Chapter 16: I'll wait for you (Final)
Title: The Mister Mask
Author: YINGxsquare
Pairing: Ryosuke/OC
Hidden Pairing: Yes
Appearance of other members: HSJ
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fluff, Gender Bender, Mild Angst, Romance, Slight Comedy (?)
Disclaimer: Only the plot and OCs are mine, others belong to Johnny.
Summary: A girl was forced to change her identity and gender due to her family problem. On the other hand, Chinen Yuuri of the famous boy band 'Hey! Say! JUMP' injured himself in one of their rehearsals for the upcoming winter concert. A temporary replacement was found to replace him. Will the other members, especially his good friend - Yamada Ryosuke, be able to accept the fact about his injury and the new member? And who exactly is this mysterious replacer with an unknown past?
Previous Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15
“Ito-san, where is Ryoko? Isn’t she coming today?” Ryosuke asked after searching the entire room for her but to no avail.
Yuusuke shook his head and smiled.
“She has something on for today,” he answered and continued to read through the documents.
All of a sudden, Yuusuke’s phone rang and he excused himself to pick up the call outside. Just then, Hikaru, who was suddenly in the mood to watch television programs, switched on the television and began to browse through the available channels.
“Oh! There’s a news on Johnny Jimusho,” Hikaru announced loudly and the other members quickly crowded over.
“Eh? What is it about?” Yuya asked while his eyes were fixed on the television.
“Hmm, usually, there would be announcements made within the Jimusho before any official declaration to the media. But I didn’t hear anything these few days,” Kota said with hint of suspicion but decided to focus on the news instead.
Just then, an image of JUMP appeared on the television together with Ryoko’s photo.
“Oh! It’s our group photo! There’s Ryoko’s photo too!” Yuuri exclaimed and it grabbed Ryosuke’s attention.
“Hikaru, increase the volume! I can’t hear anything!” Kei hushed impatiently while nudging Hikaru repeatedly.
After the volume was increased, all the ten members perked up their ears and paid the fullest attention to the news.
“…Nakano Ryota, also known as Nakayama Ryoko, has been officially dismissed from the famous boy band, Hey! Say! JUMP. This piece of news was confirmed last Friday by the Jimusho. Now, the Jimusho has been receiving endless calls from the media and public about the identity of this former member. Many fans had also posted various topics online ab-“
The television was suddenly switched off and everyone turned to the source.
“Yama-chan…,” Yuuri called softly and the rest of JUMP looked at him worriedly.
Just then, Yuusuke returned into the room and found all eyes on him. He could feel that something was wrong but decided to shrug it off.
“You guys should stop staring at me like this. It’s making me grow goose bumps,” he said as he took a sit back on the chair.
Just as he was about to read the documents, Ryosuke dashed forward and shoved away the papers. The papers scattered onto the floor messily and he hit the table hard with both his palms.
“Yamada-kun, what’s got-“
“Why is Ryoko dismissed from the band? Why?” he shouted and glared hard at Yuusuke, who stared back in horror.
Quickly, Daiki and Yuto rushed forward to grab hold of Ryosuke to prevent him from doing anything dangerous.
“Why? Why was she dismissed!” he screamed with tears brimmed up in his eyes.
Yuusuke looked away and sighed.
“She…has failed the challenge that Johnny-san had given her. She had broken the rule that Johnny-san gave her the very first time when she had decided to be Chinen-kun’s replacement,” Yuusuke said quietly.
“Why is this happening?” Ryosuke shouted angrily as he flunked away from the grip of the two members.
“So is that the reason why she’s not here today?” Kota asked quickly and Yuusuke nodded.
Looking at Ryosuke in that state, he couldn’t help but to feel sympathy for both Ryoko and Ryosuke. He knew better than anyone else that he was supposed to tell no one about her departure to America until she had reached the country. However, he knew it well that Ryoko and Ryosuke were really serious about each other. Finally, he made his decision. He had to tell Ryosuke.
“She…is leaving for America today,” he announced and everyone stared at him, stupefied.
“Wh-what did y-you just say...?” Ryosuke asked slowly, staring at Yuusuke in disbelief.
