Shi’s photo as the oldest one, and Sho and Shi’s as the recent. It also included the one which was used in the newspaper.
It turned out that someone was spying, or rather, stalking on them, with one target in mind: Tetsuka Shi.
“Oi! Read this.” Jun handed them a letter with words that were clearly cutout from magazines.
If YoU Kn0w wH@T’$ g00D, come to me! Or THEY’LL suffer M0re than h0w YOUr KiDs SUFFEReD!
“Just what-the-hell did that reporter wanted from us Jun?” Nino asked suddenly alarmed assuming that it was that nasty reporter’s doing.
“Reporter?!”
On an instant, Sho’s expression was a mixture of contempt and anxiety upon hearing the word “reporter”.
“Calm down Sho..” Jun tried to reason out.
“I’m sorry we keep it from you..” Nino backed up. Aiba and Ohno just exchange glances, both were unaware about the depth of the situation despite knowing about the reporter.
“You knew? You knew about it and you never told me??” Sho’s anger was flaring. He looked at them one by one and waited for an explanation. When no one spoke, he spoke again. “WHAT THE HELL MATSUMOTO? NINOMIYA?”
“Hey! Don’t raise your voice Sakurai!” Nino snapped. He understood what the older guy was going through but his rage wouldn’t solve anything. “We’re sorry okay? We only found out the other day! How are we supposed to tell you? Seeing you very much excited and happy, how could we ruin that? Besides, we didn’t expect that reporter to make contact with Angel! She even made her leave and say those mean things to you!” Nino was shouting on top of his lungs making all the guys, even Sho, to remain silent. “You, not calming down, won’t lead us anywhere Sho.”
“Fine. Explain! Pray that its not too late Ninomiya, or I swear..I might forget that you’re my friends!” Sho threatened, his temperature still boiling.
Nino glared but Ohno put a hand on his shoulder, making Nino calmed down just a little bit, enough for Jun to explain further.
“Let me begin on that day when your kids went missing..” Jun started.
+++++++++++++++++++
“Hello Rose-san,” Jun greeted seductively before grabbing the reporter’s hand the moment she step out of her house. Aiba did the same with her other hand.
It was nearly sundown and the guys didn’t think that it’ll be this hard to track down the woman reporter named Rose.
“Fancy seeing you here at my doorstep ARASHI-san.” The woman smiled wickedly despite being restrained in both hands by Aiba and Jun. “And charms don’t work on me if I may say, Matsumoto-san.”
“Hah! Why? Do you prefer it the other way? I don’t usually use force on women, so speak while I’m being nice.” Jun gripped her wrist tightly.
“Oh. I think there’s a limit to what you could do and could not. I wonder what your fans will say if they found out about this.”
“Oh, they will not, ‘cause you’ll be dead by then. I’m telling you, you’re messing up with the wrong guys bitch!” Nino stared murderously clutching the woman’s chin with his hand.
Taking Nino’s hand off the reporter, “Hey, calm down, ruthlessness will not solve anything okay?” Ohno took a deep breath to calm himself down before turning his attention to the reporter. “Erm~ Rose-san, please, this is important. We need to know where Angel-chan is.”
“Oi Ridaa! What are you doing? Do you think talking to her that way would make her speak?” Jun asked irritably, his eyes shifted from the woman to Ohno.
“She’s a woman Jun. You don’t talk callously to a woman,” Ohno told him and looked at Nino, “Same with you, you don’t treat a woman that way.”
“Ne, Ridaa had a point. She’s still a woman, despite of what unspeakable things she had done..” Aiba joined in the conversation.
“Shut it Aiba. Why don’t you just stick to your plushie? One word and I swear--” Jun said. His irritation heightened when she heard the woman laughing.
“Watching you guys fight makes me wanna puke.” She gestured as if she would throw up earning her a slap on the face from Sho.
“Be thankful that Ridaa is one-hell-of a reasonable guy, if not, I would have done more than slapping you, now enough of this nonsense talks, get down to business, shall we?” Sho said balling his fist to prevent himself from hitting her again.
“Please Rose-san, if you care so much about your life, speak now..” Ohno said, still trying to sound reasonable despite losing his patience as well. “What did you do to make Angel-chan leave?”
“I did nothing, I just send those photos to warn her off. I thought if I did that, she would finally tell me, but I never knew she was so stubborn!”
“how ‘bout those letters from the magazines telling her to leave?”
“Letters? I didn’t send them..” For few seconds, there was a hint of worry in her eyes, but vanished right away.
“What do you mean you don’t send them? The photos come together with the letters! All were cut in different magazines!” Jun stated but was also unsure since the time they found out, the letters were contained together with the photos. Plus the concerned look in the reporter’s eyes was misleading. What does that mean? He can’t help but thought.
“Hah! I didn’t ask her to leave! She’s just coward to tell you!” Rose scoffed despite the troubling feeling that was building inside her. It was a given that she’s jealous from all the attention Shi was getting from ARASHI, but she never meant to harm her, she just wanted her friend to confide to her. “Well I guess, it can’t be help ne~ since she’s always that type of person. Saying she trusts you but wouldn’t really.. that turned out to be her weakness.”
“Y-you k-knew?” Sho felt troubled. There were only few people who realized that Shi’s that kind of girl.
“Of course I know! Afterall, she used to be my best friend! Even though it was only a short span of time during our 7th grade..” the reporter answered.
“7th grade?”
Wait..why does it sound like dejavu? Nino thought.
“Yes, 7th grade! But even though we’re friends, she wouldn’t tell me a thing, then and now! After so many years, I was really happy when she recognized me..” She smiled remembering their encounter.
“Rina-chan? Is that you? Wah! I missed you!” she hugged her.
“Yes.. Shi-chan? Oh my God! I missed you too? What’s up?”
“Oh.. nothing new..” she looked unsure and didn’t met her eyes..
With a reporter’s instincts, Shi’s responses made her grow curious to the extent of following her bestfriend around. With no ill intentions, she became her stalker. That’s when she found out all the things about her and ARASHI. She felt frustrated after knowing especially when Shi always resort to avoid her questions everytime the two of them meet, especially that time when they hang out together with some of their other friends just before the twins’ foundation day.
“But even after not seeing each other for a long time she wouldn’t change, she won’t confide any of her problems. To me! To me, her bestfriend!” She laughed and cried bitterly at the same time, like those patients you see in a mental hospital.
The guys exchange looks, with one thought in mind: This woman is crazy.
Rose continue to blabber more to herself than to the guys, “She trusts but wouldn’t trust completely. I don’t need a half-hearted trust. See? Now she’s gone! Its not my fault! This is all the result of her half-hearted trust!.”
To her surprise, the guys chorused in laughter.
“W-what’s funny?” She raised an eyebrow while watching the guys laughing. “Is that what hopeless people looked like?”
“Are you stupid?” Nino was holding his stomach because of excessive amusement, making him forgot their current situation temporarily. “Just because someone doesn’t want to tell you anything doesn’t mean that she doesn’t trust you!”
“It just means that she trusts you enough to understand…” Sho remarked knowingly.
Rose stopped dead on her tracks. “Son’na koto..” The disconcerting feeling was back again.
“And you claim yourself her bestfriend? Ridiculous! If you are, then you should understand that Shi doesn’t want people to worry about her.. like what you said, it’s the way she is!” Sho shook his head disbelievingly. He didn’t imagine that there really exist people who think highly of themselves, like the reporter.
“Just who do you think you are? A God? There are things that aren’t meant for you to know. Even a child knows that, baka!” Jun lectured, still having a hard time controlling his laughter.
“Now, mind to tell us where you sent off Shi-chan? Because a guy here named Sakurai Sho couldn’t contain his rage for you.. erm- w-we don’t know what he might do. So before he ends up in jail for killing you, please speak. It’s for your own sake you know..” Aiba pleaded, cringing at the thought.
“Wakatta! Release me first! My hands are getting numb!” She locked eyes with Aiba then to Jun. The two released her, with the youngest member giving her a don’t-dare-try-to-escape kind of look. While massaging her hands and wrists, she turned at Nino. “Don’t look at me like that!” She said thinking that if looks could kill, she would be dead by now at the way Nino gazed viciously at her.
“I will, if you start talking.” Nino hissed. “Now, start explaining!”
“I don’t know okay? I don’t even know what you’re talking about!” Rose was speaking the truth. Too bad the guys could see it too.
“Lies!” Nino’s blood was rising in his head. He felt frustrated seeing that there was truth behind the woman’s hazelnut eyes.
“I told you! I only wanted to scare her through those photos! Heck, I don’t even understand what letters you were talking about!”She tried to explain, now looking even more worried because the situation seemed odd.
“Y-you m-mean, y-you didn’t send those letters?” Ohno looked disconcerted and very deeply troubled.
“Omoishiroi..” She said as oppose to what she was feeling. “Well, what can I say? That means, there are other people who wanted her out of your lives,” She said in a mocking tone to hide her uneasiness.
“Urasai!” Sho almost hit her if not for Ohno blocking.
“hey! I’m n-not that desperate to stoop down to that level okay? Besides, if I wanted to ruin you guys, I should have exposed those photos in every tabloids that I know off..might as well profited from it.” Rose reasoned out.
“Then who else took her?”
“Beats me.” She said while buying time to think. Afterall, she’s not a stalker for nothing.
“Don’t play dumb woman.. or should I say, Ayumu Rina-san.” Nino smirked seeing the change in her expression. “Curious how I knew your name? Tegoshi Yuya, does it ring a bell?”
