[One-shot] What He and Music Taught Me
First I would like to say Happy Chinese New Year! The year of the rabbit!! Cute rabbit below. (^_^)
Since I had a day off yesterday and a day off today, I was able to write a one-shot requested by kaeda_chan .I hope this one-shot is okay. I know that you wanted something similar to my previous request one-shot but she's not an idol and not outgoing. So give her half of the credit!
This one-shot is very cute than my other one-shots I would say. Please enjoy this touching and cute one-shot. Oh I would like to mention that I used Arashi's "Be With You" as the lyrics. The first 2 lyrics that I wrote are the ones I composed. (^o^)
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What He and Music Taught Me
It has been 2 months since I’ve started to work like this… I never thought I would be doing this ever in my life but it has been tough, finding a permanent job that is.
It has been 3 years since I graduated from Waseda University. I received my bachelor degree under the department of music. I always thought someone would scout me and hire me to work for them but no one cared about me. I was a normal girl who could play music. I was never considered as special or extraordinary.
On the other hand, my older sister is currently studying music under a professional and famous violinist. She sends me her love through e-mails but I always envied her. She has the beauty, the brain and the personality of a perfect girl. She always outshined me through everything, from playing a simple Sudoku puzzle to having perfect scores on her tests.
My parents mostly cared about her so they abandoned me most of the time. I was always alone, either at home or at school. No one ever notices me for who I am. My nickname in high school was ‘Hiromi-chan’s sister’ or ‘the girl related to Hiromi-chan’. I’m always hiding behind my sister’s shadow.
I always wanted to beat my sister and that was through music. I love music and it runs through my blood. My father was a famous producer back in the day and my mother was a piano teacher. They achieved their dreams through music and fell in love with each other.
But the only thing that separates me from my family is that I don’t like to talk. I’m quiet and shy. I like to write and compose music in my spare time and never ever liked to share my music to anyone. Not even my sister or parents because I was afraid that people were going to laugh at me.
Up until that day, that is when I accidentally bumped into him. The man who inspired me even more to pursue through my love of music. Through my playing, my voice and my lyrics, he was the one who changed my life and made me realize that my music is important in my life.
~*~
“Honoka-chan, can you clean the toilets for me. The customers have been complaining about them.” A co-worker asked me. I smiled and nodded my head to her. Did I have a choice to say no? No, I don’t think so.
Currently I’m working at my part-time job at McDonalds. I never expected to be working here but I can’t help it. This is the only job that I have and with my luck with finding a good job, I’m grateful that I have somewhat of a job and getting paid for it.
I quickly took off my mic set and placed it on a shelf. Then I grabbed a bucket of water and a mop, along with a cloth and a spray bottle filled with a cleaner. I sighed as I opened the back door of the kitchen and walked towards the washrooms.
Sometimes the washrooms are just plain dirty and sometimes are just plain disgusting. With my half-hearted co-workers, they half-hearted clean the washroom so I’m usually stuck with cleaning the mess.
I opened the men’s washroom and noticed a man in there. I quickly closed the door and widened my eyes. My heart started to beat faster. I still wasn’t use to washing the men’s washroom.
The guy who was in there stepped out and took a glance at me. He snorted before walking away from the door. I rolled my eyes and peeked my head inside. “Anyone in here?” I shouted. Then I heard silence in the room so the coast was clear.
I placed a sign in front of the door before I push and took all the things inside. I tied up my hair in a ponytail and started to clean the urinals and toilets. Then I moved to the ladies washroom, which was surprisingly cleaner than the men’s washroom. Usually the women’s washroom is dirtier with toilet paper all over the floor and lipstick on the walls of each stall.
This was my life. I was going to be stuck making burgers, fries and any trans-fat foods. Also not to mention cleaning washrooms that people can freely use. No, I didn’t want this life but this was reality for me.
~*~
I stared out as people passed by the café. I noticed many people with different types of characteristics and personalities. Couples, gyarus, emos, stalkers, old men filled with dirty thoughts. Yes, Tokyo is filled with these types of people. Even though I hate to admit it but Japan is a weird place to live in.
I pulled out my notebook and wrote some memos about this weird city.
In this city that is filled with noise and chatter
Will there be a day when I’ll be able to forget you?
I smiled as I stared at my surroundings once more. This is the only place where I gather inspiration for my songs.
3 years ago I discovered a café very close to my workplace. I bought a cup of coffee and a small muffin, then sat on a chair that I still consider as special. The chair that I was sitting on in the café somehow always motivates me to think of amazing lyrics.
Even though their food is very ordinary, the seat that I always sit in is special for me. I always feel enchanted like there’s magic coming out from the chair. Even until this day on my days off, I would visit the café and sit down on that chair.
The leaves that were once green are now orange.
Will our love be the same as these short seasons?
I giggled quietly to myself as I re-read my lyrics. They were jumbled up but once I organized them, they’ll sound perfect.
~*~
“D, C minor and then E.” I muttered as I wrote down the chords for my song. I know how to play the violin because of my sister and the piano because of my mother but I always love playing on an acoustic guitar. Also I love singing ballads because it filled with deep emotions and feelings.
