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rinji_chan1Title: Indefinitely (An Arashi x Notting Hill AU)
Pairing: Matsumiya; Sakuraiba (side pairing)
Rating/Warnings: PG-13 - R
Summary: A bookshop owner named Nino meets Jun, who turns out to be a top idol and also a famous actor. Their friendly encounter eventually turns into a secret love affair. But with problems that arise along the way, will Nino be able to keep up with his relationship with Jun?
Click for Part 1
Since then, everything had gone back to the way had been before, like they all hoped it would be. Work was once again Nino's priority. His only priority. Books were sold and customers came in and went. He hoped that someone with a lowered cap, dark tinted shades, and a long coat would walk in one day. But seasons passed by in a flash, without him noticing. Not one person with such a description came in to the shop.
And soon, before he knew it, it was spring again.
It was another early morning at Sammy's. After their fight, Nino never went back to Sammy's during lunch since he would run into Ohno. Nino was sitting at one of the tables, mindlessly stirring his cup of coffee.
Sho came to the table and slowly wiped it clean. "You alright?" Sho asked.
"I want to eat spaghetti," Nino said, without looking him into the eyes.
Sho sighed and sat down across him. "Have you seen the news lately?"
"About what?"
"Matsumoto Jun, of course."
Nino abruptly stopped stirring.
"He came out as gay," Sho said. "During their concert last December."
Nino looked at him. "That's... wow." He then shook his head.
"Yeah. That was really brave of him."
Nino gave a nod and turned quiet again.
Sho then leaned in and whispered to him. "This is just between you and me, alright?" He said and then took a deep breath. "Aiba and I had sex."
Nino widened his eyes. "You what?" he exclaimed.
"Yeah, I know you'd react that way."
"How? And I thought you hated Aiba?"
"I didn't hate him, you know." Sho said. "I was just afraid."
Nino raised a brow. "Afraid? Why?"
"I don't know. Like, am I alright with this person to just waltz into my life only to find that maybe, in the end, he would leave the same way? Well, so far, it's going well. But, I can't help thinking about such things."
Nino nodded. "Yeah, I get you."
"Then again, you won't know if you don't do anything. Because sometimes you have to be the one to make a move."
Nino took a small sip from his coffee, then continued to drink it all. He put down his cup and had found the clock had struck seven.
"Time to open." Sho stood up from his seat and went to turn their open/closed sign.
Nino also stood up, getting ready to leave. As he reaches the door, Sho takes a hold of his shoulder. "Hey," Sho said and Nino looked at him. "Your relationship with Jun, I hope you'll get through it."
Nino barely managed to smile. "I will."
***
"Thank you for coming!"
Nino sat down on his chair and puts out his phone to play games. A habit that he had developed during the previous year. Sometimes he would play and not notice and greet the new customers coming in. Even the slacking and carefree Toma had scolded him at one point.
As Nino was playing, he suddenly heard a familiar music being played in the shop. It was from the Arashi single Jun had given him.
"Stop! Turn it off!" Nino kept shouting until the music finally stopped and was changed by Toma.
"I told you to delete that song from your damn laptop!" Nino told Toma. "Geez!"
"I'm sorry." he said.
Nino clicked his tongue and went back to his game. However, Toma grabbed his phone from him. "Hey!" Nino exclaimed. "I was almost..."
"I hate to break it to you, Nino," Toma said. "But, honestly, I'm tired. Alright? It's just that you're not yourself these days; you don't even smile anymore. Not even once after you guys broke up."
Nino looked away from him.
Toma sighed. "They're having a movie shooting around here today. I saw it on the internet. It's not far from here."
"And you're telling me this because?"
"I want you to at least try to talk to him."
Nino then remembered Sho's words from yesterday. Make a move. He hadn't done anything else to reconnect with Jun after trying to call him. A year had passed already; he knew he shouldn't be stuck like this. "You know what?" Nino stood up. "You're right. I should talk to him... No, I will talk to him."
Toma grinned. "That's the spirit, boss."
Nino found the filming location at the nearby high school, just as Toma had told him. Immediately, Nino saw the staff and cameramen on the site. As he came nearer, he finally sees Jun in the middle. The curls of his hair were gone; it was straightened and cut short. He also had gotten bangs that almost reached his eyebrows.
