CLASSMATES 33/?
a/n: Sorry for the delay guys:(
CHAPTER 33
-BROKEN STAGE-
"WHERE THE HELL THE THREE OF YOU HAD BEEN?" Shi yelled the moment Sho, Shuri, and Shuji entered the apartment. She was sitting on the sofa, her arms crossed while staring furiously at them.
The three exchanged glances. All had had the same thought in mind: Yabai!
Shuri who was first to recover from the shock smiled before running to her mother and gave her a big kiss. "Tadaima!"
"Okaeri!" Shi had no choice but to return the kiss. She gave a sweet smile at her daughter but the moment her eyes darted towards the two unmoving figure standing by the door post, particularly at the older man, she narrowed her eyes before approaching them.
"Tadaima!" Shuji greeted.
Shi nodded and muttered an inaudible "Okaeri" before turning her attention at Sho. She smiled sweetly at him which Sho returned with equal fervor only to be taken aback by what came next.
SLAP!
Sho almost lost his balance at the impact of the hit, his face burning red from the hand marks which became visible seconds after Shi's palms landed on it.
"Oi. That hurt you know." Sho gave off a hurt expression and pouted while hand on his cheek. "Why did you do that?"
"That's for serious lack of awareness. Do you know what time it was?" She pointed out a finger on his chest, making Sho moved few steps backwards, while still eyeing him angrily.
"Its past 9pm." Sho answered matter-of-factly hands on his pockets.
"Yeah! Its past 9 and you had the guts to stay out with my kids?" Shi was still nudging him on the chest. "Don't you have work? What if something bad happened?"
"Hey! Why did it sound as if I will do something that would hurt them?" Sho grimaced. "Am I really that bad to you? Besides-"
"Besides, we're here, uninjured and still whole Mama, you don't have to get mad at 'tousan that much," Shuji interrupted.
"But I'm just worried you know-" Shi stop dead on her tracks processing what the boy had just said."Wait- what did you-?"
Shuri walked to where the three were standing and stop Shi in her midsentence.
"Mou~ Mama, seriously, you're a gentle person, but when it comes to him, you're more violent." Shuri moped at her, glancing at Sho for a couple of seconds, then back at her. "Look at what you did to Papa. His face was swollen because of what you did."
Shuri tugged Sho's hand and led him onto the living room. Shuji followed suit, leaving Shi speechless.
It took her minutes to recover from shock that when she noticed it, Sho was now sitting in a couch at the living room, with Shuri tending to Sho's face while Shuji capping off the ointment bottle. Shi listened to their conversation, while keeping a sanity check on herself, in case her mind couldn't take it.
"Waa~ you're cheek had Mama's palm marks on it 'tousan."
"An-chan's right Papa, are you sure its okay? it might leave scar..Mama was so mean.."
"Don't be ridiculous Shuri.. it was just swollen but unwounded, so it won't left any scars on 'tousan's face.."
"Yeah, your brother's right Shuri.. and your mom was not mean, it was my fault anyway.."
"Demo~ Mama shouldn't had hit you Papa..it was Shuji's fault."
"Choto matte- why was it my fault?"
"Because you're too stubborn-"
"Could someone explain what was happening?" Shi decided to butt in while walking towards the living room.
The three looked at her, all had amused expression, battling whether to tell her or not since it was apparent that she hadn't has the slightest idea on what was happening.
She had to scratch her eyes and pinch her arm to make sure that what's she's hearing was right and not something from her dreams. She had to admit that something inside her stirred happiness and her emotions gone berserk hearing her kids spoke like that to Sho, but nonetheless, she had to confirm.
When no one dared to speak, Shi raised an eyebrow. "You" looking at Shuji, "You just called him 'tousan, and you," Pointing at Shuri, "You just called him Papa," Turning her attention at the three, "Just what the hell was happening?"
"Simple Mama." Shuri chuckled, stopping midway to dab cotton-with-ointment on Sho's face.
"What's simple?" Shi sat on the single couch to support her weight in case she fainted when she hears their explanation.
"I'm Sakurai Shuji, my twin's Sakurai Shuri, and he's Sakurai Sho." Shuji answered bluntly for her sister who was still dabbing the ointment on Sho. "That's simple."
"But there's so many Sakurai in Japan, surely, that wasn't enough for you to conclude that Sho is your father." Shi retorted.
"But I didn't say that he's our dad. I just told you our names Mama," Shuji smirked. "Hah. Caught by your own words Mama. Tsk." He clicked his tongue. "I was planning to keep it a secret, but it seemed its no use now." He whispered at his sister.
Gasping at what she heard, "Wait." Shi took a deep breath. Her nervous system seemed to be malfunctioning right at the moment. "How did you-"
"Oh, how did we know?" Shuji interrupted.
Shi nodded as no voice came out when she tried to speak again.