I started to strum my guitar and a beautiful melody was produced from my guitar. I smiled and I was proud of myself that my song may be a song that I want to sing.
“Are you a singer?” Someone came up to me. I looked at him and he smiled at me. I slowly shook my head and tried to hide my flushed face from him. He chuckled and then sat down beside me. I widened my eyes and tried to avoid looking at him as I tried to figure out my song.
I was in a park in Akibahara. I would rarely see anyone walking in the park and the environment in the park gave me the feeling of peace and tranquil. The trees that sway as the wind swiftly pass by them, the sounds of birds chirping, the flowers that give out a nature smell and the clear blue sky. These surrounding just makes me lose myself and focus on my music.
“Are these your lyrics?” He asked as he grabbed my notebook filled with my jumble lyrics. I widened my eyes and quickly grabbed the notebook out of his hand. I didn’t want anyone to see it. Flustered and still my face was flushed, I started to quickly pack up my stuff and started to run away from him.
“Matte!” I heard his voice in the distance. I didn’t want to turn around or stop for him because I was embarrassed and scared that he may laugh at my precious music.
~*~
Today was my day off and I decided to gather some inspiration so I headed towards the café. I opened the door with a huge smile on my face. I looked at my chair and I widened my eyes. There was someone sitting in it.
I sighed and dropped my shoulders. How am I supposed to be inspired when someone is sitting MY chair?
I walked towards the cashier and bought myself a cup of coffee and a small slice of cake. I sat somewhere near my spot, hoping that the person will leave the café soon and then I can sit there.
30 minutes later with 2 re-fills of coffee and a clean plate; the person who was sitting my chair did not even move an inch. He was sitting there and staring at the people who walked by. I was furious that this person was still sitting my chair. Only if I entered the café a bit earlier then I wouldn’t have this problem.
I sighed quietly and grabbed my jacket and guitar case. I guess I won’t be writing any more lyrics today, maybe next time. I left the café and started to head towards the park. Since I don’t want to waste my time with someone who was still like a robot, I might as well use this time to create a melody.
I sat down under a tree and took out my guitar from my case. As I strummed the keys on my guitar, I noticed someone approaching me. I glanced up to see it was the same guy who was sitting in my seat in the café. I widened my eyes and quickly lowered my head. Hopefully he won’t notice me.
As I strummed the chords and hummed along to the melody that I was trying to make, he sat down under the same tree as me and he was only a few meters away. I bit my lower lip and tried to ignore his presence. I didn’t want him to distract me.
“La, la la…” I muttered under my breath. Then all of a sudden, my fingers began to move by themselves and words started to spit out of my mouth. I was singing to a song that I just created.
Within the crowds of people rushing around
I felt sad and called out your name
The scent of the breeze that blew.
To the new season, see, the colors are changing
Because of your voice, your smiles, your everything.
I can open my eyes and walk on
No matter what our past may be,
We’ll share the future
That’s why I go to where you are
Tears slowly started to run down my cheek. I didn’t know what had happened. I was filled with so many emotions and my thoughts were endless. I was confused and distraught.
“That’s a pretty amazing song you have there…” He muttered and I turned my head towards him. He looked at me and started to laugh. Why was he laughing at me? Was there something on my face? Oh, that’s right. I cried so my eyes must be puffy and red.
I quickly scrambled in my pocket to find my handkerchief and then I found it. I wiped my tears away and hid my face from him. Why was he there? Was he a stalker?
He sighed and got up. I looked at him as he stood beside the tree. He was staring at something. I looked at what he was looking at but I couldn’t figure out what he was looking at. I slightly cocked my head and then noticed that he was looking at me.
He smirked at me before walking away and into the noisy part of the city. I furrowed my eyebrows and quickly wrote something down in my notebook. I figured out that I didn’t need to stare at the people at the café. I can find inspiration anywhere in the city.
~*~
I sighed quietly to myself as I found a spot on a bridge that was used as a walkway in Akihabara. Many people pass by here everyday so I wondered maybe if I play my instrument that I could make some pocket change.
I pulled out my guitar and started to play my melody that I created the other day. As I strummed the chords, I noticed some people putting some money in my guitar case. I smiled and began to feel confident in my music. I continued to play my chords when I noticed someone stopped in front of me.
“Ne, why are you playing here? This is our turf. You need to pay in order to play.” A husky voice said. I slowly lifted my head and noticed a group of yakuza in front of me. I gulped and quickly nodded my head. “Gomenasai.” I muttered. I placed my guitar in its case and closed it up. I was about to leave when the leader, well the guy with a cigarette in his mouth, grabbed my wrist.
“Itai.” I muttered as I felt my wrist was deeply in pain and it felt like it was going to be broken. All of a sudden, he threw me to the ground and placed his foot over my hand, crushing it until it went numb.
“Please stop. I won’t play here again!” I shouted. I looked around me and everyone was either looking at me or trying to pretend to not see what was happening.