“I d-don’t know what you’re talking about..” She felt nervous hearing the name. She didn’t expect these things to get out of hand.
“Oh I swear you know Ayumu-san.” Nino replied confidently, his tone sounded maliciously.
“Hah! Are you threatening me? Know your place Ninomiya-san! Do me harm and its as good as doing harm to yourself and your group.” Rose was bothered. She was torn between saving her reputation and her bestfriend’s life.
“Hah! State the obvious huh? Why, thank you.” Nino said sarcastically.
Think Rina, think before its too late.. “Then, you’re not afraid if I exposed you right away?” She battled with Nino. The guys were putting too much pressure on her that she was having a hard time recalling the name of the man whom Shi mentioned in one of their conversations.
“Honestly woman, if we’re afraid that you would expose us, we wouldn’t have gone as far as paying you a visit, but as you can see, none of us mind.., who knows? We might as well grant you a personal interview for your generosity, how’s that for a change?” Nino offered.
ah..the party.. Sakurai-san’s party.. what’s the name again? Rose smiled when things started coming back to her. Thinking that she still needed some time, she said with a smile, “Don’t think that you could buy me off easily Ninomiya-san”
“Do you rather have it the harder way? Urm, that’s if you know what I mean. You see, Tego-chan told us a lot of interesting things.. when was it again?” Jun bluffed, fingers crossed that she would fall for it.
Ah! Hah! Omoidashita! “Fine! Fine! Just don’t ever bring up the past!” She felt relieved remembering the name but also felt disgusted when Nino spoke again.
“Hah! Did we hit the red button Ayumu-san?” Nino grinned spitefully.
“You’re worse. And the name’s Rose, mind to put that on your bloated head?” She felt nauseated seeing his expression and wondered why he was doing what he was doing.
“Oh mind you, he’s more than worse if you won’t tell us what you know..” Aiba told her.
“Heck. And here I thought Sakurai-san would have killed me for doing that to the woman he loves,” She examined Nino’s reaction and smirked when the younger guy glared at her, “but, Ninomiya-san, it looks to me as if you’ll be the first to be convicted rather than Sakurai-san. Oh.. wait.. Don’t tell me you’re in-love with Shi-chan? That’s messed up Ninomiya-san.” There were sparkles all over her eyes as she gazed straightly at the two guys, enjoying her revenge.
“What a nice talent you got there. As if I don’t know that!” Nino pointed out, sickened because of the remark.
Rose just laughed it off.”Hah! I knew it!”
“Stop beating around the bush!” Sho had had enough. Nino was right, the woman really had the talent of stating out the obvious facts.
“Kota Sendoh. I dunno all about it. But I remembered Shi-chan once made a remark how the guy was getting on her nerves. Ask your father about it, after all, the Kota’s had been in the political world, the same time as your father was.” She told them.
“What do you mean?”
“Oh for goodness sake!” Rose slapped her forehead. “Where’s that brain of yours? Need not I mention that time when Kota Sendoh approached Shi-chan during that party sported by your father and she just ignored him?”
Sho’s face suddenly turned sour.
“Does lit a bulb on an instant right? Afterall, you were throwing daggers at him when he recklessly approached her,” She said and the guys were dumbfounded. “and don’t asked me how I know, I’m a stalker remember? I think he was offended that time. You see, all the Kota’s are very remarkable for their proud stature.”
+++++++++++++++++
“That was amazing Nino.” Jun stated while they were all crowded inside Sho’s car. He was the one driving while Aiba, Sho and Ohno were at the back.
“Ne~ Nino-chan, what’s with Rose’s past that she’s scared like that?” Aiba’s head popped beside the driver’s seat and looked at Nino who was sitting beside Jun.
“I dunno..” Nino answered looking curiously at Jun whose eyes were still on the road.
“Eh? But I thought you had a talk with Yuya-san,” Aiba followed wearing a baffled expression.
“I did not..” Nino told them.
“Not even once?” This time it was Ohno.
“Hai. Not even once.” Nino was slightly getting pissed. Tsche. Why don’t they just leave it at that?
“Then how come you know about Rose’s past?”
“Aiba! Were you listening to me just now? I told you I don’t know, I’m not even interested to know..it was Jun who knew..”
“D-demo, the look on that woman’s face when you mentioned about that guy from NEWS was surely something....”
“Yeah. She was scared to death when you mentioned Yuya-san,” Jun butted in, “And her expression when I bluffed about Yuya telling me some things from the past, it was really priceless,” Jun chuckled and stared intriguingly at Nino, the same question as imposed by Aiba was on his mind, “But how come you knew it Nino?
“Knew what?” Nino smirked before motioning Jun to focus on the road.
“That her past involved Yuya-san..” Sho answered for Jun and when the youngest member looked sideways again, he instinctively lunged forward and put his hands on Jun’s head, turning the youngest member to face the road again. “Eyes on the road Jun,” Sho hissed while waiting for Nino’s answers.
“Nah. It was purely coincidence.” Nino relaxed a bit.
“Coincidence?”
“Yep. Remember that time when we found out that Angel-chan was the one who created the JE stadium model and out of nowhere, that NEWS brat came rushing in front and hugged Angel-chan?” Nino asked them.
“Ah.. that reminds me..” Sho stated boringly.
“Of course that reminds you.. you’re also, what did Rose call it, “throwing daggers” that time..” Nino commented, displaying vivid emotions because Rose’s remark was dangerously entertaining.
“Urasai! What about it?” Sho questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Ah! If I’m not mistaken, Yuya-san mentioned that they were classmates from 7th grade!” Ohno suddenly commented making Jun stepped on the brake creating an impact.
“Oops.. sorry about that, I’m just surprised..” Jun glanced to run a safety check on the guys while smiling apologetically and put on an innocent face when Nino glared. “What? I’m just shocked that Ridaa’s been unusually paying attention to our adventure!” He said while three heads nodded in unity, even Ohno himself. When Jun was certain that none of them was hurt, he started driving. “That bit*h also mentioned that Shi and her were classmates..” Jun stated, careful not to take his eyes off the road again.
“So you’re saying that you used that fact as a coincidence to threaten the reporter?”
“Bingo.” Nino grinned.
Jun shook his head in utter bewilderment. Only their brat of a member would dare to pull out such tricks under given circumstances. “Now Sho, tell us what we should know about that Kota guy.”
+++++++++++++++
“Do you really plan to leave without saying goodbye, Shi?”
Shi turned around, panic-stricken to see the five of them approaching carelessly towards the helicopter which will take her to God-knows-where. “Oh please, can’t you just leave me alone?” She said fiercely, hoping against hope that the guys wouldn’t see through her acting.
“What do you want?” Shi stared disdainfully at Kota Sendoh while cursing herself for being able to recognize a person right away no matter how brief her meeting with him/her. If she were to base it from logic and deduction, this guy seemed to have taken interest in her after encountering her during Sho’s dad’s party. She didn’t know who he was- she just remembered it after reading once an article featuring political families and their remarkable nature. The family that was featured that time was the Kota family.
“Oh..I like my woman tamed, not resolute..” Kota moved towards her and ran a hand across her face.
“I’m not your woman!” She snapped his hands off her face, earning her a slap on her cheeks.
“Oh..Sorry about that,” The guy was obviously unrepentant about it, “You see. My patience was always too short, so I better clear to you some things because I might hurt you even more if you relentlessly disobey my will..Surely, I don’t want a wife who’s bruised all over, do I?”
“Who would want to be your wife?” She asked mockingly, her temper meter rising on an instant.
“Still undecided, I see.. then, why don’t I put it this way.. when your kids were brought to the hospital..” Kota started and felt triumphant when he saw her eyes flickered instantly. “Got your full attention now my dear?”
“Don’t call me that!” Shi snapped. She was starting to have goosebumps on her sudden remembrance of her kids in the hospital. “You! You were the one behind it?!” Her rage was emanating all throughout her body.
“Not entirely.. Remember that photo that leaked out of the media? It was not my doing.. but you just reminded me to thank your reporter friend of what she did…because of her, it was easy for me to work out my plan..”
“Reporter friend?” She asked but got no response, instead, Kota continued on what he was saying.
“Oh, don’t look so distressed dear, your friend never wanted to harm your kids.. but fortunate how one can abuse and disabuse one’s power.. with my connection, I made the tabloids report on it despite your friend’s withdrawal of her claim about your kids and that despicable guy! But I didn’t expect you to be that influential.. I never expected that you hold such deep relationship with that guy’s boss..” He laughed spitefully.
“What do you mean?” Her heart was beating faster and faster as the time goes by. Her fear was overwhelmed by her anger.
“Kitagawa Johnny. But what can he do? Even under that old man’s regime, politics and entertainment biz worked on different circles, he’s a business man, so it was just appropriate to save his business first.. to cut the story short, he managed to pacify the media and the crowd, but you see, Kitagawa-san never found out that it was my doing, nor suspected that there was politics involved, and the report just ended as how it was written in the newspaper- ”
“You foul, bloated evil!” Shi slapped the guy out of rage. She’d never been so furious in her entire life. It was frustratingly excruciating.
