Flight 109 - Destination: First Love [Chapter 7]
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The story is inspired by yeppie . As usual, comments, inputs and criticisms are highly appreciated. And if you haven't read the previous chapter you can always refer to the master post.
And just in case anyone doesn't know, shiritori is a Japanese word game in which the players are required to say a word which begins with the final kana of the previous word. Has to be a noun. Google it and you'd find some of the general rules on wiki. And my japanese is on a very basic level, so please forgive the easy choice of shiritori words.
And for the lyrics translation is not mine but got it from here.
The airplane icon marks the present time. 30 August 2013.
The cloud icon marks the past. Around the year of 2006.
「CHAPTER 7: MAD LOVE」
Before Matsumoto Jun had the chance to knock the door to her apartment, Hanazono Minako already opens it wide. And the moment Jun lays his eyes on her smile, he just knows. He just knows what has been bugging him for the past few weeks. Because at that exact moment, whatever that has been bugging him, it goes to pieces. Gone. Just like that.
Both of them are in battered jeans. He is wearing a checkered shirt over a white v-neck T-shirt. She is wearing a baby doll top with a small red ribbon above her waist. He looks smashing as usual. She looks as charming as ever. They both look casual despite the fact they took hours to decide on each outfit.
And all they can do the moment they see each other, is just to smile at each other. Both hoping the smile can transmit everything they have been dying to say during the week apart from each other.
"Konnichiwa.." She finally says.
Matsumoto Jun bows. And they laugh at their own formality.
"Ano.." Jun scratches his head.
"Yes?"
"Can I use your toilet?" He has been rushing himself after his rehearsal and the urge to pee has been overpowering his nervousness as he drove to her apartment.
She laughs again, "Sure."
She lets him into her apartment and lead the way to her room where her bathroom is.
Jun always believes that he can tell some traits of someone's personality by the way they arrange their own personal living space.
Like Sho's apartment that's the most spacious out of all the members' apartments and have the most furniture and electronic equipments. It has this expensive aura yet it is very messy and disorganized. "I never had the time to clean up," Sho always reasons.
Aiba's apartment is really something else. All the fluffy cute stuffed animals Aiba keeps in his room somehow gives the magic and it would be one of the things guests look in the first place as they walk into his apartment. And the pictures. Aiba loves hanging up pictures of his family, friends and, of course, Arashi. His apartment is a big version of Arashi's photo album of their career journey for the last 7 years ever since they debuted.
Nino's apartment is of course filled with games, musical equipments and the guy clearly doesn't care much about aesthetics in the way his apartment should look like. Even though at first it looks disorganized, he can find everything he needs in less that 10 seconds. Quite amazing in a way.
Whilst Ohno's.. Jun can't say. He still lives with his parents and his mom arranges his room which none of the Arashi members ever been to. So can't say much about that.
As Jun walks out of Minako's toilet, he finally has the chance to look around. It hits him how her apartment looks so much like his own. She only has simple necessary stuff. It is organized in such a way that it gives off a comfortable and neat feeling but not too sterile. Modern yet warm. With books collection that can rival a small library. With CDs collection that can rival a small CD store.
The most expensive item would be the huge LCD TV, just like his apartment. Jun feels at home immediately.
The only difference of his apartment to hers is just how she hangs a lot of pictures like Aiba, though not to his extent. Whilst Jun's apartment only has posters, some artwork and a couple of awards he has received in the past.
"Thank God, I just cleaned up," Minako chuckles as she notices how Jun gives a thorough look around her apartment. "You are scarier than my landlord!"
Jun gives her a small smile, enjoying her smile that lights up the whole room. But when Minako catches his gaze, he shyly looks away.
His eyes fall to an electric piano at the corner of the living room, surrounded by music sheets and books.
"You play the piano?" He asks as he walks closer to it.
"A little.."
Jun checks out some music sheets, most of them are handwritten.
"You play a little yet you compose your own songs?" He studies the sheets closer and closer. The lyrics were written underneath. "You also sings, right?"
Minako laughs, "I was being modest."
"Can you play it for me?" He turns to her, her gaze on her becoming deeper and deeper.
Minako's cheery laugh transforms to a nervous laugh again, "Eh? Now?"
"Yes.."
"Yada.."
"Please.. I'd really like to hear you play and sing.."
"No, no, no.. Please don't," then Minako notices how Jun's face fell.
Her heart gives a strong jolt. He actually feels disappointed..
"I'll do it later tonight, when you get me home.." She finally blurts out.
And Jun's face lights up immediately, like a schoolboy's expression opening his dream Christmas present.
Minako bites her underlip and locks her eyes onto his. Again, he looks away shyly after a while.
"Ano, shall we go?" He clears his throat.
"I am ready when you are.." Minako still can't take her eyes off Jun.
Could it be?
---
Hanazono Minako has always been honest with her feelings. She is one who acknowledges what she feels quickly and get it out of her system as soon as she can. Spontaneous, that would be the world. Carpe diem, that would be her motto. And of course, she is also one who is easily get obsessed over something. One of her obsessions, after singing and ribbons, would be Sakurai Sho.
