CLASSMATES (23/?) part 1
A/n: Happy 11th year anniversary ARASHI!^^ Sorry for the very late update. I really dunno what happened to me, for past weeks I've been busy :C.. but they say. its better late than never^^ also, this was posted in smaller font so that i only have to split it in two parts. sorry :(
CHAPTER 23 +Shu-nen+
"Yume?" Shi got herself up to a sitting position. She wondered why she had been dreaming, if not, thinking about her past lately. Memories of Sho kept on haunting her, as if it was only yesterday since it happened. Not that she wanted it, but the least, she avoid herself be bothered by what happened 5 years ago; her undying love, which she realized just 3 days ago after listening to an ARASHI song. "Get a hold of yourself Shi, You can't be sidetracked, especially this day when you will be accommodating 5 grown men as your visitors" she thought, and recalled the incident yesterday that had gotten her to say "yes" to Ohno's request.
"Moshi moshi." It was Shuji who answered the phone."Ohno-niichan? Hai. Mama's here, just a minute 'kay?" and her son run to her. "Mama, Ohno-niichan was on the phone." Her son told her. She was currently working on floor plans which she'll be presenting in a month's time.
"Moshi moshi. Hai. Angel-desu. What's up Satoshi-san?" She asked.
"Hmm, I'm just wondering if you're free tomorrow night?" the guy on the other line asked.
She thought about her schedule. Since her filming with him had ended a while ago, that meant she haven't had anything to do except for the finishing touches and the presentation for her project, but she can't tell him that. While thinking of a better excuse, Ohno spoke again.
"I guess you're not? Sorry to bother you." the guy from the other line seemed a little down. Shi didn't know, but she suddenly felt guilty-as if she'd done something wrong.
"Wait. None I guess?" Shi smiled, despite knowing that it was impossible for him to see her. But the guy seemed to feel the cheerfulness in her tone.
"Hontou?" there was a hint of excitement in Ohno's voice that made Shi curious as to what he's up to.
"Hai. Why? If its about my promise to make it up to you, fine then." Shi chuckled, pleased that Ohno was back to his usual self.
"Iie. Actually its not about that. But since you made me remember, then there's no way you can refuse." The guy told her.
"eh? what do you mean?" Shi was puzzled. She wasn't sure what exactly he meant by that, but something about it made her uneasy.
"Hmm, you know, it'll be ARASHI's 11th year anniversary this week-" Ohno was unable to finish his statement because Shi interrupted.
"Eh? Maji? Sugoi!!! Omedetou Satoshi-san.! Omedetou!!Demo~ why are you telling me that all of a sudden.?" She asked the person on the other line.
"Its because I lost a bet. Mah~ it'll be difficult to explain over the phone. I'll tell you tomorrow."
"Eh? Ashita?" shi asked getting more confused.
"Hai. Since we haven't welcomed you properly, we thought it's best to do it tomorrow, considering it'll also be a good time to celebrate our anniversary making a new acquaintance with you. In short, the five of us will be coming over to your apartment at 9pm tomorrow."
"Choto! Five? EH?? You didn't even ask my permission. Celebration? Eh??choto!! What are you up to Satoshi-san? Hey. Choto.."
"Hey, I told you didn't I? There's no way you can refuse, since you promise.. moshika shite, you're the type who can't keep a promise?"
"I-i-, wakatta! Wakata.You're mean Satoshi-san.. mean..but~ why five? Won't it be okay if it's only the two of us? I mean, I made that promise only to you.."
"If I do that, then there'll be no meaning at all. Don't panic okay? It'll be just the five of us. Although you haven't met the other member since you're yet to act with him, I assure you he's a nice guy. Besides, it'll be better for you to meet him so that you'll be able to interact more easily in the future." Ohno assured her.
"If you say that, It's okay I guess.. what do you want me to do?....."
Do people usually throw a party just because they wanted to properly welcome someone? And does a group usually celebrate their anniversary with someone they just met? Why in her apartment of all places? In the end, Ohno got her to agree about the unusual form of celebration with the agreement that she'll be the one who'll do the cooking as it was obvious that the guys had a taste of her cooking; in return, they'll be the one who'll buy the cake and drinks plus the entertainment. "Entertainment? SHINJIRARENAI!!!!" Shi just told herself and started hiding the things that ought to be hidden.
