Flight 109 - Destination: First Love [Chapter 5]
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you all for your support for my second fic, inspired/story by yeppie. As usual, comments, inputs and criticisms are LOOOVE... And if you haven't read the previous chapter you can always refer to the master post.
The airplane icon marks the present time. 30 August 2013.
The cloud icon marks the past. Around the year of 2006.
「CHAPTER 5: SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR」
Hanazono Minako climbs up the stairs from the underground train station as fast as she can.
She passes by some stores and tries to catch a glimpse of how she looks like with so little of preparation to see the man of her dreams. Not bad, considering it only takes 15 minutes to figure out this outfit. A long wide blood red skirt, a white tank top and a flowery emboidered jean jacket. She doesn't have time to do her hair so she tied it up in a bun.
Matsumoto Jun has called her at 9AM in the morning, waking her up, telling her to come to a cafe in Shibuya where he is having a location shoot at 10AM sharp. He would only have 2 hours to see her during their break.
Minako is very happy that her chance to see Sakurai-san would come this soon. Even though clearly she has taken aback by the sudden call from Jun-kun this morning.
"Oi, Minako!" He muttered to the phone.
"Jun-kun?" Her eyes were still at close.
"I figured you just wake up. Oh.. And I think I will call you by your first name from now on since you took the luxury of calling mine without asking.."
"Huh?"
"Anyways you need to come by at 10 AM.. You know a manga cafe called Doki-Doki at Shibuya? We are having a location shoot nearby and only have 2 hours break.."
"10 AM as in one hour later?" And at a manga cafe? Doki-doki? He's an idol, isn't he?
"Well if you are not interested to see Sakurai-san I guess you don't have to come.." His sing-songy tone is teasing her again.
"I'll go!" She sits straight up on her bed.
"I'll mail you the address~! Ja!"
The guy doesn't even ask whether she can make it or not. And what's with the sudden plan, isn't it supposed to be a double date? Would Inoue Mao-chan be here as well? Would Sakurai Sho-san meet up with a girl in a manga cafe?
Especially one that looks like this. Perhaps this manga cafe would be one on the more glamorous side, if there's such thing, but the one that Matsumoto Jun meant is definitely your everyman, every otaku, 400 yen per hour ordinary manga cafe.
Minako takes a deep breath as she gaze at the sign in front of the cafe. She's in the right place. It would only be seconds before she can lay her eyes on him live!
She has taken a liking of Sakurai Sho ever since 2 years ago her brother's girlfriend, Ami-chan, who is an avid lover of the JE boys, beg her to come to this butai, West Side Story. She has watched the Broadway redention of it, multiple times and always have loved it, so she agreed to come and fall in love with the JE's version of Tony - Sakurai Sho.
Of course, she noticed the other performers such as Matsumoto Jun, Ohno Satoshi and Ikuta Toma whom Ami-chan is totally fangirling at, but she can't take her eyes off Sakurai-san. If being asked why, she would explain thoroughly of why she is infituated by him. First, it would be because of his brain, then looks, then his sense of humor. How the guy can have such gap between being so smart and talented, but natural and goofy at the same time.. She loves gaps. She loves contrasts.
Many people have describe herself that way as well.
Minako doesn't wait another second to pass by before walking into the manga cafe. She dials Jun-kun's number. It's weird that she doesn't feel this kind of nervousness the first time she met him. But now she feels nervous calling him. This gotta be because she can feel Sakurai-san's presence already!
"Oi, you're finally here?" He answers immediately after 2 rings.
"Yes.."
"3rd cubicle from the back."
He hangs up immediately. Either he doesn't have any phone manners, or he doesn't really like phone conversations.
A hand shoots up, waving at her direction from one of the partitioned booths. From the way the hand is accessorized with humongous rings and bracelets, she immediately knows whose hand it is.
Minako slips into the small booth that has two small couches and a table. Matsumoto Jun is sitting cross-legged eating up as much space as he can, greeting her with a nod.
Sitting right in front of him... is not Sakurai Sho-san.
Instead, slouching underneath a manga he is dilligently reading, is noone else but Ninomiya Kazunari.
"Eh?" Minako can't cover up her dissappointment. "Why him?"
Nino looks up from his manga and smirk at her whilst Jun scoffs at his expression, "Do wonders to your ego, eh?"
"Just see in the future when we are completely taking the world by our storm, she'll regret the moment she first met the famous Ninomiya Kazunari with just an 'eh' and 'why him'.." Nino gets back to his manga right after.
"Be patient, we're getting there, we're getting there," Jun mocks some encouragement.
Minako sighs and throws herself into a seat just beside Jun's. A bit too close that she brushes her shoulder to his. Acknowledging the unintentional touch, Jun repositions himself a bit farther from her. He pretends to reach out for a volume of the mangas Nino has in front of him and read the summary. Obviously failing at hiding a hint of unintentional nervousness.
"I'm sorry. Please, don't get me wrong, I love Arashi as a whole," she beckons at Jun, "But this guy here has given me false hope."
"You love Arashi?" Jun raises an eyebrow, still holding the closed manga awkwardly.
"Why so surprise? You prefer me going 'kya kya' on you guys?"
