Behind it all - Chapter 6
2007 ~ Yamada Tarou Monogatari filming period
You stood there, paralyzed at what you saw.
There was filming equipment everywhere. Most of the members of the staff were scrambling around, doing their selected jobs before filming would start.
“Today’s going to be a pretty busy day,” Sho said.
“Yeah. Aren’t we always busy?” Nino said, acknowledging Sho’s comment.
“How do you find the set, ?” Sho asked you.
“Everything looks hectic to me,” you replied. “But I’m guessing that this is just a normal day to all of you.”
Sho nodded. “The previous filming days were more hectic though. Air guitar filming, armpit scene, all those running scenes… and that time when we dressed as princes and rode on horses.”
Your mouth fell in shock. “You did what?”
Sho grinned, amused. “Didn’t Nino tell you what we’re filming for?”
You sighed. “No, he didn’t.”
“Oi, Sho-chan,” Nino interrupted. “You’re the one at fault here. You were the one who decided to bring to the set today. She didn’t even agree to anything, but you kept insisting that she should come today.”
What really happened was that Sho sent you a text message, inviting you to come today. You didn’t know how to reply to a celebrity like Sho, so you played safe and accepted his invitation. He picked you and Nino up from the park, and drove to the set. Nino didn’t want to see it in this way, of course.
Sho laughed like a little kid. “What? I thought it would be nice to see her again. Plus,” he added, “This is revenge for all those pranks you pulled on us.”
“I don’t want to be involved in a plot for revenge,” you muttered.
Sho continued to laugh. He patted your back. “I’m sorry I got you involved. But believe me, you won’t regret this day.” He turned to Nino. “Tabe-san’s not coming today, she called in sick. At least we brought along. You and I know what you’re going to do today, don’t we?”
Nino grunted, “Shut up. Why are you here, anyway? It’s practically your day-off today.”
Based on Nino’s annoyed expression, you knew that Nino didn’t want you to see what he would film for the day.
A girl from the staff approached Nino. “Ninomiya-san, the choreographer has arrived. It’s time for your practice to start.”
Nino sighed. “I’ll be right there.” The girl walked away hurriedly. “Bye, . See you later,” he said, trying his best to smile. He left quickly.
Clapping his hands together, Sho said, “, you’re in for some big surprises.”
“What exactly are you filming?” you asked.
“A comedy drama. Yamada Taro Monogatari,” he answered. “It’s based on a manga. Please watch it. I’m sure you’d love it. And you’re about to see why.”
~
An hour later, Nino came out wearing a decorated top and black tights.
“Okay! Let’s get ready with Ninomiya-san’s ballet scene!” the director ordered.
Ballet scene?
Next to you, Sho was laughing.
Nino heard him and his head turned to look for his partner. “Oi, Sho-chan!” he yelled, embarrassed because he saw you staring directly at him. He muttered something and walked in front of the green screen.
“Let’s have one last practice scene before we start filming!” the director shouted.
“This is really embarrassing,” Nino whined with a shy smile. The staff, including you and Sho laughed.
“Ninomiya-kun, show them what you’ve got,” a woman’s voice said.
“Hai, sensei,” Nino replied.
After taking a breath, Nino started doing some ballet moves. He danced in front of the whole green screen. He was graceful.
When he was finished, the woman said, “That was a good one! You learn quickly. Too bad we didn’t film that one.”
“Get the cameras rolling, everyone. We’re going to shoot that part now,” the director said enthusiastically, obviously satisfied with Nino’s performance.
After the staff got ready, the director yelled, “Action!”
Nino did his little dance routine again, and he did better than his first time. He was more graceful now.
He finished that short dance easily. “You really learn quickly,” his mentor said. You wanted to approach him, but the director called his attention. “We’re going to shoot the Chinese scene next,” he said.
Nino hid his face with his hands. “Eh? Isn’t it too soon? That’s gonna be even more embarrassing!” he complained.
Sho said, “Don’t you find his hands cute?”
“I do,” you replied, giving a little nod of your head.
“And their soft too,” he added.
Before leaving, you looked at Nino looking back at you. He bit his lip a little and walked away.
“Guess what he’s going to do now,” Sho said.
“I don’t know. This drama you’re working on seems really unpredictable,” you said. “I think… I think he’d cross-dress or something.”