“She…Ryoko…is leaving for America today at two in the afternoon,” he repeated and immediately, Ryosuke dashed out of the room.
“I’ll go after him. He must be going to the airport now,” Yuusuke said and got up immediately.
“We’ll follow you too!”
Outside the Jimusho, Ryosuke, who was panting heavily after running ten floors down the building, was waving for the cab impatiently.
“Damn! Where’s the cab when I needed them now?” he cursed under his breath.
Just then, a car stopped right in front of him suddenly and the door clicked open. The car window at the back was lowered and Yuto popped out his head.
“What are you doing, Yama-chan? Don’t you want to stop Ryoko from flying to America? Come on and get in!” Yuto said with a smile and pointed at the front seat with his thumb.
Nodding his head with a grateful smile, he got into the car and it drove off immediately. Ryosuke crossed his fingers and closed his eyes.
“Ryoko, please wait for me.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Passengers boarding the plane to America, the last check-in timing will be at one-thirty in the afternoon. I repeat…”
Ryoko sighed as she slumped against the seat beside her mother after they had checked-in their luggage. Natsume, who heard her daughter sighed, placed her hand over hers.
“I know that you must be very upset, but we will definitely return after everything has settle down,” Natsume reassured her.
Ryoko set her lips into a grim line and nodded her head.
I’ll miss everyone as well as you, Ryosuke.
Tears started to fill her eyes, threatening to fall any second but she struggled hard to prevent herself from crying again. Her eyes were still red and puffy after crying the entire of last night.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Are we reaching soon, Ito-san?” Ryosuke asked anxiously for the hundredth time.
His knuckles had turned white while clenching his fists tightly and he kept looking at the digital clock in the car.
“We’re reaching soon,” Yuusuke replied and as the car turned in at the corner of the road, they saw the entrance of the airport.
“Oh, we’ve reached!” Yuusuke said after braking the car.
Immediately, Ryosuke unbuckled his seatbelt and pushed open the car door before dashing straight into the airport.
“We’ll go after Yama-chan first,” Yuuri said, as he got off the back seat and Yuusuke nodded.
“Good luck, Yamada-kun,” Yuusuke said softly as he drove his car to the parking lots.
Once Ryosuke entered the airport, he scanned around and let out a silent sigh.
“How am I going to find her when there are millions of people in here?” he cursed softly and felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around.
“Don’t worry, we’ll help you,” Yuto said and Ryosuke realized that the rest of JUMP were behind him.
“We will separate ourselves and search entire place. If any of us finds her, we will call you immediately,” Kota said and the members nodded.
Ryosuke looked at them gratefully.
“Thank you, everyone,” he thanked and with that, all of them dispersed and began to search around.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Passengers boarding the flight to America at two in the afternoon please be reminded that the gate will close in another ten minutes’ time. I repeat…”
Ryoko took in a deep breath and opened her eyes. Staring straight in front, she stood up from her seat.
“Kaa-san, let’s go in now,” she said softly and started to walk towards the entrance to departure hall.
Just as she was about to hand her passport over to the officer, she heard a familiar voice shouting her name.
“Ryoko! Ryoko!”
At first, she thought that it was her imagination but the voice continued to call for her name. Turning around, she was astounded to see the whole of JUMP standing behind her.
“R-ryo…suke...,” she stuttered in shock.
Ryosuke ran forward and pulled her out of the line.
“R-ryosuke, h-hold on a second. Why are yo-“
Before she could finish her sentence, Ryosuke crashed their lips together. As he broke away from the kiss, the both of them held their gazes together.
“What do you think you’re doing, Ryoko?” he raised his voice and shook her shoulders lightly.
Ryoko looked away and bit her lips.
“Why are you leaving Japan? Did you forget about the promise we made yesterday night?” Ryosuke lowered his voice this time round and his gaze softened.
Ryoko stared at him and her heart began to ache.
His gaze is filled with hurt. I’m sorry, Ryosuke.
“Answer me, Ryoko!” he hushed impatiently and shook her shoulders again.
Shaking her head, she flashed him a bitter smile.