He started to crush my hand even harder when I heard someone shout. “Hey! Stop there! We have some questions for you!” It was 2 police officers and they were blowing their whistles at the yakuzas that were in front of me. They quickly fled away and the police officers started to chase after them.
I held my hand that was crushed by the leader, it was badly bruised and I couldn’t feel my fingers. “Ah, itai…” I muttered as I tried to move it. “Daijoubu?” I heard someone shout to me.
I slowly looked up to see it was the guy who was stalking me. Why was he here?
I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t want to say anything because my hand is now unable to play the guitar. I can’t play my music anymore and I started to give up on music. Maybe music is not for me after all.
Tears trickled down my cheek and I was sobbing over the fact that music shouldn’t be a part of my life. I should give up and focus on finding a suitable job for me other than music.
Slowly a hand touched my chin and pushed my face up so now I was looking into at my stalker’s face. He smiled and cupped my face with his hands. With his thumb, he wiped my tears away and muttered. “Please don’t cry.” He had such a sad expression on his face. I don’t even know who he was but I felt safe to be around him.
“Who are you and why are you always near me?” I muttered as tears still rolled down my cheek. He made a small smile and took off his glasses and baseball cap. I slowly widened my eyes when I noticed that he was Ninomiya Kazunari of Arashi.
I felt dizzy and my head was spinning. Why was he here and in front of me? I slowly closed my eyes and fainted in his arms.
~*~
I slowly opened my eyes to hear a beautiful melody playing quietly. I smiled and turned my head to see Nino sitting graceful in a chair. He was playing with my guitar. His eyes were sparkling as they were looking out through the window. His hair wasn’t messy but it wasn’t perfect either. His hands were small but they smoothly slid across the strings. He was beautiful and picture perfect as I stared at him playing.
He slowly looked at me and I quickly turned my head before he noticed that I was awake and staring at him.
Nino quickly got up from his seat and sat down beside me. “I see you’re awake.” He whispered as he rested my guitar against the drawer that was beside the bed. I looked at him and slowly nodded my head. I covered half of my face with the covers and muttered. “Where am I? How did I get here?”
Nino chuckled and smiled at me. His smile was shining with radiance. “When you fainted, I called the ambulance and they told me that you fainted because of your hand. You’ll be fine but you’ll have a cast on your hand for a month.”
I bit my lip and removed my covers to see my hand was in a cast. I sighed and Nino placed the covers back over me. He was still smiling at me. Out of everyone in the world, why was an idol concern over me? Shouldn’t he busy with… being an idol?
“Why did you help me? You hardly know me.” I muttered and Nino glanced at me before he started to laugh. I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at him. Did I say something funny?
Nino took a breath and folded his arms. “You’re Sakamoto Honoka-san. The first person ever who has caught my interest.” I furrowed my eyebrows again. Caught his interest? What does that mean?
“Hm? What, I don’t understand…” I muttered and he said. “I first saw you at the park 3 months ago. You were playing with your guitar and composing a melody. It sounded so graceful and soothing. I was only passing by after buying a video game but you caught me interest. Then I found you sitting at the café writing in your notebook. You were always looking outside or writing in your notebook, so I started to wonder what you were doing. When I saw you again, you were doing the same thing and always sitting at that specific spot.”
I slowly nodded my head. I never noticed anyone looking at me like that. I was always off on my own so I never thought that someone could be watching over me.
“Then when you were at that park again, I discovered that you were writing music for your lyrics. You like to write songs and found inspiration at the café. So that day I decided to see what it was like, I pretended to be in your shoes and did the stuff you like to do. I tried to write lyrics at your spot but I couldn’t think of anything. Then I tried to compose a song at the park but I was worried that I was going to get caught. So when I saw you playing and your notebook open, I began to realize that your music is beautiful and should be heard. I wanted to ask you to consider signing up for a recording company but then I saw you in trouble and your hand that you play your guitar with being crushed.” Nino started to frown and I started to giggle.
“Arigato for worrying about me. Even though I won’t be able to play, I can still write music.” I said as I slowly got out from my bed. I walked towards the hospital window and opened it. I felt a rush of warm spring air breeze past me. I smiled and started to sing.
All the sadness that can be seen in your eyes
If you were to let that pain be wiped away
A far-off past and dreams that left you behind
I’ll make all of them come true.
Time passes, but something will always change.
We held eternity in our hands
So we can be stronger than anyone
Very soon one future will appear in this town.
Nino slowly widened his eyes as he listened to me singing. I couldn’t tell if he was happy or surprised. But this song I was singing him was to thank him for being there for me. He was the only person that I felt like I can trust to hear my music pouring out from me.
~*~
“Welcome to McDonalds. How can I take your order?” I asked and then looked up to see Nino in front of me. I widened my eyes and I noticed that everyone was pulling out their cell phones and looking at him. I heard some high school girls squealing, maybe even some mothers. Everyone was mesmerized by his presence. I almost lost myself in his trance before I snapped out.