"That would be lovely," Nino mumbles.
Minako laughs heartily this time, "Well it's an honor to be able to meet you, Ninomiya-sama. I have always admired your work as an actor."
"Why, thank you," Nino smiles this time, finally putting down his manga to the table, and catches Jun a look, "I like this girl already."
Minako grins wide right back at Nino.
But Nino erases his smile right after, "But I must be honest with you. Your chance with Sho-chan. It's hopeless."
"Eh?"
"You're so not his type," Nino gives her a thorough look from head to toe.
"Excuse me?"
"You are aspiring to date him, aren't you?"
"Well.."
"For one thing, I know he wouldn't date his own fans. That's a written rule. You're in the FC, aren't you?"
Minako softly nods. Jun looks at her, but his mind wanders only God knows where, thinking. He doesn't say anything.
But Nino keeps bombarding her with questions.
"You'll get your chance to see Sho-chan with our help, of course. But I want to let you know first that it is impossible to date him, is that clear?"
"What are you guys? His love managers or something?" Minako exclaims. "Besides, I never say I want to date him. I just want to have a talk with him. I mean a real talk. A heart to heart one. Not some polite exchanges of hajimemashite and so on.."
"If you want to know him bit by bit, and if you can be patient for the time being, we can introduce you normally. Wait until we have somekind of a good timing when we hang out together and we can invite you.. And you should not tell him that you are a fan.. But to arrange a double date as soon as possible, a heart to heart talk.. Well, we'll need a special plan. This plan, though, would much weakened the possibility to date him. And as I have mentioned before, you are so not his type.." Nino points out a matter of factly.
Minako's eyes stare at the table, "I don't want to date him.."
"You don't?" Jun finally breaks his own silence.
Minako shakes her head, "No.. Well, I don't know.. It's complicated.. I mean, being a fan is complicated, isn't it? You feel like you know him so well, but on the other hand, you really don't. Feels so close, yet so far.."
The two Arashi members nod silently.
"I am not saying I've never imagine it because I have. But.. I think I prefer him knowing that I am a fan.. To support him.. Besides, what's the possibility of knowing him bit by bit?" Minako asks again, but her tone reveals that she might not need an answer.
"Sho-kun is a hard one. He takes a while warming up. It is best to wait until he approaches you first," Jun still answers anyway, in a soft voice.
"But with our plan, we can speed it up a bit. Of course, not without consequences," Nino says proudly. "So it depends whether you like to play with fire or not.. Knowing you for like 5 minutes, now, I kinda have a hunch that you do."
"Aren't you two also like to play with fire?" Minako can't help but smile.
The two youngest Arashi members look at each other and laugh.
"So what's the plan?"
---
Nino and Jun exchanges glances. They are having a break from a PV shoot and eating lunch. After hearing the plan, Hanazono Minako surely has showed a lot of reluctance. It is quiet a daring plan. But she has agreed on doing it nonetheless.
Well, if both of them can manage to do the first step smoothly and claim success.
Aiba Masaki and Ohno Satoshi are still eating along with the pranksters. They eat their ordered bentos on a long table.
Sakurai Sho has just finished his big lunch. And anyone who knows him well, would know that this is the perfect moment to try to catch his interest in anything.
Of course, both Ninomiya Kazunari and Matsumoto Jun know this by heart.
"Ne, Nino," Jun starts as planned, "Remember the girl I introduced you the other day?"
"Hanazono Minako, isn't it?"
Sho knits his eyebrows, recognizing the name.
"Isn't she the girl Oguri-san did double date with you, Jun-kun?" Sho falls into the trap so easily the pranksters almost crack up themselves. He opens his bottled water and drinks it.
"Yes.. Turns out she's a fan of ours. She wants to see Nino the other day so I introduced her.. But it is so touching.." Jun shakes his head. "Nino here, he cried himself to a pool of tears."
Am I trying too hard? Jun starts to wonder. But, oh well, what the hell.. It is now or never.
"She mailed me the other day, quoting the lyrics of Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi. She personally likes the song so much.. She says Arashi gives her strength. But I must say she's the strong one, you know," Jun recites his lines perfectly.
He has argued about this particular cheesy line with Nino. How can he say this in a serious tone without cracking up laughing? But Nino has pointed out that between the two of them, having Jun the one to say it would make more sense.
"What happened to her?" Ohno Satoshi asks. Clearly he has been listening in.
Jun and Nino exchange glances publicly, intentionally for them to see, for a good 10 seconds. 'Creating suspense' is the term Nino has used to describe this particular plot point.
"She was in an accident about a year ago. She would not be able to walk again for the rest of her life.." Nino mumbles flatly, as if trying to tone down the tragicness of what he is saying.
I have a feeling this would be a very, very bad joke, Jun mutters silently in his heart. But what is done, is done.
"Hanazono Shinobu's daughter, isn't she?" Sho knits his eyebrows, "I've never heard it.."
"Of course, they hushed up the press. It is a very private matter for the family. She just came back from Vancouver a couple of months ago," Jun softly answers. They've prepared for this.
"And that she dreamt of being a performer.." Nino shakes his head. "You should her her sing.."