Kota managed to grab her hand when she’s about to slap him once again. “Didn’t it occur to you that what happened to your kids was something fascinatingly odd?” He eyed her maliciously before crushing his lips on hers. “Did you really think that those girls would actually hurt two- 4yr old kids? Of course not.” He meant to kiss her again but changed his mind when he saw her anger overbearing. “If not for my secretary who was an ex-actress, those fangirls would never lift a finger against your kids..I even laughed when my secretary reported that the first word that comes out of those girls’ mouths was “Kawaii!” Then, my secretary created a commotion, you know, she is best in persuading, so after few vile words against your kids, the plan was executed.”
“So?” She retorted monotonously. “Should I grieve on that?” She was shaking madly.
“Oh.. What I’m trying to say is that, I’m more than capable to do it again,. Perhaps to your friends? Or should I say that idiot’s name?”
“Leave Sho and my friends alone!” She told him determinedly despite feeling weak to her knees.
“Oh, finally get it huh?”
“What do you want?” She asked again. She can’t afford to be reluctant now that it was clear that the guy meant it.
“You.”
“Shi!!!” Sho called out cutting Shi out of her reverie. “Please don’t do this.”
“Do what Sakurai-san?” She answered bitterly. If she wanted to get them out of danger, she must make them believe that she meant all the words that came out of her mouth. “As you can see, I’m going away with Sendou. I’m going to marry him.”
“M-Marry him? You can’t do that” Sho said skeptically and started walking towards her, but a man in a black suit had seized him. When he looked at the others, they were in the same situation as him.
“And why can’t I Sakurai-san? Do you think that someone like you could actually stop me from doing what I want?” Shi’s eyes traveled from Sho to Kota, sending him a warning look.
At one wave from Kota’s hand, the men in suits loosen their grips on all the members of ARASHI, but still kept them close.
“B-but we have kids for godssake Shi!” Sho felt aggravated although knowing that Shi was just stubbornly acting. He knew it the moment her eyes flickered upon seeing them and how she glared at Kota when those men in suits restrained him and the rest of the guys. He would even bet his life that the guys realized this as well.
“Be reasonable Angel-chan.. your kids, think of your kids..” Aiba tried to get off from the guy, but it only make the one who was restraining him to tighten his grip once more.
“It is Sho whom you love, not him!” Nino shouted, feeling constricted as his own words stabbed him deep down.
“Enough of this nonsense!” Kota interrupted wearing a devilish grin. “As you can see, Shi and I share some bond now.. right dear?” He looked expectant at Shi who just stared at him incredulously. “Why don’t you tell them Shi? What happened in the bedroom? How you relentlessly throw yourself at me-”
What came next happened in a flash. Sho suddenly bridged the gap between him and Shi, leaving the guy who was guarding him. His expression was unreadable yet his aura left an intention to kill. He knew it was dangerous and it would affect the plan to take on that Kota guy but he could not bear it. Hearing the guy defamed Shi in front of her friends was something unforgiveable for him.
The politician was thrown on the ground from the impact of Sho’s punch. “What the fcuk is that?” He said wiping the blood that came out gushing from his mouth, while helping himself to stand.
It took three men to pacify Sho, the two restrained him while the other sent a blow on his stomach, making him winced in pain but despite that Sho continued to stare murderously at Kota who just smiled wickedly again.
“Why Sakurai? I just had $ex with your ever beloved woman. Can’t take what I said? It’s your loss. Hear me?” Kota said, giving off his proud grin. “No wonder you fell for her, she was so soft, and had gentle lips..and her body, it was priceless!”
“Shut up! Shut up!” Sho recklessly shook off the hands that were stopping him. His reasoning was being clouded by the words of Kota-of how it was nice to hold Shi’s body. He kept on struggling until one of the men pointed a gun on his head.
“You shut up, or I’ll swear the bullet will straightly course through your brain!”
It made Sho stopped for awhile.
“Hey, stop that! We have an agreement!” Shi glared at the guy who had the gun pointed at Sho before locking her eyes on the man she loves who was looking hopeful at her.
“Don’t get me wrong okay? I just thought that it will be very hard for the twins if they were to lose their father as well. Now if you really cared for them, forget about me and walked away unharmed, but if you continue to put up a fight, I can’t guarantee your lives. Now go while Sendou’s being generous!” She continued with the acting. It pained her so much seeing Sho in that state, but she was uncertain if her heart would be able to bear it if they will do more than hitting Sho.
By Kota’s command, the men free the members of Arashi, as Shi turned her back against them. Her tears, which she was struggling to keep, fell uncontrollably down her cheeks. It was good that she had her back against them for it was unwise to see her friends, especially Sho, leaving, while she bargained herself and her own freedom for their own freedom. Please Sho, let me believed that it was all worth it..exchanging myself like these..please don’t let me regret it.. Shi thought relentlessly while walking towards the helicopter, letting the wind created by its propeller to dry off her tears.
“I didn’t know that you have so little faith on us..”
Shi was stopped dead on her tracks hearing those words spoken by Jun on top of his lungs, followed by that of Aiba’s. Despite the wind blowing in her ears and the sound of the helicopter’s engine, she still heard it audibly.
“It hurts you know..” the older man sniffed.
“And here we are, risking our lives for a woman who trusts us a bit..” It was Nino’s high pitch voice this time.
“Now I know how Ayumu-san feels..” Ohno remarked surprising the guys even more.
Ayumu? Ayumu Rina? “W-wait- wha-” Shi turned around but shock was an understatement to what she saw next.
The building’s top pad was surrounded by armed men; all have guns aimed at Kota, while the men who restrained the ARASHI members turned out to be decoys and were all part of Sho’s dad’s bodyguards. She could tell by how one of the men bowed and apologized to the guys.
“Heh! I told you Nino, it won’t work according to your plan, Shi is way too stubborn and Sho is way too unpredictable that they almost ruin our plan!” Jun displayed his wide grin while massaging his wrists. “It was just lucky that Mr. Bodyguard-san did an adlib,” He continued, doing a thumbs up towards the guy who hit Sho on the stomach and pointed a gun on him.
“Hishinuma on duty sir! I apologized for hitting and pointing the gun on our young Sakurai-sama. Sir!” The guy stooped down in front of Jun.
“No need for that Hishinuma-san, you just acted accordingly, befitting for the role of a villainous bodyguard. Right Nino?” Jun smirked at the brat.
“Tchk. No need to sweat over it Hishinuma-san,” Nino smiled an assuring smile at the bodyguard and sent deadly stares at Jun who kept on smirking. “The diva’s right., if you hadn’t do that, I certainly don’t know what to do next.”
While Shi was trying to decipher what really was happening, the same question on her mind was raised by Kota, but in a different manner.
“How the hell did this happen?” Kota’s angry voice roared all throughout the pad. “What did you do to my men?” The remorse in his eyes was very apparent while trying to break free from the men who were holding him.
“Let’s just say that we’re one step ahead of you Kota-san,” Nino answered mockingly while recalling their earlier conversation with Sho.
“Dad said that Kota Sendou was just a good-for-nothing kid, who hides under his father’s stature. He never acted separately from his father. But this time, it seemed that his father knew nothing about it..”
“You sure?” Nino asked uncomfortably. Sho looked so relaxed after talking with his old man.
“Mmm-mm. He said to meet up with him ASAP. His bodyguards had already managed to infiltrate the hotel where Kota is..”
“And?” Aiba asked.
“As what Dad predicted, the security was very lacking, he only had 8 men with him..so they had captured Kota’s men, and replaced it with his own men who would act as decoys..” Sho explained.
“Never misses an opportunity, that old man of yours Sho,” Jun grinned through the rearview mirror and drove on a curbside while listening to Sho.
“Then, what do we do next?” Ohno inquired.
“Hmm.. I think I have a plan.” Nino’s grin was so widely spread. Deep inside, he was thankful that they had Sho’s father on their side. “Why don’t we make our own butai?”
“For a young politician, you sure have guts.” Like before, Nino displayed a mischievous smile and commenced on talking. “But your overconfidence doesn’t work on us.”
“Y-you’ll never get through with this! I swear! My father will track you down!” He threatened.
“Oh, I’m sure he will..that is if he could deal with Tetsuka-san?.. oh, wait, not to mention, with Sakurai-san? or perhaps with Kitagawa-san?”
“I-i.. of course he will,” He said with a smug. “Have you forgotten how your woman..” He looked at Shi who was tending to Sho and flaunted a nasty grin. “Offered herself to me?”
“Oh, I don’t believe she’ll do that..” Sho answered confidently and began walking towards the guy with Shi on his side, assisting him.
“Why?” Kota feigned ignorance.
“She wouldn’t do it unless its me..” Sho bragged.
This idiot. Saying those things boldly.. Shi wanted to say but remained silent while the two men battled with words.
“Still too full of yourself huh? Well, even if you say that, .. we shared some passionate kiss you know..” Kota kept on blabbering.
“Hah!” Sho sniggered before glaring at the guy. “Let me rephrase it for you Kota, yes, it was passionate, for you, but for her, I don’t think so..”
“How sure are you?”
“Because the last time someone kissed her without permission,” Sho glanced hesitantly at Jun who just nodded, allowing Sho to continue with what he was trying to say, “erm, the last time a guy did that, she slapped him..”
“Oh.. but she didn’t slap me..” Kota said haughtily, ignoring Shi who was slowly moving towards him.
“Yes, she did not, but she will, this time.”
“Wha-“
Kota never finished his sentence because Shi’s hands landed on his cheeks right after what Sho said. His head stirred, his face red with hand marks.
“That’s my woman..” Sho and Shi stepped a few inches back to allow the men who was half-dragging, half-carrying Kota to pass.