“I didn’t forget about the promise but I can’t stay in Japan either. I’ve to leave. There’s no other way to deal with it,” she said quietly.
Ryosuke tightened his grip on her with a frown.
“What do you mean there’s no other way? There will always be a way if we put our minds together like the last time! You still have us!” Ryosuke said quickly and stood aside to reveal the nine other members who were staring at her worriedly.
However, Ryoko shook her head and smiled.
“No, there’s no more ways left. I’m sorry, Ryosuke,” she whispered and pried off Ryosuke’s grip from her shoulders.
As she turned around to leave, Ryosuke reached out to grab her wrist and spun her around.
“Fine. I’ll accept that there’s no other way but when will you return?” he asked, hoping it’d be soon.
“I don’t know. Probably after everything has settled down,” she replied and he sighed before pulling her into a tight embrace.
“I understood. But promise me that you’ll definitely return after everything has settled down. All I need is your promise and reassurance,” he whispered softly and felt a nod against his chest.
Breaking the hug, Ryosuke leaned in and pressed their lips together for the last time before they broke apart. His gaze was fixed on her as she entered the departure hall. After she had left, Ryosuke lowered his head and the other members crowded around him.
“Yama-chan, it’s okay. She will definitely return,” Yuuri reassured him and patted his back.
As they walked out to the parking lots, Ryosuke looked up to the sky and saw the plane flew past. Flashing a bitter smile, he closed his eyes.
“I’ll wait for you, Ryoko. I’ll wait for your return.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Three years later
“The feeling of being back in Japan feels so great!” Ryoko squealed as she plopped onto the bed.
Just then, there was a knock on the door and she turned her head.
“Oh! Yuu-eh, no. I should call you Otou-san instead,” Ryoko grinned as she watched the couple blushed.
“Ryoko, we are only engaged! We aren’t married yet!” Yuusuke exclaimed and Ryoko chuckled at his expression.
“Well, whatever. I’m still glad that you’re the one who will become my stepfather,” she said with a smile and Yuusuke gestured his wife-to-be to leave the two of them alone.
Yuusuke entered the room and settled down on the chair. Placing a brown A4 sized envelope on her lap, he motioned to her to open it.
“What is it?” she asked as she flipped the envelope back and forth to search for the name of the sender but there was only her name written on it.
“Just open it, Ryoko,” Yuusuke hushed while waiting for her reaction.
Ryoko eyed him suspiciously as she tore the envelope carefully. Placing her fingers into the envelope, she pulled out a piece of paper. Raising her eyebrows, she placed the envelope to the side and began to read the paper carefully. Then her eyes widened and she stared at Yuusuke in astonishment.
“Are you kidding me?” she blurted out and Yuusuke shook his head with a smile.
“Why would I joke with you about such things? This is typed out personally by that person,” Yuusuke said and ruffled her hair gently.
“Congratulations, Ryoko.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day, the JUMP members were sitting in the meeting room, waiting for Yuusuke to arrive. Kota, Hikaru and Keito sat together to practice their instruments while Yuto, Yuuri and Yuya were playing around. Daiki, Ryutaro and Kei were talking about something serious and Ryosuke sat alone with his fingers turning the knob on the musical box that Ryoko had left for him before leaving for America.
Just then, the door was pushed open and Yuusuke entered the room. Everyone went back to their seats and Yuusuke stood in front of them with a wide smile. Yuto raised his hand and Yuusuke looked at him.
“Did something good happen yesterday?” Yuto asked and Yuusuke smiled even wider.
“He looked quite scary when he smiles like this,” Ryutaro whispered to Yuuri who laughed and Yuusuke made a face at them.
“Well, I bet he has found a girlfriend,” Yuya chipped in and Yuusuke raised his eyebrows.
“Hmm, not really. Perhaps he did something fun last night,” Hikaru said teasingly and the members eyed Yuusuke with a smirk.
Yuusuke rolled his eyes at them and tapped the file against the table.
“Enough of nonsense from all of you. All of you should spend your time thinking about the list of songs that you would like your fans listen for your third album instead,” Yuusuke said sternly and the members merely shrugged their shoulders.