But that was until a week ago. Until her particular obsession yelled at her. It was devastating, of course. It hurts as hell, of course. The moment she walked back in to her apartment and slipped into her bed, all she wanted to do is just to cry.
But to her surprise, she couldn't cry.
Because she still could smell Matsumoto Jun's scent on her own body, an everlasting mark from his hug. She still could feel his warmth. And her heart had this funny rate as it beats so fast she was at first thought she was having a heart attack.
It is not until the morning after that she realizes who she has fallen in love instead. She curses herself from not realizing it sooner. She was not falling in love with whom she thought was the man of her dreams. Life is funny that way. What the man has said was true, the Sakurai Sho who lives in her head might be completely different with the one actually living in this world.
She thoroughly understands that. And when she finds Sho at her door, her heart did not beat like this. She was too nervous acting and lying to him.
A totally different feeling with the way she felt when she opened her door for the man in front of her right now. Sipping his coffee slowly in the corner of a small coffee shop. It has surprised yet pleased her that he brings her to such a modest coffee house. She has imagined he will bring her to somewhere glamorous and screams out idol's hanging out place in every corner.
Instead, he brings her to this small yet cozy place where every staff seemed to be used to with Jun's presence.
"So is everything alright now between you and Sakurai-san?" Minako asks.
Jun sighs, "He hasn't talk to me yet.." Then he notices that Minako's face fell, "But he'll come around.."
"I don't want to become the girl who breaks up Arashi.. So many fangirls are going to kill me for that.." She mutters under her breath.
Jun laughs heartily at that, "You think too highly of yourself. You're not breaking us up."
"I bet if Sho knows that you are now having a date with me, he'll be pissed! I've heard about his temper, but I didn't expect that he would be so scary!"
Jun stares at his coffee and thinks for a while, "Everybody have their own flaws.."
Minako leans closer, "What's yours?"
"My flaw?"
"Yes.."
"I am not a person who goes out on the open about my flaws," He smirks.
"That's one.." Minako puts out one of her index fingers.
"Tell me one of yours, first.."
"Let's see.." She tilts her head as if thinking, "I can't hide my feelings.."
"That's not a flaw.." Jun scoffs at that.
"It is.."
"Well depends on the situation. I actually finds that trait of yours kinda cute.."
There's a hint of flirtiness in his tone that gives the butterflies living inside Minako's stomach dances. And with the way his eyes bore into hers.. She just has to look away.
Minako laughs nervously. Jun doesn't even budge. Silence creeps into them for a good one minute. Minako swears her heartbeat is audible even from across the room.
Minako tries to tone it down. Maybe she should say something. Say something!
"Ano.."
"Hmm.." She still can feel his eyes on her. Where did his previous shyness go? Look away, please!
"Do you play shiritori?"
Random much, Minako? But at least she breaks the silence.
"Shiritori?" Jun almost laughs, "Yeah.. We play it a lot actually.. When we have a lot of waiting time.."
"Let's play it!"
"Now?" Jun asks incredelously. He's been to a lot of dates, but none where his date ever ask him to play shiritori with. Not even when he is still in school. That's more into Arashi's bakaness area. But he never had dates with girls like Minako before.
"Yeah.. But I have a bit of variation into it.. The first word should start with something you can see within sight right now.. Of course, you'll lose if you give a word ending with ん(n), but you'll win if you can find another word within sight.. Not just written words, you can also refer on images and actual objects within sight.."
"Hmm.."
"Losers of each round should answer any questions the winner asked.. "
"Not impressions?"
"You usually do them with the guys?"
Jun laughs at some silly moments in his memories, "Yeah.. But I think this punishment would be more fitting to the situation right now. Warning though, I am a shiritori expert.." He already gives her a winning smile.
"Confidence. I like that.." Minako, on the other hand, is so not confident. She speaks with her mother in Chinese, speaks with her friends in English.. Japanese is like almost a second language even though she learnt it first during childhood.
"You should start first.."
Minako stares at her coffee, "Okay... Ko-hi- (coffee).."
Jun smirks and answers quickly, "Hikoki (airplane)."
Minako thinks for a while, "Eh.. Ki.. Kimono.."
Jun lets out a small cough as he grins wide. Minako looks at him questioningly. Jun pats her hand lightly, which gives her butterflies an electrical shock but that was not the point right now, and he points at a promotional traveling poster near the cashier.
Minako squints her eyes and notice that there's a small airplane icon is on the poster. She gapes in disbelief.
"This is too easy.." Jun's grin got wider and wider. "Okay! Punishment question number one!"
Jun's expression turns serious all of the sudden, "So.. Why do you want to have a date with me?"
Those butterflies inside Minako's stomach are churning. Okay, whoever has the impression that Matsumoto Jun is a shy guy, they are wrong! So wrong! How can he asks this question to her? Is he forcing out of a confession this early?
Jun lets out a small smile watching her shifting uncomfortably in her seat, "A hard question to answer.. I can see that.."
Geez, the guy is enjoying her suffering! Minako swears of revenge. Be careful of what you wish for, Matsumoto Jun!