Shuji chuckled before answering, "Mama, was it really that surprising that you're speechless? Shuri and I knew about it ages ago!" he grinned at her.
"Shuji, the question is how, not when, " Shuri giggled. "Mou. Stop doing that or Mama would faint."
"Oi, stop talking about your own mother as if she's not here okay?" Shi spoke irritably. "So, you resorted on calling him" she pouted at Sho, "'tousan', 'papa' or whatever-"
"Why Mama? Do you suggest we call him otherwise?" the little girl asked amiably.
"No of course not." Shi replied absentmindedly. "Wait. I mean- since you-" but she was lost at what to say then remembered the state they were in. "Wait. I can understand it if Shuri accepted him-"
"Mou~ Mama, why don't you address Papa by his name?" Shuri interrupted.
"Ugh~ Could I atleast speak without interruption?" Shi asked but the twins just gave her a pleading look. "Okay. Okay. You win." Sighing, "Where am I again?"
"The part where you can understand Shuri-" Sho answered this time.
"Right. As I was telling, I can understand it if Shuri accepted that Sho is your dad since its her dream a long time ago.., but I wasn't expecting you, Shuji, to be that friendly about it.." Shi trailed in silence. "I thought you were mad at your father?"
"Not until 'tousan praised my drawing Mama," he rolled his eyes."Since both you and Shuri didn't know the word "appreciation" especially when it comes to my arts" Shuji smiled showing his teeth.
"Oh! So that's how you're able to win Shuji's compassion huh?" Shi raised an eyebrow at Sho, who just smiled sheepishly, before turning her attention to her son, "And mind you son, that's because Sho and you had the same "sense" when it comes to arts." She said frankly, but was shocked at Shuji's reaction.
"Right. That's what you always tell me Mama." The boy scoffed seeing her stunned reaction.
"And that I still firmly believed." She crossed her arms and legs and leaned her back against the sofa. For a moment she was silent. Okay..that was unexpected.. Thinking of a better way to continue the conversation, but thanks to her unusual nervous-system-malfunction, she couldn't come up with any, saved with a couple of odd feelings that began creeping the moment their conversation started just a couple of minutes ago.
"Yep. And I believed that too." Sho said, snapping Shi out of her reverie.
"I still don't agree with the twins going home late. Just because it was revealed that you're their dad-" Shi stopped seeing his shocked expression. "What? Don't tell me you're expecting that I will deny it?" Shi snorted. "If I have a choice I certainly will deny that fact. But since the twins found out without asking either the two of us, then I don't see the point of hiding it from them.."
"Hey.. That was a very long speech.. I'm just amazed that you're still calm," Sho chuckled.
Calm? You idiot! Do I look calm? Hell! My brain was on hiatus, thanks to you! Her mind was telling her, but instead, "Do you prefer if I switched to hysterical mode?"
"No.. of course not.. who knows if you'll get more violent than a while ago.." Sho gave her a satisfied smile. "Besides, I don't get it why you always resorted on hitting me, when most women would scream happily just by seeing me.."
"Just so you know, I'm not most women Sakurai Sho, and sorry if it’s a bit disappointing that I didn't scream the moment you step inside my house." She told him in her coldest tone.
"Hey. Mama.. I think you should apologize.." Shuri was playing with the cotton balls, while biting her lips, unaware that she had just stopped the "word fight" which almost occurred between the two adults..
"And why would I do that young miss?" Shi demanded.
"Because you're the one at fault Mom.." it was Shuji who replied.
"I told you.. I was worried. Just because you accepted him as your dad doesn't give him the right to do that," Shi replied.
"What did Papa do Mama?" Shuri asked innocently.
Sighing at the question, "He kept you out this late and in public."
"I think it’s a bit unreasonable." Shuji raised an eyebrow. "You told me not to hate 'tousan because I haven't met him.. now that I met him, the same goes with you Mom.. you don't have to slap people, especially, 'tousan, just because he's out with us this late.. like what you said, he's our dad.. "
"yeah.. and didn't you told us once that daddies protect their kids? I think that applies to Papa as well.." Shuri gave her a puppy eyes and smiled weakly. "So Mama.. you really shouldn't have hit him.."
Sho! I hate you..tsk. She felt frustrated hearing her own words being used against her, and what's worse, it was used by her 4yr old kids. Sighing heavily, she gave them an okay-i-lost kind of look before eyeing Sho, glaring for seconds, then smiled the kind of smile that almost, but did not, reach her eyes. "Sorry about slapping you." Shi slightly bowed her head before standing on her feet. "Have you had dinner yet?"
"Yeah.. we had it earlier since I thought its best to let them eat first before telling them the truth," Sho stated casually.
"Wait- " Shi was sidetracked by his answer again. "Was that the reason why you asked me if you could fetch them after school? To tell them about it?"
"Yes."
"But you should've informed me first!" Shi snapped, her rage, rising again.