"She has another dream already, though.." Jun adds again.
"What is it?" Aiba joins in the conversation with a soft voice, his eyes are watery already. He is always one of the most sensitive towards this kinds of things amongst them.
"Meeting us.." Nino immediately points out. Just a bit too fast.
"Then we should arrange it.." Ohno decisively jumps in as well.
Nino shakes his head, "Our schedule are nightmares.. I've asked them to allow her to come to this particular shoot, but it didn't work out.."
"I've asked her for a date tomorrow night, after my butai rehearsal," This is the punch line that Jun has. They've researched their own schedule. Only three of them will be available at that particular time.
"Ah, I can't tomorrow. I have a studio shoot for Shimura Doubutsuen," Of course, the pranksters have predicted this.
"Me too. I have a cast meeting.." Nino delivers his line perfectly.
"I am available," Ohno innocently says.
But the man of Minako's dream just scrunches up his eyebrows, as if thinking.
"Ah, I have a date, then," Jun smiles up to Ohno. Arashi's leader returns that smile.
"Sho-kun," Nino dares himself to say the reserved line. A reserved one because they don't know before whether they need to say it or not. And they actually did. And it is a risky move. The most risky one of all..
"Yeah?" Sho looks up to him.
"You are her ichiban. The one who gives her power to finish her degree with her disability, her role model.." Nino softly says. Jun glares at him. Jun thinks Nino should be more patient.
"Hontou?" Sho sounds more suspicious than touched.
Ah, yabai, Jun shoots Nino another look.
But Nino wouldn't be the prankster of Arashi if he can't pull this through. He wouldn't be the actor in the group he can't make Sho buying this.
Nino looks at Sho in the eyes, then sigh when he looks away. He shrugs and pulls out his DS.
Jun catches his plan and thinks fast, "It's okay, Sho-kun. She would be glad enough to see Riida."
"If you guys are still together when I finish my shoot, I'll go there as soon as possible!" Aiba immediately exclaims. Nino and Jun wants to hug the guy here and now.
This is the much needed spice.
He would fall into the trap now.
The pranksters feel so cruel now, but their plan will work. They just know.
If there is one known thing that Sakurai Sho couldn't handle, it is guilt.
"I'll go, guys," Sho makes his decision with a big smile. "Ja, Ohno-san is dating Jun, so I'll be her date."
Another point about Minako's dream man; When he is being nice, he is thoroughly sincere about it.
Jun and Nino feels like high fiving each other. But they just smile to Sho instead, as if thanking him.
Before the shoot started again, the two cruel pranksters exchange mails;
From: Matsumoto Jun
To: Ninomiya Kazunari
Just wanted you to know, your plan reeks.
Have a bad feeling about this.
From: Ninomiya Kazunari
To: Matsumoto Jun
I know right!
I am still human after all, I made mistakes.
Ashita wa ganbatte ne~!
---
God, I wish that brat is here, Jun mutters to himself.
He is in the car with Sho and Ohno on their way to pick up Minako at her place. Pulling out a lie like this hasn't been his favorite thing. And doing it alone like this, it is the hardest point.
That's it. I would never lie ever again. And I would never ask Nino for advice ever again.
If we see through the history of Arashi years after that, we would know that Matsumoto Jun did keep his first promise but not the second one.
But he still has to lie on their way. Ohno and Sho have been asking a lot of details about Minako's accident and current condition. Nino of course has prepared him a script, but still, he feels bad about doing this.
Why is he doing this in the first place? He is not one of those people who would happily do things like this, meddling in other people's business. He is not one who is generous about doing this kind of things to people he just met a couple of times before. And certainly not to a girl. And certainly not lying for her.
Is it her? Is he doing this because she asks him to?
They are finally arrived in front of her building.
Jun sighs at the next line he has to deliver, "It's unit number 24.. 2nd level.. It would mean so much for her if you are the one to pick her up, Sho-kun.."
Well, at least it wasn't a lie. But something stings inside his heart.
Sho nervously obliges without even protesting and lets himself out of the car. Jun stares at his back as he disappears into the building entrance, not realizing that Ohno has been looking at him all this time.
"You guys are lying, aren't you?"
Let's give it to Ohno Satoshi. The guy who doesn't even finish high school can see it right through them whilst the Keio boy himself is definitely buying it.
Jun is not even the slightest bit surprised. He has predicted this. Nino and himself have predicted that Ohno would be able to see right through them. If they have given him the time to think, that is. So much for their acting abilities, huh?
"It's for a good reason," Jun mutters softly, hoping that their leader would understand.
"I surely hope so," Ohno flatly retorts in a low voice.
Okay. We definitely have crossed a line. Jun curses himself as he hears his friend's tone.
But there's no turning back.
"Do you think a handicapped girl would pick this apartment to live alone?" Ohno surprisingly points out.
That's when Jun finally realizes what gives them away. It was not their acting. It was a very, very simple thing.
The stairs in front of her apartment.
Ohno shakes his head, "I thought at least you guys are better than this."
Sho and Minako have arrived at the front porch. Minako sits on a wheelchair wearing her red summer dress and white cardigan. A perfect outfit to be Sho's date, as has been briefed by the two pranksters.
