Sore Wa Yappari Kimi Deshita - An Arashi Story - Chapter 4
Title : Sore Wa Yappari Kimi Deshita - An Arashi Story - Chapter 4
Author :
zeon_avalanthe
Rating : G
Genre : Angst ; Friendship
Pairing : Gen
Disclaimer : Everyone knows that I don't own any of those boys, sadly.. And title is shamelessly taken from one of Nino's solo.. You'll know why..
Summary : It was a normal day with their last concert of this year's tour to come.. But why Aiba suddenly say he wants to quit Arashi ?
~Chapter 4~
Jun’s Side
I simply thought that Aiba-chan was coping up the first two months after quitting. And when he showed up on Nino’s birthday, I believed that finally the five of us are whole once again, that things will return to normal now that Aiba-chan is back.
Of course, I do realize that by being normal, it doesn’t mean that Aiba-chan will return to Arashi. That just doesn’t happen. But at the very least, we’re returning to being friends again. And I slightly hope that Aiba-chan will keep in contact from now on like we used to.
But it appears to be not the case. After that one night on Nino’s birthday, Aiba disappears once again. And whenever one of us tried to get a hold of him, sending him mails and even giving him a call, none of them seem to have reached the man. We’re on the verge of giving up. Well, at least Sho-san and Nino did. I still send him mails from time to time, and I know that Riida always sent him meaningless mails every now and then.
It’s worrying, really. The man had disappeared as if he never exist. And when I tried to visit his house once, I was told that he has moved out months ago. I told the others and we concluded that perhaps Aiba had returned to his hometown in Chiba. But when Nino showed up one day after two off days, he looked troubled when he said that he had visited Aiba’s home in Chiba and was told that the man was currently out doing some errands and won’t be home in a couple of days.
But what troubled Nino was not that. It was the fact that Aiba’s mother looked so nervous when she told him the news. Nino felt the woman is hiding something from him, but he can’t bring himself to reprimand her because she looked so worn out. Nino might be a sarcastic brat, but he still has his conscience.
We then decided that we will ask Aiba about this on my birthday. Despite everything, the man had promised us that he will turn up at least on our birthdays, and we just know that he will keep his words. We decided that we will believe in him.
***
The promised day had finally come, and I feel as nervous as hell for a whole different reason. The four of us had sent an e-mail to Aiba about our meeting time and place, hoping that Aiba is still reading his mails somehow and get the message.
When I arrived at the meeting place, I found Sho-kun already waiting. It seems like I’m not the only person who is anxious and ended up showing up a tad bit earlier. Riida and Nino arrived not long after, and we chat for a bit to lessen the tension.
We haven’t ordered anything yet and it’s already 15 minutes after the promised time. I look around me and found similar expression on the other three. We are disappointed, because for once, Aiba didn’t show up. And to think that I’ve made a list of questions I want to ask him, too.
I sigh as I decided that we shouldn’t waste the reservation we’ve made, and is about to make an order when I heard rushing footsteps from behind me. And as I turned around, I find a flushed Aiba coming our way.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” The man apologized as he casually sat on the opening between Sho-kun and Nino. “Dad was being extra careful so he drove extra slowly for a reason. I told him I’m running late already but he wouldn’t budge.”
The feeling of relief was suddenly washed away at Aiba-chan’s words.
“Your father drove you here ?” It was Nino who asked him.
“Yeah.” Aiba nodded as he gulped down the water in front of him, which belongs to Sho-kun, by the way.
“What are you ? A ten years old ?” Nino asked again, an incredulous look on his face.
Aiba-chan shrug. “Dad has things to do around here, so he offered to take me here so it would be more convinient. I don’t see a reason why I should decline his offer.”
“How will you return home then ?” Ohno-kun asked him this time.
“Dad will pick me up.” Aiba said, drowning another glass of water, Nino’s this time. “He said his meeting will take a while, so we might as well drive back together.”
“You can only stay until your Father is done with his business then ?” Sho-san talked up, hint of disappointment in his voice.
“Dad told me to take as long as I need to.” Aiba beamed. “So let’s keep him waiting for as long as we can, everyone ! It’s party time tonight !” He added the last sentence in accented English.
I had meaning to ask, I really did. But I was dragged along to the flow of the party and didn’t really have the chance to ask. But I decided to wait. And that was why I hold myself back from drinking too much beer to keep my head clear. I will keep this conversation for the last, I thought to myself.