“You hear that, loser? Tetsuka Shi is Sakurai Sho’s woman, not yours.” Nino remarked when Kota was in front of him.
“and not even yours. .” The guy gave him an evil grin walking past him. “You’re a loser as I am, Ninomiya Kazunari.” Kota shouted before descending the stairs with his hands cuffed.
The guys just exchanged glances, each one never wanted to comment on that.
Nino looked tormented but kept his composure. “Tsk, First, Rose-san, then Kota, why do I kept on meeting people who had the talent of stating out the obvious?” Nino remarked but upon seeing that they continued on sending him weird stares, he forced out a half-hearted smile, “What? atleast, I’m still Angel’s friend.. I have reason to be thankful..”
Ohno patted the brat’s shoulder to which Nino returned by putting a hand on their leader’s hand.
“Matsumoto-sama, we’ll take care of them now,” Hishinuma bowed and left with the guys.
“You okay mate?” Ohno whispered in Nino’s ears while his eyes were still on the retreating figure of Hishinuma-san.
“Mmm.mm.” Nino pursed his lips, afraid that if he speaks further, his own words would fail him.
Previous
CHAPTER 39
TRUST AND JEALOUSY
Shi stared aimlessly at the ceiling. When she looked at the clock, its almost 3am, but somehow, she can’t make herself fall asleep, afraid that if she lets herself be, something worse will happen. There were a lot of things that were running on her mind- things that were too unbearable so to speak.
Thinking about what happened and her conversation with that woman, she felt scared. The feeling of helplessness sank deep within her. But she can’t help it, the lives of those people whom she loves dependent on her. If she makes the wrong decision, it will be like a bomb fighting against time.
++++++++++++
Beep. Beep.
Sho reached for his phone over his bedside table. The rays of light escaping through his windows suggested that it was already morning. He was delighted when his phone registered the name of the person who was the subject of his dreams. He almost jumped on his bed out of happiness when he read the subject.
From: IloveShi
Subject: Date
Message: Kids told me that its your day-off tomorrow. It’s a date then.
He typed in his reply and waited. After a minute, his phone beeped again.
From: IloveShi
Subject: Re: Date
Message: Baka! Hentai! Shuji and Shuri will be coming with us!
Sho felt a bit disappointed, but nonetheless, since it will be the first time that the four of them will go out, he still feels excited about it.
++++++++++
Shi opened her closet and felt sad when she saw the small traveling bag which contained all her important documents and some of her clothes. Because she wasn’t able to sleep that much or rather, she wasn’t able to sleep at all last night, she opted to pack her things and strengthen her resolved. And that’s when she came up with a decision. While those thoughts playing on her mind, she heard her phone’s tone as she walked towards her bed where the phone was resting.
From: Ilovethisdork
Subject: Re: Date
Message: Yosh. Want me to reserve a room?
She had to laugh bitterly upon reading his reply. Awhile ago, before Nakahara-san fetched the kids, she learned that tomorrow was Sho’s day-off, and so, she came up with the idea of the four of them going out, as her parting gift.
Shi typed in her reply and her gaze wandered around the room until it settled on one loose floorboard where she kept those things that shouldn’t be seen especially by them, “Gomen ne~ Sho…..” Shi whispered silently while her tears kept on falling.
+++++++++++++++
“Sho? Where are we going?” Shi asked momentarily when Sho took a sudden detour.
“You’ll see,” Sho just smiled seeing the anxiety on her beautiful face. He looked on his rearview mirror and noticed the twins talking animatedly, unbothered with the detour.
“Hey, whatever it is that you’re planning, I’m telling you..” She shot a deadly stare at Sho making the guy laugh on her reaction.
“For once, just trust me okay?” He said, turning around the driveway until they enter a garden with a wide pathway that lead to a fine looking manor.
“Where exactly are we?” Shi asked.
“Tousan, why are we here?” Shuii asked opening the door to his side and went out.
“Uwaa~ Papa, why are we here?” Shuri beamed at them before following her brother outside.
The two adults followed suit.
Shi couldn’t believe her eyes. She held her breath while staring admiringly at one of the grandest manor she ever seen, the grandiose staircase adorned by different ornaments, and the large two-way door which stood just above the staircase.
“Hey, why do I have a feeling that I’m the only one who was oblivious of where we are?” Shi asked the three who just smiled mischievously.
“Angel-chan!”
Shi turned at the source of the voice and was surprised to see Sho’s younger sister walking towards them.
“Mai-chan?” She furrowed her eyebrows and turned to Sho.
“Look, I’m sorry Shi,.. when Okaasan heard that the four of us will go out, she insisted that we come here first before we go elsewhere..” Sho explained.
“Oh..” Shi was speechless. Not because she didn’t want it, but rather appreciated it.
“Are you mad?” Sho asked worriedly when she stayed silent.
“Ah..n-no.. I’m just.. erm..” But Shi was lost for word. “I mean,. T-thank y-you for bringing us here..”
“Actually, it was the second time for the kids..”
They turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Sho’s mother.
“Ah..ohayou Sakurai-san,” Shi bowed politely. “Thank you for..”
“What’s with the formality Shi-chan? Didn’t I tell you to call me okaasan?” Yuko(?) smiled.
“But..Sho and I are not yet married..” her cheeks turned a shade of pink upon uttering those words.
“No but’s dear.. I don’t think its necessary that you get married now, afterall you have two adorable kids ne~ but I’m not saying that its okay not to get married either..” Yuko placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled widely at her while thinking how lovely she looked when blushing.
“Ah..h-hai.. arigatou…” Shi’s cheeks blushed even more.
“Oh.. isn’t she lovely?” Yuko asked the two siblings who nodded and turned her attention back at Shi, “I should be the one thanking you, and also I apologize for the trouble.. I thought Sho would mention it to you, but turned out that he had not.”
“Iie. Daijobu.. I’m happy to be able to visit your house..” Shi replied.
“Mou~ okaasan, save your chats later, for now, let’s go inside shall we?” Mai said putting an arm over Shi’s shoulder and ushered her inside.
“Ah.. h-hai.. sorry for keeping you outside that long..”
+++++++++++++++
“I wonder what thoughts are running in your mind?” Sho sat beside her and marveled at the beautiful scenery.
After attending to his mom’s request, having eaten lunch together, the four of them set out and headed to a small hill with a beautiful meadow. The two kids tired out because of running and playing, that they end up sleeping on the mats Shi initially prepared for their date-turned-out-picnic, leaving him and Shi to admire the scenery.
“What’s in my thoughts that you were so curious about?” Shi glance at him smilingly.
“Hmm.. I’m curious whether or not I am included in those thoughts..” Sho answered pulling some hair strands that were covering her face and tucked it behind her ears.
“You are..” She said but the guy remained askance, so she added. “A lot.” Shi told him, overwhelmed by his actions.
“Seriously?” Sho pouted thinking that she was taking him lightly.
Shi looked at him straightly in the eyes, and without warning, she kissed him.
“Yeah..,” She said before taking his lips once more. Shi didn’t know what came over her, but the pain and sadness that started building in her heart was overwhelming her, that her hands started moving on its own accord, running across his shoulder, until it wrapped around his neck.
Sho started kissing her back, not minding the sadness that was emanating from her. What’s wrong Shi? Why won’t you tell me? ..He wondered what’s wrong, what’s making her sad, but the softness of her lips that was melting against his, made it harder for him to think.
+++++++++++
“Shi?” His eyes traveled around and recognized that he was lying on his bed, in his own room.
Remembering what happened last night, he assumed that Shi probably didn’t want his mom seeing them together in his room, so she went and slept in their kids’ designated room instead. Having those thoughts in mind, Sho left his bed, feeling overjoyed, that he missed out the small paper that was on his bedside table and headed towards his kids’ bedroom.
“A-re? Where’s your mom?” Sho asked the kids who just woke up from sleep.
“Ohayou papa!” Shuri greeted.
“Ohayou Tousan!” Shuji greeted as well.
“Ohayou, Shuri, Shuji.. but where’s your mom?” he asked again.
“Eh? I thought she was in your room ‘tousan..” Shuji answered hesitantly and kept his thoughts to himself.
Upon hearing that, Sho strode out of the room and looked for her. He reached the dining hall and saw Shu and his mom currently eating breakfast, but there was no trace of Shi. When his mom saw him, Yuko was deeply troubled.
“Sho, did you fight with Shi-chan last night?” She asked.
“No.. why?” Sho felt constricted. Remembering the moment in the hill yesterday, Sho realized that something was off.
“She was in a hurry when she left at 4am..” Yuko told him.
4am? That was an hour after what happened between us..Sho thought and glanced doubtfully at his mother.
“Your father has an appointment outside the country so I was already up and saw her leaving..” She recalled.
“Did she say anything to you?” Sho questioned despite the stabbing pain on his chest.
“Not that much.. She just thanked me and your father. She said she had urgent business to attend to. When I asked her if you knew, she told me that you were sleeping soundly and that she left a note. But it’s a little odd Sho..” Yuko(?) started to feel weird about having this conversation with his son.
“What’s odd?” Sho managed to ask further.
“Before she left, she asked me to take care of you and the twins..I even laughed and told her that she sounded as if we won’t see each other again.. but she-“
Yuko wasn’t able to finish her sentence when Sho ran hastily towards his room and seconds later, his heartbreaking scream was heard all throughout the house.