Sho looks confused on how to bring her down from the porch. He scratches his head as Jun watches in horror.
Both Jun and Ohno at the same time gets out of the car to help him when Sho finally decides to carry her himself down the stairs. In his arms.
Jun feels another painful sting in his heart.
"Oi! Help me with the chair!" Sho hollers as he sees the other two members.
They hurrily oblige to the second oldest Arashi member.
When Minako finally settles back into her chair, she gives each of them a wide smile. Somehow the warmth of that smile gets into Jun's heart.
"I feel very thankful. You wouldn't know how much," Minako shyly looks up to Sho.
"It must be a pain to need help to get out of your own place," Sho stares at the stairs. Jun prays hard.
Minako shrugs with another smile, "My neighbors are angels."
"By the way, where's Inoue Mao-san?" She looks at Ohno. "Not that I am not happy to see you.. It's an honor. Hajimemashite. Hanazono Minako desu."
"Ohno Satoshi desu," But he doesn't smile back.
"Mao-chan changes her mind.." Jun puts his hands into his pockets.
"So you are now going out with Ohno Satoshi-san," If Minako feels Ohno's coldness towards her, she doesn't show it. She grins wide to the three Arashi boys.
But then she catches Jun's eyes when the others are not looking. The stare she gives him is certain.
She feels the exact same feeling he has.
It is regret.
Jun can't do anything but nods in apology. Minako shakes her head. How can he stands this? How can she agree in doing this?
As Sho stops pushing the wheelchair as they reach Jun's car, he gets himself ready to carry Minako to the car.
But then Minako stands up on her own. With elegance and regret.
And fear. Her under lip trembles.
Jun gapes in shock. This girl surely got some courage.
"I'm sorry, Jun. I can't do this," She shakes her head and daringly looks at Sho in the eyes.
The Sakurai Sho is now opening his mouth wide. He closes it again, then opening it again.
Jun counts from one to three for the much expected anger.
Sho narrows his eyes and hisses, "Nande?"
Here we go.
"Sho-kun, I am sorry.. She's your big fan and.." Jun tries to explain.
"You lied to me!" He totally snaps. Jun can't blame him.
"Sorry, Sho-kun.."
But Sho wouldn't let it go that easily. He looks to each of them in disbelief.
"Are you in this, too?" He turns to Ohno who just shakes his head.
"No, only me, Nino and her.." Jun touches Sho's shoulder. But Sho brushes that hand away as soon as he can.
"I can't believe you, Jun. I thought you are better than this!"
Minako tries to defend Jun, "Please! Don't blame him.."
Sho doesn't want to even look at her.
"I begged him to introduce me to you. He said it won't be easy so I agreed on doing this.. He was only trying to help.." She tries to reason. "Please let me apologize.."
Sho looks at her from head to toe, disgusted, "And you call yourself a fan?"
"I just want to have the chance to talk to you.."
Sho can't take it anymore. He pushes the wheelchair and let it fall to the ground with a big thump.
"Well, now you do! Different than what you have in mind, I suppose? Am I? What kind of Sakurai Sho that lives in your mind, huh? That I would laugh something like this off? Well the Sakurai Sho you have in mind is not me! You give my fans such a bad name! You girls will do just whatever to get whatever you want! Just be happy with that image in your mind forever because I wouldn't want to lay my eyes on you ever again! Now please, get lost!" He keeps raising his voice at her, pointing his finger to her.
"Sho-kun! That's enough!" This time Ohno snaps.
Minako is standing still.
Jun watches as a single tear rolls down her cheek, which she quickly wipes away.
When Sho finally turns and walk away, followed by Ohno, she still manages to let out a "gomenasai" in a low voice as she bows deeply.
At one time, Ohno looks back at Jun and gives him a look that says something like 'I'll take care of him, you take care of her'.
Minako slowly rises from her bow and get her wheelchair to stand up again.
When she turns to face Jun, she's already smiling, as if she wasn't crying just seconds before.
"Ah, yabai, ne! Even though the plan is stupid, you've helped me. Even though things are bad now, I hope you guys can make up. Domou arigatou gozaimasu!"
She bows to Jun this time. Jun is rendered speechless by her act but he can't take his eyes off her.
She pushes her wheelchair back to her apartment building. He follows her slowly from behind.
"You know what," She suddenly stops walking and turns to Jun again, "I'm looking forward to the day we can look back to this day and laugh heartily at our own stupidity."
"Would you stop acting?" Jun mutters in a low voice.
"Eh?"
"I said would you stop with the rollercoaster act!" He finally snaps, "If you want to cry, just cry, for God's sake!"
She smiles sadly instead, "I can't cry in front of an idol."
Jun scoffs, "I am a stupid idol."
"You sure are.."
"Nino is too.."
"He sure is.."
"You are a stupid fan, as well.."
"I am.."
Jun walks closer to her and pulls her into a hug, burrying her face into his chest.
"I'm sorry," he mutters to her hair.
She returns that hug, just as tight.
"I'm sorry too.." Another tear rolls down her cheek, but she just lets it go this time.
And even though everything has gone wrong up till now, the sudden realization comes as a complete surprise.