"Whoah~ I tried! But you hanged up the phone remember?" Sho reasoned out.
Oh,,How could you be so stupid Shi?? Of course its your fault again…While battling with herself, Sho spoke again.
"Besides, Its about time you know..the twins are smarter than what we give them credit for,." Sho explained further. "We can't hide the truth forever.."
Shi placed a palm on her forehead out of annoyance because things were really getting out of hand lately. She didn't know why, but when she stared at Sho and heard him talking about the phone call, she can't help but also remember that other call, placed by none other than, her own mother. Shi felt nauseated recalling their conversation, and how it would affect her's, Sho's, and the twins' current situation. While trying hard to avert herself back to reality, she gave off a grim expression, which unfortunately, was misinterpreted by the three.
"MA? Are you okay? You look pale.." Shuji stood on the sofa to check on his mother, placing a hand on his forehead, then the other on Shi's.
"Sheesh, I'm fine," She smiled weakly, thankful that Shuji did that. "Are you hungry?" pulling Shuji's hand away from her.
"a little." Shuji answered, "How about Shuri?" he looked down at his sister who nodded, before jumping off the sofa, landing in both feet. "Ne~ Mama," turning his attention at Shi, "I want kara'age.."
"Me too.." Shuri seconded.
"Me three.." Sho cracked but wasn't received well.
"Papa. That was lame." Shuri covered her mouth to prevent herself from laughing, but small chuckles managed to escape from her mouth.
"Yeah.. 'tousan.. that was seriously lame.. but I like it," Shuji chuckled.
"Thanks son.." Sho smiled while scratching his head in bewilderment.
Shi shrugged hearing the three being mushy towards each other before answering, "Fine."
"Mama? Are you sure you're okay?" Shuri asked worriedly seeing her in a dazed state.
"Yeah.. I'm fine." Shi muttered and headed towards the kitchen.
"Let me help." Sho stood on his seat and followed her.
Shi had to glance back hearing his words. "Was that meant to be a joke? Because the last time I recalled, you almost burned down my apartment when you tried to cook some porridge-turned-out-black-grains." Shi chuckled. If he really meant it as joke, he succeeded on making her laugh.
"At least I made you laugh," Sho stated out the obvious, "But seriously.. I atleast know how to cook karaage.."
"Of course. Heh. Why won't you? Its your favorite afterall.." Shi told him absentmindedly. When she realized what she had said, the three were staring at her, again, amusedly. "Or not?" okay shi.. you shouldn't have said that blatantly.. now your kids were thinking that you're some crazy fangirl too..worst, even that dork was thinking the same way. Shi thought while eyeing the three with a bothered expression.
"Eh>??? Mama knows?" the twins chorused.
"Mou~ do you guys wanted to eat or not?" Shi chose not to dwell on the topic.
"Hah! You always do that Mama," Shuri chuckled.
"Ne~ otousan, did you know that Mama always do that?" Shuji tugged Sho's shirt.
"What?" Sho asked curiously.
"Bribed us with food." Shuji answered, delighted at his mom's reaction. "She'd done it also when Nino-niichan was here and she cooked hamburgers."
"Eh??" Sho widened his eyes when realization hit him. "So my instincts was right..you were the one who cooked those hamburgers.." he eyed her with so much interest that Shi blushed seeing him look at her that way. "It tasted like how I remembered it."
"Do you want to help me or not?" She turned around and walked towards the kitchen, Sho tailing behind her. Shi hated her own reaction. She didn't expect him to remember her recipe, or its taste that she was blushing furiously red, worse, the twins were keeping tracks on her, reading her like an open book.
Seconds later, they heard laughter coming from the living room, suggesting that the twins had succeeded on whatever plans they had cooked up with, her, being the victim.
"Ugh~ kids." She muttered under her breathe before opening the cupboard where she placed the cooking utensils.
"Well.. sure they are," Sho opened the fridge and put out some ingredients while smiling widely to himself.
+++++++++++++++
It was an afternoon full of bliss, well, not for all the members of ARASHI, but Sakurai Sho felt as if no one could be happier than what he was feeling at the moment. Since their filming had just finished, he was planning to visit or maybe fetch his kids after. Sho must've felt really pleased for even the guys could notice the change in his state.
"Hey why are you grinning madly?" Jun asked inquisitively.
"I told them Jun!" Sho announced excitedly, his energy, the same as that of Aiba, or, more than that.
"Them? Who??" Jun eyed him curiously, puzzled at his unusually bright aura. "and told them what?"
"My kids," he smiled widely, feeling proud at what he had accomplished. "I told them that I was their dad! You heard that Jun? Finally! I told them! Yatta!" he was banging and shaking the member with a delighted expression, which clearly shown that he was happy.
"Eh? Omedetou Sho-chan!" Aiba patted his shoulder while the other hand was holding a metal bottle, the one used by many would-be-bartenders for practicing.