Sho wasn’t able to hold in his laughter. “Good guess,” he replied.
That’s exactly what Nino did.
A few minutes later… you could say his beauty stunned you.
Nino wore a bright red Chinese dress with a high slit, revealing skin on his legs. On his feet were oversized black pumps. His girl’s wig was a dark shade of chocolate brown. He held on tightly to a matching giant orange fan. The poor boy’s face was a deep shade of pink from all the embarrassment.
You heard Sho mumble next to you, “Woah… he’s…” He was trying not to stare at Nino’s legs.
“Sho-chan, I heard that,” Nino said, covering his face with the giant fan in embarrassment.
“Ninomiya-san… um, let’s start filming now,” a person from the staff said, blushing a little.
“Hai,” Nino said, slowly but cautiously lowering the fan. He took one shy glimpse at you before hurrying away.
Nino struggled to walk, wearing shoes that were too big for his feet and had high heels. He also had to stand on a platform that would rotate while the camera would record everything. “I forgot to shave,” Nino said.
You thought it was impossible that he didn’t shave because his legs were just…
Come on, snap out of it. Enough with these kinds of thoughts, you mentally warned yourself.
When shooting for that scene was over, the staff checked out the scene. Meanwhile, Nino took off his shoes and ran barefoot to the dressing room.
Nino didn’t come out of the dressing room in a long time. Either he had trouble trying to take of the dress, or he wanted to take his time. He most likely didn’t want to be seen.
When he did come out, Sho put on his wide chipmunk grin. “That was really good. You did great today.”
Nino scratched the back of his head. “I guess I did, even with all the embarrassment.” He crossed his arms. “Well, let’s all go home.”
Sho said, “Eh? Shooting’s over for today already? It’s only one in the afternoon.”
“Our director said I’m done for today. They’re going to shoot other scenes for the rest of the day.”
Sho clapped his hands together. “That means the three of us can go out for lunch!”
Nino’s eyes scrunched up. “I want to go home now. That’s what I want.”
“Oh, don’t be so boring. Even if you love staying at home, you should go out once in a while.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m out of my house right now.”
“I meant you have to relax outside.” Sho sighed. “What about you, ? What do you think?”
Because you didn’t know what else to say, you replied, “I don’t see why not.”
“Ah, that’s good then. Bye, Nino. See you tomorrow for filming.” Sho laughed a little, and then winked at Nino, which was weird.
Nino looked at a clock nearby. “Fine, I’ll tag along. I finished a game yesterday anyway.” Before the three of you were on your way out, he added, “By the way, Sho-chan. You fail at winking.”
Inside Sho’s car, you and Nino sat at the backseat. Sho looked at the two of you through the mirror. “Where do you want to go?”
“Are you saying you invited us to go with you but you have no idea where to go?” Nino said.
“You kind of remind me of Aiba,” you said.
Sho stopped the car. The stoplight was red.
“Do you watch us on TV?” Sho asked enthusiastically.
“Of course I do,” you replied bashfully. “I like watching your variety shows. I watch some dramas too, if I can.”
“It’s nice to know that someone watches us on TV, right Nino?” Sho said. His foot hit the gas pedal again and got the car moving.
“Of course watches our shows,” Nino said. “It’s because I’m in them.”
“Doesn’t be such a narcissist!” you exclaimed. “But then that’s what makes you Nino.” Your face went hot. “My friends say they like Nino for his bratty behavior.”
“Your face is all red!” Sho pointed out.
“It’s only because it’s awkward to talk about you guys when you’re here!” you yelled back.
Nino’s hand was on his chin, indicating that he was thinking. “I see. What else do they say about lovable me?”
“Well… they say you look young,” you replied. “Wait. I never said you were lovable!”
Nino let out a small laugh. “It’s already a given, . You of all people should know that. I know you do, but you just can’t admit it.”
“What do they say about me?” Sho asked.
“No one cares, Sho,” Nino said wearing a grin.
“You may look cool, but you tend to fail a lot,” you answered.
Nino laughed. “See? I told you you didn’t need to know.”
“You didn’t say that. You said no one cares,” Sho said. “Are you serious, ? People think of me as a failure?”
You shook your head vigorously. “No, no! It’s not like that at all. Everyone loves you for it, really.”
“That’s good! I’ll continue to fail for everyone!”