"Cut!" The director shouted. Jun and the other actors then scattered and went to their assigned seats to sit down. Nino tried to approach Jun but was blocked by security. The guard asked him if he had a pass.
"No I don't have one, sir." he replied. "It won't take long; I just want to talk to Matsumoto Jun."
"I'm sorry but we cannot allow you to enter without a pass," the guard said and then told him to leave.
"Let him in," Jun said as he came to them. "He's my friend."
The guard let Nino go.
"It's been a while," Jun tells him. "What brings you here?"
"I... happened to pass by. I was just having my daily walk."
"Is that so?" Jun chuckled. "What a coincidence."
"Actors! Stand by!" The directior yelled.
"Why don't you stay here and watch for a bit?" Jun said. "I'll get back to you soon afterwards."
"Sure."
"If you want, feel free to look around," Jun then went off.
Nino looked around the set and stumbled upon the sound booth. He went inside and found a headphone. Nino put them on and, to his surprise, he heard Jun's voice.
"What?" Jun said rather irritated.
He then heard the other actor whispering. "Who's the guy you let in earlier?"
"No one special," Jun replied.
"Is it him? The one in the articles?"
"You're mistaken. He's just an acquaintance."
"Why are you getting so worked up then? Tell me."
"I told you alright. He's just an acquaintance; there's nothing going on between us."
Nino removed the headphones from his ears and put them back. He no longer wanted to listen further into their conversation. He had already heard what he had wanted to hear.
He sneaked out and left the area, and walked back to the bookshop.
***
The new arrivals had come at last. Nino carried the boxes one by one into the shop by himself. Toma was busy taking care of his mother, probably roaming around the mall and doing window shopping as always.
Nino remembered the look of disappoinment on Toma's face when he had come back from the filming location. Toma had called him a coward, and he was probably right. The real reason why Nino didn't want to be in a relationship anymore was that he was scared; scared that the next relationship would just end like the last.
As he was about to go back out to get the last box, he saw Jun standing at the front. He wasn't wearing a coat, not even a hat or shades to conceal his identity. He was dressed in a white long-sleeved sweater and plain blue jeans. He appeared to be carrying a flat, square object covered in gift wrap.
"Need help?" Jun asked him.
Nino ignored him and passed by. "How rude." Jun remarked. "Is that how you treat your customers nowadays?"
"Look who's talking," Nino said and carried the box into the shop.
Jun then followed him inside. "I don't know why you left the other day. But, please, let's talk, Nino," he said. "Please..."
Nino put the box on top of the counter. "Fine. Go ahead."
"I want to apologize for everything." Jun began. "I'm sorry that I hurt you; it just happened again. I wasn't really thinking straight that time." He handed over the object he was holding to Nino. "Think of it as my apology gift."
Nino took the gift and placed it against one of the bookshelves. "I appreciate that." he said.
"I came here thinking that maybe... we should give ourselves a second chance."
Nino looked up at him.
"What do you say to that?"
Nino gave a smirk. "What do I say?" He briefly chuckled. He then shook his head.
"I can't. I'm sorry, Jun. It's just that... I don't think I can put up with you."
Jun's expression got darker.
"You're an idol; you're in TV shows, on billboards, in magazines. Almost everyone in Japan knows who you are. I mean, think about it. You ending up with a bookshop owner? And moreover, a man? Anyone, not just your fans, would be in disbelief... I think it's better if we go our seperate ways."
Jun slowly nodded. "Okay." he said and took a deep breath. "I understand." Then he chuckled.
"It's kind of funny when people treat us like we're so important. So... great," Jun said. "All just because we're idols. The media just shows you what they want to show you. They want to show you that: this is Matsumoto Jun. But that's not me..." He bit his lip.
"For once." Jun continued. "For once, I just thought of what I wanted for myself. Because, in the end, idols like me are nothing special; we're no different from everyone else. We're also selfish and lonely humans. I'm just another guy who wants someone to love him as much as he can."
Nino frowned. Jun went to him and gave him a hug. As he let go, Jun turned away. Nino could hear the idol sniffing and breathing irregularly.
"Goodbye, Kazunari," he said without facing him and left the shop.