"And they were okay about it? I mean.. I thought Shuji would be a little reluctant.." Nino felt uneasy. Part of him was happy for Sho and the twins, but part of him was sad for the fact that Sho's closeness towards his kids, would mean some major development on his relationship with Shi.Tsk. Snap out of it Nino! You already had given her up right? His good side told him but the other part of his mind was debating. Then why do you feel upset Nino? He had to move his head sideways to snap out of his own thoughts.
"Nino? Daijobu?" Sho inquired for a moment, then remembered the gamer's question. "About Shuji.. yes, he was a bit, what do you call that, indifferent?..good thing Shuri brought his drawings, and that's how we made up.." Sho told them.
"Drawings?" Ohno asked.
"Hai-" Sho answered but felt his phone vibrating against his jeans pocket. "Wait guys, someone's calling.. be back," He threw a kiss and winked, like the one he did on one of their HnA vip room episodes, before storming out of the greenroom, leaving the guys astonished at his cheerfulness.
"Hello? Was it just me or our mother's unusually beaming?" Jun cringed remembering the pleasant sight he had just witness.
"Nope, Sho-chan must be really happy ne~ I mean afterall we're talking about the twins here ne~" Aiba stated while tossing and turning the metal bottle.
Moments after Sho left to answer that phone call, the guys could hear some shouting and cursing coming from the outside. When Sho returned to their greenroom though, he had a gloomier aura different from the one he had earlier.
"Why the sudden change of face Sho? A while ago you're smiling like an idiot." Nino glanced for a split second from the script he was reading to Sho who was wearing a grave expression.
"Is something wrong?" Jun rested an elbow on the sofa's arm rest and crossed his legs.
"Who called Sho-chan?" Aiba asked, missing the bottle he was using for honing his bartending skills.
"Otousan." Sho settled himself in between Jun and Aiba, elbows rested on his lap while his hands covered his face.
"Oh, how's ojichan? What did he tell you?" Ohno pulled himself up to a sitting position.
"Remember that event my dad sponsored?" He grimaced remembering that event, his face still covered so that the guys could not see the expression he had on.
"Yeah.. what about it?" Jun questioned.
Running a hand through his hair, "You see, there's this prominent politician's daughter at the ball who declares her admiration to me.." he said, getting aggravated.
"Sugoi Sho-chan does have an admirer." Aiba exclaimed, the bottle almost hit him because he'd thrown it with some force that went along with the excitement at what he heard.
"And a politician's daughter! Isn't that sugoi!?" Jun slapped his lap to show his enthusiasm as well.
"Wait? What does Sakurai-ojichan had to do with her?" Nino asked bemusedly. If his instinct was right, he was the only one who could sense that something was off that moment.
"Otosanwanmeogohoanomiawiher." Sho replied without pausing, in the end making him gasped for air.
"Eh??"
Nino closed his script and stared at their mother. Upon seeing his expression, he was sure that Sho being admired by a politician's daughter wasn't really a good thing, "Come again Sho-chan? Slowly.." he asked, eyes still on Sho.
For a moment, Sho sat there speechless. His mind was purposely shutting down for a reason. HE couldn't think straight. Sighing heavily, as in, heavy with difficulty in breathing, he told the guys, "Outosan wants me to go to an omiai with her."
"Omiai????" it was an unexpected unanimous reaction from the guys.
"Eh? what about Shi? Your kids?" Ohno darted his eyes on Sho.
"That's the more problem Ridaa...." Sho leaned on the sofa, and closed his eyes.
"Why?" Ohno asked calmly.
"He threatened to do something with the twins if I don't go to that fcuking thing!." Sho slapped his forehead out of rage. Its something that he hadn't thought of, well given his father's nature, but still, it was way beyond his expectation.
"Whoaa! Majii??" Nino narrowed his eyes on disbelief.
"Eh? He knew that they're your kids?" Aiba asked stopping on his tracks, his full attention on Sho.
"Of course! Baka! I f he didn't, then why would he resort on abducting the kids? Just for fuN?" Jun extended an arm over Sho's shoulder and smacked their middle child on the head.
"But-bbbut..Your own dad abducting your kids?" Aiba stuttered out of shock.
"You don't know what he's capable of Aiba-chan..especially when it involved politics..the fact that he already sent men to guard their school in case I don't show up...my dad meant business." He cursed under his breath.
At that moment, Sho was feeling so irresponsible for allowing it to happen, but when it comes to his dad, it was something he had no control over. What bothered him more was Shi's reaction. If she happened to get mad at him again, all his efforts of making it up for her while establishing that still-short-bond from what was left between them years ago, all of it, would end up in vain. He knew he would not be able to withstand that.
"Then I think you should go." Ohno advised.
"When's the omiai?" Jun was troubled but kept his cool.
"Three hours from now." Sho shrugged at the thought.