"Because I can't take my mind off you for the past week!" She spits out angrily. "Happy?"
Now it is his turn to gape. His butterflies to churn. His cheeks to reddened. And losing the capability to speak another word.
But Minako is too embarassed to even enjoy that hard-earned moment. "Okay, next round! Your turn.."
Jun looks around stupidly, obviously also losing the capability to think carefully. "Ah.. Isu (chair)."
"Sugoroku (board game)!"
"Kudamono (fruit) .." He stares at the counter.
Minako groans, "No way!"
"Way.."
Minako turns and finds some fruit nearby the juicer at the counter of the the coffeeshop.
Jun gives her a smile, "You suck at this."
Minako groans again, "Fire away.. Punishment question number two!"
Jun still doesn't bulge from his intense gaze on her, "Would you mind if I kiss you on a first date?"
This time he asks in a soft voice. Husky. Gentle.
Minako doesn't dare to look up to his face, "No, I wouldn't."
Jun only nods a couple of time and picks up his coffee to sip it. Letting the silence sinks in. And when she finally gathers the courage to look up to him, she smiles.
That gotta be the most beautiful smile he has ever laid eyes on.
---
Jun shifts his weight from one feet to the next as he stands in Minako's living room. Their date can't be as long as he wanted. He has an early morning shoot tomorrow for Arashi's variety shows. As for Minako, she also will start shooting her first hosting job tomorrow. After coffee and some more rounds of shiritori, which he always wins but doesn't have more courage to asks personal questions, he ends up asking silly ones instead.
Like how many times she takes a bath in one day. She answers once.
Like what 3 things she brings with her to a deserted island. He is not being very original with this one. She answers laptop, modem and some electricity. She says she can do everything with a computer and internet.
Like why Sho is her ichiban. Which she answers in a gory details he regrets he asked.
But those silly questions brush away some of the nervousness they have to endured after the first two punishment answers.
Which he can't take his mind off ever since he hears it. He is now thinking the best way to bring up the subject of a kiss.. A kiss to end the date.. But whenever he thinks of the word, his butterflies does this hyper dance he can't think straight.
But right now, Minako is going to fulfill her promise at the beginning of their date. Jun has been bugging about that as well.
She sits by her electric piano and thinks for a while, "Any song is fine?"
"Yep.."
"Well, this one is my favorite.."
She starts playing the piano skillfully, playing the song Kanade by Sukima Switch.
As we stood hand in hand in front of the ticket gate, there came another wind, just as stirring as the rest
I was supposed to see you off cheerfully, but without even being able to smile very well I just looked at you
I hope that, as you mature, that season won't overflow with sad songs
In our last moments, I wanted to tell something to you, so I searched for something to say in place of "good-bye"
I'd thought that it was my duty to take you and lead you by the hand
But now I understand; for us, the days that piled up together are the ones leading the way
As the time that you mature keeps increasing, I realize that I myself am changing as well
For example, if there are any songs like this one there, then we can always go on; connected to one another.
All at once, a bell resounded, and I, in a hurry, let go of your hand and you began to walk away
In a daze, I called out to you and held you tightly, close to my body
Wherever you go, I will project you with my voice
Ever since the day you came into my life, I started to look at anything and everything differently
Mornings, light, tears, and singing voices
You gave me light
All these heavy feelings are all put into this voice of mine, so that it can reach the far away town where you are
For example, if there are any songs like this one there,
we can always go on; connected to one another.
Jun can't take her eyes off her as she sings. She has such an angelic voice. One that can compare to Arashi's leader. One that can touch anyone's heart, especially his, as she sings with all her heart and might. One that renders him speechless. One that stops his breathing right at the moment she opens her mouth.
As she finishes the outro of the song, she lets out a small dreamy sigh.
"I'm sorry for the depressing song.." But she smile happily as she said that, staring at the piano and the remaining echo sounds it produces. "It is probably unfitting to the current situation, but I just love that song.."
"It is a beautiful song. And you sing beautifully," Jun softly says as he walks closer to her.
"Thank you.." Minako stands up and faces Jun, who is now standing just inches away.
Jun reaches for some strands of her hair and brushes it off her face gently.
"As a present I'll give you one punishment question.."
"Hontou?"
"Hmm.."
She thinks for a while as she drowns in those chocolate brown eyes that bore into hers.
"How do you feel about me?" It is asked in such a low voice, barely a whisper.
"Hmm.. Nino and Shun have such theories that I am falling love.. They might be right.. But truthfully I don't know yet.." He mutters. Surprised that he doesn't even feel nervous anymore. This girl surely has her magic down.
He gives her a flirtatious smile, a small one, "I might know after I kiss you.."
Minako takes a step closer to him, "So let's find out.."
Jun traces a finger from her temple to the tip of her nose, to her lips and then to her chin. He lifts her chin up for her lips to meet his.
The kiss was tender at first as their lips introduce one another. Jun puts his hand around her waist and pulls her closer to deepen the kiss, putting in more passion.
Minako puts her hands around his neck and completely surrender herself. He kisses her more passionately that both are out of breath within moments. Moments they both wish would never end.