“How can I take your order?” I asked him again. He slowly looked down at my hand and it was still in the cast. I had a week till I can take it out but then I would still have to wear a protector just in case.
“Your voice. I want your voice.” Nino blurted out. I furrowed my eyebrows and blinked my eyes a couple of times. What? What did he say? My voice?
“My voice?” I asked him. He chuckled and quickly came behind the counter. “I’m going to borrow her.” Nino said to my manager and grabbed my hand that wasn’t hurt. He started to drag me out of the store and into the busy and crowded street.
There were many people squealing and asking questions about me. I tried to hide my face from everyone. My face started to turn red and I was embarrassed that Nino was doing this to me.
“Ninomiya-san, where are you taking me?” I demanded an answer from him but he never replied. He just kept dragging me to somewhere.
After a few more turns and squealing, I noticed there was stage built up at the park where I first noticed Nino watching me. Then there was a white van and many people setting up for something that looked like a concert. “What’s happening?” I muttered. Nino turned his head to me and smiled. “You’ll see.”
Then he pushed me in a van where I saw 2 females with a big smirk on their face. They started to take off my clothes, do my hair and makeup. A few minutes later of torture, I was released and came out looking like a professional singer.
I looked at myself when I heard snickering and chuckling coming from some people nearby. I glanced to see Nino and his members were there. I gasped and stood frozen. “So you’re the girl that Nino has been talking about.” Matsumoto Jun said to me.
I couldn’t react or say anything back to him. I was shocked that I was in front of Arashi. Aiba waved his hands in front of my face but I couldn’t move. “Nino-kun, I think you shocked her so much that she’s frozen like a block of ice.” Aiba Masaki said and started to laugh.
Nino patted me on the back and I looked at him. “We’re doing a surprise concert here so you better not mess up. You’ll be up after us.” Nino smirked and then left with his group towards the stage.
I slowly nodded my head and repeated his words in my head. Wait, did he just say concert? And I’ll be up after them? No, this can’t be. I don’t want to see in front of people. I don’t want to be out of my comfort zone.
“Ninomiya…” I shouted but then Arashi walked onto the stage and it was too late. People started to rush towards the stage and screaming and shouting roared in the crowd. They were going to perform and I have no way out of this situation. There was high security around the staff and the staff might notice me leaving. I have no way of escaping. But why am I performing today? He didn’t even ask me for my permission… Why is he so sly and mischievous but yet, so caring about me?
I took a deep breath and stared at their performance. They were absolutely flawless and beautiful. Their dance moves and singing was amazing. Why couldn’t I be the one to perform first? If I failed then it would have been fine because then Arashi would have beaten me and I would be okay with that. I can’t live up with the expectation of being as good as them or better than them. If I fail, then I would be laughed at. My pride will be hurt and I’ll definitely give up on music.
Arashi finished their song and walked down the stage. Arashi patted me on the back as they walked pass by me and I gulped before I walked onto the stage. I noticed that Nino had a guitar in his hands. Was he going to play while I sing?
I quickly scurried towards him and asked. “Why are you doing this me? Why do I have to perform in front of a large audience? They probably came to see you guys.” Nino started to chuckle and stared into my eyes. “I thought this would be a good opportunity for you. But if you don’t want it then I can tell everyone the concert is going to be cut short because of you.” A smirk appeared on his face.
I frowned and folded my arms. “I don’t want to sing in front of a audience. I’m scared of what they will think of my music. I just want to keep my music to myself. I don’t even think my singing is that great too… I’m quiet and shy and people will think that I’m creepy because I write lyrics by staring at people pass by at a café.” I bit my lip and stared at the ground.
Nino sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Why are you afraid of what people say? How do you know that your singing is awful? You don’t let anyone hear it so they can’t make comments about you. Show them that you’re different. Express yourself through your music.” Nino smiled and pushed me towards the mic stand. Awful? I didn’t say that I was awful….
I stumbled and quickly grabbed the mic stand to find my balance. I tossed my head towards him and he was still smiling at me. I nodded my head once at Nino and cleared my throat.
This is my chance for people to hear me. My name is Sakamoto Honoka and I’m different than my sister. I don’t have to be in her shadow anymore. I can be myself and don’t have to hide.
The music gradually started to play and widened my eyes to notice that it was my song. The song that I sang to him… How did he get the notes for it? Did he arrange the music himself?
Two shadows lined up out of synch on the pavement
They stretch out as if they’re trying to snuggle together
To not be pulled along in the times of rush
We held each others’ hands
The crowd started to roar with screaming and smiles. I was happy and began confident in my song and singing. People are enjoying my song.
Your voice, your smiles, everything about you
Always for me and always because of me
No matter what past or future we may have,
We’ll feel them together.
And I will go to where you are
And I will always be with you.
After the song ended, I ran up to Nino and kissed him on the cheek. His face started to become flushed and he tried to hide his face from me. I giggled and smiled as everyone was having a good time. This was the first time that I felt like my music can be reached out to anyone.
Even though I’m quiet and shy and not outgoing like Nino. I can express my emotions, my feelings and who I am through my precious songs. I finally found a permanent job and that is to be a singer.