***
"So, what do you guys think?" Nino asked. He had gone to Sammy's and had told Ohno, Sho, and Aiba about what happened earlier at the bookshop. Ohno was sitting straight and with his chin up. Sho was leaning in while he listening to Nino and his hands were clasped together. Meanwhile, Aiba had his head face down and was pouting.
"It was a good decision," Sho remarked. "No one wants toxic relationships." Ohno and Aiba nodded.
"Great," Nino said. "That's great."
Suddenly, Toma walked into the diner all sweaty and his hair a mess like the wind had harshly blown through it. "Sorry, I had some business with my mother back at my apartment," he said. "What's going on?"
"Nino rejected Jun," Sho told him.
Toma turned to Nino. "How could you!" he said.
"No, Toma. Nino has his reasons."
"Well, Nino, I'm glad you've finally come back to your senses," Ohno said.
"I disagree." Aiba remarked. Sho and Ohno both turned to glare at him.
"I mean, who would decline such an offer, right?" Aiba defended. "Also, the time he spent just to see you. Not all idols have the time to do stuff like that... Well, that's what I think."
"He is an idol." Nino said. "But... he told me that idols are no different from everyone. And that he was just another guy who wants someone to love him."
They all then looked down and twisted their mouths, as if they were mourning.
"So what?" Ohno bursted out. "What did he give to you anyway?"
Nino looked to his side, where he had placed Jun's gift. "Let's take a look then." He placed the gift on top of the table.
He starts to carefully remove the tape. He unfolded the gift wrap and on the top corners appeared what seemed to be a canvas covered with shades of blue paint. He continues to remove the gift wrap and finds a painting that Nino knew all too well.
The painting on the poster.
"La Mariée," Ohno uttered and proceeded to touch the edges of the canvas. "Wait. Don't tell me; is this the real thing?" He then looked up at Nino, who was in shock.
"Oh God." Nino shuts his eyes and bowed his head. "I'm so stupid; I've made the wrong decision, haven't I?"
"Yup," Toma replied.
"Now, I've really done it," Nino said. "I've lost him and I let him go. It's over."
"What do you mean it's over?" Aiba said. "It's not over yet. Sho rejected me many times but it didn't stop me. And neither should it stop you. If you want the man, you have to be a man!" he said and raised a clenched fist.
Nino sighed. "Even if I want to, I can't. I have no idea where he is."
"Wait a minute," Toma said and pulled out his phone. He seemed to be searching something. "I remember; they're having a press conference today!"
"A press conference about what?"
"Jun leaving Arashi."
"He's leaving?" Nino exclaimed.
"Oh no, it started just a few minutes ago." Toma said. "And it's gonna end in an hour."
"But how can we get there in time?"
"I have a car," Aiba said.
"How fast can you go?" Nino asked.
"As fast as late night driving," Aiba winked. With Sho hitting him on the back of his head, it was clear that Aiba meant a different kind of driving.
All five of them rushed to Aiba's car, with Sho having the front seat and the other three stuck in the back.
"Hold on tight, guys." Aiba fastened his seatbelt. His foot pushed the pedal and the car went on full speed. The four, who were off guard, had their backs pushed against their seats.
"Slow down, you idiot!" Sho screamed.
Aiba came to a halt as he saw the traffic ahead. He then made a sharp turn back.
"Are you out of your mind?" Sho hit Aiba on his shoulder. "You can't make a u-turn here; this is only a one-way road!"
"This is an emergency. For the moment, we're outlaws."
"That doesn't make any sense... Ahhh!" Sho pointed at the front where a car was approaching them. Aiba quickly turned to the right at the intersection, avoiding a collision. Aiba stopped and parked the car next to the sidewalk.
Aiba gasped. "I think it's better if we run," he said.
"I agree," Toma said.
Nino got out of the car and sprinted off. The rest of them followed. They reached the building just in time, with only 15 minutes left before the press conference ends. "Excuse me," Nino said as he approached the front desk. "I'm here for the press conference."
"Do you have a pass?"
Nino shook his head. "No; it's an emergency..."
"I'm sorry; but you cannot enter without a pass."
"Dammit!" Nino slammed his fist onto the front desk.