"Hmm.." Jun manages to voice out in between kisses, "Now I know.." He whispers huskily.
"What?" Shakily, Minako also manages to ask.
"Their theories are spot on.."
Right then, as they continue to drown in that first kiss, both of their heartbeats can even still be heard years later.
Kitashiro Rei stares at the dark sky as she sits by the window of the love of her life. The love that still at some other part of the world due to their stupidity. Now she cannot do anything but wait for him coming home. Losing a couple of more hours are better than nothing she thinks. Especially when she misses him so much like this.
But thankfully, she doesn't need to do the waiting alone. Nino has called Ohno and Aiba to sleep over at Jun's that night. Sho has called her telling her that he couldn't make it due to work arrangements that he is currently out of town.
Jun's apartment hasn't changed so much for the past 3 months. It still feels like home. It still makes her missing him more. She hasn't even change her traveling clothes yet, still in her jeans. She's really tired.
"I'll go change first.."
Nino and Aiba who are playing virtual football game on TV didn't even hear her soft question. But Ohno, who are only lying on the sofa watching the game, did hear her.
"You can go ahead and sleep if you want.." He quietly says, giving her a smile. "You look very tired.."
"I guess I am.. Ja, oyasumi.."
"Oyasuminasai.."
Rei walks into the room, but she doesn't close the door. It would feel too lonely if she does. She stares at her suitcase but decides against rumbling through for her own clothes. She wants to wear Jun's clothes instead.
She opens his wardrobe and almost laughs out loud by the sight of his unique fashion sense. Not that she has never seen his collection before, but some garments never cease to amaze her.
She rummages through some folded casual clothes section at the top of the wardrobe. She pulls out some but her carelessness makes some clothes fall down to the floor along with a small box in between those folded clothes.
"Ah, itai!" She groans. The tip of the hard cover box hits her toe. The box scatters its contents to the floor.
Ohno arrives at the door seconds after.
"Daijoubu?"
Both Nino and Aiba also appears behind him.
"No need for some dramas. Just a dose of my usual carelessness.." Rei is definitely amused seeing the guys' faces look worried. And shocked by her small cry. She doesn't even think she made that much noise.
Then she realizes that right now, they were not gaping at her. But to something on the floor.
She follows their gaze and she automatically understands the reaction.
One of the contents that fell out of the box is this; a picture of a younger Matsumoto Jun with a girl she doesn't recognized. Self taken, obviously, judging by the way the camera is placed and the girl's hand positions. They were lip-locked. Kissing. With an identical silly smile plastered on their faces.
"Oh.." That's the only thing she can manage to say.
Nobody dares to move. The three Arashi members are frozen at the door.
Rei picks up the picture carefully. She finds some other, although not lip locked like the first one, they were all pictures of the same girl. Some of them with Jun. Some of them is just her alone.
And a letter in a pink envelope. Addressed to Jun. She fights the urge to open it and puts it quickly back to the box. Along with the pictures.
And close it tight.
"Just pretend I didn't see that, okay?" She finally manages to say in a shaky voice.
---
"You definitely can't pretend you didn't see it," Nino manages to say after a good one hour of uncomfortable silence.
Rei has lost her willingness to sleep. She sits at the sofa besides Nino, back at the living room. Both Ohno and Aiba sits on the floor. None of them can close their eyes now. Or play a game. Or do anything besides sitting there.
"You know, Rei-chan, you can count on this. But that girl was way in his past. Way before he even knew you.." Aiba explains in a soft voice, giving her an encouraging smile.
Rei nods a couple of times, "I know.. He mentioned about it once.."
"About Minako?" Aiba innocently blurts out.
Rei smiles sadly at that, "I just know now that her name is Minako, though.."
"Oops.." Aiba tries to laugh his bakaness off.
"Hanazono Minako.." Nino blurts out sharply. "Her name is Hanazono Minako.."
"Oh.." Rei nods a couple of times.
She tries to blink away a tear that has been forcing to come out the moment she learns the girl's name. A memory she has been trying to forget is forcing its way in.
"He still loves her, though.." Rei surprises even herself with her calm tone.
"No way. He loves you so much.." Aiba retorts hotly. "You know that!"
"I know.. I believe so as well, Aiba-chan.. But it is possible to love two people at the same time.." Rei explains patiently.
She then throws her head back to stare at the ceilings, "He dreamt of her once. And called out her name.. I guess she was his first love, huh? "
Noone dares to answer. Aiba and Ohno stares at the same ceiling. Nino just stare at the floor.
Rei pulls herself up from her seat. "Ja.. I should sleep now.. Don't feel so down, guys, really.. I know it's hard but just pretend we didn't see that.."
But when Rei is just about to open the door to Jun's bedroom, Nino calls to her, "Rei.."
"Yeah?"
"It was mad love.."
Rei closes her eyes. Trying to bear the sharp pain in her chest.
"And it has ended.. For good. A long time ago.." Nino adds again.
Rei nods a couple of times even though Nino and the rest of the guys couldn't see her.