++++++++++++++
“If you know what’s good for you, then you know what to do Tetsuka-san..”
“But-” she said feeling helpless at the moment.
“Why? Do you rather have it otherwise?” the woman laughed evilly.
“I need time..” she pleaded.
“Fine. 2 days Tetsuka-san. Do what you want and say farewell, after that, you’ll be meeting with my boss...”
“Fine.”
“A dream huh?”
She felt nostalgic. Five years ago, it was Sho who left her but, never in her life did she expect that one day she will also have to leave him.
Without a sound, Shi rouse up from the bed and started wearing her clothes on. After doing so, she walked towards his study table, pulled out a chair and sat. Upon examining the pile of papers, magazine and other things such as his previous scripts, what she saw there made her heart ache and her eyes began watering.
“Hey! What are you doing?” She raised an eyebrow seeing him with his digital camera.
“Couldn’t you tell? I thought you’re a genius!” he laughed seeing her grave expression.
“I told you I don’t want my pictures taken..” she said stubbornly.
“Oh c’mon Shi. Don’t be such a bore. Besides, there’s nothing wrong in taking pictures.. especially when you’re that pretty..” he complimented.
“Enough with your crazy antics, you moron!” She tried to snatch away the camera but to no avail, in the end, she paid the consequences.
“Hey, it’s a compliment you know.. I just want to have a souvenir of our memories together..” he said in a sad tone.
“Why? Are you leaving now?”
But Sho never answered that question. If he had just answered that question, if he had just been honest towards her, she could’ve done something about it, about their friendship, instead of ending up in a situation where both of them could be hurt. She knew that one day it will come to this, even though she least expected that it has nothing to do with Sho being an idol, rather, it was because of herself this time, her influence of being Tetsuka Reiko’s only daughter and appearance to be exact.
“Again?” Shi sighed in disbelief seeing another envelope in her doorpost. This time it was a photo of Jun kissing her. Yesterday it was a photo of her in her ruined dress while carrying Ohno when he was bitten. The other day it was her and Nino in the coffee shop and the day before that was Sho’s photo with the twins, the one that was posted in the newspaper.
She wondered who would be holding such grudge on her for them to follow her around. She even got death threats and foul letters. But since she had no idea, she chose to ignore it especially when the twins are still in the hospital. She never felt the need to tell the guys since like her, they also have problems of some sort up to their sleeves and adding to that was not on her vocabulary.
She likes keeping secrets, that’s just how she is. She always had trouble disclosing her life to others, even her mom knew that. If she were to count the number of friends she has, it won’t even fill up the number of her fingers. As far as she knows, she only has few girlfriends, one of them is Mai, and the other one is from her childhood days. As of her enemies, she only realized now that the anonymous letters and the photos came from two different people. They probably saw right through her and had managed to use her weakness against her. They knew that she wouldn’t bring herself to confide to them, even though it was scaring the hell out of her.
Shi scanned the pages of the photobook, smiling like an idiot through her swollen eyes seeing the happy memories of her and Sho together. I thought you didn’t keep this. . She thought and tears flowed aimlessly down her cheeks while she pulled out a pen and a paper and started writing.
Shi folded the paper and placed it on his bedside table. Wiping her tears off, she took one last glimpse at the calm face of Sho and stooped down to kiss him gently on the cheek. When Sho suddenly got hold of her hand, she felt her heart skipped a bit thinking what she should do if he woke up suddenly. Shi almost gave in to that had not she realized that the guy just dozed off. After a moment, she gently pulled his hand off hers and left without making a noise.
+++++++
“Shi..” Sho opened the door and walked in a hurry inside the apartment, searching all over the place for her. He reached her bedroom hoping she would be there but it was no luck.
“Why.. why Shi? I thought you love me..” He sat on the floor and rested his head on his knees sobbing, with his back against the foot of the bed. “I know now how it hurt you.. I know how painful it was now.. so please, please come back..” Sho continued weeping, his heart felt as if it was stabbed by thousands of blades. “Come back now Shi..I need you.. the kids need you..”
Sho cried endlessly remembering how much it took him to pacify their kids awhile ago, how much it hurt to lie right in front of them while having to swallow his tears, how hard it was to explain why they woke up without their mom by their side, and how long it took to persuade them to remain in their grandmother’s care while his mind was in the brink of sanity and his heart was about to burst thinking where she might be. When he recalled the last words that she’d written to him, it felt as if his life had ended.
Sho,
I’m leaving you like how you left me five years ago. How does it feel to be abandoned by the person you love? To be betrayed by the person you trust? To be deceived by the person you valued the most? Now you know. The fact that you’re reading this meant that I’m already gone. I atleast tried to love you the way I had loved you before, but I just couldn’t. They say that trust isn’t something that could be easily achieved once it was gone. Well, that is true you know, because I never trusted you again after that time. Afterall you left me right? Be grateful that I’m leaving the twins to you. For now, enjoy the moments while they’re with you. One day, I’ll come back to get what’s originally mine.
Shi
“It’s all lies right Shi? There’s no way you could say that to me..” Sho sobbed until his eyes hurt and there were no tears to flow.
Downstairs,
“Are you sure about this Jun?” Ohno creased his forehead.
“Yes Ridaa. Who else could drive her away? Only that reporter knew who she was.. I only need some proof before we act..” Jun told them, stress written all over his face.
“What proof?” Aiba asked.
“Anything,… anything that could tell us the reason what had made Shi-chan left..” Jun said while scanning the magazines under the center table.
“But what if Angel-chan really meant what she wrote? What if she really intended to revenge on Sho?” Aiba asked worriedly.
“Baka! don’t say unnecessary things! She wouldn’t do that.” Jun hissed angrily, while this time searching the drawers.
“Jun’s right.. I don’t believe that Angel could do that.... she loves Sho and her kids too much.. for her to say those cruel things and leave..There must be a reason behind it.. ” Nino copied what Jun was doing, Ohno did the same thing.
“Aiba-chan, just check on Sho, will you?” Jun commanded. They were too busy searching the room and Aiba’s questions wasn’t helping.
With head bowed so low and shoulders dropped, Aiba went to find Sho upstairs.
Upstairs,
“Sho-chan?” Aiba entered the room and found Sho sitting on the floor. On his hands was Shi’s letter, already crumpled because the older member was gripping it too hard. “Sho-chan?” He sat beside him.
“Aiba-chan..” Sho leveled his head to have a look on Aiba and turned his body to face him. “Shi was lying right?” he asked grabbing the man on his shoulder.
“Sho-chan, I-“ Aiba hesitated but pulled the man closer to his arms, the older guy didn’t struggle.
“Her letter.. it was full of blot... its not that hard to tell that those were from the tears that were falling while she’s writing it.. If she’s not lying then why was she crying?” Sho asked the miracle boy, his head resting on his chest.
“I dunno Sho-chan.. I dunno..” Aiba looked at him sympathetically. “Like what the guys said.. she must have a reason..”
“What reason?” Sho asked drawing slightly away from Aiba, his hand wiping the tears off his eyes.
“I dunno.. but that is what we’re trying to find out..” Aiba told him without meeting the guy’s eyes, for a reason, he couldn’t bear seeing Sho in so much pain. His eyes traveled around the room and sensed a strange feeling when his attention was caught by a loose floorboard just a few meters beside Sho. “I wonder what’s in there?” he muttered before crawling towards the loose floorboard, instantly forgetting the situation they were in.
“What is?” Sho asked turning to see where the younger guy was going. When Aiba stopped a few meters from him and lifted up the loose floorboard, he felt intrigued that he followed him as well.
“What was it?” Sho asked when he saw what was in AIba’s hands.
“The reason why Shi left..” Aiba uttered and for a while felt a pang of guilty by accusing Shi about having her revenge on Sho.
Sho snatched the envelope off Aiba’s hand and scattered all the contents on the floor, revealing 7 to 8 photos with different message on the back and hate mails.
When he flipped one of the photos, bearing the words “GET LOST TETSUKA SHI”, Sho was too struck, he couldn’t move.
It was a photo taken just after the first day of their shooting.
After being silent for a couple of minutes, Aiba shouted across the room, calling the attention of the guys downstairs. Moments later, they were joined in by Jun, Nino, and Ohno.
“Doyukoto?” Ohno asked when they saw all the photos, having Nino and Shi’s photo as the oldest one, and Sho and Shi’s as the recent. It also included the one which was used in the newspaper.
It turned out that someone was spying, or rather, stalking on them, with one target in mind: Tetsuka Shi.
“Oi! Read this.” Jun handed them a letter with words that were clearly cutout from magazines.
If YoU Kn0w wH@T’$ g00D, come to me! Or THEY’LL suffer M0re than h0w YOUr KiDs SUFFEReD!
“Just what-the-hell did that reporter wanted from us Jun?” Nino asked suddenly alarmed assuming that it was that nasty reporter’s doing.
“Reporter?!”
On an instant, Sho’s expression was a mixture of contempt and anxiety upon hearing the word “reporter”.
“Calm down Sho..” Jun tried to reason out.
“I’m sorry we keep it from you..” Nino backed up. Aiba and Ohno just exchange glances, both were unaware about the depth of the situation despite knowing about the reporter.
“You knew? You knew about it and you never told me??” Sho’s anger was flaring. He looked at them one by one and waited for an explanation. When no one spoke, he spoke again. “WHAT THE HELL MATSUMOTO? NINOMIYA?”