"Excuse me, sir." A familiar voice could be heard next to them. "These people are with me."
Nino looked to where the man stood. "Mr. Tosaki," he said with a smile. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me," He said.
Nino gave him a nod and along with the four, he ran towards the door. Lots of journalists and reporters filled the room, along with rows of cameras from different networks. At the front were the five Arashi members, with Jun sitting in the very middle.
"Matsumoto." One of the reporters called Jun. "You've announced that you will be leaving Arashi. Does this have anything to do with your coming out last December?"
"No. I'm simply leaving for personal reasons."
"And when will you be leaving?"
"Next week; as soon as possible."
"Alright. Are there any more questions you'd would like to ask?" Arashi's press agent asked.
One of them raised their hand and stood up. "Last year, there were some graphic photos of you staying over in a house with a man. May I ask about your relatonship?"
"We're just friends. I think."
The press agent gave nod. "Any final questions before we wrap up?"
Nino raised his hand.
"Yes." The man pointed at him. "Over there at the back."
All attention was then directed at him. He saw Jun lookto where he was; the idol's eyes widened as soon as he saw him. A lady approached Nino and gave him a microphone. "Hello." Nino spoke into the microphone. "I have a question for Matsumoto Jun. Uh, I was wondering if you and that man were, possibly, more than just friends..."
"I did thought that we were close but..." Jun then shook his head. "No."
"But, wait, you said--"
"I'm sorry." The press agent said. "Only one final question."
"No, it's alright," Jun told him. He then turned back to Nino. "Go on."
"You said that making people happy is something you, and also the rest of the members, love; that it was the only thing that mattered. You didn't want anyone's efforts to go to waste. But, what about yours? Didn't they matter?"
Jun briefly squinted his eyes. "I've always thought that others should come first." He said. "So, I am quite used to it."
"But what about the other members? Don't they think the same?"
The five idols then looked at each other. The leader took hold of his microphone. "I'm sorry, but we have no comment on that," He said.
Nino couldn't understand it. Why can't these idols stand up for themselves? "Why can't you stay?" Nino asked.
"I wanted to... But it was the agency's decision."
Jun's words from before resonated in his head: they all made the decisions; they didn't even ask for my opinion... Nino realized that they were all controlled. Even if they wanted to refuse and speak up, they couldn't do it.
Jun and the other members; they were all afraid too.
"If that man from the article--" Nino began to speak but someone interrupted him.
"Oh, his name's Ninomiya," One of the journalists told him.
"Uh, right..." Nino cleared his throat. "If... Mr. Ninomiya came to you; begging for forgiveness, realizing what a jerk he was, and told you that he will wholeheartedly accept you and support you in everything you do... Would you be willing to reconsider?"
The whole room had turned silent as they awaited Jun's answer. Nino, Toma, Sho, and Aiba waited anxiously, with Ohno actually praying. The Arashi members too looked at Jun with worry.
"We'll see." Jun said at last.
Nino finally felt relieved as he heard Jun's answer. Ohno even wrapped his arm around him and smiled, as if saying 'I'm sorry; I accept'.
Nino found Jun whispering something to the press agent. "Alright." he said. "Uh, Ogura. You may ask your question again."
"Matsumoto, how much longer will you be staying in Arashi?"
Jun looked at Nino with a meaningful gaze and slowly a smile appeared on the idol's face. It was the same smile he had worn the first time they had met.
***
"Indefinitely, huh?"
"It was the only thing I could think of saying. But, hey, it got trending on twitter."
"I don't have a twitter account though. Also, I thought Johnny's weren't supposed to have social media accounts?"
"It's not like they'll find out anyway." The idol then winked. "Oh, other than that, hashtag mysterious good-looking interviewer also went trending."
"Oh God."
"Hey, at least it's better than being in a tabloid article."
"Well, yeah... Definitely."
"..."
"What? Stop looking at me like that."
"You nervous?"
"Of course! Aren't you?"
"Just a bit. But you'll get used to it, Nino."
Nino looked outside through the car window. "Gosh, there's too many people outside." He groaned. However, he felt Jun's hand over his and soon his anxiety had faded away.
At last, the car stopped.
"Are you ready?" Jun said, still holding Nino's hand tightly.