"Wakatta.." She manages to say before she opens the door to Jun's room and shut it tight behind her.
Continue to Chapter 8
And just in case anyone doesn't know, shiritori is a Japanese word game in which the players are required to say a word which begins with the final kana of the previous word. Has to be a noun. Google it and you'd find some of the general rules on wiki. And my japanese is on a very basic level, so please forgive the easy choice of shiritori words.
And for the lyrics translation is not mine but got it from here.
The airplane icon marks the present time. 30 August 2013.
The cloud icon marks the past. Around the year of 2006.
「CHAPTER 7: MAD LOVE」
Before Matsumoto Jun had the chance to knock the door to her apartment, Hanazono Minako already opens it wide. And the moment Jun lays his eyes on her smile, he just knows. He just knows what has been bugging him for the past few weeks. Because at that exact moment, whatever that has been bugging him, it goes to pieces. Gone. Just like that.
Both of them are in battered jeans. He is wearing a checkered shirt over a white v-neck T-shirt. She is wearing a baby doll top with a small red ribbon above her waist. He looks smashing as usual. She looks as charming as ever. They both look casual despite the fact they took hours to decide on each outfit.
And all they can do the moment they see each other, is just to smile at each other. Both hoping the smile can transmit everything they have been dying to say during the week apart from each other.
"Konnichiwa.." She finally says.
Matsumoto Jun bows. And they laugh at their own formality.
"Ano.." Jun scratches his head.
"Yes?"
"Can I use your toilet?" He has been rushing himself after his rehearsal and the urge to pee has been overpowering his nervousness as he drove to her apartment.
She laughs again, "Sure."
She lets him into her apartment and lead the way to her room where her bathroom is.
Jun always believes that he can tell some traits of someone's personality by the way they arrange their own personal living space.
Like Sho's apartment that's the most spacious out of all the members' apartments and have the most furniture and electronic equipments. It has this expensive aura yet it is very messy and disorganized. "I never had the time to clean up," Sho always reasons.
Aiba's apartment is really something else. All the fluffy cute stuffed animals Aiba keeps in his room somehow gives the magic and it would be one of the things guests look in the first place as they walk into his apartment. And the pictures. Aiba loves hanging up pictures of his family, friends and, of course, Arashi. His apartment is a big version of Arashi's photo album of their career journey for the last 7 years ever since they debuted.
Nino's apartment is of course filled with games, musical equipments and the guy clearly doesn't care much about aesthetics in the way his apartment should look like. Even though at first it looks disorganized, he can find everything he needs in less that 10 seconds. Quite amazing in a way.
Whilst Ohno's.. Jun can't say. He still lives with his parents and his mom arranges his room which none of the Arashi members ever been to. So can't say much about that.
As Jun walks out of Minako's toilet, he finally has the chance to look around. It hits him how her apartment looks so much like his own. She only has simple necessary stuff. It is organized in such a way that it gives off a comfortable and neat feeling but not too sterile. Modern yet warm. With books collection that can rival a small library. With CDs collection that can rival a small CD store.
The most expensive item would be the huge LCD TV, just like his apartment. Jun feels at home immediately.
The only difference of his apartment to hers is just how she hangs a lot of pictures like Aiba, though not to his extent. Whilst Jun's apartment only has posters, some artwork and a couple of awards he has received in the past.
"Thank God, I just cleaned up," Minako chuckles as she notices how Jun gives a thorough look around her apartment. "You are scarier than my landlord!"
Jun gives her a small smile, enjoying her smile that lights up the whole room. But when Minako catches his gaze, he shyly looks away.
His eyes fall to an electric piano at the corner of the living room, surrounded by music sheets and books.
"You play the piano?" He asks as he walks closer to it.
"A little.."
Jun checks out some music sheets, most of them are handwritten.
"You play a little yet you compose your own songs?" He studies the sheets closer and closer. The lyrics were written underneath. "You also sings, right?"
Minako laughs, "I was being modest."
"Can you play it for me?" He turns to her, her gaze on her becoming deeper and deeper.
Minako's cheery laugh transforms to a nervous laugh again, "Eh? Now?"
"Yes.."
"Yada.."
"Please.. I'd really like to hear you play and sing.."
"No, no, no.. Please don't," then Minako notices how Jun's face fell.
Her heart gives a strong jolt. He actually feels disappointed..
"I'll do it later tonight, when you get me home.." She finally blurts out.
And Jun's face lights up immediately, like a schoolboy's expression opening his dream Christmas present.
Minako bites her underlip and locks her eyes onto his. Again, he looks away shyly after a while.
"Ano, shall we go?" He clears his throat.
"I am ready when you are.." Minako still can't take her eyes off Jun.
Could it be?
---
Hanazono Minako has always been honest with her feelings. She is one who acknowledges what she feels quickly and get it out of her system as soon as she can. Spontaneous, that would be the world. Carpe diem, that would be her motto. And of course, she is also one who is easily get obsessed over something. One of her obsessions, after singing and ribbons, would be Sakurai Sho.