“Well, before I go on to reveal your upcoming schedule for this month, I’ve brought someone along to introduce to all of you,” he announced with the same wide smile.
Immediately, the members began to talk among themselves.
“I hope it’s some hot girl this time round,” Kei said and Kota smacked his head.
“You should spend your time thinking about the arrangement for BEST’s song, Inoo-chan,” Kota scolded and Kei merely flashed a grin at him.
“Guys, can’t all of you keep your mouth close for just one minute?” Yuusuke scolded and thought for a while before waving his hand.
“Forget it. You guys are just some hyperactive kids. Well, let’s welcome her now.”
The door clicked open and a lady walked in. The members, except Ryosuke, stared at her in astonishment. Ryosuke didn’t pay any attention to the lady and focused himself solely on the musical box.
“Hello. I’m your new assistant manager starting from today. Please do guide me along,” she said and bowed.
Ryosuke’s eyebrows twitched and stopped fiddling with the musical box. He felt weird because the lady didn’t mention her name at all. Removing his gaze from the box, his gaze trailed up the lady slowly. As the lady rose her body, his eyes widened.
“R-ryoko…”
Hearing her name, the lady shifted her gaze to him and flashed the smile which he had yearned badly for the past three years.
“Yes, Nakayama Ryoko will be your new assistant manager,” Yuusuke announced happily.
None of the members spoke because all of them were speechless. Neither of them thought that Johnny-san would invite her to be their assistant manager.
Just then, Ryosuke stood up from his seat as warm tears gathered in his eyes. Ryoko walked towards him slowly and enveloped him into a hug. The tears that had been threatening to fall from the moment he saw her, ran down his cheeks as he tightened the hug.
Ryoko closed her eyes as she inhaled the familiar scent that she had missed for the past three years and a smile was adorned on her face.
“I’ve return to stay by your side, Ryosuke.”
FIN
A/N: Here's what all of you had been waiting for more than a year - the last chapter of the fic. There's no epilogue or sequel. The ending is fixed. Enjoy and do comment! :D
Author: YINGxsquare
Pairing: Ryosuke/OC
Hidden Pairing: Yes
Appearance of other members: HSJ
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fluff, Gender Bender, Mild Angst, Romance, Slight Comedy (?)
Disclaimer: Only the plot and OCs are mine, others belong to Johnny.
Summary: A girl was forced to change her identity and gender due to her family problem. On the other hand, Chinen Yuuri of the famous boy band 'Hey! Say! JUMP' injured himself in one of their rehearsals for the upcoming winter concert. A temporary replacement was found to replace him. Will the other members, especially his good friend - Yamada Ryosuke, be able to accept the fact about his injury and the new member? And who exactly is this mysterious replacer with an unknown past?
Previous Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15
“Ito-san, where is Ryoko? Isn’t she coming today?” Ryosuke asked after searching the entire room for her but to no avail.
Yuusuke shook his head and smiled.
“She has something on for today,” he answered and continued to read through the documents.
All of a sudden, Yuusuke’s phone rang and he excused himself to pick up the call outside. Just then, Hikaru, who was suddenly in the mood to watch television programs, switched on the television and began to browse through the available channels.
“Oh! There’s a news on Johnny Jimusho,” Hikaru announced loudly and the other members quickly crowded over.
“Eh? What is it about?” Yuya asked while his eyes were fixed on the television.
“Hmm, usually, there would be announcements made within the Jimusho before any official declaration to the media. But I didn’t hear anything these few days,” Kota said with hint of suspicion but decided to focus on the news instead.
Just then, an image of JUMP appeared on the television together with Ryoko’s photo.
“Oh! It’s our group photo! There’s Ryoko’s photo too!” Yuuri exclaimed and it grabbed Ryosuke’s attention.
“Hikaru, increase the volume! I can’t hear anything!” Kei hushed impatiently while nudging Hikaru repeatedly.
After the volume was increased, all the ten members perked up their ears and paid the fullest attention to the news.