None of you still had any clue about where to eat, so Sho drove to an Udon restaurant. The traffic was horrible on the way, giving the three of you more than enough time to talk.
After eating lunch at the restaurant, you and Nino left the restaurant quickly. Nino didn’t want to pay for the bill as usual, and he decided to drag you along.
“Isn’t it kind of mean for us to leave Sho just like that?” you asked.
“Oh, it’s fine,” Nino answered.
You still felt uneasy. “I feel bad since he was really nice to me.”
Nino patted your back. “It’s alright. Sho wouldn’t get mad at you for something I’m responsible for. He never gets mad at me. And before we left, he was smiling like he knew this would happen.”
“It’s kind of weird for anyone to smile, knowing that they’d pay a bill.”
“Now I want to go home, and make the most out of my half-day-off,” Nino said.
“How are you going home? Are you going to ride a taxi?” you asked.
“I’ll have to walk. I didn’t bring any money today.”
How typical of Nino.
“How about you?” Nino asked.
“I’ll be walking too,” you answered.
“Please let me walk with you,” Nino said, shoving his hands in his jean pockets.
“Alright,” you replied.
You were able to talk on the way there, just like you did four years ago. When you reached your home, Nino shyly decided to go home. He probably remembered that he fell asleep back then.
Before he left, he said, “Please watch my drama!”
“Of course I will! After seeing you dress up like a girl? I can’t wait!” you replied.
“That was embarrassing! Bye-bye!” Nino ran away hastily, but you were able to catch a peek of his wide grin.
You recalled the time he came home with you. Nino’s angelic-looking face when he was asleep on your couch, the smell of breakfast when you woke up…
There was something he wanted to say. You made a mental note to ask him about it when you meet again.
A/N: Ok, how was that? :D I have some Arashi fic ideas, and 2 Gyakuten Saiban/Ace Attorney ones~ Must make this short so I can post this :P Comments are ♥ and ♫ to my ears!
I'll try to finish the next chapter. A storm typhoon attacked our country @_@ I ended up sleeping in school in a "haunted" part of the building with other students because of that! XD
P.S. Watch Yamada Tarou Monogatari to see this lovely lady over here! XD
You stood there, paralyzed at what you saw.
There was filming equipment everywhere. Most of the members of the staff were scrambling around, doing their selected jobs before filming would start.
“Today’s going to be a pretty busy day,” Sho said.
“Yeah. Aren’t we always busy?” Nino said, acknowledging Sho’s comment.
“How do you find the set, ?” Sho asked you.
“Everything looks hectic to me,” you replied. “But I’m guessing that this is just a normal day to all of you.”
Sho nodded. “The previous filming days were more hectic though. Air guitar filming, armpit scene, all those running scenes… and that time when we dressed as princes and rode on horses.”
Your mouth fell in shock. “You did what?”
Sho grinned, amused. “Didn’t Nino tell you what we’re filming for?”
You sighed. “No, he didn’t.”
“Oi, Sho-chan,” Nino interrupted. “You’re the one at fault here. You were the one who decided to bring to the set today. She didn’t even agree to anything, but you kept insisting that she should come today.”
What really happened was that Sho sent you a text message, inviting you to come today. You didn’t know how to reply to a celebrity like Sho, so you played safe and accepted his invitation. He picked you and Nino up from the park, and drove to the set. Nino didn’t want to see it in this way, of course.
Sho laughed like a little kid. “What? I thought it would be nice to see her again. Plus,” he added, “This is revenge for all those pranks you pulled on us.”
“I don’t want to be involved in a plot for revenge,” you muttered.
Sho continued to laugh. He patted your back. “I’m sorry I got you involved. But believe me, you won’t regret this day.” He turned to Nino. “Tabe-san’s not coming today, she called in sick. At least we brought along. You and I know what you’re going to do today, don’t we?”
Nino grunted, “Shut up. Why are you here, anyway? It’s practically your day-off today.”
Based on Nino’s annoyed expression, you knew that Nino didn’t want you to see what he would film for the day.
A girl from the staff approached Nino. “Ninomiya-san, the choreographer has arrived. It’s time for your practice to start.”
Nino sighed. “I’ll be right there.” The girl walked away hurriedly. “Bye, . See you later,” he said, trying his best to smile. He left quickly.