Since I had a day off yesterday and a day off today, I was able to write a one-shot requested by kaeda_chan .I hope this one-shot is okay. I know that you wanted something similar to my previous request one-shot but she's not an idol and not outgoing. So give her half of the credit!
This one-shot is very cute than my other one-shots I would say. Please enjoy this touching and cute one-shot. Oh I would like to mention that I used Arashi's "Be With You" as the lyrics. The first 2 lyrics that I wrote are the ones I composed. (^o^)
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What He and Music Taught Me
It has been 2 months since I’ve started to work like this… I never thought I would be doing this ever in my life but it has been tough, finding a permanent job that is.
It has been 3 years since I graduated from Waseda University. I received my bachelor degree under the department of music. I always thought someone would scout me and hire me to work for them but no one cared about me. I was a normal girl who could play music. I was never considered as special or extraordinary.
On the other hand, my older sister is currently studying music under a professional and famous violinist. She sends me her love through e-mails but I always envied her. She has the beauty, the brain and the personality of a perfect girl. She always outshined me through everything, from playing a simple Sudoku puzzle to having perfect scores on her tests.
My parents mostly cared about her so they abandoned me most of the time. I was always alone, either at home or at school. No one ever notices me for who I am. My nickname in high school was ‘Hiromi-chan’s sister’ or ‘the girl related to Hiromi-chan’. I’m always hiding behind my sister’s shadow.
I always wanted to beat my sister and that was through music. I love music and it runs through my blood. My father was a famous producer back in the day and my mother was a piano teacher. They achieved their dreams through music and fell in love with each other.
But the only thing that separates me from my family is that I don’t like to talk. I’m quiet and shy. I like to write and compose music in my spare time and never ever liked to share my music to anyone. Not even my sister or parents because I was afraid that people were going to laugh at me.
Up until that day, that is when I accidentally bumped into him. The man who inspired me even more to pursue through my love of music. Through my playing, my voice and my lyrics, he was the one who changed my life and made me realize that my music is important in my life.
~*~
“Honoka-chan, can you clean the toilets for me. The customers have been complaining about them.” A co-worker asked me. I smiled and nodded my head to her. Did I have a choice to say no? No, I don’t think so.
Currently I’m working at my part-time job at McDonalds. I never expected to be working here but I can’t help it. This is the only job that I have and with my luck with finding a good job, I’m grateful that I have somewhat of a job and getting paid for it.
I quickly took off my mic set and placed it on a shelf. Then I grabbed a bucket of water and a mop, along with a cloth and a spray bottle filled with a cleaner. I sighed as I opened the back door of the kitchen and walked towards the washrooms.
Sometimes the washrooms are just plain dirty and sometimes are just plain disgusting. With my half-hearted co-workers, they half-hearted clean the washroom so I’m usually stuck with cleaning the mess.
I opened the men’s washroom and noticed a man in there. I quickly closed the door and widened my eyes. My heart started to beat faster. I still wasn’t use to washing the men’s washroom.
The guy who was in there stepped out and took a glance at me. He snorted before walking away from the door. I rolled my eyes and peeked my head inside. “Anyone in here?” I shouted. Then I heard silence in the room so the coast was clear.
I placed a sign in front of the door before I push and took all the things inside. I tied up my hair in a ponytail and started to clean the urinals and toilets. Then I moved to the ladies washroom, which was surprisingly cleaner than the men’s washroom. Usually the women’s washroom is dirtier with toilet paper all over the floor and lipstick on the walls of each stall.
This was my life. I was going to be stuck making burgers, fries and any trans-fat foods. Also not to mention cleaning washrooms that people can freely use. No, I didn’t want this life but this was reality for me.
~*~
I stared out as people passed by the café. I noticed many people with different types of characteristics and personalities. Couples, gyarus, emos, stalkers, old men filled with dirty thoughts. Yes, Tokyo is filled with these types of people. Even though I hate to admit it but Japan is a weird place to live in.
I pulled out my notebook and wrote some memos about this weird city.
In this city that is filled with noise and chatter
Will there be a day when I’ll be able to forget you?
I smiled as I stared at my surroundings once more. This is the only place where I gather inspiration for my songs.
3 years ago I discovered a café very close to my workplace. I bought a cup of coffee and a small muffin, then sat on a chair that I still consider as special. The chair that I was sitting on in the café somehow always motivates me to think of amazing lyrics.
Even though their food is very ordinary, the seat that I always sit in is special for me. I always feel enchanted like there’s magic coming out from the chair. Even until this day on my days off, I would visit the café and sit down on that chair.
The leaves that were once green are now orange.
Will our love be the same as these short seasons?
I giggled quietly to myself as I re-read my lyrics. They were jumbled up but once I organized them, they’ll sound perfect.
~*~
“D, C minor and then E.” I muttered as I wrote down the chords for my song. I know how to play the violin because of my sister and the piano because of my mother but I always love playing on an acoustic guitar. Also I love singing ballads because it filled with deep emotions and feelings.