But that was until a week ago. Until her particular obsession yelled at her. It was devastating, of course. It hurts as hell, of course. The moment she walked back in to her apartment and slipped into her bed, all she wanted to do is just to cry.
But to her surprise, she couldn't cry.
Because she still could smell Matsumoto Jun's scent on her own body, an everlasting mark from his hug. She still could feel his warmth. And her heart had this funny rate as it beats so fast she was at first thought she was having a heart attack.
It is not until the morning after that she realizes who she has fallen in love instead. She curses herself from not realizing it sooner. She was not falling in love with whom she thought was the man of her dreams. Life is funny that way. What the man has said was true, the Sakurai Sho who lives in her head might be completely different with the one actually living in this world.
She thoroughly understands that. And when she finds Sho at her door, her heart did not beat like this. She was too nervous acting and lying to him.
A totally different feeling with the way she felt when she opened her door for the man in front of her right now. Sipping his coffee slowly in the corner of a small coffee shop. It has surprised yet pleased her that he brings her to such a modest coffee house. She has imagined he will bring her to somewhere glamorous and screams out idol's hanging out place in every corner.
Instead, he brings her to this small yet cozy place where every staff seemed to be used to with Jun's presence.
"So is everything alright now between you and Sakurai-san?" Minako asks.
Jun sighs, "He hasn't talk to me yet.." Then he notices that Minako's face fell, "But he'll come around.."
"I don't want to become the girl who breaks up Arashi.. So many fangirls are going to kill me for that.." She mutters under her breath.
Jun laughs heartily at that, "You think too highly of yourself. You're not breaking us up."
"I bet if Sho knows that you are now having a date with me, he'll be pissed! I've heard about his temper, but I didn't expect that he would be so scary!"
Jun stares at his coffee and thinks for a while, "Everybody have their own flaws.."
Minako leans closer, "What's yours?"
"My flaw?"
"Yes.."
"I am not a person who goes out on the open about my flaws," He smirks.
"That's one.." Minako puts out one of her index fingers.
"Tell me one of yours, first.."
"Let's see.." She tilts her head as if thinking, "I can't hide my feelings.."
"That's not a flaw.." Jun scoffs at that.
"It is.."
"Well depends on the situation. I actually finds that trait of yours kinda cute.."
There's a hint of flirtiness in his tone that gives the butterflies living inside Minako's stomach dances. And with the way his eyes bore into hers.. She just has to look away.
Minako laughs nervously. Jun doesn't even budge. Silence creeps into them for a good one minute. Minako swears her heartbeat is audible even from across the room.
Minako tries to tone it down. Maybe she should say something. Say something!
"Ano.."
"Hmm.." She still can feel his eyes on her. Where did his previous shyness go? Look away, please!
"Do you play shiritori?"
Random much, Minako? But at least she breaks the silence.
"Shiritori?" Jun almost laughs, "Yeah.. We play it a lot actually.. When we have a lot of waiting time.."
"Let's play it!"
"Now?" Jun asks incredelously. He's been to a lot of dates, but none where his date ever ask him to play shiritori with. Not even when he is still in school. That's more into Arashi's bakaness area. But he never had dates with girls like Minako before.
"Yeah.. But I have a bit of variation into it.. The first word should start with something you can see within sight right now.. Of course, you'll lose if you give a word ending with ん(n), but you'll win if you can find another word within sight.. Not just written words, you can also refer on images and actual objects within sight.."
"Hmm.."
"Losers of each round should answer any questions the winner asked.. "
"Not impressions?"
"You usually do them with the guys?"
Jun laughs at some silly moments in his memories, "Yeah.. But I think this punishment would be more fitting to the situation right now. Warning though, I am a shiritori expert.." He already gives her a winning smile.
"Confidence. I like that.." Minako, on the other hand, is so not confident. She speaks with her mother in Chinese, speaks with her friends in English.. Japanese is like almost a second language even though she learnt it first during childhood.
"You should start first.."
Minako stares at her coffee, "Okay... Ko-hi- (coffee).."
Jun smirks and answers quickly, "Hikoki (airplane)."
Minako thinks for a while, "Eh.. Ki.. Kimono.."
Jun lets out a small cough as he grins wide. Minako looks at him questioningly. Jun pats her hand lightly, which gives her butterflies an electrical shock but that was not the point right now, and he points at a promotional traveling poster near the cashier.
Minako squints her eyes and notice that there's a small airplane icon is on the poster. She gapes in disbelief.
"This is too easy.." Jun's grin got wider and wider. "Okay! Punishment question number one!"
Jun's expression turns serious all of the sudden, "So.. Why do you want to have a date with me?"
Those butterflies inside Minako's stomach are churning. Okay, whoever has the impression that Matsumoto Jun is a shy guy, they are wrong! So wrong! How can he asks this question to her? Is he forcing out of a confession this early?
Jun lets out a small smile watching her shifting uncomfortably in her seat, "A hard question to answer.. I can see that.."
Geez, the guy is enjoying her suffering! Minako swears of revenge. Be careful of what you wish for, Matsumoto Jun!
"Because I can't take my mind off you for the past week!" She spits out angrily. "Happy?"