Clapping his hands together, Sho said, “, you’re in for some big surprises.”
“What exactly are you filming?” you asked.
“A comedy drama. Yamada Taro Monogatari,” he answered. “It’s based on a manga. Please watch it. I’m sure you’d love it. And you’re about to see why.”
~
An hour later, Nino came out wearing a decorated top and black tights.
“Okay! Let’s get ready with Ninomiya-san’s ballet scene!” the director ordered.
Ballet scene?
Next to you, Sho was laughing.
Nino heard him and his head turned to look for his partner. “Oi, Sho-chan!” he yelled, embarrassed because he saw you staring directly at him. He muttered something and walked in front of the green screen.
“Let’s have one last practice scene before we start filming!” the director shouted.
“This is really embarrassing,” Nino whined with a shy smile. The staff, including you and Sho laughed.
“Ninomiya-kun, show them what you’ve got,” a woman’s voice said.
“Hai, sensei,” Nino replied.
After taking a breath, Nino started doing some ballet moves. He danced in front of the whole green screen. He was graceful.
When he was finished, the woman said, “That was a good one! You learn quickly. Too bad we didn’t film that one.”
“Get the cameras rolling, everyone. We’re going to shoot that part now,” the director said enthusiastically, obviously satisfied with Nino’s performance.
After the staff got ready, the director yelled, “Action!”
Nino did his little dance routine again, and he did better than his first time. He was more graceful now.
He finished that short dance easily. “You really learn quickly,” his mentor said. You wanted to approach him, but the director called his attention. “We’re going to shoot the Chinese scene next,” he said.
Nino hid his face with his hands. “Eh? Isn’t it too soon? That’s gonna be even more embarrassing!” he complained.
Sho said, “Don’t you find his hands cute?”
“I do,” you replied, giving a little nod of your head.
“And their soft too,” he added.
Before leaving, you looked at Nino looking back at you. He bit his lip a little and walked away.
“Guess what he’s going to do now,” Sho said.
“I don’t know. This drama you’re working on seems really unpredictable,” you said. “I think… I think he’d cross-dress or something.”
Sho wasn’t able to hold in his laughter. “Good guess,” he replied.
That’s exactly what Nino did.
A few minutes later… you could say his beauty stunned you.
Nino wore a bright red Chinese dress with a high slit, revealing skin on his legs. On his feet were oversized black pumps. His girl’s wig was a dark shade of chocolate brown. He held on tightly to a matching giant orange fan. The poor boy’s face was a deep shade of pink from all the embarrassment.
You heard Sho mumble next to you, “Woah… he’s…” He was trying not to stare at Nino’s legs.
“Sho-chan, I heard that,” Nino said, covering his face with the giant fan in embarrassment.
“Ninomiya-san… um, let’s start filming now,” a person from the staff said, blushing a little.
“Hai,” Nino said, slowly but cautiously lowering the fan. He took one shy glimpse at you before hurrying away.
Nino struggled to walk, wearing shoes that were too big for his feet and had high heels. He also had to stand on a platform that would rotate while the camera would record everything. “I forgot to shave,” Nino said.
You thought it was impossible that he didn’t shave because his legs were just…
Come on, snap out of it. Enough with these kinds of thoughts, you mentally warned yourself.
When shooting for that scene was over, the staff checked out the scene. Meanwhile, Nino took off his shoes and ran barefoot to the dressing room.
Nino didn’t come out of the dressing room in a long time. Either he had trouble trying to take of the dress, or he wanted to take his time. He most likely didn’t want to be seen.
When he did come out, Sho put on his wide chipmunk grin. “That was really good. You did great today.”
Nino scratched the back of his head. “I guess I did, even with all the embarrassment.” He crossed his arms. “Well, let’s all go home.”
Sho said, “Eh? Shooting’s over for today already? It’s only one in the afternoon.”
“Our director said I’m done for today. They’re going to shoot other scenes for the rest of the day.”
Sho clapped his hands together. “That means the three of us can go out for lunch!”
Nino’s eyes scrunched up. “I want to go home now. That’s what I want.”
“Oh, don’t be so boring. Even if you love staying at home, you should go out once in a while.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m out of my house right now.”
“I meant you have to relax outside.” Sho sighed. “What about you, ? What do you think?”