I started to strum my guitar and a beautiful melody was produced from my guitar. I smiled and I was proud of myself that my song may be a song that I want to sing.
“Are you a singer?” Someone came up to me. I looked at him and he smiled at me. I slowly shook my head and tried to hide my flushed face from him. He chuckled and then sat down beside me. I widened my eyes and tried to avoid looking at him as I tried to figure out my song.
I was in a park in Akibahara. I would rarely see anyone walking in the park and the environment in the park gave me the feeling of peace and tranquil. The trees that sway as the wind swiftly pass by them, the sounds of birds chirping, the flowers that give out a nature smell and the clear blue sky. These surrounding just makes me lose myself and focus on my music.
“Are these your lyrics?” He asked as he grabbed my notebook filled with my jumble lyrics. I widened my eyes and quickly grabbed the notebook out of his hand. I didn’t want anyone to see it. Flustered and still my face was flushed, I started to quickly pack up my stuff and started to run away from him.
“Matte!” I heard his voice in the distance. I didn’t want to turn around or stop for him because I was embarrassed and scared that he may laugh at my precious music.
~*~
Today was my day off and I decided to gather some inspiration so I headed towards the café. I opened the door with a huge smile on my face. I looked at my chair and I widened my eyes. There was someone sitting in it.
I sighed and dropped my shoulders. How am I supposed to be inspired when someone is sitting MY chair?
I walked towards the cashier and bought myself a cup of coffee and a small slice of cake. I sat somewhere near my spot, hoping that the person will leave the café soon and then I can sit there.
30 minutes later with 2 re-fills of coffee and a clean plate; the person who was sitting my chair did not even move an inch. He was sitting there and staring at the people who walked by. I was furious that this person was still sitting my chair. Only if I entered the café a bit earlier then I wouldn’t have this problem.
I sighed quietly and grabbed my jacket and guitar case. I guess I won’t be writing any more lyrics today, maybe next time. I left the café and started to head towards the park. Since I don’t want to waste my time with someone who was still like a robot, I might as well use this time to create a melody.
I sat down under a tree and took out my guitar from my case. As I strummed the keys on my guitar, I noticed someone approaching me. I glanced up to see it was the same guy who was sitting in my seat in the café. I widened my eyes and quickly lowered my head. Hopefully he won’t notice me.
As I strummed the chords and hummed along to the melody that I was trying to make, he sat down under the same tree as me and he was only a few meters away. I bit my lower lip and tried to ignore his presence. I didn’t want him to distract me.
“La, la la…” I muttered under my breath. Then all of a sudden, my fingers began to move by themselves and words started to spit out of my mouth. I was singing to a song that I just created.
Within the crowds of people rushing around
I felt sad and called out your name
The scent of the breeze that blew.
To the new season, see, the colors are changing
Because of your voice, your smiles, your everything.
I can open my eyes and walk on
No matter what our past may be,
We’ll share the future
That’s why I go to where you are
Tears slowly started to run down my cheek. I didn’t know what had happened. I was filled with so many emotions and my thoughts were endless. I was confused and distraught.
“That’s a pretty amazing song you have there…” He muttered and I turned my head towards him. He looked at me and started to laugh. Why was he laughing at me? Was there something on my face? Oh, that’s right. I cried so my eyes must be puffy and red.
I quickly scrambled in my pocket to find my handkerchief and then I found it. I wiped my tears away and hid my face from him. Why was he there? Was he a stalker?
He sighed and got up. I looked at him as he stood beside the tree. He was staring at something. I looked at what he was looking at but I couldn’t figure out what he was looking at. I slightly cocked my head and then noticed that he was looking at me.
He smirked at me before walking away and into the noisy part of the city. I furrowed my eyebrows and quickly wrote something down in my notebook. I figured out that I didn’t need to stare at the people at the café. I can find inspiration anywhere in the city.
~*~
I sighed quietly to myself as I found a spot on a bridge that was used as a walkway in Akihabara. Many people pass by here everyday so I wondered maybe if I play my instrument that I could make some pocket change.
I pulled out my guitar and started to play my melody that I created the other day. As I strummed the chords, I noticed some people putting some money in my guitar case. I smiled and began to feel confident in my music. I continued to play my chords when I noticed someone stopped in front of me.
“Ne, why are you playing here? This is our turf. You need to pay in order to play.” A husky voice said. I slowly lifted my head and noticed a group of yakuza in front of me. I gulped and quickly nodded my head. “Gomenasai.” I muttered. I placed my guitar in its case and closed it up. I was about to leave when the leader, well the guy with a cigarette in his mouth, grabbed my wrist.
“Itai.” I muttered as I felt my wrist was deeply in pain and it felt like it was going to be broken. All of a sudden, he threw me to the ground and placed his foot over my hand, crushing it until it went numb.
“Please stop. I won’t play here again!” I shouted. I looked around me and everyone was either looking at me or trying to pretend to not see what was happening.