“…Nakano Ryota, also known as Nakayama Ryoko, has been officially dismissed from the famous boy band, Hey! Say! JUMP. This piece of news was confirmed last Friday by the Jimusho. Now, the Jimusho has been receiving endless calls from the media and public about the identity of this former member. Many fans had also posted various topics online ab-“
The television was suddenly switched off and everyone turned to the source.
“Yama-chan…,” Yuuri called softly and the rest of JUMP looked at him worriedly.
Just then, Yuusuke returned into the room and found all eyes on him. He could feel that something was wrong but decided to shrug it off.
“You guys should stop staring at me like this. It’s making me grow goose bumps,” he said as he took a sit back on the chair.
Just as he was about to read the documents, Ryosuke dashed forward and shoved away the papers. The papers scattered onto the floor messily and he hit the table hard with both his palms.
“Yamada-kun, what’s got-“
“Why is Ryoko dismissed from the band? Why?” he shouted and glared hard at Yuusuke, who stared back in horror.
Quickly, Daiki and Yuto rushed forward to grab hold of Ryosuke to prevent him from doing anything dangerous.
“Why? Why was she dismissed!” he screamed with tears brimmed up in his eyes.
Yuusuke looked away and sighed.
“She…has failed the challenge that Johnny-san had given her. She had broken the rule that Johnny-san gave her the very first time when she had decided to be Chinen-kun’s replacement,” Yuusuke said quietly.
“Why is this happening?” Ryosuke shouted angrily as he flunked away from the grip of the two members.
“So is that the reason why she’s not here today?” Kota asked quickly and Yuusuke nodded.
Looking at Ryosuke in that state, he couldn’t help but to feel sympathy for both Ryoko and Ryosuke. He knew better than anyone else that he was supposed to tell no one about her departure to America until she had reached the country. However, he knew it well that Ryoko and Ryosuke were really serious about each other. Finally, he made his decision. He had to tell Ryosuke.
“She…is leaving for America today,” he announced and everyone stared at him, stupefied.
“Wh-what did y-you just say...?” Ryosuke asked slowly, staring at Yuusuke in disbelief.
“She…Ryoko…is leaving for America today at two in the afternoon,” he repeated and immediately, Ryosuke dashed out of the room.
“I’ll go after him. He must be going to the airport now,” Yuusuke said and got up immediately.
“We’ll follow you too!”
Outside the Jimusho, Ryosuke, who was panting heavily after running ten floors down the building, was waving for the cab impatiently.
“Damn! Where’s the cab when I needed them now?” he cursed under his breath.
Just then, a car stopped right in front of him suddenly and the door clicked open. The car window at the back was lowered and Yuto popped out his head.
“What are you doing, Yama-chan? Don’t you want to stop Ryoko from flying to America? Come on and get in!” Yuto said with a smile and pointed at the front seat with his thumb.
Nodding his head with a grateful smile, he got into the car and it drove off immediately. Ryosuke crossed his fingers and closed his eyes.
“Ryoko, please wait for me.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Passengers boarding the plane to America, the last check-in timing will be at one-thirty in the afternoon. I repeat…”
Ryoko sighed as she slumped against the seat beside her mother after they had checked-in their luggage. Natsume, who heard her daughter sighed, placed her hand over hers.
“I know that you must be very upset, but we will definitely return after everything has settle down,” Natsume reassured her.
Ryoko set her lips into a grim line and nodded her head.
I’ll miss everyone as well as you, Ryosuke.
Tears started to fill her eyes, threatening to fall any second but she struggled hard to prevent herself from crying again. Her eyes were still red and puffy after crying the entire of last night.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Are we reaching soon, Ito-san?” Ryosuke asked anxiously for the hundredth time.
His knuckles had turned white while clenching his fists tightly and he kept looking at the digital clock in the car.
“We’re reaching soon,” Yuusuke replied and as the car turned in at the corner of the road, they saw the entrance of the airport.
“Oh, we’ve reached!” Yuusuke said after braking the car.
Immediately, Ryosuke unbuckled his seatbelt and pushed open the car door before dashing straight into the airport.
“We’ll go after Yama-chan first,” Yuuri said, as he got off the back seat and Yuusuke nodded.
