Boy Meets Girl, Girl Meets Boy: A Love Story (Chapter 19)
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Chapter Nineteen
I know what Toushin's going to say once I walk into that room. He'll say 'You're late.' in that gravelly voice of his and look at me sternly before ordering me around. It wasn't my fault that there was traffic on the way to Odaiba.
I dragged my bags into the Fuji TV station building, still not quite fully awake. I was a bit bummed because on the way, I heard on the radio that Seiji was rumored to be dating Aya Ueto. Well, I guess he's off the market then, at least for now... And to think, I honestly thought he liked me. Oh well...
I took off my coat as I rode the elevator. It was unusually cold for a Saturday but it didn't stop me from wearing a sleeveless top, covered by a pink blouse, almost at the start of the fall season. I didn't have time to dress up because I woke up late. Well, Toushin didn't tell me that we had an important photo shoot at the last minute so it's his fault anyway.
I stepped out of the elevator once I reached the seventh floor. I walked around for a bit until I found a room marked 2-5 on the door. I slowly pushed it back, taking a peek to see if anyone was already there.
A few people were scurrying around the room, setting up chairs, sofas, clothes and other stuff. I went in, trailing my bags behind me.
"Oooohhhh~"
"Kirei ne~"
"Sexy..."
A few snickers and smirks travel to my ears. I ignored it but when I looked up, I found four guys, with the names of Satoshi Ohno, Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba and Jun Matsumoto, staring at me, their mouths hanging open.
...in other words, Arashi.
I raise an eyebrow at them as I walk past them. What the hell are these bakas staring at?? You'd think they haven't seen a girl before or something...
"Oi, you bakas! I told you to wait for me!! Why didn't you - " A voice suddenly yells and trails off as I accidentally drop my coat onto the floor. I turn around to find Nino staring, along with the four, at me, his mouth also hanging open.
Nobody says anything for awhile, until Aiba breaks the silence.
"Wow, Nino! Now I know why you like young girls..." Aiba whispers, giggling while Jun smirks, wrapping an arm around Nino's shoulders. Sho and Ohno were snickering.
That snapped Nino out of his stare. "Shut up, Aiba!" He whacks the back of Aiba's head and shoves Jun's arm with his shoulders.
I roll my eyes at them. I forgot they were guys...
I pick up my coat and walk over to Toushin, who was busy setting up with Nobu. "Ohayo..." I muttered.
"You're late." Toushin says, not looking up at me.
See? What did I tell you?
I drop my bag and start to help them set up. "Did you guys have breakfast already?"
He nods. After setting up, he stands up straight and motions me and Nobu to follow him.
A guy in a black shirt comes up to us. "Thanks for doing this." He tells Toushin. "Now, we're even."
Toushin just nods at him. Arashi then comes up to us, surrounded by people talking on their cell phones.
The guy in black steps forward and introduces himself. "Konnichiwa! I'm Koro-san, the editor of Backstage Magazine. Everyone," He turns to Arashi. "this is our photographer for the day, Toushin-san."
Toushin bows to everyone. "Hello. I'll be in charge for today. By the way, these are my assistants, Isayama-san and Furimoto-san. They'll be helping me out today."
We bow at everyone. Why didn't Toushin tell me that the photo shoot would include Arashi?
"Well," Koro turns to the set. "Shall we start?"
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"Hanari, get me a can of soda, a glass, a straw and some ice." Toushin ordered as soon as I gave him his camera.
"Hai." I headed towards the back room and grabbed the stuff, setting them on a tray. I was in such a hurry that I almost bumped into someone. "Sorry, I - " That someone being Nino. "Ah, Ninomiya-san..."
"Eh? Ninomiya-san?" He tilted his head to one side, annoyed.
I didn't answer. Instead, I covered his mouth with one hand, pointed at the door with the other and mouthed the words 'They can hear us'. He nodded to say he understood.
I removed my hand as we just stood there, looking at each other. Okay...don't panic. I didn't expect it to be this awkward, not after one week since...
"Why didn't you tell me you were 19?" He suddenly burst out.
"Huh?" I shrugged. "Oh. Well...you didn't ask."
He slapped his head. "Thanks a lot! Thanks to you, now those bakas think I have a Lolita complex!"
"Don't you?" I nodded and placed the tray onto the nearest table. "Ano...about the last time we met...my behavior was completely inappropriate and out of line. I didn't mean for things to go out of hand and - "
"Apology accepted!" He gives me a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, it happens to me all the time. No matter how hard I try, girls can't seem to keep their hands off me. It seems I'm irresistible to them..." He brushes his hair back with his fingers, sighing. "It's both a curse and a blessing, being a handsome idol and all ..."
"What the - ??" Apologize?? I'm not apologizing! The nerve! "I'm not saying sorry, Nino! Especially to you! In fact, I'm not sorry at all. I'm not sorry that it happened nor am I sorry that I even kissed you!" I gasp and quickly cover my mouth as soon as the words fly out. I didn't mean for that to slip out but he got me so angry. Why should I say sorry? I didn't do anything wrong!
He gives me a smirk, coupled with a smile before raising an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Look, it was just a kiss. Let's just forget it happened and move on." It's not a big deal. It doesn't change anything.
"Whatever..." He pulls out a cigarette from his pocket and puts it between his lips. "Do you have a lighter?"
I quickly grab it from his mouth. "Sorry but you can't smoke here. Toushin has a strict, no-smoking policy during work time." He smokes? Yuck! Smoking is a bad habit that causes lung cancer and could also be considered a fire hazard.
No wonder he's so thin...not to mention his dark gums...
He curses under his breath as I throw the cigarette onto the nearest trash can. I head out with the tray and hand it to Toushin, who tells me to give it to Jun. As soon as Jun receives it, saying "Thanks.", Toushin comes around again. "Hanari! Where's Ninomiya-san? Find him - now!"