Now it is his turn to gape. His butterflies to churn. His cheeks to reddened. And losing the capability to speak another word.
But Minako is too embarassed to even enjoy that hard-earned moment. "Okay, next round! Your turn.."
Jun looks around stupidly, obviously also losing the capability to think carefully. "Ah.. Isu (chair)."
"Sugoroku (board game)!"
"Kudamono (fruit) .." He stares at the counter.
Minako groans, "No way!"
"Way.."
Minako turns and finds some fruit nearby the juicer at the counter of the the coffeeshop.
Jun gives her a smile, "You suck at this."
Minako groans again, "Fire away.. Punishment question number two!"
Jun still doesn't bulge from his intense gaze on her, "Would you mind if I kiss you on a first date?"
This time he asks in a soft voice. Husky. Gentle.
Minako doesn't dare to look up to his face, "No, I wouldn't."
Jun only nods a couple of time and picks up his coffee to sip it. Letting the silence sinks in. And when she finally gathers the courage to look up to him, she smiles.
That gotta be the most beautiful smile he has ever laid eyes on.
---
Jun shifts his weight from one feet to the next as he stands in Minako's living room. Their date can't be as long as he wanted. He has an early morning shoot tomorrow for Arashi's variety shows. As for Minako, she also will start shooting her first hosting job tomorrow. After coffee and some more rounds of shiritori, which he always wins but doesn't have more courage to asks personal questions, he ends up asking silly ones instead.
Like how many times she takes a bath in one day. She answers once.
Like what 3 things she brings with her to a deserted island. He is not being very original with this one. She answers laptop, modem and some electricity. She says she can do everything with a computer and internet.
Like why Sho is her ichiban. Which she answers in a gory details he regrets he asked.
But those silly questions brush away some of the nervousness they have to endured after the first two punishment answers.
Which he can't take his mind off ever since he hears it. He is now thinking the best way to bring up the subject of a kiss.. A kiss to end the date.. But whenever he thinks of the word, his butterflies does this hyper dance he can't think straight.
But right now, Minako is going to fulfill her promise at the beginning of their date. Jun has been bugging about that as well.
She sits by her electric piano and thinks for a while, "Any song is fine?"
"Yep.."
"Well, this one is my favorite.."
She starts playing the piano skillfully, playing the song Kanade by Sukima Switch.
Click to viewAs we stood hand in hand in front of the ticket gate, there came another wind, just as stirring as the rest
I was supposed to see you off cheerfully, but without even being able to smile very well I just looked at you
I hope that, as you mature, that season won't overflow with sad songs
In our last moments, I wanted to tell something to you, so I searched for something to say in place of "good-bye"
I'd thought that it was my duty to take you and lead you by the hand
But now I understand; for us, the days that piled up together are the ones leading the way
As the time that you mature keeps increasing, I realize that I myself am changing as well
For example, if there are any songs like this one there, then we can always go on; connected to one another.
All at once, a bell resounded, and I, in a hurry, let go of your hand and you began to walk away
In a daze, I called out to you and held you tightly, close to my body
Wherever you go, I will project you with my voice
Ever since the day you came into my life, I started to look at anything and everything differently
Mornings, light, tears, and singing voices
You gave me light
All these heavy feelings are all put into this voice of mine, so that it can reach the far away town where you are
For example, if there are any songs like this one there,
we can always go on; connected to one another.
Jun can't take her eyes off her as she sings. She has such an angelic voice. One that can compare to Arashi's leader. One that can touch anyone's heart, especially his, as she sings with all her heart and might. One that renders him speechless. One that stops his breathing right at the moment she opens her mouth.
As she finishes the outro of the song, she lets out a small dreamy sigh.
"I'm sorry for the depressing song.." But she smile happily as she said that, staring at the piano and the remaining echo sounds it produces. "It is probably unfitting to the current situation, but I just love that song.."
"It is a beautiful song. And you sing beautifully," Jun softly says as he walks closer to her.
"Thank you.." Minako stands up and faces Jun, who is now standing just inches away.
Jun reaches for some strands of her hair and brushes it off her face gently.
"As a present I'll give you one punishment question.."
"Hontou?"
"Hmm.."
She thinks for a while as she drowns in those chocolate brown eyes that bore into hers.
"How do you feel about me?" It is asked in such a low voice, barely a whisper.
"Hmm.. Nino and Shun have such theories that I am falling love.. They might be right.. But truthfully I don't know yet.." He mutters. Surprised that he doesn't even feel nervous anymore. This girl surely has her magic down.
He gives her a flirtatious smile, a small one, "I might know after I kiss you.."
Minako takes a step closer to him, "So let's find out.."
Jun traces a finger from her temple to the tip of her nose, to her lips and then to her chin. He lifts her chin up for her lips to meet his.
The kiss was tender at first as their lips introduce one another. Jun puts his hand around her waist and pulls her closer to deepen the kiss, putting in more passion.
Minako puts her hands around his neck and completely surrender herself. He kisses her more passionately that both are out of breath within moments. Moments they both wish would never end.