“Good luck, Yamada-kun,” Yuusuke said softly as he drove his car to the parking lots.
Once Ryosuke entered the airport, he scanned around and let out a silent sigh.
“How am I going to find her when there are millions of people in here?” he cursed softly and felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around.
“Don’t worry, we’ll help you,” Yuto said and Ryosuke realized that the rest of JUMP were behind him.
“We will separate ourselves and search entire place. If any of us finds her, we will call you immediately,” Kota said and the members nodded.
Ryosuke looked at them gratefully.
“Thank you, everyone,” he thanked and with that, all of them dispersed and began to search around.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
“Passengers boarding the flight to America at two in the afternoon please be reminded that the gate will close in another ten minutes’ time. I repeat…”
Ryoko took in a deep breath and opened her eyes. Staring straight in front, she stood up from her seat.
“Kaa-san, let’s go in now,” she said softly and started to walk towards the entrance to departure hall.
Just as she was about to hand her passport over to the officer, she heard a familiar voice shouting her name.
“Ryoko! Ryoko!”
At first, she thought that it was her imagination but the voice continued to call for her name. Turning around, she was astounded to see the whole of JUMP standing behind her.
“R-ryo…suke...,” she stuttered in shock.
Ryosuke ran forward and pulled her out of the line.
“R-ryosuke, h-hold on a second. Why are yo-“
Before she could finish her sentence, Ryosuke crashed their lips together. As he broke away from the kiss, the both of them held their gazes together.
“What do you think you’re doing, Ryoko?” he raised his voice and shook her shoulders lightly.
Ryoko looked away and bit her lips.
“Why are you leaving Japan? Did you forget about the promise we made yesterday night?” Ryosuke lowered his voice this time round and his gaze softened.
Ryoko stared at him and her heart began to ache.
His gaze is filled with hurt. I’m sorry, Ryosuke.
“Answer me, Ryoko!” he hushed impatiently and shook her shoulders again.
Shaking her head, she flashed him a bitter smile.
“I didn’t forget about the promise but I can’t stay in Japan either. I’ve to leave. There’s no other way to deal with it,” she said quietly.
Ryosuke tightened his grip on her with a frown.
“What do you mean there’s no other way? There will always be a way if we put our minds together like the last time! You still have us!” Ryosuke said quickly and stood aside to reveal the nine other members who were staring at her worriedly.
However, Ryoko shook her head and smiled.
“No, there’s no more ways left. I’m sorry, Ryosuke,” she whispered and pried off Ryosuke’s grip from her shoulders.
As she turned around to leave, Ryosuke reached out to grab her wrist and spun her around.
“Fine. I’ll accept that there’s no other way but when will you return?” he asked, hoping it’d be soon.
“I don’t know. Probably after everything has settled down,” she replied and he sighed before pulling her into a tight embrace.
“I understood. But promise me that you’ll definitely return after everything has settled down. All I need is your promise and reassurance,” he whispered softly and felt a nod against his chest.
Breaking the hug, Ryosuke leaned in and pressed their lips together for the last time before they broke apart. His gaze was fixed on her as she entered the departure hall. After she had left, Ryosuke lowered his head and the other members crowded around him.
“Yama-chan, it’s okay. She will definitely return,” Yuuri reassured him and patted his back.
As they walked out to the parking lots, Ryosuke looked up to the sky and saw the plane flew past. Flashing a bitter smile, he closed his eyes.
“I’ll wait for you, Ryoko. I’ll wait for your return.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Three years later
“The feeling of being back in Japan feels so great!” Ryoko squealed as she plopped onto the bed.
Just then, there was a knock on the door and she turned her head.
“Oh! Yuu-eh, no. I should call you Otou-san instead,” Ryoko grinned as she watched the couple blushed.
“Ryoko, we are only engaged! We aren’t married yet!” Yuusuke exclaimed and Ryoko chuckled at his expression.
“Well, whatever. I’m still glad that you’re the one who will become my stepfather,” she said with a smile and Yuusuke gestured his wife-to-be to leave the two of them alone.