Aiba-chan, did not order a single cup of beer again tonight. Instead, he kept on asking for more mineral water that the waiter gave him a big jug of fresh water. The party went on smoothly, and I noticed Sho-kun stealing glances at me every once in a while. Judging from his traits this night, I’m sure he has the same intention as I am.
Nino and Ohno-kun are practically sleeping now, and I watch as Aiba-kun looking at his phone, wondering if his Father already told him to get ready. I throw one last look at Sho-kun who nodded encouragingly at me before clearing my throat, grabbing the tallest’s attention to me.
“Say, Aiba-kun, where have you been this past few months ?” I started off.
Aiba-kun smiled at me, face frowning slightly at my question. “Where, you ask. I was always around my home.” Said Aiba-kun lightly.
“I visited your home a couple of weeks ago. Your neigbor told me you’ve moved out since long. Why didn’t you tell any of us ?” I asked again.
“Ah,” Aiba-kun gave an apologetic smile. “I’ve moved back to Chiba. My parents think, that now I no longer have a reason to stay in Tokyo, I might as well return to our home for good. I’m sorry I haven’t told you. It was not that important so it always slipped off my mind.”
“What are you doing now ? You know, after quitting Arashi, you must have had some plan to follow, right ?” I prod further, watching Aiba-kun’s facial expression as I do so.
“Yeah.” Aiba-kun said, his face sad for a split second. “Just doing some normal stuffs now.”
“What is it ? We’re curious, you know.” I try.
“It’s nothing important.” Aiba-kun shrug as he sipped into his glass. “Nothing worth mentioning.”
“It’s about our bestfriend, of course it’s important !” I raise my voice in a cheerful tone, trying to take the conversation lightly. “And beside, Nino told us that you weren’t home when he visited your house in Chiba sometimes back. Your mother told him that you were on an errands. She didn’t tell him what and we’re curious.”
“Just some small things, I assure you.” Aiba giggled. “I’m not doing illegal jobs like smuggling drugs or joining a yakuza just so you know.”
“And we would like to know what that small things are, Aiba-kun.” I pushed. I know Aiba-kun is most probably feeling uncomfortable right now, but I just need to know. But as I look at Aiba-kun’s face, I know that perhaps, now is not a good time after all. “At the very least, can you please stay in contact with us ? We’re worried, Aiba-kun. And we want you to send us meaningless mails like you used to do. You might be not a part of Arashi anymore now, but you’re still our friends.”
“I know.” Aiba-kun said, voice so strained I thought he was about to cry. “I, I’ll try, okay ? I’m not sure if I can for a long time, but I’ll try anyway.” He closed his eyes and sighed. The sight in front of me now, is so unlike Aiba-kun. “And I’m sorry, for a lot of things.”
“You don’t have to, you know that ?” It’s Sho-kun who said this to Aiba-kun. “It’s not like we’re blaming you for anything, Aiba-kun. We’ll wait until you’re ready.”
I frown. It seems like that Sho-kun knows more than we do. But I decided not to pry. At least not now. I’ll ask him about this tomorrow. Just the two of us.
“By the way, Jun-chan, I’ve watched your latest drama~ As expected, Jun-chan is cool as always ! I always love Jun-chan in his drama, especially romance drama.” Aiba-kun suddenly changed the conversation, beaming widely as he said so.
“Really ? Thanks.” I thanked him curtly, not really getting into the conversation.
“Oh, by the way, my Dad is already waiting. And it’s this late already. Is it okay if I leave first ?” Aiba-kun announced, looking apologetic as he cast a glance toward the passed out duo.
“Sure, you can, Aiba-kun. We will take care of these two.” Sho-kun smiled as he stand up from his seat. “I will take you out. Matsumoto-kun, would you mind waiting for a while by yourself ? I will call a waiter on my way out to get you the bill. I will return immediately after I send Aiba-kun out. After that, we can leave as well.”
“Sure.” I nodded my head, readying my wallet in the process.
I was tempted to escort Aiba-kun out as well. Or, asking for an exchange so that Sho-kun will be the one waiting instead. But seeing the two faces, I feel like it was not my place to interrupt. And so I let them out. I decided to have another questionaire session the next time. For now, I will stay here and wait for the bill like the good host I am.