He started to crush my hand even harder when I heard someone shout. “Hey! Stop there! We have some questions for you!” It was 2 police officers and they were blowing their whistles at the yakuzas that were in front of me. They quickly fled away and the police officers started to chase after them.
I held my hand that was crushed by the leader, it was badly bruised and I couldn’t feel my fingers. “Ah, itai…” I muttered as I tried to move it. “Daijoubu?” I heard someone shout to me.
I slowly looked up to see it was the guy who was stalking me. Why was he here?
I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t want to say anything because my hand is now unable to play the guitar. I can’t play my music anymore and I started to give up on music. Maybe music is not for me after all.
Tears trickled down my cheek and I was sobbing over the fact that music shouldn’t be a part of my life. I should give up and focus on finding a suitable job for me other than music.
Slowly a hand touched my chin and pushed my face up so now I was looking into at my stalker’s face. He smiled and cupped my face with his hands. With his thumb, he wiped my tears away and muttered. “Please don’t cry.” He had such a sad expression on his face. I don’t even know who he was but I felt safe to be around him.
“Who are you and why are you always near me?” I muttered as tears still rolled down my cheek. He made a small smile and took off his glasses and baseball cap. I slowly widened my eyes when I noticed that he was Ninomiya Kazunari of Arashi.
I felt dizzy and my head was spinning. Why was he here and in front of me? I slowly closed my eyes and fainted in his arms.
~*~
I slowly opened my eyes to hear a beautiful melody playing quietly. I smiled and turned my head to see Nino sitting graceful in a chair. He was playing with my guitar. His eyes were sparkling as they were looking out through the window. His hair wasn’t messy but it wasn’t perfect either. His hands were small but they smoothly slid across the strings. He was beautiful and picture perfect as I stared at him playing.
He slowly looked at me and I quickly turned my head before he noticed that I was awake and staring at him.
Nino quickly got up from his seat and sat down beside me. “I see you’re awake.” He whispered as he rested my guitar against the drawer that was beside the bed. I looked at him and slowly nodded my head. I covered half of my face with the covers and muttered. “Where am I? How did I get here?”
Nino chuckled and smiled at me. His smile was shining with radiance. “When you fainted, I called the ambulance and they told me that you fainted because of your hand. You’ll be fine but you’ll have a cast on your hand for a month.”
I bit my lip and removed my covers to see my hand was in a cast. I sighed and Nino placed the covers back over me. He was still smiling at me. Out of everyone in the world, why was an idol concern over me? Shouldn’t he busy with… being an idol?
“Why did you help me? You hardly know me.” I muttered and Nino glanced at me before he started to laugh. I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at him. Did I say something funny?
Nino took a breath and folded his arms. “You’re Sakamoto Honoka-san. The first person ever who has caught my interest.” I furrowed my eyebrows again. Caught his interest? What does that mean?
“Hm? What, I don’t understand…” I muttered and he said. “I first saw you at the park 3 months ago. You were playing with your guitar and composing a melody. It sounded so graceful and soothing. I was only passing by after buying a video game but you caught me interest. Then I found you sitting at the café writing in your notebook. You were always looking outside or writing in your notebook, so I started to wonder what you were doing. When I saw you again, you were doing the same thing and always sitting at that specific spot.”
I slowly nodded my head. I never noticed anyone looking at me like that. I was always off on my own so I never thought that someone could be watching over me.
“Then when you were at that park again, I discovered that you were writing music for your lyrics. You like to write songs and found inspiration at the café. So that day I decided to see what it was like, I pretended to be in your shoes and did the stuff you like to do. I tried to write lyrics at your spot but I couldn’t think of anything. Then I tried to compose a song at the park but I was worried that I was going to get caught. So when I saw you playing and your notebook open, I began to realize that your music is beautiful and should be heard. I wanted to ask you to consider signing up for a recording company but then I saw you in trouble and your hand that you play your guitar with being crushed.” Nino started to frown and I started to giggle.
“Arigato for worrying about me. Even though I won’t be able to play, I can still write music.” I said as I slowly got out from my bed. I walked towards the hospital window and opened it. I felt a rush of warm spring air breeze past me. I smiled and started to sing.
All the sadness that can be seen in your eyes
If you were to let that pain be wiped away
A far-off past and dreams that left you behind
I’ll make all of them come true.
Time passes, but something will always change.
We held eternity in our hands
So we can be stronger than anyone
Very soon one future will appear in this town.
Nino slowly widened his eyes as he listened to me singing. I couldn’t tell if he was happy or surprised. But this song I was singing him was to thank him for being there for me. He was the only person that I felt like I can trust to hear my music pouring out from me.
~*~
“Welcome to McDonalds. How can I take your order?” I asked and then looked up to see Nino in front of me. I widened my eyes and I noticed that everyone was pulling out their cell phones and looking at him. I heard some high school girls squealing, maybe even some mothers. Everyone was mesmerized by his presence. I almost lost myself in his trance before I snapped out.
“How can I take your order?” I asked him again. He slowly looked down at my hand and it was still in the cast. I had a week till I can take it out but then I would still have to wear a protector just in case.