"Eh?????"
CHAPTER 33
-BROKEN STAGE-
"WHERE THE HELL THE THREE OF YOU HAD BEEN?" Shi yelled the moment Sho, Shuri, and Shuji entered the apartment. She was sitting on the sofa, her arms crossed while staring furiously at them.
The three exchanged glances. All had had the same thought in mind: Yabai!
Shuri who was first to recover from the shock smiled before running to her mother and gave her a big kiss. "Tadaima!"
"Okaeri!" Shi had no choice but to return the kiss. She gave a sweet smile at her daughter but the moment her eyes darted towards the two unmoving figure standing by the door post, particularly at the older man, she narrowed her eyes before approaching them.
"Tadaima!" Shuji greeted.
Shi nodded and muttered an inaudible "Okaeri" before turning her attention at Sho. She smiled sweetly at him which Sho returned with equal fervor only to be taken aback by what came next.
SLAP!
Sho almost lost his balance at the impact of the hit, his face burning red from the hand marks which became visible seconds after Shi's palms landed on it.
"Oi. That hurt you know." Sho gave off a hurt expression and pouted while hand on his cheek. "Why did you do that?"
"That's for serious lack of awareness. Do you know what time it was?" She pointed out a finger on his chest, making Sho moved few steps backwards, while still eyeing him angrily.
"Its past 9pm." Sho answered matter-of-factly hands on his pockets.
"Yeah! Its past 9 and you had the guts to stay out with my kids?" Shi was still nudging him on the chest. "Don't you have work? What if something bad happened?"
"Hey! Why did it sound as if I will do something that would hurt them?" Sho grimaced. "Am I really that bad to you? Besides-"
"Besides, we're here, uninjured and still whole Mama, you don't have to get mad at 'tousan that much," Shuji interrupted.
"But I'm just worried you know-" Shi stop dead on her tracks processing what the boy had just said."Wait- what did you-?"
Shuri walked to where the three were standing and stop Shi in her midsentence.
"Mou~ Mama, seriously, you're a gentle person, but when it comes to him, you're more violent." Shuri moped at her, glancing at Sho for a couple of seconds, then back at her. "Look at what you did to Papa. His face was swollen because of what you did."
Shuri tugged Sho's hand and led him onto the living room. Shuji followed suit, leaving Shi speechless.
It took her minutes to recover from shock that when she noticed it, Sho was now sitting in a couch at the living room, with Shuri tending to Sho's face while Shuji capping off the ointment bottle. Shi listened to their conversation, while keeping a sanity check on herself, in case her mind couldn't take it.
"Waa~ you're cheek had Mama's palm marks on it 'tousan."
"An-chan's right Papa, are you sure its okay? it might leave scar..Mama was so mean.."
"Don't be ridiculous Shuri.. it was just swollen but unwounded, so it won't left any scars on 'tousan's face.."
"Yeah, your brother's right Shuri.. and your mom was not mean, it was my fault anyway.."
"Demo~ Mama shouldn't had hit you Papa..it was Shuji's fault."
"Choto matte- why was it my fault?"
"Because you're too stubborn-"
"Could someone explain what was happening?" Shi decided to butt in while walking towards the living room.
The three looked at her, all had amused expression, battling whether to tell her or not since it was apparent that she hadn't has the slightest idea on what was happening.
She had to scratch her eyes and pinch her arm to make sure that what's she's hearing was right and not something from her dreams. She had to admit that something inside her stirred happiness and her emotions gone berserk hearing her kids spoke like that to Sho, but nonetheless, she had to confirm.
When no one dared to speak, Shi raised an eyebrow. "You" looking at Shuji, "You just called him 'tousan, and you," Pointing at Shuri, "You just called him Papa," Turning her attention at the three, "Just what the hell was happening?"
"Simple Mama." Shuri chuckled, stopping midway to dab cotton-with-ointment on Sho's face.
"What's simple?" Shi sat on the single couch to support her weight in case she fainted when she hears their explanation.
"I'm Sakurai Shuji, my twin's Sakurai Shuri, and he's Sakurai Sho." Shuji answered bluntly for her sister who was still dabbing the ointment on Sho. "That's simple."
"But there's so many Sakurai in Japan, surely, that wasn't enough for you to conclude that Sho is your father." Shi retorted.
"But I didn't say that he's our dad. I just told you our names Mama," Shuji smirked. "Hah. Caught by your own words Mama. Tsk." He clicked his tongue. "I was planning to keep it a secret, but it seemed its no use now." He whispered at his sister.
Gasping at what she heard, "Wait." Shi took a deep breath. Her nervous system seemed to be malfunctioning right at the moment. "How did you-"
"Oh, how did we know?" Shuji interrupted.
Shi nodded as no voice came out when she tried to speak again.
Shuji chuckled before answering, "Mama, was it really that surprising that you're speechless? Shuri and I knew about it ages ago!" he grinned at her.