"Hmm.." Jun manages to voice out in between kisses, "Now I know.." He whispers huskily.
"What?" Shakily, Minako also manages to ask.
"Their theories are spot on.."
Right then, as they continue to drown in that first kiss, both of their heartbeats can even still be heard years later.
Kitashiro Rei stares at the dark sky as she sits by the window of the love of her life. The love that still at some other part of the world due to their stupidity. Now she cannot do anything but wait for him coming home. Losing a couple of more hours are better than nothing she thinks. Especially when she misses him so much like this.
But thankfully, she doesn't need to do the waiting alone. Nino has called Ohno and Aiba to sleep over at Jun's that night. Sho has called her telling her that he couldn't make it due to work arrangements that he is currently out of town.
Jun's apartment hasn't changed so much for the past 3 months. It still feels like home. It still makes her missing him more. She hasn't even change her traveling clothes yet, still in her jeans. She's really tired.
"I'll go change first.."
Nino and Aiba who are playing virtual football game on TV didn't even hear her soft question. But Ohno, who are only lying on the sofa watching the game, did hear her.
"You can go ahead and sleep if you want.." He quietly says, giving her a smile. "You look very tired.."
"I guess I am.. Ja, oyasumi.."
"Oyasuminasai.."
Rei walks into the room, but she doesn't close the door. It would feel too lonely if she does. She stares at her suitcase but decides against rumbling through for her own clothes. She wants to wear Jun's clothes instead.
She opens his wardrobe and almost laughs out loud by the sight of his unique fashion sense. Not that she has never seen his collection before, but some garments never cease to amaze her.
She rummages through some folded casual clothes section at the top of the wardrobe. She pulls out some but her carelessness makes some clothes fall down to the floor along with a small box in between those folded clothes.
"Ah, itai!" She groans. The tip of the hard cover box hits her toe. The box scatters its contents to the floor.
Ohno arrives at the door seconds after.
"Daijoubu?"
Both Nino and Aiba also appears behind him.
"No need for some dramas. Just a dose of my usual carelessness.." Rei is definitely amused seeing the guys' faces look worried. And shocked by her small cry. She doesn't even think she made that much noise.
Then she realizes that right now, they were not gaping at her. But to something on the floor.
She follows their gaze and she automatically understands the reaction.
One of the contents that fell out of the box is this; a picture of a younger Matsumoto Jun with a girl she doesn't recognized. Self taken, obviously, judging by the way the camera is placed and the girl's hand positions. They were lip-locked. Kissing. With an identical silly smile plastered on their faces.
"Oh.." That's the only thing she can manage to say.
Nobody dares to move. The three Arashi members are frozen at the door.
Rei picks up the picture carefully. She finds some other, although not lip locked like the first one, they were all pictures of the same girl. Some of them with Jun. Some of them is just her alone.
And a letter in a pink envelope. Addressed to Jun. She fights the urge to open it and puts it quickly back to the box. Along with the pictures.
And close it tight.
"Just pretend I didn't see that, okay?" She finally manages to say in a shaky voice.
---
"You definitely can't pretend you didn't see it," Nino manages to say after a good one hour of uncomfortable silence.
Rei has lost her willingness to sleep. She sits at the sofa besides Nino, back at the living room. Both Ohno and Aiba sits on the floor. None of them can close their eyes now. Or play a game. Or do anything besides sitting there.
"You know, Rei-chan, you can count on this. But that girl was way in his past. Way before he even knew you.." Aiba explains in a soft voice, giving her an encouraging smile.
Rei nods a couple of times, "I know.. He mentioned about it once.."
"About Minako?" Aiba innocently blurts out.
Rei smiles sadly at that, "I just know now that her name is Minako, though.."
"Oops.." Aiba tries to laugh his bakaness off.
"Hanazono Minako.." Nino blurts out sharply. "Her name is Hanazono Minako.."
"Oh.." Rei nods a couple of times.
She tries to blink away a tear that has been forcing to come out the moment she learns the girl's name. A memory she has been trying to forget is forcing its way in.
"He still loves her, though.." Rei surprises even herself with her calm tone.
"No way. He loves you so much.." Aiba retorts hotly. "You know that!"
"I know.. I believe so as well, Aiba-chan.. But it is possible to love two people at the same time.." Rei explains patiently.
She then throws her head back to stare at the ceilings, "He dreamt of her once. And called out her name.. I guess she was his first love, huh? "
Noone dares to answer. Aiba and Ohno stares at the same ceiling. Nino just stare at the floor.
Rei pulls herself up from her seat. "Ja.. I should sleep now.. Don't feel so down, guys, really.. I know it's hard but just pretend we didn't see that.."
But when Rei is just about to open the door to Jun's bedroom, Nino calls to her, "Rei.."
"Yeah?"
"It was mad love.."
Rei closes her eyes. Trying to bear the sharp pain in her chest.
"And it has ended.. For good. A long time ago.." Nino adds again.
Rei nods a couple of times even though Nino and the rest of the guys couldn't see her.
"Wakatta.." She manages to say before she opens the door to Jun's room and shut it tight behind her.
Continue to Chapter 8