“Hey! Don’t raise your voice Sakurai!” Nino snapped. He understood what the older guy was going through but his rage wouldn’t solve anything. “We’re sorry okay? We only found out the other day! How are we supposed to tell you? Seeing you very much excited and happy, how could we ruin that? Besides, we didn’t expect that reporter to make contact with Angel! She even made her leave and say those mean things to you!” Nino was shouting on top of his lungs making all the guys, even Sho, to remain silent. “You, not calming down, won’t lead us anywhere Sho.”
“Fine. Explain! Pray that its not too late Ninomiya, or I swear..I might forget that you’re my friends!” Sho threatened, his temperature still boiling.
Nino glared but Ohno put a hand on his shoulder, making Nino calmed down just a little bit, enough for Jun to explain further.
“Let me begin on that day when your kids went missing..” Jun started.
+++++++++++++++++++
“Hello Rose-san,” Jun greeted seductively before grabbing the reporter’s hand the moment she step out of her house. Aiba did the same with her other hand.
It was nearly sundown and the guys didn’t think that it’ll be this hard to track down the woman reporter named Rose.
“Fancy seeing you here at my doorstep ARASHI-san.” The woman smiled wickedly despite being restrained in both hands by Aiba and Jun. “And charms don’t work on me if I may say, Matsumoto-san.”
“Hah! Why? Do you prefer it the other way? I don’t usually use force on women, so speak while I’m being nice.” Jun gripped her wrist tightly.
“Oh. I think there’s a limit to what you could do and could not. I wonder what your fans will say if they found out about this.”
“Oh, they will not, ‘cause you’ll be dead by then. I’m telling you, you’re messing up with the wrong guys bitch!” Nino stared murderously clutching the woman’s chin with his hand.
Taking Nino’s hand off the reporter, “Hey, calm down, ruthlessness will not solve anything okay?” Ohno took a deep breath to calm himself down before turning his attention to the reporter. “Erm~ Rose-san, please, this is important. We need to know where Angel-chan is.”
“Oi Ridaa! What are you doing? Do you think talking to her that way would make her speak?” Jun asked irritably, his eyes shifted from the woman to Ohno.
“She’s a woman Jun. You don’t talk callously to a woman,” Ohno told him and looked at Nino, “Same with you, you don’t treat a woman that way.”
“Ne, Ridaa had a point. She’s still a woman, despite of what unspeakable things she had done..” Aiba joined in the conversation.
“Shut it Aiba. Why don’t you just stick to your plushie? One word and I swear--” Jun said. His irritation heightened when she heard the woman laughing.
“Watching you guys fight makes me wanna puke.” She gestured as if she would throw up earning her a slap on the face from Sho.
“Be thankful that Ridaa is one-hell-of a reasonable guy, if not, I would have done more than slapping you, now enough of this nonsense talks, get down to business, shall we?” Sho said balling his fist to prevent himself from hitting her again.
“Please Rose-san, if you care so much about your life, speak now..” Ohno said, still trying to sound reasonable despite losing his patience as well. “What did you do to make Angel-chan leave?”
“I did nothing, I just send those photos to warn her off. I thought if I did that, she would finally tell me, but I never knew she was so stubborn!”
“how ‘bout those letters from the magazines telling her to leave?”
“Letters? I didn’t send them..” For few seconds, there was a hint of worry in her eyes, but vanished right away.
“What do you mean you don’t send them? The photos come together with the letters! All were cut in different magazines!” Jun stated but was also unsure since the time they found out, the letters were contained together with the photos. Plus the concerned look in the reporter’s eyes was misleading. What does that mean? He can’t help but thought.
“Hah! I didn’t ask her to leave! She’s just coward to tell you!” Rose scoffed despite the troubling feeling that was building inside her. It was a given that she’s jealous from all the attention Shi was getting from ARASHI, but she never meant to harm her, she just wanted her friend to confide to her. “Well I guess, it can’t be help ne~ since she’s always that type of person. Saying she trusts you but wouldn’t really.. that turned out to be her weakness.”
“Y-you k-knew?” Sho felt troubled. There were only few people who realized that Shi’s that kind of girl.
“Of course I know! Afterall, she used to be my best friend! Even though it was only a short span of time during our 7th grade..” the reporter answered.
“7th grade?”
Wait..why does it sound like dejavu? Nino thought.
“Yes, 7th grade! But even though we’re friends, she wouldn’t tell me a thing, then and now! After so many years, I was really happy when she recognized me..” She smiled remembering their encounter.
“Rina-chan? Is that you? Wah! I missed you!” she hugged her.
“Yes.. Shi-chan? Oh my God! I missed you too? What’s up?”
“Oh.. nothing new..” she looked unsure and didn’t met her eyes..
With a reporter’s instincts, Shi’s responses made her grow curious to the extent of following her bestfriend around. With no ill intentions, she became her stalker. That’s when she found out all the things about her and ARASHI. She felt frustrated after knowing especially when Shi always resort to avoid her questions everytime the two of them meet, especially that time when they hang out together with some of their other friends just before the twins’ foundation day.
“But even after not seeing each other for a long time she wouldn’t change, she won’t confide any of her problems. To me! To me, her bestfriend!” She laughed and cried bitterly at the same time, like those patients you see in a mental hospital.
The guys exchange looks, with one thought in mind: This woman is crazy.
Rose continue to blabber more to herself than to the guys, “She trusts but wouldn’t trust completely. I don’t need a half-hearted trust. See? Now she’s gone! Its not my fault! This is all the result of her half-hearted trust!.”
To her surprise, the guys chorused in laughter.
“W-what’s funny?” She raised an eyebrow while watching the guys laughing. “Is that what hopeless people looked like?”
“Are you stupid?” Nino was holding his stomach because of excessive amusement, making him forgot their current situation temporarily. “Just because someone doesn’t want to tell you anything doesn’t mean that she doesn’t trust you!”
“It just means that she trusts you enough to understand…” Sho remarked knowingly.
Rose stopped dead on her tracks. “Son’na koto..” The disconcerting feeling was back again.
“And you claim yourself her bestfriend? Ridiculous! If you are, then you should understand that Shi doesn’t want people to worry about her.. like what you said, it’s the way she is!” Sho shook his head disbelievingly. He didn’t imagine that there really exist people who think highly of themselves, like the reporter.
“Just who do you think you are? A God? There are things that aren’t meant for you to know. Even a child knows that, baka!” Jun lectured, still having a hard time controlling his laughter.
“Now, mind to tell us where you sent off Shi-chan? Because a guy here named Sakurai Sho couldn’t contain his rage for you.. erm- w-we don’t know what he might do. So before he ends up in jail for killing you, please speak. It’s for your own sake you know..” Aiba pleaded, cringing at the thought.
“Wakatta! Release me first! My hands are getting numb!” She locked eyes with Aiba then to Jun. The two released her, with the youngest member giving her a don’t-dare-try-to-escape kind of look. While massaging her hands and wrists, she turned at Nino. “Don’t look at me like that!” She said thinking that if looks could kill, she would be dead by now at the way Nino gazed viciously at her.
“I will, if you start talking.” Nino hissed. “Now, start explaining!”
“I don’t know okay? I don’t even know what you’re talking about!” Rose was speaking the truth. Too bad the guys could see it too.
“Lies!” Nino’s blood was rising in his head. He felt frustrated seeing that there was truth behind the woman’s hazelnut eyes.
“I told you! I only wanted to scare her through those photos! Heck, I don’t even understand what letters you were talking about!”She tried to explain, now looking even more worried because the situation seemed odd.
“Y-you m-mean, y-you didn’t send those letters?” Ohno looked disconcerted and very deeply troubled.
“Omoishiroi..” She said as oppose to what she was feeling. “Well, what can I say? That means, there are other people who wanted her out of your lives,” She said in a mocking tone to hide her uneasiness.
“Urasai!” Sho almost hit her if not for Ohno blocking.
“hey! I’m n-not that desperate to stoop down to that level okay? Besides, if I wanted to ruin you guys, I should have exposed those photos in every tabloids that I know off..might as well profited from it.” Rose reasoned out.
“Then who else took her?”
“Beats me.” She said while buying time to think. Afterall, she’s not a stalker for nothing.
“Don’t play dumb woman.. or should I say, Ayumu Rina-san.” Nino smirked seeing the change in her expression. “Curious how I knew your name? Tegoshi Yuya, does it ring a bell?”
“I d-don’t know what you’re talking about..” She felt nervous hearing the name. She didn’t expect these things to get out of hand.
“Oh I swear you know Ayumu-san.” Nino replied confidently, his tone sounded maliciously.
“Hah! Are you threatening me? Know your place Ninomiya-san! Do me harm and its as good as doing harm to yourself and your group.” Rose was bothered. She was torn between saving her reputation and her bestfriend’s life.
“Hah! State the obvious huh? Why, thank you.” Nino said sarcastically.
Think Rina, think before its too late.. “Then, you’re not afraid if I exposed you right away?” She battled with Nino. The guys were putting too much pressure on her that she was having a hard time recalling the name of the man whom Shi mentioned in one of their conversations.
“Honestly woman, if we’re afraid that you would expose us, we wouldn’t have gone as far as paying you a visit, but as you can see, none of us mind.., who knows? We might as well grant you a personal interview for your generosity, how’s that for a change?” Nino offered.
ah..the party.. Sakurai-san’s party.. what’s the name again? Rose smiled when things started coming back to her. Thinking that she still needed some time, she said with a smile, “Don’t think that you could buy me off easily Ninomiya-san”
“Do you rather have it the harder way? Urm, that’s if you know what I mean. You see, Tego-chan told us a lot of interesting things.. when was it again?” Jun bluffed, fingers crossed that she would fall for it.