"Shuji, the question is how, not when, " Shuri giggled. "Mou. Stop doing that or Mama would faint."
"Oi, stop talking about your own mother as if she's not here okay?" Shi spoke irritably. "So, you resorted on calling him" she pouted at Sho, "'tousan', 'papa' or whatever-"
"Why Mama? Do you suggest we call him otherwise?" the little girl asked amiably.
"No of course not." Shi replied absentmindedly. "Wait. I mean- since you-" but she was lost at what to say then remembered the state they were in. "Wait. I can understand it if Shuri accepted him-"
"Mou~ Mama, why don't you address Papa by his name?" Shuri interrupted.
"Ugh~ Could I atleast speak without interruption?" Shi asked but the twins just gave her a pleading look. "Okay. Okay. You win." Sighing, "Where am I again?"
"The part where you can understand Shuri-" Sho answered this time.
"Right. As I was telling, I can understand it if Shuri accepted that Sho is your dad since its her dream a long time ago.., but I wasn't expecting you, Shuji, to be that friendly about it.." Shi trailed in silence. "I thought you were mad at your father?"
"Not until 'tousan praised my drawing Mama," he rolled his eyes."Since both you and Shuri didn't know the word "appreciation" especially when it comes to my arts" Shuji smiled showing his teeth.
"Oh! So that's how you're able to win Shuji's compassion huh?" Shi raised an eyebrow at Sho, who just smiled sheepishly, before turning her attention to her son, "And mind you son, that's because Sho and you had the same "sense" when it comes to arts." She said frankly, but was shocked at Shuji's reaction.
"Right. That's what you always tell me Mama." The boy scoffed seeing her stunned reaction.
"And that I still firmly believed." She crossed her arms and legs and leaned her back against the sofa. For a moment she was silent. Okay..that was unexpected.. Thinking of a better way to continue the conversation, but thanks to her unusual nervous-system-malfunction, she couldn't come up with any, saved with a couple of odd feelings that began creeping the moment their conversation started just a couple of minutes ago.
"Yep. And I believed that too." Sho said, snapping Shi out of her reverie.
"I still don't agree with the twins going home late. Just because it was revealed that you're their dad-" Shi stopped seeing his shocked expression. "What? Don't tell me you're expecting that I will deny it?" Shi snorted. "If I have a choice I certainly will deny that fact. But since the twins found out without asking either the two of us, then I don't see the point of hiding it from them.."
"Hey.. That was a very long speech.. I'm just amazed that you're still calm," Sho chuckled.
Calm? You idiot! Do I look calm? Hell! My brain was on hiatus, thanks to you! Her mind was telling her, but instead, "Do you prefer if I switched to hysterical mode?"
"No.. of course not.. who knows if you'll get more violent than a while ago.." Sho gave her a satisfied smile. "Besides, I don't get it why you always resorted on hitting me, when most women would scream happily just by seeing me.."
"Just so you know, I'm not most women Sakurai Sho, and sorry if it’s a bit disappointing that I didn't scream the moment you step inside my house." She told him in her coldest tone.
"Hey. Mama.. I think you should apologize.." Shuri was playing with the cotton balls, while biting her lips, unaware that she had just stopped the "word fight" which almost occurred between the two adults..
"And why would I do that young miss?" Shi demanded.
"Because you're the one at fault Mom.." it was Shuji who replied.
"I told you.. I was worried. Just because you accepted him as your dad doesn't give him the right to do that," Shi replied.
"What did Papa do Mama?" Shuri asked innocently.
Sighing at the question, "He kept you out this late and in public."
"I think it’s a bit unreasonable." Shuji raised an eyebrow. "You told me not to hate 'tousan because I haven't met him.. now that I met him, the same goes with you Mom.. you don't have to slap people, especially, 'tousan, just because he's out with us this late.. like what you said, he's our dad.. "
"yeah.. and didn't you told us once that daddies protect their kids? I think that applies to Papa as well.." Shuri gave her a puppy eyes and smiled weakly. "So Mama.. you really shouldn't have hit him.."
Sho! I hate you..tsk. She felt frustrated hearing her own words being used against her, and what's worse, it was used by her 4yr old kids. Sighing heavily, she gave them an okay-i-lost kind of look before eyeing Sho, glaring for seconds, then smiled the kind of smile that almost, but did not, reach her eyes. "Sorry about slapping you." Shi slightly bowed her head before standing on her feet. "Have you had dinner yet?"
"Yeah.. we had it earlier since I thought its best to let them eat first before telling them the truth," Sho stated casually.
"Wait- " Shi was sidetracked by his answer again. "Was that the reason why you asked me if you could fetch them after school? To tell them about it?"
"Yes."
"But you should've informed me first!" Shi snapped, her rage, rising again.