I wish I didn’t.
~End Of Chapter 4~
Author :
zeon_avalanthe
Rating : G
Genre : Angst ; Friendship
Pairing : Gen
Disclaimer : Everyone knows that I don't own any of those boys, sadly.. And title is shamelessly taken from one of Nino's solo.. You'll know why..
Summary : It was a normal day with their last concert of this year's tour to come.. But why Aiba suddenly say he wants to quit Arashi ?
~Chapter 4~
Jun’s Side
I simply thought that Aiba-chan was coping up the first two months after quitting. And when he showed up on Nino’s birthday, I believed that finally the five of us are whole once again, that things will return to normal now that Aiba-chan is back.
Of course, I do realize that by being normal, it doesn’t mean that Aiba-chan will return to Arashi. That just doesn’t happen. But at the very least, we’re returning to being friends again. And I slightly hope that Aiba-chan will keep in contact from now on like we used to.
But it appears to be not the case. After that one night on Nino’s birthday, Aiba disappears once again. And whenever one of us tried to get a hold of him, sending him mails and even giving him a call, none of them seem to have reached the man. We’re on the verge of giving up. Well, at least Sho-san and Nino did. I still send him mails from time to time, and I know that Riida always sent him meaningless mails every now and then.
It’s worrying, really. The man had disappeared as if he never exist. And when I tried to visit his house once, I was told that he has moved out months ago. I told the others and we concluded that perhaps Aiba had returned to his hometown in Chiba. But when Nino showed up one day after two off days, he looked troubled when he said that he had visited Aiba’s home in Chiba and was told that the man was currently out doing some errands and won’t be home in a couple of days.
But what troubled Nino was not that. It was the fact that Aiba’s mother looked so nervous when she told him the news. Nino felt the woman is hiding something from him, but he can’t bring himself to reprimand her because she looked so worn out. Nino might be a sarcastic brat, but he still has his conscience.
We then decided that we will ask Aiba about this on my birthday. Despite everything, the man had promised us that he will turn up at least on our birthdays, and we just know that he will keep his words. We decided that we will believe in him.
***
The promised day had finally come, and I feel as nervous as hell for a whole different reason. The four of us had sent an e-mail to Aiba about our meeting time and place, hoping that Aiba is still reading his mails somehow and get the message.
When I arrived at the meeting place, I found Sho-kun already waiting. It seems like I’m not the only person who is anxious and ended up showing up a tad bit earlier. Riida and Nino arrived not long after, and we chat for a bit to lessen the tension.
We haven’t ordered anything yet and it’s already 15 minutes after the promised time. I look around me and found similar expression on the other three. We are disappointed, because for once, Aiba didn’t show up. And to think that I’ve made a list of questions I want to ask him, too.
I sigh as I decided that we shouldn’t waste the reservation we’ve made, and is about to make an order when I heard rushing footsteps from behind me. And as I turned around, I find a flushed Aiba coming our way.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” The man apologized as he casually sat on the opening between Sho-kun and Nino. “Dad was being extra careful so he drove extra slowly for a reason. I told him I’m running late already but he wouldn’t budge.”
The feeling of relief was suddenly washed away at Aiba-chan’s words.
“Your father drove you here ?” It was Nino who asked him.
“Yeah.” Aiba nodded as he gulped down the water in front of him, which belongs to Sho-kun, by the way.
“What are you ? A ten years old ?” Nino asked again, an incredulous look on his face.
Aiba-chan shrug. “Dad has things to do around here, so he offered to take me here so it would be more convinient. I don’t see a reason why I should decline his offer.”
“How will you return home then ?” Ohno-kun asked him this time.
“Dad will pick me up.” Aiba said, drowning another glass of water, Nino’s this time. “He said his meeting will take a while, so we might as well drive back together.”
“You can only stay until your Father is done with his business then ?” Sho-san talked up, hint of disappointment in his voice.
“Dad told me to take as long as I need to.” Aiba beamed. “So let’s keep him waiting for as long as we can, everyone ! It’s party time tonight !” He added the last sentence in accented English.
I had meaning to ask, I really did. But I was dragged along to the flow of the party and didn’t really have the chance to ask. But I decided to wait. And that was why I hold myself back from drinking too much beer to keep my head clear. I will keep this conversation for the last, I thought to myself.