The two of them, holding onto each other like this, it feels so damn right.
Continue to Chapter 6
The airplane icon marks the present time. 30 August 2013.
The cloud icon marks the past. Around the year of 2006.
「CHAPTER 5: SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR」
Hanazono Minako climbs up the stairs from the underground train station as fast as she can.
She passes by some stores and tries to catch a glimpse of how she looks like with so little of preparation to see the man of her dreams. Not bad, considering it only takes 15 minutes to figure out this outfit. A long wide blood red skirt, a white tank top and a flowery emboidered jean jacket. She doesn't have time to do her hair so she tied it up in a bun.
Matsumoto Jun has called her at 9AM in the morning, waking her up, telling her to come to a cafe in Shibuya where he is having a location shoot at 10AM sharp. He would only have 2 hours to see her during their break.
Minako is very happy that her chance to see Sakurai-san would come this soon. Even though clearly she has taken aback by the sudden call from Jun-kun this morning.
"Oi, Minako!" He muttered to the phone.
"Jun-kun?" Her eyes were still at close.
"I figured you just wake up. Oh.. And I think I will call you by your first name from now on since you took the luxury of calling mine without asking.."
"Huh?"
"Anyways you need to come by at 10 AM.. You know a manga cafe called Doki-Doki at Shibuya? We are having a location shoot nearby and only have 2 hours break.."
"10 AM as in one hour later?" And at a manga cafe? Doki-doki? He's an idol, isn't he?
"Well if you are not interested to see Sakurai-san I guess you don't have to come.." His sing-songy tone is teasing her again.
"I'll go!" She sits straight up on her bed.
"I'll mail you the address~! Ja!"
The guy doesn't even ask whether she can make it or not. And what's with the sudden plan, isn't it supposed to be a double date? Would Inoue Mao-chan be here as well? Would Sakurai Sho-san meet up with a girl in a manga cafe?
Especially one that looks like this. Perhaps this manga cafe would be one on the more glamorous side, if there's such thing, but the one that Matsumoto Jun meant is definitely your everyman, every otaku, 400 yen per hour ordinary manga cafe.
Minako takes a deep breath as she gaze at the sign in front of the cafe. She's in the right place. It would only be seconds before she can lay her eyes on him live!
She has taken a liking of Sakurai Sho ever since 2 years ago her brother's girlfriend, Ami-chan, who is an avid lover of the JE boys, beg her to come to this butai, West Side Story. She has watched the Broadway redention of it, multiple times and always have loved it, so she agreed to come and fall in love with the JE's version of Tony - Sakurai Sho.
Of course, she noticed the other performers such as Matsumoto Jun, Ohno Satoshi and Ikuta Toma whom Ami-chan is totally fangirling at, but she can't take her eyes off Sakurai-san. If being asked why, she would explain thoroughly of why she is infituated by him. First, it would be because of his brain, then looks, then his sense of humor. How the guy can have such gap between being so smart and talented, but natural and goofy at the same time.. She loves gaps. She loves contrasts.
Many people have describe herself that way as well.
Minako doesn't wait another second to pass by before walking into the manga cafe. She dials Jun-kun's number. It's weird that she doesn't feel this kind of nervousness the first time she met him. But now she feels nervous calling him. This gotta be because she can feel Sakurai-san's presence already!
"Oi, you're finally here?" He answers immediately after 2 rings.
"Yes.."
"3rd cubicle from the back."
He hangs up immediately. Either he doesn't have any phone manners, or he doesn't really like phone conversations.
A hand shoots up, waving at her direction from one of the partitioned booths. From the way the hand is accessorized with humongous rings and bracelets, she immediately knows whose hand it is.
Minako slips into the small booth that has two small couches and a table. Matsumoto Jun is sitting cross-legged eating up as much space as he can, greeting her with a nod.
Sitting right in front of him... is not Sakurai Sho-san.
Instead, slouching underneath a manga he is dilligently reading, is noone else but Ninomiya Kazunari.
"Eh?" Minako can't cover up her dissappointment. "Why him?"
Nino looks up from his manga and smirk at her whilst Jun scoffs at his expression, "Do wonders to your ego, eh?"
"Just see in the future when we are completely taking the world by our storm, she'll regret the moment she first met the famous Ninomiya Kazunari with just an 'eh' and 'why him'.." Nino gets back to his manga right after.
"Be patient, we're getting there, we're getting there," Jun mocks some encouragement.
Minako sighs and throws herself into a seat just beside Jun's. A bit too close that she brushes her shoulder to his. Acknowledging the unintentional touch, Jun repositions himself a bit farther from her. He pretends to reach out for a volume of the mangas Nino has in front of him and read the summary. Obviously failing at hiding a hint of unintentional nervousness.
"I'm sorry. Please, don't get me wrong, I love Arashi as a whole," she beckons at Jun, "But this guy here has given me false hope."
"You love Arashi?" Jun raises an eyebrow, still holding the closed manga awkwardly.
"Why so surprise? You prefer me going 'kya kya' on you guys?"
"That would be lovely," Nino mumbles.