"Whoah~ I tried! But you hanged up the phone remember?" Sho reasoned out.
Oh,,How could you be so stupid Shi?? Of course its your fault again…While battling with herself, Sho spoke again.
"Besides, Its about time you know..the twins are smarter than what we give them credit for,." Sho explained further. "We can't hide the truth forever.."
Shi placed a palm on her forehead out of annoyance because things were really getting out of hand lately. She didn't know why, but when she stared at Sho and heard him talking about the phone call, she can't help but also remember that other call, placed by none other than, her own mother. Shi felt nauseated recalling their conversation, and how it would affect her's, Sho's, and the twins' current situation. While trying hard to avert herself back to reality, she gave off a grim expression, which unfortunately, was misinterpreted by the three.
"MA? Are you okay? You look pale.." Shuji stood on the sofa to check on his mother, placing a hand on his forehead, then the other on Shi's.
"Sheesh, I'm fine," She smiled weakly, thankful that Shuji did that. "Are you hungry?" pulling Shuji's hand away from her.
"a little." Shuji answered, "How about Shuri?" he looked down at his sister who nodded, before jumping off the sofa, landing in both feet. "Ne~ Mama," turning his attention at Shi, "I want kara'age.."
"Me too.." Shuri seconded.
"Me three.." Sho cracked but wasn't received well.
"Papa. That was lame." Shuri covered her mouth to prevent herself from laughing, but small chuckles managed to escape from her mouth.
"Yeah.. 'tousan.. that was seriously lame.. but I like it," Shuji chuckled.
"Thanks son.." Sho smiled while scratching his head in bewilderment.
Shi shrugged hearing the three being mushy towards each other before answering, "Fine."
"Mama? Are you sure you're okay?" Shuri asked worriedly seeing her in a dazed state.
"Yeah.. I'm fine." Shi muttered and headed towards the kitchen.
"Let me help." Sho stood on his seat and followed her.
Shi had to glance back hearing his words. "Was that meant to be a joke? Because the last time I recalled, you almost burned down my apartment when you tried to cook some porridge-turned-out-black-grains." Shi chuckled. If he really meant it as joke, he succeeded on making her laugh.
"At least I made you laugh," Sho stated out the obvious, "But seriously.. I atleast know how to cook karaage.."
"Of course. Heh. Why won't you? Its your favorite afterall.." Shi told him absentmindedly. When she realized what she had said, the three were staring at her, again, amusedly. "Or not?" okay shi.. you shouldn't have said that blatantly.. now your kids were thinking that you're some crazy fangirl too..worst, even that dork was thinking the same way. Shi thought while eyeing the three with a bothered expression.
"Eh>??? Mama knows?" the twins chorused.
"Mou~ do you guys wanted to eat or not?" Shi chose not to dwell on the topic.
"Hah! You always do that Mama," Shuri chuckled.
"Ne~ otousan, did you know that Mama always do that?" Shuji tugged Sho's shirt.
"What?" Sho asked curiously.
"Bribed us with food." Shuji answered, delighted at his mom's reaction. "She'd done it also when Nino-niichan was here and she cooked hamburgers."
"Eh??" Sho widened his eyes when realization hit him. "So my instincts was right..you were the one who cooked those hamburgers.." he eyed her with so much interest that Shi blushed seeing him look at her that way. "It tasted like how I remembered it."
"Do you want to help me or not?" She turned around and walked towards the kitchen, Sho tailing behind her. Shi hated her own reaction. She didn't expect him to remember her recipe, or its taste that she was blushing furiously red, worse, the twins were keeping tracks on her, reading her like an open book.
Seconds later, they heard laughter coming from the living room, suggesting that the twins had succeeded on whatever plans they had cooked up with, her, being the victim.
"Ugh~ kids." She muttered under her breathe before opening the cupboard where she placed the cooking utensils.
"Well.. sure they are," Sho opened the fridge and put out some ingredients while smiling widely to himself.
+++++++++++++++
It was an afternoon full of bliss, well, not for all the members of ARASHI, but Sakurai Sho felt as if no one could be happier than what he was feeling at the moment. Since their filming had just finished, he was planning to visit or maybe fetch his kids after. Sho must've felt really pleased for even the guys could notice the change in his state.
"Hey why are you grinning madly?" Jun asked inquisitively.
"I told them Jun!" Sho announced excitedly, his energy, the same as that of Aiba, or, more than that.
"Them? Who??" Jun eyed him curiously, puzzled at his unusually bright aura. "and told them what?"
"My kids," he smiled widely, feeling proud at what he had accomplished. "I told them that I was their dad! You heard that Jun? Finally! I told them! Yatta!" he was banging and shaking the member with a delighted expression, which clearly shown that he was happy.
"Eh? Omedetou Sho-chan!" Aiba patted his shoulder while the other hand was holding a metal bottle, the one used by many would-be-bartenders for practicing.