Aiba-chan, did not order a single cup of beer again tonight. Instead, he kept on asking for more mineral water that the waiter gave him a big jug of fresh water. The party went on smoothly, and I noticed Sho-kun stealing glances at me every once in a while. Judging from his traits this night, I’m sure he has the same intention as I am.
Nino and Ohno-kun are practically sleeping now, and I watch as Aiba-kun looking at his phone, wondering if his Father already told him to get ready. I throw one last look at Sho-kun who nodded encouragingly at me before clearing my throat, grabbing the tallest’s attention to me.
“Say, Aiba-kun, where have you been this past few months ?” I started off.
Aiba-kun smiled at me, face frowning slightly at my question. “Where, you ask. I was always around my home.” Said Aiba-kun lightly.
“I visited your home a couple of weeks ago. Your neigbor told me you’ve moved out since long. Why didn’t you tell any of us ?” I asked again.
“Ah,” Aiba-kun gave an apologetic smile. “I’ve moved back to Chiba. My parents think, that now I no longer have a reason to stay in Tokyo, I might as well return to our home for good. I’m sorry I haven’t told you. It was not that important so it always slipped off my mind.”
“What are you doing now ? You know, after quitting Arashi, you must have had some plan to follow, right ?” I prod further, watching Aiba-kun’s facial expression as I do so.
“Yeah.” Aiba-kun said, his face sad for a split second. “Just doing some normal stuffs now.”
“What is it ? We’re curious, you know.” I try.
“It’s nothing important.” Aiba-kun shrug as he sipped into his glass. “Nothing worth mentioning.”
“It’s about our bestfriend, of course it’s important !” I raise my voice in a cheerful tone, trying to take the conversation lightly. “And beside, Nino told us that you weren’t home when he visited your house in Chiba sometimes back. Your mother told him that you were on an errands. She didn’t tell him what and we’re curious.”
“Just some small things, I assure you.” Aiba giggled. “I’m not doing illegal jobs like smuggling drugs or joining a yakuza just so you know.”
“And we would like to know what that small things are, Aiba-kun.” I pushed. I know Aiba-kun is most probably feeling uncomfortable right now, but I just need to know. But as I look at Aiba-kun’s face, I know that perhaps, now is not a good time after all. “At the very least, can you please stay in contact with us ? We’re worried, Aiba-kun. And we want you to send us meaningless mails like you used to do. You might be not a part of Arashi anymore now, but you’re still our friends.”
“I know.” Aiba-kun said, voice so strained I thought he was about to cry. “I, I’ll try, okay ? I’m not sure if I can for a long time, but I’ll try anyway.” He closed his eyes and sighed. The sight in front of me now, is so unlike Aiba-kun. “And I’m sorry, for a lot of things.”
“You don’t have to, you know that ?” It’s Sho-kun who said this to Aiba-kun. “It’s not like we’re blaming you for anything, Aiba-kun. We’ll wait until you’re ready.”
I frown. It seems like that Sho-kun knows more than we do. But I decided not to pry. At least not now. I’ll ask him about this tomorrow. Just the two of us.
“By the way, Jun-chan, I’ve watched your latest drama~ As expected, Jun-chan is cool as always ! I always love Jun-chan in his drama, especially romance drama.” Aiba-kun suddenly changed the conversation, beaming widely as he said so.
“Really ? Thanks.” I thanked him curtly, not really getting into the conversation.
“Oh, by the way, my Dad is already waiting. And it’s this late already. Is it okay if I leave first ?” Aiba-kun announced, looking apologetic as he cast a glance toward the passed out duo.
“Sure, you can, Aiba-kun. We will take care of these two.” Sho-kun smiled as he stand up from his seat. “I will take you out. Matsumoto-kun, would you mind waiting for a while by yourself ? I will call a waiter on my way out to get you the bill. I will return immediately after I send Aiba-kun out. After that, we can leave as well.”
“Sure.” I nodded my head, readying my wallet in the process.
I was tempted to escort Aiba-kun out as well. Or, asking for an exchange so that Sho-kun will be the one waiting instead. But seeing the two faces, I feel like it was not my place to interrupt. And so I let them out. I decided to have another questionaire session the next time. For now, I will stay here and wait for the bill like the good host I am.
I wish I didn’t.
~End Of Chapter 4~