Meanwhile in the JE building, Ohno was thinking exactly the same thing.
"Otsukaresama deshita" the staff told them. It was their last day of filming and Ohno's mood was a bit gloomier than usual. Something about the guy's behavior told Shi that something was wrong.
"Satoshi-san, daijobu?" Shi asked unable to hide her concern as a co-artist, but no reply came from the idol. She tapped his shoulder and finally gained an attention.
"Ah.. hai.. I'm fine.. I guess.. just a little worried though." Ohno told her.
"Hmm, what was it that you're worried about? Care to tell me?.." she asked.
"Nah.. gomen Angel, its something trivial concerning the group, so I can't tell you.. besides, if I tell you, I'm sure you'll be upset too.." He told her warily.
"Hmm, eh? why say so?" She asked relentlessly.
Ohno seemed to think before he answered: "You see, the scenario is like what happened with you, though, this time, I'm talking about the person at fault and not the one who's hurt.."
"Ah, sou ka..what made you think that I was hurt Satoshi-san?" Shi asked curiously.
"Hmm, that time in the lake, when we had that conversation.. I started to sense that you were deeply hurt by what happened five years ago..so I thought its best not to elaborate on that matter, especially if its significantly the same." Ohno felt a sudden panic in his system, but ignored it.
"Same? What do you mean?" She furrowed her eyebrows; she's not sure where Ohno was heading.
"The situation itself were similar, add the fact that it happened exactly the-" Ohno felt a sudden lump on his throat that he can't seem to continue speaking; realization dawns on him as fast as a jet, yet he's still unable to grasp all of it. His usual calm self was put to test, his usual sleepyhead was awake. "Exactly what Satoshi-san?" he heard her say. Ohno was to say "same time" but felt not to; he needed to be certain about "something".
"AH, nothing.. I was just blabbing to myself...mah~ since you don't know him anyway, why don't we just leave the topic?" he suggested. But she was persistent.
"Eh? Leaving the topic..? mind you Satoshi-san, if you always do that kind of thing, you'll have some problems in future." She told him.
"Hmm, sou desu..if that time comes, I guess, I just need to be ready." He said thinking about the possibilities that he was right about her and the fail captain. Ohno smiled at the now-confused lady. Deep within him, he's hoping that he got it wrong, that everything was purely coincident. Before she could go on protesting, Ohno changed the topic.
"Yosh! Why don't we go somewhere and celebrate? Afterall this will be the last day we're working together.." Ohno felt a little awkward but continue anyway. He didn't want her to notice how nervous he was.
"Eh? gomen.. gomen Satoshi-san.. hontou ni gomennasai!" Angel bowed her head. "I promised my kids that I'll be home when the shooting ended." She explained.
In front of her, Ohno was relieved that she actually forgot what they were talking about a while ago.
"Another time then." Ohno simply said.
"Hai. I'll make it up with you anytime just not today..promise." Angel smiled and started off arranging her things.
"Fine.. I'll remember that.." Ohno smiled back.
Later that day in ARASHI room, they talked about their anniversary, and how to celebrate it.
"Ne` Ridaa.. how are we going to celebrate ARASHI's anniversary?" Aiba asked him. Everyone seemed keen about the topic.
"How about a drink I guess? Since the five of us were busy these days, it amazed me that we have a common free time tomorrow..seemed that we don't have much work beyond 9pm" Jun suggested.
"EH? How did Matsujun knows?" Nino asked.
"Simple. I just looked over our schedule for tomorrow. Although, Sho's not free until 10pm, but he'll come right? Unless he wants to celebrate it with "someone" Jun chuckled. "Right Sho? Or want us to accompany you instead?" Jun's expression told them that he's enjoying every single bit of torturing Sho..
Sho coughed at Jun's question. "O-ooff course I'll come, but like what you said, not until 10pm. And stop that face. Its annoying." Sho hissed at Jun.
"Hai. Hai. Matsujun, better not pissed kaasan, else, he'll get mad before we even had the chance to celebrate our anniversary." Nino smirked.