Nino took a deep breath and grabbed the door handle. "Ready."
Pairing: Matsumiya; Sakuraiba (side pairing)
Rating/Warnings: PG-13 - R
Summary: A bookshop owner named Nino meets Jun, who turns out to be a top idol and also a famous actor. Their friendly encounter eventually turns into a secret love affair. But with problems that arise along the way, will Nino be able to keep up with his relationship with Jun?
Click for Part 1
Since then, everything had gone back to the way had been before, like they all hoped it would be. Work was once again Nino's priority. His only priority. Books were sold and customers came in and went. He hoped that someone with a lowered cap, dark tinted shades, and a long coat would walk in one day. But seasons passed by in a flash, without him noticing. Not one person with such a description came in to the shop.
And soon, before he knew it, it was spring again.
It was another early morning at Sammy's. After their fight, Nino never went back to Sammy's during lunch since he would run into Ohno. Nino was sitting at one of the tables, mindlessly stirring his cup of coffee.
Sho came to the table and slowly wiped it clean. "You alright?" Sho asked.
"I want to eat spaghetti," Nino said, without looking him into the eyes.
Sho sighed and sat down across him. "Have you seen the news lately?"
"About what?"
"Matsumoto Jun, of course."
Nino abruptly stopped stirring.
"He came out as gay," Sho said. "During their concert last December."
Nino looked at him. "That's... wow." He then shook his head.
"Yeah. That was really brave of him."
Nino gave a nod and turned quiet again.
Sho then leaned in and whispered to him. "This is just between you and me, alright?" He said and then took a deep breath. "Aiba and I had sex."
Nino widened his eyes. "You what?" he exclaimed.
"Yeah, I know you'd react that way."
"How? And I thought you hated Aiba?"
"I didn't hate him, you know." Sho said. "I was just afraid."
Nino raised a brow. "Afraid? Why?"
"I don't know. Like, am I alright with this person to just waltz into my life only to find that maybe, in the end, he would leave the same way? Well, so far, it's going well. But, I can't help thinking about such things."
Nino nodded. "Yeah, I get you."
"Then again, you won't know if you don't do anything. Because sometimes you have to be the one to make a move."
Nino took a small sip from his coffee, then continued to drink it all. He put down his cup and had found the clock had struck seven.
"Time to open." Sho stood up from his seat and went to turn their open/closed sign.
Nino also stood up, getting ready to leave. As he reaches the door, Sho takes a hold of his shoulder. "Hey," Sho said and Nino looked at him. "Your relationship with Jun, I hope you'll get through it."
Nino barely managed to smile. "I will."
***
"Thank you for coming!"
Nino sat down on his chair and puts out his phone to play games. A habit that he had developed during the previous year. Sometimes he would play and not notice and greet the new customers coming in. Even the slacking and carefree Toma had scolded him at one point.
As Nino was playing, he suddenly heard a familiar music being played in the shop. It was from the Arashi single Jun had given him.
"Stop! Turn it off!" Nino kept shouting until the music finally stopped and was changed by Toma.
"I told you to delete that song from your damn laptop!" Nino told Toma. "Geez!"
"I'm sorry." he said.
Nino clicked his tongue and went back to his game. However, Toma grabbed his phone from him. "Hey!" Nino exclaimed. "I was almost..."
"I hate to break it to you, Nino," Toma said. "But, honestly, I'm tired. Alright? It's just that you're not yourself these days; you don't even smile anymore. Not even once after you guys broke up."
Nino looked away from him.
Toma sighed. "They're having a movie shooting around here today. I saw it on the internet. It's not far from here."
"And you're telling me this because?"
"I want you to at least try to talk to him."
Nino then remembered Sho's words from yesterday. Make a move. He hadn't done anything else to reconnect with Jun after trying to call him. A year had passed already; he knew he shouldn't be stuck like this. "You know what?" Nino stood up. "You're right. I should talk to him... No, I will talk to him."
Toma grinned. "That's the spirit, boss."
Nino found the filming location at the nearby high school, just as Toma had told him. Immediately, Nino saw the staff and cameramen on the site. As he came nearer, he finally sees Jun in the middle. The curls of his hair were gone; it was straightened and cut short. He also had gotten bangs that almost reached his eyebrows.