Ah! Hah! Omoidashita! “Fine! Fine! Just don’t ever bring up the past!” She felt relieved remembering the name but also felt disgusted when Nino spoke again.
“Hah! Did we hit the red button Ayumu-san?” Nino grinned spitefully.
“You’re worse. And the name’s Rose, mind to put that on your bloated head?” She felt nauseated seeing his expression and wondered why he was doing what he was doing.
“Oh mind you, he’s more than worse if you won’t tell us what you know..” Aiba told her.
“Heck. And here I thought Sakurai-san would have killed me for doing that to the woman he loves,” She examined Nino’s reaction and smirked when the younger guy glared at her, “but, Ninomiya-san, it looks to me as if you’ll be the first to be convicted rather than Sakurai-san. Oh.. wait.. Don’t tell me you’re in-love with Shi-chan? That’s messed up Ninomiya-san.” There were sparkles all over her eyes as she gazed straightly at the two guys, enjoying her revenge.
“What a nice talent you got there. As if I don’t know that!” Nino pointed out, sickened because of the remark.
Rose just laughed it off.”Hah! I knew it!”
“Stop beating around the bush!” Sho had had enough. Nino was right, the woman really had the talent of stating out the obvious facts.
“Kota Sendoh. I dunno all about it. But I remembered Shi-chan once made a remark how the guy was getting on her nerves. Ask your father about it, after all, the Kota’s had been in the political world, the same time as your father was.” She told them.
“What do you mean?”
“Oh for goodness sake!” Rose slapped her forehead. “Where’s that brain of yours? Need not I mention that time when Kota Sendoh approached Shi-chan during that party sported by your father and she just ignored him?”
Sho’s face suddenly turned sour.
“Does lit a bulb on an instant right? Afterall, you were throwing daggers at him when he recklessly approached her,” She said and the guys were dumbfounded. “and don’t asked me how I know, I’m a stalker remember? I think he was offended that time. You see, all the Kota’s are very remarkable for their proud stature.”
+++++++++++++++++
“That was amazing Nino.” Jun stated while they were all crowded inside Sho’s car. He was the one driving while Aiba, Sho and Ohno were at the back.
“Ne~ Nino-chan, what’s with Rose’s past that she’s scared like that?” Aiba’s head popped beside the driver’s seat and looked at Nino who was sitting beside Jun.
“I dunno..” Nino answered looking curiously at Jun whose eyes were still on the road.
“Eh? But I thought you had a talk with Yuya-san,” Aiba followed wearing a baffled expression.
“I did not..” Nino told them.
“Not even once?” This time it was Ohno.
“Hai. Not even once.” Nino was slightly getting pissed. Tsche. Why don’t they just leave it at that?
“Then how come you know about Rose’s past?”
“Aiba! Were you listening to me just now? I told you I don’t know, I’m not even interested to know..it was Jun who knew..”
“D-demo, the look on that woman’s face when you mentioned about that guy from NEWS was surely something....”
“Yeah. She was scared to death when you mentioned Yuya-san,” Jun butted in, “And her expression when I bluffed about Yuya telling me some things from the past, it was really priceless,” Jun chuckled and stared intriguingly at Nino, the same question as imposed by Aiba was on his mind, “But how come you knew it Nino?
“Knew what?” Nino smirked before motioning Jun to focus on the road.
“That her past involved Yuya-san..” Sho answered for Jun and when the youngest member looked sideways again, he instinctively lunged forward and put his hands on Jun’s head, turning the youngest member to face the road again. “Eyes on the road Jun,” Sho hissed while waiting for Nino’s answers.
“Nah. It was purely coincidence.” Nino relaxed a bit.
“Coincidence?”
“Yep. Remember that time when we found out that Angel-chan was the one who created the JE stadium model and out of nowhere, that NEWS brat came rushing in front and hugged Angel-chan?” Nino asked them.
“Ah.. that reminds me..” Sho stated boringly.
“Of course that reminds you.. you’re also, what did Rose call it, “throwing daggers” that time..” Nino commented, displaying vivid emotions because Rose’s remark was dangerously entertaining.
“Urasai! What about it?” Sho questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Ah! If I’m not mistaken, Yuya-san mentioned that they were classmates from 7th grade!” Ohno suddenly commented making Jun stepped on the brake creating an impact.
“Oops.. sorry about that, I’m just surprised..” Jun glanced to run a safety check on the guys while smiling apologetically and put on an innocent face when Nino glared. “What? I’m just shocked that Ridaa’s been unusually paying attention to our adventure!” He said while three heads nodded in unity, even Ohno himself. When Jun was certain that none of them was hurt, he started driving. “That bit*h also mentioned that Shi and her were classmates..” Jun stated, careful not to take his eyes off the road again.
“So you’re saying that you used that fact as a coincidence to threaten the reporter?”
“Bingo.” Nino grinned.
Jun shook his head in utter bewilderment. Only their brat of a member would dare to pull out such tricks under given circumstances. “Now Sho, tell us what we should know about that Kota guy.”
+++++++++++++++
“Do you really plan to leave without saying goodbye, Shi?”
Shi turned around, panic-stricken to see the five of them approaching carelessly towards the helicopter which will take her to God-knows-where. “Oh please, can’t you just leave me alone?” She said fiercely, hoping against hope that the guys wouldn’t see through her acting.
“What do you want?” Shi stared disdainfully at Kota Sendoh while cursing herself for being able to recognize a person right away no matter how brief her meeting with him/her. If she were to base it from logic and deduction, this guy seemed to have taken interest in her after encountering her during Sho’s dad’s party. She didn’t know who he was- she just remembered it after reading once an article featuring political families and their remarkable nature. The family that was featured that time was the Kota family.
“Oh..I like my woman tamed, not resolute..” Kota moved towards her and ran a hand across her face.
“I’m not your woman!” She snapped his hands off her face, earning her a slap on her cheeks.
“Oh..Sorry about that,” The guy was obviously unrepentant about it, “You see. My patience was always too short, so I better clear to you some things because I might hurt you even more if you relentlessly disobey my will..Surely, I don’t want a wife who’s bruised all over, do I?”
“Who would want to be your wife?” She asked mockingly, her temper meter rising on an instant.
“Still undecided, I see.. then, why don’t I put it this way.. when your kids were brought to the hospital..” Kota started and felt triumphant when he saw her eyes flickered instantly. “Got your full attention now my dear?”
“Don’t call me that!” Shi snapped. She was starting to have goosebumps on her sudden remembrance of her kids in the hospital. “You! You were the one behind it?!” Her rage was emanating all throughout her body.
“Not entirely.. Remember that photo that leaked out of the media? It was not my doing.. but you just reminded me to thank your reporter friend of what she did…because of her, it was easy for me to work out my plan..”
“Reporter friend?” She asked but got no response, instead, Kota continued on what he was saying.
“Oh, don’t look so distressed dear, your friend never wanted to harm your kids.. but fortunate how one can abuse and disabuse one’s power.. with my connection, I made the tabloids report on it despite your friend’s withdrawal of her claim about your kids and that despicable guy! But I didn’t expect you to be that influential.. I never expected that you hold such deep relationship with that guy’s boss..” He laughed spitefully.
“What do you mean?” Her heart was beating faster and faster as the time goes by. Her fear was overwhelmed by her anger.
“Kitagawa Johnny. But what can he do? Even under that old man’s regime, politics and entertainment biz worked on different circles, he’s a business man, so it was just appropriate to save his business first.. to cut the story short, he managed to pacify the media and the crowd, but you see, Kitagawa-san never found out that it was my doing, nor suspected that there was politics involved, and the report just ended as how it was written in the newspaper- ”
“You foul, bloated evil!” Shi slapped the guy out of rage. She’d never been so furious in her entire life. It was frustratingly excruciating.
Kota managed to grab her hand when she’s about to slap him once again. “Didn’t it occur to you that what happened to your kids was something fascinatingly odd?” He eyed her maliciously before crushing his lips on hers. “Did you really think that those girls would actually hurt two- 4yr old kids? Of course not.” He meant to kiss her again but changed his mind when he saw her anger overbearing. “If not for my secretary who was an ex-actress, those fangirls would never lift a finger against your kids..I even laughed when my secretary reported that the first word that comes out of those girls’ mouths was “Kawaii!” Then, my secretary created a commotion, you know, she is best in persuading, so after few vile words against your kids, the plan was executed.”
“So?” She retorted monotonously. “Should I grieve on that?” She was shaking madly.
“Oh.. What I’m trying to say is that, I’m more than capable to do it again,. Perhaps to your friends? Or should I say that idiot’s name?”
“Leave Sho and my friends alone!” She told him determinedly despite feeling weak to her knees.
“Oh, finally get it huh?”
“What do you want?” She asked again. She can’t afford to be reluctant now that it was clear that the guy meant it.
“You.”
“Shi!!!” Sho called out cutting Shi out of her reverie. “Please don’t do this.”
“Do what Sakurai-san?” She answered bitterly. If she wanted to get them out of danger, she must make them believe that she meant all the words that came out of her mouth. “As you can see, I’m going away with Sendou. I’m going to marry him.”