Minako laughs heartily this time, "Well it's an honor to be able to meet you, Ninomiya-sama. I have always admired your work as an actor."
"Why, thank you," Nino smiles this time, finally putting down his manga to the table, and catches Jun a look, "I like this girl already."
Minako grins wide right back at Nino.
But Nino erases his smile right after, "But I must be honest with you. Your chance with Sho-chan. It's hopeless."
"Eh?"
"You're so not his type," Nino gives her a thorough look from head to toe.
"Excuse me?"
"You are aspiring to date him, aren't you?"
"Well.."
"For one thing, I know he wouldn't date his own fans. That's a written rule. You're in the FC, aren't you?"
Minako softly nods. Jun looks at her, but his mind wanders only God knows where, thinking. He doesn't say anything.
But Nino keeps bombarding her with questions.
"You'll get your chance to see Sho-chan with our help, of course. But I want to let you know first that it is impossible to date him, is that clear?"
"What are you guys? His love managers or something?" Minako exclaims. "Besides, I never say I want to date him. I just want to have a talk with him. I mean a real talk. A heart to heart one. Not some polite exchanges of hajimemashite and so on.."
"If you want to know him bit by bit, and if you can be patient for the time being, we can introduce you normally. Wait until we have somekind of a good timing when we hang out together and we can invite you.. And you should not tell him that you are a fan.. But to arrange a double date as soon as possible, a heart to heart talk.. Well, we'll need a special plan. This plan, though, would much weakened the possibility to date him. And as I have mentioned before, you are so not his type.." Nino points out a matter of factly.
Minako's eyes stare at the table, "I don't want to date him.."
"You don't?" Jun finally breaks his own silence.
Minako shakes her head, "No.. Well, I don't know.. It's complicated.. I mean, being a fan is complicated, isn't it? You feel like you know him so well, but on the other hand, you really don't. Feels so close, yet so far.."
The two Arashi members nod silently.
"I am not saying I've never imagine it because I have. But.. I think I prefer him knowing that I am a fan.. To support him.. Besides, what's the possibility of knowing him bit by bit?" Minako asks again, but her tone reveals that she might not need an answer.
"Sho-kun is a hard one. He takes a while warming up. It is best to wait until he approaches you first," Jun still answers anyway, in a soft voice.
"But with our plan, we can speed it up a bit. Of course, not without consequences," Nino says proudly. "So it depends whether you like to play with fire or not.. Knowing you for like 5 minutes, now, I kinda have a hunch that you do."
"Aren't you two also like to play with fire?" Minako can't help but smile.
The two youngest Arashi members look at each other and laugh.
"So what's the plan?"
---
Nino and Jun exchanges glances. They are having a break from a PV shoot and eating lunch. After hearing the plan, Hanazono Minako surely has showed a lot of reluctance. It is quiet a daring plan. But she has agreed on doing it nonetheless.
Well, if both of them can manage to do the first step smoothly and claim success.
Aiba Masaki and Ohno Satoshi are still eating along with the pranksters. They eat their ordered bentos on a long table.
Sakurai Sho has just finished his big lunch. And anyone who knows him well, would know that this is the perfect moment to try to catch his interest in anything.
Of course, both Ninomiya Kazunari and Matsumoto Jun know this by heart.
"Ne, Nino," Jun starts as planned, "Remember the girl I introduced you the other day?"
"Hanazono Minako, isn't it?"
Sho knits his eyebrows, recognizing the name.
"Isn't she the girl Oguri-san did double date with you, Jun-kun?" Sho falls into the trap so easily the pranksters almost crack up themselves. He opens his bottled water and drinks it.
"Yes.. Turns out she's a fan of ours. She wants to see Nino the other day so I introduced her.. But it is so touching.." Jun shakes his head. "Nino here, he cried himself to a pool of tears."
Am I trying too hard? Jun starts to wonder. But, oh well, what the hell.. It is now or never.
"She mailed me the other day, quoting the lyrics of Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi. She personally likes the song so much.. She says Arashi gives her strength. But I must say she's the strong one, you know," Jun recites his lines perfectly.
He has argued about this particular cheesy line with Nino. How can he say this in a serious tone without cracking up laughing? But Nino has pointed out that between the two of them, having Jun the one to say it would make more sense.
"What happened to her?" Ohno Satoshi asks. Clearly he has been listening in.
Jun and Nino exchange glances publicly, intentionally for them to see, for a good 10 seconds. 'Creating suspense' is the term Nino has used to describe this particular plot point.
"She was in an accident about a year ago. She would not be able to walk again for the rest of her life.." Nino mumbles flatly, as if trying to tone down the tragicness of what he is saying.
I have a feeling this would be a very, very bad joke, Jun mutters silently in his heart. But what is done, is done.
"Hanazono Shinobu's daughter, isn't she?" Sho knits his eyebrows, "I've never heard it.."
"Of course, they hushed up the press. It is a very private matter for the family. She just came back from Vancouver a couple of months ago," Jun softly answers. They've prepared for this.
"And that she dreamt of being a performer.." Nino shakes his head. "You should her her sing.."
"She has another dream already, though.." Jun adds again.