"Cut!" The director shouted. Jun and the other actors then scattered and went to their assigned seats to sit down. Nino tried to approach Jun but was blocked by security. The guard asked him if he had a pass.
"No I don't have one, sir." he replied. "It won't take long; I just want to talk to Matsumoto Jun."
"I'm sorry but we cannot allow you to enter without a pass," the guard said and then told him to leave.
"Let him in," Jun said as he came to them. "He's my friend."
The guard let Nino go.
"It's been a while," Jun tells him. "What brings you here?"
"I... happened to pass by. I was just having my daily walk."
"Is that so?" Jun chuckled. "What a coincidence."
"Actors! Stand by!" The directior yelled.
"Why don't you stay here and watch for a bit?" Jun said. "I'll get back to you soon afterwards."
"Sure."
"If you want, feel free to look around," Jun then went off.
Nino looked around the set and stumbled upon the sound booth. He went inside and found a headphone. Nino put them on and, to his surprise, he heard Jun's voice.
"What?" Jun said rather irritated.
He then heard the other actor whispering. "Who's the guy you let in earlier?"
"No one special," Jun replied.
"Is it him? The one in the articles?"
"You're mistaken. He's just an acquaintance."
"Why are you getting so worked up then? Tell me."
"I told you alright. He's just an acquaintance; there's nothing going on between us."
Nino removed the headphones from his ears and put them back. He no longer wanted to listen further into their conversation. He had already heard what he had wanted to hear.
He sneaked out and left the area, and walked back to the bookshop.
***
The new arrivals had come at last. Nino carried the boxes one by one into the shop by himself. Toma was busy taking care of his mother, probably roaming around the mall and doing window shopping as always.
Nino remembered the look of disappoinment on Toma's face when he had come back from the filming location. Toma had called him a coward, and he was probably right. The real reason why Nino didn't want to be in a relationship anymore was that he was scared; scared that the next relationship would just end like the last.
As he was about to go back out to get the last box, he saw Jun standing at the front. He wasn't wearing a coat, not even a hat or shades to conceal his identity. He was dressed in a white long-sleeved sweater and plain blue jeans. He appeared to be carrying a flat, square object covered in gift wrap.
"Need help?" Jun asked him.
Nino ignored him and passed by. "How rude." Jun remarked. "Is that how you treat your customers nowadays?"
"Look who's talking," Nino said and carried the box into the shop.
Jun then followed him inside. "I don't know why you left the other day. But, please, let's talk, Nino," he said. "Please..."
Nino put the box on top of the counter. "Fine. Go ahead."
"I want to apologize for everything." Jun began. "I'm sorry that I hurt you; it just happened again. I wasn't really thinking straight that time." He handed over the object he was holding to Nino. "Think of it as my apology gift."
Nino took the gift and placed it against one of the bookshelves. "I appreciate that." he said.
"I came here thinking that maybe... we should give ourselves a second chance."
Nino looked up at him.
"What do you say to that?"
Nino gave a smirk. "What do I say?" He briefly chuckled. He then shook his head.
"I can't. I'm sorry, Jun. It's just that... I don't think I can put up with you."
Jun's expression got darker.
"You're an idol; you're in TV shows, on billboards, in magazines. Almost everyone in Japan knows who you are. I mean, think about it. You ending up with a bookshop owner? And moreover, a man? Anyone, not just your fans, would be in disbelief... I think it's better if we go our seperate ways."
Jun slowly nodded. "Okay." he said and took a deep breath. "I understand." Then he chuckled.
"It's kind of funny when people treat us like we're so important. So... great," Jun said. "All just because we're idols. The media just shows you what they want to show you. They want to show you that: this is Matsumoto Jun. But that's not me..." He bit his lip.
"For once." Jun continued. "For once, I just thought of what I wanted for myself. Because, in the end, idols like me are nothing special; we're no different from everyone else. We're also selfish and lonely humans. I'm just another guy who wants someone to love him as much as he can."
Nino frowned. Jun went to him and gave him a hug. As he let go, Jun turned away. Nino could hear the idol sniffing and breathing irregularly.
"Goodbye, Kazunari," he said without facing him and left the shop.