Yuusuke entered the room and settled down on the chair. Placing a brown A4 sized envelope on her lap, he motioned to her to open it.
“What is it?” she asked as she flipped the envelope back and forth to search for the name of the sender but there was only her name written on it.
“Just open it, Ryoko,” Yuusuke hushed while waiting for her reaction.
Ryoko eyed him suspiciously as she tore the envelope carefully. Placing her fingers into the envelope, she pulled out a piece of paper. Raising her eyebrows, she placed the envelope to the side and began to read the paper carefully. Then her eyes widened and she stared at Yuusuke in astonishment.
“Are you kidding me?” she blurted out and Yuusuke shook his head with a smile.
“Why would I joke with you about such things? This is typed out personally by that person,” Yuusuke said and ruffled her hair gently.
“Congratulations, Ryoko.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day, the JUMP members were sitting in the meeting room, waiting for Yuusuke to arrive. Kota, Hikaru and Keito sat together to practice their instruments while Yuto, Yuuri and Yuya were playing around. Daiki, Ryutaro and Kei were talking about something serious and Ryosuke sat alone with his fingers turning the knob on the musical box that Ryoko had left for him before leaving for America.
Just then, the door was pushed open and Yuusuke entered the room. Everyone went back to their seats and Yuusuke stood in front of them with a wide smile. Yuto raised his hand and Yuusuke looked at him.
“Did something good happen yesterday?” Yuto asked and Yuusuke smiled even wider.
“He looked quite scary when he smiles like this,” Ryutaro whispered to Yuuri who laughed and Yuusuke made a face at them.
“Well, I bet he has found a girlfriend,” Yuya chipped in and Yuusuke raised his eyebrows.
“Hmm, not really. Perhaps he did something fun last night,” Hikaru said teasingly and the members eyed Yuusuke with a smirk.
Yuusuke rolled his eyes at them and tapped the file against the table.
“Enough of nonsense from all of you. All of you should spend your time thinking about the list of songs that you would like your fans listen for your third album instead,” Yuusuke said sternly and the members merely shrugged their shoulders.
“Well, before I go on to reveal your upcoming schedule for this month, I’ve brought someone along to introduce to all of you,” he announced with the same wide smile.
Immediately, the members began to talk among themselves.
“I hope it’s some hot girl this time round,” Kei said and Kota smacked his head.
“You should spend your time thinking about the arrangement for BEST’s song, Inoo-chan,” Kota scolded and Kei merely flashed a grin at him.
“Guys, can’t all of you keep your mouth close for just one minute?” Yuusuke scolded and thought for a while before waving his hand.
“Forget it. You guys are just some hyperactive kids. Well, let’s welcome her now.”
The door clicked open and a lady walked in. The members, except Ryosuke, stared at her in astonishment. Ryosuke didn’t pay any attention to the lady and focused himself solely on the musical box.
“Hello. I’m your new assistant manager starting from today. Please do guide me along,” she said and bowed.
Ryosuke’s eyebrows twitched and stopped fiddling with the musical box. He felt weird because the lady didn’t mention her name at all. Removing his gaze from the box, his gaze trailed up the lady slowly. As the lady rose her body, his eyes widened.
“R-ryoko…”
Hearing her name, the lady shifted her gaze to him and flashed the smile which he had yearned badly for the past three years.
“Yes, Nakayama Ryoko will be your new assistant manager,” Yuusuke announced happily.
None of the members spoke because all of them were speechless. Neither of them thought that Johnny-san would invite her to be their assistant manager.
Just then, Ryosuke stood up from his seat as warm tears gathered in his eyes. Ryoko walked towards him slowly and enveloped him into a hug. The tears that had been threatening to fall from the moment he saw her, ran down his cheeks as he tightened the hug.
Ryoko closed her eyes as she inhaled the familiar scent that she had missed for the past three years and a smile was adorned on her face.
“I’ve return to stay by your side, Ryosuke.”
FIN
A/N: Here's what all of you had been waiting for more than a year - the last chapter of the fic. There's no epilogue or sequel. The ending is fixed. Enjoy and do comment! :D