"What is it?" Aiba joins in the conversation with a soft voice, his eyes are watery already. He is always one of the most sensitive towards this kinds of things amongst them.
"Meeting us.." Nino immediately points out. Just a bit too fast.
"Then we should arrange it.." Ohno decisively jumps in as well.
Nino shakes his head, "Our schedule are nightmares.. I've asked them to allow her to come to this particular shoot, but it didn't work out.."
"I've asked her for a date tomorrow night, after my butai rehearsal," This is the punch line that Jun has. They've researched their own schedule. Only three of them will be available at that particular time.
"Ah, I can't tomorrow. I have a studio shoot for Shimura Doubutsuen," Of course, the pranksters have predicted this.
"Me too. I have a cast meeting.." Nino delivers his line perfectly.
"I am available," Ohno innocently says.
But the man of Minako's dream just scrunches up his eyebrows, as if thinking.
"Ah, I have a date, then," Jun smiles up to Ohno. Arashi's leader returns that smile.
"Sho-kun," Nino dares himself to say the reserved line. A reserved one because they don't know before whether they need to say it or not. And they actually did. And it is a risky move. The most risky one of all..
"Yeah?" Sho looks up to him.
"You are her ichiban. The one who gives her power to finish her degree with her disability, her role model.." Nino softly says. Jun glares at him. Jun thinks Nino should be more patient.
"Hontou?" Sho sounds more suspicious than touched.
Ah, yabai, Jun shoots Nino another look.
But Nino wouldn't be the prankster of Arashi if he can't pull this through. He wouldn't be the actor in the group he can't make Sho buying this.
Nino looks at Sho in the eyes, then sigh when he looks away. He shrugs and pulls out his DS.
Jun catches his plan and thinks fast, "It's okay, Sho-kun. She would be glad enough to see Riida."
"If you guys are still together when I finish my shoot, I'll go there as soon as possible!" Aiba immediately exclaims. Nino and Jun wants to hug the guy here and now.
This is the much needed spice.
He would fall into the trap now.
The pranksters feel so cruel now, but their plan will work. They just know.
If there is one known thing that Sakurai Sho couldn't handle, it is guilt.
"I'll go, guys," Sho makes his decision with a big smile. "Ja, Ohno-san is dating Jun, so I'll be her date."
Another point about Minako's dream man; When he is being nice, he is thoroughly sincere about it.
Jun and Nino feels like high fiving each other. But they just smile to Sho instead, as if thanking him.
Before the shoot started again, the two cruel pranksters exchange mails;
From: Matsumoto Jun
To: Ninomiya Kazunari
Just wanted you to know, your plan reeks.
Have a bad feeling about this.
From: Ninomiya Kazunari
To: Matsumoto Jun
I know right!
I am still human after all, I made mistakes.
Ashita wa ganbatte ne~!
---
God, I wish that brat is here, Jun mutters to himself.
He is in the car with Sho and Ohno on their way to pick up Minako at her place. Pulling out a lie like this hasn't been his favorite thing. And doing it alone like this, it is the hardest point.
That's it. I would never lie ever again. And I would never ask Nino for advice ever again.
If we see through the history of Arashi years after that, we would know that Matsumoto Jun did keep his first promise but not the second one.
But he still has to lie on their way. Ohno and Sho have been asking a lot of details about Minako's accident and current condition. Nino of course has prepared him a script, but still, he feels bad about doing this.
Why is he doing this in the first place? He is not one of those people who would happily do things like this, meddling in other people's business. He is not one who is generous about doing this kind of things to people he just met a couple of times before. And certainly not to a girl. And certainly not lying for her.
Is it her? Is he doing this because she asks him to?
They are finally arrived in front of her building.
Jun sighs at the next line he has to deliver, "It's unit number 24.. 2nd level.. It would mean so much for her if you are the one to pick her up, Sho-kun.."
Well, at least it wasn't a lie. But something stings inside his heart.
Sho nervously obliges without even protesting and lets himself out of the car. Jun stares at his back as he disappears into the building entrance, not realizing that Ohno has been looking at him all this time.
"You guys are lying, aren't you?"
Let's give it to Ohno Satoshi. The guy who doesn't even finish high school can see it right through them whilst the Keio boy himself is definitely buying it.
Jun is not even the slightest bit surprised. He has predicted this. Nino and himself have predicted that Ohno would be able to see right through them. If they have given him the time to think, that is. So much for their acting abilities, huh?
"It's for a good reason," Jun mutters softly, hoping that their leader would understand.
"I surely hope so," Ohno flatly retorts in a low voice.
Okay. We definitely have crossed a line. Jun curses himself as he hears his friend's tone.
But there's no turning back.
"Do you think a handicapped girl would pick this apartment to live alone?" Ohno surprisingly points out.
That's when Jun finally realizes what gives them away. It was not their acting. It was a very, very simple thing.
The stairs in front of her apartment.
Ohno shakes his head, "I thought at least you guys are better than this."
Sho and Minako have arrived at the front porch. Minako sits on a wheelchair wearing her red summer dress and white cardigan. A perfect outfit to be Sho's date, as has been briefed by the two pranksters.
Sho looks confused on how to bring her down from the porch. He scratches his head as Jun watches in horror.