***
"So, what do you guys think?" Nino asked. He had gone to Sammy's and had told Ohno, Sho, and Aiba about what happened earlier at the bookshop. Ohno was sitting straight and with his chin up. Sho was leaning in while he listening to Nino and his hands were clasped together. Meanwhile, Aiba had his head face down and was pouting.
"It was a good decision," Sho remarked. "No one wants toxic relationships." Ohno and Aiba nodded.
"Great," Nino said. "That's great."
Suddenly, Toma walked into the diner all sweaty and his hair a mess like the wind had harshly blown through it. "Sorry, I had some business with my mother back at my apartment," he said. "What's going on?"
"Nino rejected Jun," Sho told him.
Toma turned to Nino. "How could you!" he said.
"No, Toma. Nino has his reasons."
"Well, Nino, I'm glad you've finally come back to your senses," Ohno said.
"I disagree." Aiba remarked. Sho and Ohno both turned to glare at him.
"I mean, who would decline such an offer, right?" Aiba defended. "Also, the time he spent just to see you. Not all idols have the time to do stuff like that... Well, that's what I think."
"He is an idol." Nino said. "But... he told me that idols are no different from everyone. And that he was just another guy who wants someone to love him."
They all then looked down and twisted their mouths, as if they were mourning.
"So what?" Ohno bursted out. "What did he give to you anyway?"
Nino looked to his side, where he had placed Jun's gift. "Let's take a look then." He placed the gift on top of the table.
He starts to carefully remove the tape. He unfolded the gift wrap and on the top corners appeared what seemed to be a canvas covered with shades of blue paint. He continues to remove the gift wrap and finds a painting that Nino knew all too well.
The painting on the poster.
"La Mariée," Ohno uttered and proceeded to touch the edges of the canvas. "Wait. Don't tell me; is this the real thing?" He then looked up at Nino, who was in shock.
"Oh God." Nino shuts his eyes and bowed his head. "I'm so stupid; I've made the wrong decision, haven't I?"
"Yup," Toma replied.
"Now, I've really done it," Nino said. "I've lost him and I let him go. It's over."
"What do you mean it's over?" Aiba said. "It's not over yet. Sho rejected me many times but it didn't stop me. And neither should it stop you. If you want the man, you have to be a man!" he said and raised a clenched fist.
Nino sighed. "Even if I want to, I can't. I have no idea where he is."
"Wait a minute," Toma said and pulled out his phone. He seemed to be searching something. "I remember; they're having a press conference today!"
"A press conference about what?"
"Jun leaving Arashi."
"He's leaving?" Nino exclaimed.
"Oh no, it started just a few minutes ago." Toma said. "And it's gonna end in an hour."
"But how can we get there in time?"
"I have a car," Aiba said.
"How fast can you go?" Nino asked.
"As fast as late night driving," Aiba winked. With Sho hitting him on the back of his head, it was clear that Aiba meant a different kind of driving.
All five of them rushed to Aiba's car, with Sho having the front seat and the other three stuck in the back.
"Hold on tight, guys." Aiba fastened his seatbelt. His foot pushed the pedal and the car went on full speed. The four, who were off guard, had their backs pushed against their seats.
"Slow down, you idiot!" Sho screamed.
Aiba came to a halt as he saw the traffic ahead. He then made a sharp turn back.
"Are you out of your mind?" Sho hit Aiba on his shoulder. "You can't make a u-turn here; this is only a one-way road!"
"This is an emergency. For the moment, we're outlaws."
"That doesn't make any sense... Ahhh!" Sho pointed at the front where a car was approaching them. Aiba quickly turned to the right at the intersection, avoiding a collision. Aiba stopped and parked the car next to the sidewalk.
Aiba gasped. "I think it's better if we run," he said.
"I agree," Toma said.
Nino got out of the car and sprinted off. The rest of them followed. They reached the building just in time, with only 15 minutes left before the press conference ends. "Excuse me," Nino said as he approached the front desk. "I'm here for the press conference."
"Do you have a pass?"
Nino shook his head. "No; it's an emergency..."
"I'm sorry; but you cannot enter without a pass."
"Dammit!" Nino slammed his fist onto the front desk.
"Excuse me, sir." A familiar voice could be heard next to them. "These people are with me."