“M-Marry him? You can’t do that” Sho said skeptically and started walking towards her, but a man in a black suit had seized him. When he looked at the others, they were in the same situation as him.
“And why can’t I Sakurai-san? Do you think that someone like you could actually stop me from doing what I want?” Shi’s eyes traveled from Sho to Kota, sending him a warning look.
At one wave from Kota’s hand, the men in suits loosen their grips on all the members of ARASHI, but still kept them close.
“B-but we have kids for godssake Shi!” Sho felt aggravated although knowing that Shi was just stubbornly acting. He knew it the moment her eyes flickered upon seeing them and how she glared at Kota when those men in suits restrained him and the rest of the guys. He would even bet his life that the guys realized this as well.
“Be reasonable Angel-chan.. your kids, think of your kids..” Aiba tried to get off from the guy, but it only make the one who was restraining him to tighten his grip once more.
“It is Sho whom you love, not him!” Nino shouted, feeling constricted as his own words stabbed him deep down.
“Enough of this nonsense!” Kota interrupted wearing a devilish grin. “As you can see, Shi and I share some bond now.. right dear?” He looked expectant at Shi who just stared at him incredulously. “Why don’t you tell them Shi? What happened in the bedroom? How you relentlessly throw yourself at me-”
What came next happened in a flash. Sho suddenly bridged the gap between him and Shi, leaving the guy who was guarding him. His expression was unreadable yet his aura left an intention to kill. He knew it was dangerous and it would affect the plan to take on that Kota guy but he could not bear it. Hearing the guy defamed Shi in front of her friends was something unforgiveable for him.
The politician was thrown on the ground from the impact of Sho’s punch. “What the fcuk is that?” He said wiping the blood that came out gushing from his mouth, while helping himself to stand.
It took three men to pacify Sho, the two restrained him while the other sent a blow on his stomach, making him winced in pain but despite that Sho continued to stare murderously at Kota who just smiled wickedly again.
“Why Sakurai? I just had $ex with your ever beloved woman. Can’t take what I said? It’s your loss. Hear me?” Kota said, giving off his proud grin. “No wonder you fell for her, she was so soft, and had gentle lips..and her body, it was priceless!”
“Shut up! Shut up!” Sho recklessly shook off the hands that were stopping him. His reasoning was being clouded by the words of Kota-of how it was nice to hold Shi’s body. He kept on struggling until one of the men pointed a gun on his head.
“You shut up, or I’ll swear the bullet will straightly course through your brain!”
It made Sho stopped for awhile.
“Hey, stop that! We have an agreement!” Shi glared at the guy who had the gun pointed at Sho before locking her eyes on the man she loves who was looking hopeful at her.
“Don’t get me wrong okay? I just thought that it will be very hard for the twins if they were to lose their father as well. Now if you really cared for them, forget about me and walked away unharmed, but if you continue to put up a fight, I can’t guarantee your lives. Now go while Sendou’s being generous!” She continued with the acting. It pained her so much seeing Sho in that state, but she was uncertain if her heart would be able to bear it if they will do more than hitting Sho.
By Kota’s command, the men free the members of Arashi, as Shi turned her back against them. Her tears, which she was struggling to keep, fell uncontrollably down her cheeks. It was good that she had her back against them for it was unwise to see her friends, especially Sho, leaving, while she bargained herself and her own freedom for their own freedom. Please Sho, let me believed that it was all worth it..exchanging myself like these..please don’t let me regret it.. Shi thought relentlessly while walking towards the helicopter, letting the wind created by its propeller to dry off her tears.
“I didn’t know that you have so little faith on us..”
Shi was stopped dead on her tracks hearing those words spoken by Jun on top of his lungs, followed by that of Aiba’s. Despite the wind blowing in her ears and the sound of the helicopter’s engine, she still heard it audibly.
“It hurts you know..” the older man sniffed.
“And here we are, risking our lives for a woman who trusts us a bit..” It was Nino’s high pitch voice this time.
“Now I know how Ayumu-san feels..” Ohno remarked surprising the guys even more.
Ayumu? Ayumu Rina? “W-wait- wha-” Shi turned around but shock was an understatement to what she saw next.
The building’s top pad was surrounded by armed men; all have guns aimed at Kota, while the men who restrained the ARASHI members turned out to be decoys and were all part of Sho’s dad’s bodyguards. She could tell by how one of the men bowed and apologized to the guys.
“Heh! I told you Nino, it won’t work according to your plan, Shi is way too stubborn and Sho is way too unpredictable that they almost ruin our plan!” Jun displayed his wide grin while massaging his wrists. “It was just lucky that Mr. Bodyguard-san did an adlib,” He continued, doing a thumbs up towards the guy who hit Sho on the stomach and pointed a gun on him.
“Hishinuma on duty sir! I apologized for hitting and pointing the gun on our young Sakurai-sama. Sir!” The guy stooped down in front of Jun.
“No need for that Hishinuma-san, you just acted accordingly, befitting for the role of a villainous bodyguard. Right Nino?” Jun smirked at the brat.
“Tchk. No need to sweat over it Hishinuma-san,” Nino smiled an assuring smile at the bodyguard and sent deadly stares at Jun who kept on smirking. “The diva’s right., if you hadn’t do that, I certainly don’t know what to do next.”
While Shi was trying to decipher what really was happening, the same question on her mind was raised by Kota, but in a different manner.
“How the hell did this happen?” Kota’s angry voice roared all throughout the pad. “What did you do to my men?” The remorse in his eyes was very apparent while trying to break free from the men who were holding him.
“Let’s just say that we’re one step ahead of you Kota-san,” Nino answered mockingly while recalling their earlier conversation with Sho.
“Dad said that Kota Sendou was just a good-for-nothing kid, who hides under his father’s stature. He never acted separately from his father. But this time, it seemed that his father knew nothing about it..”
“You sure?” Nino asked uncomfortably. Sho looked so relaxed after talking with his old man.
“Mmm-mm. He said to meet up with him ASAP. His bodyguards had already managed to infiltrate the hotel where Kota is..”
“And?” Aiba asked.
“As what Dad predicted, the security was very lacking, he only had 8 men with him..so they had captured Kota’s men, and replaced it with his own men who would act as decoys..” Sho explained.
“Never misses an opportunity, that old man of yours Sho,” Jun grinned through the rearview mirror and drove on a curbside while listening to Sho.
“Then, what do we do next?” Ohno inquired.
“Hmm.. I think I have a plan.” Nino’s grin was so widely spread. Deep inside, he was thankful that they had Sho’s father on their side. “Why don’t we make our own butai?”
“For a young politician, you sure have guts.” Like before, Nino displayed a mischievous smile and commenced on talking. “But your overconfidence doesn’t work on us.”
“Y-you’ll never get through with this! I swear! My father will track you down!” He threatened.
“Oh, I’m sure he will..that is if he could deal with Tetsuka-san?.. oh, wait, not to mention, with Sakurai-san? or perhaps with Kitagawa-san?”
“I-i.. of course he will,” He said with a smug. “Have you forgotten how your woman..” He looked at Shi who was tending to Sho and flaunted a nasty grin. “Offered herself to me?”
“Oh, I don’t believe she’ll do that..” Sho answered confidently and began walking towards the guy with Shi on his side, assisting him.
“Why?” Kota feigned ignorance.
“She wouldn’t do it unless its me..” Sho bragged.
This idiot. Saying those things boldly.. Shi wanted to say but remained silent while the two men battled with words.
“Still too full of yourself huh? Well, even if you say that, .. we shared some passionate kiss you know..” Kota kept on blabbering.
“Hah!” Sho sniggered before glaring at the guy. “Let me rephrase it for you Kota, yes, it was passionate, for you, but for her, I don’t think so..”
“How sure are you?”
“Because the last time someone kissed her without permission,” Sho glanced hesitantly at Jun who just nodded, allowing Sho to continue with what he was trying to say, “erm, the last time a guy did that, she slapped him..”
“Oh.. but she didn’t slap me..” Kota said haughtily, ignoring Shi who was slowly moving towards him.
“Yes, she did not, but she will, this time.”
“Wha-“
Kota never finished his sentence because Shi’s hands landed on his cheeks right after what Sho said. His head stirred, his face red with hand marks.
“That’s my woman..” Sho and Shi stepped a few inches back to allow the men who was half-dragging, half-carrying Kota to pass.
“You hear that, loser? Tetsuka Shi is Sakurai Sho’s woman, not yours.” Nino remarked when Kota was in front of him.
“and not even yours. .” The guy gave him an evil grin walking past him. “You’re a loser as I am, Ninomiya Kazunari.” Kota shouted before descending the stairs with his hands cuffed.
The guys just exchanged glances, each one never wanted to comment on that.
Nino looked tormented but kept his composure. “Tsk, First, Rose-san, then Kota, why do I kept on meeting people who had the talent of stating out the obvious?” Nino remarked but upon seeing that they continued on sending him weird stares, he forced out a half-hearted smile, “What? atleast, I’m still Angel’s friend.. I have reason to be thankful..”
Ohno patted the brat’s shoulder to which Nino returned by putting a hand on their leader’s hand.
“Matsumoto-sama, we’ll take care of them now,” Hishinuma bowed and left with the guys.
“You okay mate?” Ohno whispered in Nino’s ears while his eyes were still on the retreating figure of Hishinuma-san.
“Mmm.mm.” Nino pursed his lips, afraid that if he speaks further, his own words would fail him.
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