Because you didn’t know what else to say, you replied, “I don’t see why not.”
“Ah, that’s good then. Bye, Nino. See you tomorrow for filming.” Sho laughed a little, and then winked at Nino, which was weird.
Nino looked at a clock nearby. “Fine, I’ll tag along. I finished a game yesterday anyway.” Before the three of you were on your way out, he added, “By the way, Sho-chan. You fail at winking.”
Inside Sho’s car, you and Nino sat at the backseat. Sho looked at the two of you through the mirror. “Where do you want to go?”
“Are you saying you invited us to go with you but you have no idea where to go?” Nino said.
“You kind of remind me of Aiba,” you said.
Sho stopped the car. The stoplight was red.
“Do you watch us on TV?” Sho asked enthusiastically.
“Of course I do,” you replied bashfully. “I like watching your variety shows. I watch some dramas too, if I can.”
“It’s nice to know that someone watches us on TV, right Nino?” Sho said. His foot hit the gas pedal again and got the car moving.
“Of course watches our shows,” Nino said. “It’s because I’m in them.”
“Doesn’t be such a narcissist!” you exclaimed. “But then that’s what makes you Nino.” Your face went hot. “My friends say they like Nino for his bratty behavior.”
“Your face is all red!” Sho pointed out.
“It’s only because it’s awkward to talk about you guys when you’re here!” you yelled back.
Nino’s hand was on his chin, indicating that he was thinking. “I see. What else do they say about lovable me?”
“Well… they say you look young,” you replied. “Wait. I never said you were lovable!”
Nino let out a small laugh. “It’s already a given, . You of all people should know that. I know you do, but you just can’t admit it.”
“What do they say about me?” Sho asked.
“No one cares, Sho,” Nino said wearing a grin.
“You may look cool, but you tend to fail a lot,” you answered.
Nino laughed. “See? I told you you didn’t need to know.”
“You didn’t say that. You said no one cares,” Sho said. “Are you serious, ? People think of me as a failure?”
You shook your head vigorously. “No, no! It’s not like that at all. Everyone loves you for it, really.”
“That’s good! I’ll continue to fail for everyone!”
None of you still had any clue about where to eat, so Sho drove to an Udon restaurant. The traffic was horrible on the way, giving the three of you more than enough time to talk.
After eating lunch at the restaurant, you and Nino left the restaurant quickly. Nino didn’t want to pay for the bill as usual, and he decided to drag you along.
“Isn’t it kind of mean for us to leave Sho just like that?” you asked.
“Oh, it’s fine,” Nino answered.
You still felt uneasy. “I feel bad since he was really nice to me.”
Nino patted your back. “It’s alright. Sho wouldn’t get mad at you for something I’m responsible for. He never gets mad at me. And before we left, he was smiling like he knew this would happen.”
“It’s kind of weird for anyone to smile, knowing that they’d pay a bill.”
“Now I want to go home, and make the most out of my half-day-off,” Nino said.
“How are you going home? Are you going to ride a taxi?” you asked.
“I’ll have to walk. I didn’t bring any money today.”
How typical of Nino.
“How about you?” Nino asked.
“I’ll be walking too,” you answered.
“Please let me walk with you,” Nino said, shoving his hands in his jean pockets.
“Alright,” you replied.
You were able to talk on the way there, just like you did four years ago. When you reached your home, Nino shyly decided to go home. He probably remembered that he fell asleep back then.
Before he left, he said, “Please watch my drama!”
“Of course I will! After seeing you dress up like a girl? I can’t wait!” you replied.
“That was embarrassing! Bye-bye!” Nino ran away hastily, but you were able to catch a peek of his wide grin.
You recalled the time he came home with you. Nino’s angelic-looking face when he was asleep on your couch, the smell of breakfast when you woke up…
There was something he wanted to say. You made a mental note to ask him about it when you meet again.
A/N: Ok, how was that? :D I have some Arashi fic ideas, and 2 Gyakuten Saiban/Ace Attorney ones~ Must make this short so I can post this :P Comments are ♥ and ♫ to my ears!
I'll try to finish the next chapter. A storm typhoon attacked our country @_@ I ended up sleeping in school in a "haunted" part of the building with other students because of that! XD
P.S. Watch Yamada Tarou Monogatari to see this lovely lady over here! XD