Nino looked to where the man stood. "Mr. Tosaki," he said with a smile. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me," He said.
Nino gave him a nod and along with the four, he ran towards the door. Lots of journalists and reporters filled the room, along with rows of cameras from different networks. At the front were the five Arashi members, with Jun sitting in the very middle.
"Matsumoto." One of the reporters called Jun. "You've announced that you will be leaving Arashi. Does this have anything to do with your coming out last December?"
"No. I'm simply leaving for personal reasons."
"And when will you be leaving?"
"Next week; as soon as possible."
"Alright. Are there any more questions you'd would like to ask?" Arashi's press agent asked.
One of them raised their hand and stood up. "Last year, there were some graphic photos of you staying over in a house with a man. May I ask about your relatonship?"
"We're just friends. I think."
The press agent gave nod. "Any final questions before we wrap up?"
Nino raised his hand.
"Yes." The man pointed at him. "Over there at the back."
All attention was then directed at him. He saw Jun lookto where he was; the idol's eyes widened as soon as he saw him. A lady approached Nino and gave him a microphone. "Hello." Nino spoke into the microphone. "I have a question for Matsumoto Jun. Uh, I was wondering if you and that man were, possibly, more than just friends..."
"I did thought that we were close but..." Jun then shook his head. "No."
"But, wait, you said--"
"I'm sorry." The press agent said. "Only one final question."
"No, it's alright," Jun told him. He then turned back to Nino. "Go on."
"You said that making people happy is something you, and also the rest of the members, love; that it was the only thing that mattered. You didn't want anyone's efforts to go to waste. But, what about yours? Didn't they matter?"
Jun briefly squinted his eyes. "I've always thought that others should come first." He said. "So, I am quite used to it."
"But what about the other members? Don't they think the same?"
The five idols then looked at each other. The leader took hold of his microphone. "I'm sorry, but we have no comment on that," He said.
Nino couldn't understand it. Why can't these idols stand up for themselves? "Why can't you stay?" Nino asked.
"I wanted to... But it was the agency's decision."
Jun's words from before resonated in his head: they all made the decisions; they didn't even ask for my opinion... Nino realized that they were all controlled. Even if they wanted to refuse and speak up, they couldn't do it.
Jun and the other members; they were all afraid too.
"If that man from the article--" Nino began to speak but someone interrupted him.
"Oh, his name's Ninomiya," One of the journalists told him.
"Uh, right..." Nino cleared his throat. "If... Mr. Ninomiya came to you; begging for forgiveness, realizing what a jerk he was, and told you that he will wholeheartedly accept you and support you in everything you do... Would you be willing to reconsider?"
The whole room had turned silent as they awaited Jun's answer. Nino, Toma, Sho, and Aiba waited anxiously, with Ohno actually praying. The Arashi members too looked at Jun with worry.
"We'll see." Jun said at last.
Nino finally felt relieved as he heard Jun's answer. Ohno even wrapped his arm around him and smiled, as if saying 'I'm sorry; I accept'.
Nino found Jun whispering something to the press agent. "Alright." he said. "Uh, Ogura. You may ask your question again."
"Matsumoto, how much longer will you be staying in Arashi?"
Jun looked at Nino with a meaningful gaze and slowly a smile appeared on the idol's face. It was the same smile he had worn the first time they had met.
***
"Indefinitely, huh?"
"It was the only thing I could think of saying. But, hey, it got trending on twitter."
"I don't have a twitter account though. Also, I thought Johnny's weren't supposed to have social media accounts?"
"It's not like they'll find out anyway." The idol then winked. "Oh, other than that, hashtag mysterious good-looking interviewer also went trending."
"Oh God."
"Hey, at least it's better than being in a tabloid article."
"Well, yeah... Definitely."
"..."
"What? Stop looking at me like that."
"You nervous?"
"Of course! Aren't you?"
"Just a bit. But you'll get used to it, Nino."
Nino looked outside through the car window. "Gosh, there's too many people outside." He groaned. However, he felt Jun's hand over his and soon his anxiety had faded away.
At last, the car stopped.
"Are you ready?" Jun said, still holding Nino's hand tightly.
Nino took a deep breath and grabbed the door handle. "Ready."