"Sou. But I'd still say, he wants to celebrate it with maki-chan.. afterall, they were seen together very often just recently.." Jun lets a sneer.
"Hey, yamete yo.,I can't believe you were actually mulling over about that rumor." snapped Nino.
"Not that I deem it as fact, but since neither of them was denying nor confirming, that's what makes a rumor." Jun grunted in frustration.
"Mah~ enough you two.. Sho-chan said he's coming right? Isn't that more important than bashing over his personal life?" Aiba said. Rather than enjoyment, he was sad because they're having an argument right before the day of their anniversary.
"Aiba's right. I think, each one of us will be happy as long as everyone's present right?" Ohno told them. He had no choice but to speak his mind. Like Aiba, he's concerned that misunderstanding will arise if they can't keep their cool. "Yosh! Does anybody have a suggestion where we might spend the night tomorrow?"
"What about Ridaa? Do you have some place in mind?" Aiba asked.
Ohno didn't know why, but he suddenly blurted out."Anou~ Actually, I was thinking of Angel's place."
Everyone's attention turned to him, all have a questioning look.
"I mean, we haven't welcomed her properly right? Sorry if it was too selfish of me, I really wanted to thank her for all that she'd done.. t-that's all.." Ohno stuttered at the last phrase.
The room went silent for a while. Everyone appeared as if they were contemplating and wondering about what Ohno had said. To everyone's surprise, Sho was the first one who let his thoughts out.
"Sasuga Ridaa! You're nice ne~? Minna, Ridaa's nice ne~? ne?" Sho was smiling to himself.
"H-hai." Nino stuttered.
"..hmmm?" Jun was lost for words.
"Kyaa~ Oh-chan kakkoii!!!" Aiba said, delighted that the dismal air was finally gone.
"Sou desu ne Aiba-chan. Besides, I haven't met her yet right? So Im really looking forward to it." Sho added.
"But, who's gonna tell her? I mean, she didn't know right? Or you supposed we'll gate crashed her apartment?" Jun was keen to observe.
All eyes were suddenly focused on him. No one thought about that a while ago. Now that Jun mentioned it, there was a moment of silence again. But unlike a while ago, there was no dismal air, only the air of challenge of who's going to ask Angel.
At the moment their eyes met, the five of them already knew what to do.
"Sai-shou wa gu- jan-ken hoi."
And it happened. Sho's, Aiba's, Nino's, and Jun's hand- all had paper, it was only Ohno who had rock. Four faces broke into a widely grin. 4 against 1.There was never a time that it happened like that. Excitement was written in their faces as they watched their leader dialed his phone.
"Moshi moshi. Ohno-desu. Shuji-chan? Is your mom there?" [waits for the other line] "Okay" Ohno smiled, and it didn't escape the guys, especially Nino whose face creased upon looking at Ohno.
"Moshi moshi Angel-chan?..."
After the conversation ended, Ohno glanced at the guys who have amused faces, it was only Nino who seemed gloomy.
"Doshita no Nino?" he asked but got no reply.
"Whoaa~ ne Ridaa~ the brat's jealous?!" Jun smirked at Nino, whose face looked gloomier upon Jun's words. He seemed to enjoy teasing the brat.
"oi,. I wonder what's wrong with you Matsujun. A while ago you're teasing me, now Nino.. who's next?" Sho shook his head in both annoyance and glee.
"Mah` mah. I wonder if its really okay with Angel-chan that we're coming over?" Aiba weighed over, snapping the guys out of their own thoughts.
Their conversation ended when the producer called them for the photoshoot..
"OH-CHAN!!" He heard Aiba shout, forcing his thoughts back to reality. "n-nani?"
"Oh-chan, what's the direction to Angel's apartment again? Coz I can't seem to memorize her address." Aiba looked troubled.
"Eh? I told you hundred times already! Mah~Why don't you just asked Nino to wait until your work is over so that you can go together? I heard that he'll be riding the company van." Ohno suggested. He didn't know why this man always had trouble with things as directions and instructions.
"Nice Ridaa. Ne Aiba, Ridaa's right. In that way you won't be lost like the old times." Jun chuckled. Memories of Aiba getting lost were repeating in his mind.