“Your voice. I want your voice.” Nino blurted out. I furrowed my eyebrows and blinked my eyes a couple of times. What? What did he say? My voice?
“My voice?” I asked him. He chuckled and quickly came behind the counter. “I’m going to borrow her.” Nino said to my manager and grabbed my hand that wasn’t hurt. He started to drag me out of the store and into the busy and crowded street.
There were many people squealing and asking questions about me. I tried to hide my face from everyone. My face started to turn red and I was embarrassed that Nino was doing this to me.
“Ninomiya-san, where are you taking me?” I demanded an answer from him but he never replied. He just kept dragging me to somewhere.
After a few more turns and squealing, I noticed there was stage built up at the park where I first noticed Nino watching me. Then there was a white van and many people setting up for something that looked like a concert. “What’s happening?” I muttered. Nino turned his head to me and smiled. “You’ll see.”
Then he pushed me in a van where I saw 2 females with a big smirk on their face. They started to take off my clothes, do my hair and makeup. A few minutes later of torture, I was released and came out looking like a professional singer.
I looked at myself when I heard snickering and chuckling coming from some people nearby. I glanced to see Nino and his members were there. I gasped and stood frozen. “So you’re the girl that Nino has been talking about.” Matsumoto Jun said to me.
I couldn’t react or say anything back to him. I was shocked that I was in front of Arashi. Aiba waved his hands in front of my face but I couldn’t move. “Nino-kun, I think you shocked her so much that she’s frozen like a block of ice.” Aiba Masaki said and started to laugh.
Nino patted me on the back and I looked at him. “We’re doing a surprise concert here so you better not mess up. You’ll be up after us.” Nino smirked and then left with his group towards the stage.
I slowly nodded my head and repeated his words in my head. Wait, did he just say concert? And I’ll be up after them? No, this can’t be. I don’t want to see in front of people. I don’t want to be out of my comfort zone.
“Ninomiya…” I shouted but then Arashi walked onto the stage and it was too late. People started to rush towards the stage and screaming and shouting roared in the crowd. They were going to perform and I have no way out of this situation. There was high security around the staff and the staff might notice me leaving. I have no way of escaping. But why am I performing today? He didn’t even ask me for my permission… Why is he so sly and mischievous but yet, so caring about me?
I took a deep breath and stared at their performance. They were absolutely flawless and beautiful. Their dance moves and singing was amazing. Why couldn’t I be the one to perform first? If I failed then it would have been fine because then Arashi would have beaten me and I would be okay with that. I can’t live up with the expectation of being as good as them or better than them. If I fail, then I would be laughed at. My pride will be hurt and I’ll definitely give up on music.
Arashi finished their song and walked down the stage. Arashi patted me on the back as they walked pass by me and I gulped before I walked onto the stage. I noticed that Nino had a guitar in his hands. Was he going to play while I sing?
I quickly scurried towards him and asked. “Why are you doing this me? Why do I have to perform in front of a large audience? They probably came to see you guys.” Nino started to chuckle and stared into my eyes. “I thought this would be a good opportunity for you. But if you don’t want it then I can tell everyone the concert is going to be cut short because of you.” A smirk appeared on his face.
I frowned and folded my arms. “I don’t want to sing in front of a audience. I’m scared of what they will think of my music. I just want to keep my music to myself. I don’t even think my singing is that great too… I’m quiet and shy and people will think that I’m creepy because I write lyrics by staring at people pass by at a café.” I bit my lip and stared at the ground.
Nino sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Why are you afraid of what people say? How do you know that your singing is awful? You don’t let anyone hear it so they can’t make comments about you. Show them that you’re different. Express yourself through your music.” Nino smiled and pushed me towards the mic stand. Awful? I didn’t say that I was awful….
I stumbled and quickly grabbed the mic stand to find my balance. I tossed my head towards him and he was still smiling at me. I nodded my head once at Nino and cleared my throat.
This is my chance for people to hear me. My name is Sakamoto Honoka and I’m different than my sister. I don’t have to be in her shadow anymore. I can be myself and don’t have to hide.
The music gradually started to play and widened my eyes to notice that it was my song. The song that I sang to him… How did he get the notes for it? Did he arrange the music himself?
Two shadows lined up out of synch on the pavement
They stretch out as if they’re trying to snuggle together
To not be pulled along in the times of rush
We held each others’ hands
The crowd started to roar with screaming and smiles. I was happy and began confident in my song and singing. People are enjoying my song.
Your voice, your smiles, everything about you
Always for me and always because of me
No matter what past or future we may have,
We’ll feel them together.
And I will go to where you are
And I will always be with you.
After the song ended, I ran up to Nino and kissed him on the cheek. His face started to become flushed and he tried to hide his face from me. I giggled and smiled as everyone was having a good time. This was the first time that I felt like my music can be reached out to anyone.
Even though I’m quiet and shy and not outgoing like Nino. I can express my emotions, my feelings and who I am through my precious songs. I finally found a permanent job and that is to be a singer.