"And they were okay about it? I mean.. I thought Shuji would be a little reluctant.." Nino felt uneasy. Part of him was happy for Sho and the twins, but part of him was sad for the fact that Sho's closeness towards his kids, would mean some major development on his relationship with Shi.Tsk. Snap out of it Nino! You already had given her up right? His good side told him but the other part of his mind was debating. Then why do you feel upset Nino? He had to move his head sideways to snap out of his own thoughts.
"Nino? Daijobu?" Sho inquired for a moment, then remembered the gamer's question. "About Shuji.. yes, he was a bit, what do you call that, indifferent?..good thing Shuri brought his drawings, and that's how we made up.." Sho told them.
"Drawings?" Ohno asked.
"Hai-" Sho answered but felt his phone vibrating against his jeans pocket. "Wait guys, someone's calling.. be back," He threw a kiss and winked, like the one he did on one of their HnA vip room episodes, before storming out of the greenroom, leaving the guys astonished at his cheerfulness.
"Hello? Was it just me or our mother's unusually beaming?" Jun cringed remembering the pleasant sight he had just witness.
"Nope, Sho-chan must be really happy ne~ I mean afterall we're talking about the twins here ne~" Aiba stated while tossing and turning the metal bottle.
Moments after Sho left to answer that phone call, the guys could hear some shouting and cursing coming from the outside. When Sho returned to their greenroom though, he had a gloomier aura different from the one he had earlier.
"Why the sudden change of face Sho? A while ago you're smiling like an idiot." Nino glanced for a split second from the script he was reading to Sho who was wearing a grave expression.
"Is something wrong?" Jun rested an elbow on the sofa's arm rest and crossed his legs.
"Who called Sho-chan?" Aiba asked, missing the bottle he was using for honing his bartending skills.
"Otousan." Sho settled himself in between Jun and Aiba, elbows rested on his lap while his hands covered his face.
"Oh, how's ojichan? What did he tell you?" Ohno pulled himself up to a sitting position.
"Remember that event my dad sponsored?" He grimaced remembering that event, his face still covered so that the guys could not see the expression he had on.
"Yeah.. what about it?" Jun questioned.
Running a hand through his hair, "You see, there's this prominent politician's daughter at the ball who declares her admiration to me.." he said, getting aggravated.
"Sugoi Sho-chan does have an admirer." Aiba exclaimed, the bottle almost hit him because he'd thrown it with some force that went along with the excitement at what he heard.
"And a politician's daughter! Isn't that sugoi!?" Jun slapped his lap to show his enthusiasm as well.
"Wait? What does Sakurai-ojichan had to do with her?" Nino asked bemusedly. If his instinct was right, he was the only one who could sense that something was off that moment.
"Otosanwanmeogohoanomiawiher." Sho replied without pausing, in the end making him gasped for air.
"Eh??"
Nino closed his script and stared at their mother. Upon seeing his expression, he was sure that Sho being admired by a politician's daughter wasn't really a good thing, "Come again Sho-chan? Slowly.." he asked, eyes still on Sho.
For a moment, Sho sat there speechless. His mind was purposely shutting down for a reason. HE couldn't think straight. Sighing heavily, as in, heavy with difficulty in breathing, he told the guys, "Outosan wants me to go to an omiai with her."
"Omiai????" it was an unexpected unanimous reaction from the guys.
"Eh? what about Shi? Your kids?" Ohno darted his eyes on Sho.
"That's the more problem Ridaa...." Sho leaned on the sofa, and closed his eyes.
"Why?" Ohno asked calmly.
"He threatened to do something with the twins if I don't go to that fcuking thing!." Sho slapped his forehead out of rage. Its something that he hadn't thought of, well given his father's nature, but still, it was way beyond his expectation.
"Whoaa! Majii??" Nino narrowed his eyes on disbelief.
"Eh? He knew that they're your kids?" Aiba asked stopping on his tracks, his full attention on Sho.
"Of course! Baka! I f he didn't, then why would he resort on abducting the kids? Just for fuN?" Jun extended an arm over Sho's shoulder and smacked their middle child on the head.
"But-bbbut..Your own dad abducting your kids?" Aiba stuttered out of shock.
"You don't know what he's capable of Aiba-chan..especially when it involved politics..the fact that he already sent men to guard their school in case I don't show up...my dad meant business." He cursed under his breath.
At that moment, Sho was feeling so irresponsible for allowing it to happen, but when it comes to his dad, it was something he had no control over. What bothered him more was Shi's reaction. If she happened to get mad at him again, all his efforts of making it up for her while establishing that still-short-bond from what was left between them years ago, all of it, would end up in vain. He knew he would not be able to withstand that.
"Then I think you should go." Ohno advised.
"When's the omiai?" Jun was troubled but kept his cool.
"Three hours from now." Sho shrugged at the thought.
"Eh?????"