Both Jun and Ohno at the same time gets out of the car to help him when Sho finally decides to carry her himself down the stairs. In his arms.
Jun feels another painful sting in his heart.
"Oi! Help me with the chair!" Sho hollers as he sees the other two members.
They hurrily oblige to the second oldest Arashi member.
When Minako finally settles back into her chair, she gives each of them a wide smile. Somehow the warmth of that smile gets into Jun's heart.
"I feel very thankful. You wouldn't know how much," Minako shyly looks up to Sho.
"It must be a pain to need help to get out of your own place," Sho stares at the stairs. Jun prays hard.
Minako shrugs with another smile, "My neighbors are angels."
"By the way, where's Inoue Mao-san?" She looks at Ohno. "Not that I am not happy to see you.. It's an honor. Hajimemashite. Hanazono Minako desu."
"Ohno Satoshi desu," But he doesn't smile back.
"Mao-chan changes her mind.." Jun puts his hands into his pockets.
"So you are now going out with Ohno Satoshi-san," If Minako feels Ohno's coldness towards her, she doesn't show it. She grins wide to the three Arashi boys.
But then she catches Jun's eyes when the others are not looking. The stare she gives him is certain.
She feels the exact same feeling he has.
It is regret.
Jun can't do anything but nods in apology. Minako shakes her head. How can he stands this? How can she agree in doing this?
As Sho stops pushing the wheelchair as they reach Jun's car, he gets himself ready to carry Minako to the car.
But then Minako stands up on her own. With elegance and regret.
And fear. Her under lip trembles.
Jun gapes in shock. This girl surely got some courage.
"I'm sorry, Jun. I can't do this," She shakes her head and daringly looks at Sho in the eyes.
The Sakurai Sho is now opening his mouth wide. He closes it again, then opening it again.
Jun counts from one to three for the much expected anger.
Sho narrows his eyes and hisses, "Nande?"
Here we go.
"Sho-kun, I am sorry.. She's your big fan and.." Jun tries to explain.
"You lied to me!" He totally snaps. Jun can't blame him.
"Sorry, Sho-kun.."
But Sho wouldn't let it go that easily. He looks to each of them in disbelief.
"Are you in this, too?" He turns to Ohno who just shakes his head.
"No, only me, Nino and her.." Jun touches Sho's shoulder. But Sho brushes that hand away as soon as he can.
"I can't believe you, Jun. I thought you are better than this!"
Minako tries to defend Jun, "Please! Don't blame him.."
Sho doesn't want to even look at her.
"I begged him to introduce me to you. He said it won't be easy so I agreed on doing this.. He was only trying to help.." She tries to reason. "Please let me apologize.."
Sho looks at her from head to toe, disgusted, "And you call yourself a fan?"
"I just want to have the chance to talk to you.."
Sho can't take it anymore. He pushes the wheelchair and let it fall to the ground with a big thump.
"Well, now you do! Different than what you have in mind, I suppose? Am I? What kind of Sakurai Sho that lives in your mind, huh? That I would laugh something like this off? Well the Sakurai Sho you have in mind is not me! You give my fans such a bad name! You girls will do just whatever to get whatever you want! Just be happy with that image in your mind forever because I wouldn't want to lay my eyes on you ever again! Now please, get lost!" He keeps raising his voice at her, pointing his finger to her.
"Sho-kun! That's enough!" This time Ohno snaps.
Minako is standing still.
Jun watches as a single tear rolls down her cheek, which she quickly wipes away.
When Sho finally turns and walk away, followed by Ohno, she still manages to let out a "gomenasai" in a low voice as she bows deeply.
At one time, Ohno looks back at Jun and gives him a look that says something like 'I'll take care of him, you take care of her'.
Minako slowly rises from her bow and get her wheelchair to stand up again.
When she turns to face Jun, she's already smiling, as if she wasn't crying just seconds before.
"Ah, yabai, ne! Even though the plan is stupid, you've helped me. Even though things are bad now, I hope you guys can make up. Domou arigatou gozaimasu!"
She bows to Jun this time. Jun is rendered speechless by her act but he can't take his eyes off her.
She pushes her wheelchair back to her apartment building. He follows her slowly from behind.
"You know what," She suddenly stops walking and turns to Jun again, "I'm looking forward to the day we can look back to this day and laugh heartily at our own stupidity."
"Would you stop acting?" Jun mutters in a low voice.
"Eh?"
"I said would you stop with the rollercoaster act!" He finally snaps, "If you want to cry, just cry, for God's sake!"
She smiles sadly instead, "I can't cry in front of an idol."
Jun scoffs, "I am a stupid idol."
"You sure are.."
"Nino is too.."
"He sure is.."
"You are a stupid fan, as well.."
"I am.."
Jun walks closer to her and pulls her into a hug, burrying her face into his chest.
"I'm sorry," he mutters to her hair.
She returns that hug, just as tight.
"I'm sorry too.." Another tear rolls down her cheek, but she just lets it go this time.
And even though everything has gone wrong up till now, the sudden realization comes as a complete surprise.
The two of them, holding onto each other like this, it feels so damn right.
Continue to Chapter 6