"Hmph. You know very well that he's bratty when it comes to that kind of thing. Chances are, he'll make fun with me. And worst, he might be the one who'll make me go into wrong directions." Aiba pouted before continuing. "How 'bout Jun-kun? Do you plan on going alone too?"
"Um- yeah you could say that.. but I'm not confident I guess..you see~" Jun can't finish.
"Eh? Why?" Aiba was confused.
"He probably remembers how he insulted Angel from the past.." Nino smirked. Time for get back is sure sweet. "And how he always called her bitch every time he sees her.." he continued.
"Hey brat. Stop that. You know how sorry I am right?" Jun was a little pissed. Truth really hurts.
"Hmmm.." Nino just sneered. He's pleased as how pissed Jun appeared.
"Where's Sho-chan?" Aiba asked, thinking that Sho might be his last hope.
"Um, news zero." Ohno replied lazily.
"Eh? eh?!" Aiba just said feeling frustrated. Placing both hands to his head while thinking: News Zero… That meant Sho won't be dropping by JE building before going to Angel's apartment.. and he also remembered how Jun confronted the rapper about his whereabouts recently..
"Dousho.." Aiba voiced out his thoughts in disappointment.
"Hmm.. Fine. If you want you can come with me." Jun finally said after fifteen minutes of reflecting whether it’s a good choice to tag Aiba along. Better to have Aiba than go there alone..He thought.
"Hontou? Yatta!!!" Aiba motioned into hugging Jun which the latter warded off. He had enough of Aiba's gestures.
"How 'bout Ridaa? Want to tag along?" Aiba asked.
"Iie. I have a late night shooting, and the place was near Angel's apartment, so I'm thinking of heading there afterwards.
"Ah sou ka. See you there I guess." Aiba said, smiling to himself. Now he didn't have to be tormented by worrying how he would be able to go to Angel's apartment without getting lost.
+++++++++
"Mama, daijobu?" Shuji asked her mom whose face was flushed by the afternoon's light. Both he and Shuri are preparing to leave for their rehearsals.
"Ah-..hai. just a little tired I guess.. " Shi replied. The truth is, she's been having a weird feeling ever since she got that call from Ohno last night. She tried to hide it but her son's gaze seemed to read through her.
"Mama, muri shinaide kusai ne~? Relax. From the looks of it, Arashi-niichans just wanted to welcome you properly.. there's no point in overdoing things right? Besides, it would be awkward to turn down their invitation, given that they're idols and yet they choose to celebrate with you." Her son told her. Until now, Shi still doesn't get the hang of it; just make believe that Shuji was right-that being anxious about things doesn't help at all.
"Hai. Hai. O-chibi" Shi said while her hands disheveling her son's hair. The boy pout to the gesture but didn't try to stop her mom. Shuji knew how his mom loves playing with either his or Shuri's hair.
"Eh, pfft. Mama, you're making Shuji-anchan look like he just woke up from sleep." Shuri commented and grinned at her brother.
"What's so funny Shuri? Not fair!! Let mom play with yours too.." Shuji grinned back.
"Eh? iyada! I spent 5 minutes fixing my hair." Shuri stick her tongue out, making it so that both of them broke into laughter.
"Mah` you two better be going unless if you wanted to be late?" Shuri winked at both of them.
"Hai. HAi. Ja~ don't worry 'bout us 'kay? My classmate's dad will escort us back so you don't need to come and pick us." Shuji said before kissing Shi on the cheek and pick up his guitar and leave. Beside her, she felt Shuri tugged her shirt.
"Ne` mama, please don't let them leave until we got home.. I bet Shuji wanted to meet them too.. onegai!" Shuri told her in a sweet manner that no one can refuse.
"Okay.. just promise me you'll take care.. and besides, I think the party will start not earlier than 9.. so there's no need to make them stay.." Shi smiled at her daughter.
"Ah.. hontou? Yatta!!!." Shuri kissed her, eyes beaming with delight before following his brother. With that expression, Shi felt refreshed and motivated. As long as the kids are happy..she thought. Now she has reasons to look forward to the event which will be happening that night. . Shi glanced at the clock which now reads 5:30 pm.
"Yosh! Time to cook.."
links will be available in masterpost.