I run back towards the back room and was about to open the door but, for some reason, I stopped. The door was slightly open and I could see Nino, on the couch, playing with his game boy. I raised a hand to knock but decided not to when he stood up. He walked over to the dresser and, without warning, took off his shirt. I bit my lip as my eyes wandered over to his shirtless self. I took in his small frame, from his smooth back up to his strong shoulders and short arms. His skin shone against the light, making me notice his wide chest and his abs. His soft hands move down to his denim pants, fingers hooking along the belt loop. He slowly unbuttoned it, the zipper going down and...
I instantly wondered what he'd look like without the pants, and secretly wished he'd take it off as well...
"Hanari!!" Toushin yells, snapping me out of my dirty thoughts. I jump back, surprised. Damn it! Just when it was getting better... My hand quickly moves over the door, knocking softly. "Ninomiya-san? Please hurry up. They're all waiting for you."
I walk back towards the set, my cheeks slightly warm. I tried to shake my head but couldn't remove the image of Nino, topless, from my mind. Needless to say, Toushin did the honors for me.
"Where's Ninomi - Oh, there he is." Toushin nodded as I stood behind him. "Ninomiya-san, stand over there please."
The photo shoot went on without a hitch, except for a few times when I caught Nino's eyes giving me these weird, indecipherable looks. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Ninomiya-san, please look at the camera." Toushin called out before continuing to take pictures. He turned to Koro-san after, whispering that Nino's eyes were very expressive and could convey any emotion he asked for in just one glance. "These shots are very good." He says to Nino.
"Guess I'm done then..." He smirked at me as he left the set.
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I stood up and stretched out. Boy, was I so tired! Who wouldn't be after your boss leaves you to clean up the set?
Picking up my bags, I head for the door after the shoot. "Ja ne! Arigatou minna!"
"Oh, Hanari-san." Ohno almost bumps into me as I stand against the door. "Sorry."
Jun stands behind me, a worried expression on his face. "Where's Nino? Did you find him?"
Ohno shook his head. "No. I can't find him anywhere. Did you?"
Jun shook his head as well. "Have you seen Nino?"
"No. What's wrong?" I glance back between them.
"He's gone." Jun says.
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Chapter Nineteen
I know what Toushin's going to say once I walk into that room. He'll say 'You're late.' in that gravelly voice of his and look at me sternly before ordering me around. It wasn't my fault that there was traffic on the way to Odaiba.
I dragged my bags into the Fuji TV station building, still not quite fully awake. I was a bit bummed because on the way, I heard on the radio that Seiji was rumored to be dating Aya Ueto. Well, I guess he's off the market then, at least for now... And to think, I honestly thought he liked me. Oh well...
I took off my coat as I rode the elevator. It was unusually cold for a Saturday but it didn't stop me from wearing a sleeveless top, covered by a pink blouse, almost at the start of the fall season. I didn't have time to dress up because I woke up late. Well, Toushin didn't tell me that we had an important photo shoot at the last minute so it's his fault anyway.
I stepped out of the elevator once I reached the seventh floor. I walked around for a bit until I found a room marked 2-5 on the door. I slowly pushed it back, taking a peek to see if anyone was already there.
A few people were scurrying around the room, setting up chairs, sofas, clothes and other stuff. I went in, trailing my bags behind me.
"Oooohhhh~"
"Kirei ne~"
"Sexy..."
A few snickers and smirks travel to my ears. I ignored it but when I looked up, I found four guys, with the names of Satoshi Ohno, Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba and Jun Matsumoto, staring at me, their mouths hanging open.
...in other words, Arashi.
I raise an eyebrow at them as I walk past them. What the hell are these bakas staring at?? You'd think they haven't seen a girl before or something...
"Oi, you bakas! I told you to wait for me!! Why didn't you - " A voice suddenly yells and trails off as I accidentally drop my coat onto the floor. I turn around to find Nino staring, along with the four, at me, his mouth also hanging open.
Nobody says anything for awhile, until Aiba breaks the silence.
"Wow, Nino! Now I know why you like young girls..." Aiba whispers, giggling while Jun smirks, wrapping an arm around Nino's shoulders. Sho and Ohno were snickering.
That snapped Nino out of his stare. "Shut up, Aiba!" He whacks the back of Aiba's head and shoves Jun's arm with his shoulders.
I roll my eyes at them. I forgot they were guys...
I pick up my coat and walk over to Toushin, who was busy setting up with Nobu. "Ohayo..." I muttered.
"You're late." Toushin says, not looking up at me.
See? What did I tell you?
I drop my bag and start to help them set up. "Did you guys have breakfast already?"
He nods. After setting up, he stands up straight and motions me and Nobu to follow him.
A guy in a black shirt comes up to us. "Thanks for doing this." He tells Toushin. "Now, we're even."
Toushin just nods at him. Arashi then comes up to us, surrounded by people talking on their cell phones.
The guy in black steps forward and introduces himself. "Konnichiwa! I'm Koro-san, the editor of Backstage Magazine. Everyone," He turns to Arashi. "this is our photographer for the day, Toushin-san."
Toushin bows to everyone. "Hello. I'll be in charge for today. By the way, these are my assistants, Isayama-san and Furimoto-san. They'll be helping me out today."
We bow at everyone. Why didn't Toushin tell me that the photo shoot would include Arashi?
"Well," Koro turns to the set. "Shall we start?"
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"Hanari, get me a can of soda, a glass, a straw and some ice." Toushin ordered as soon as I gave him his camera.
"Hai." I headed towards the back room and grabbed the stuff, setting them on a tray. I was in such a hurry that I almost bumped into someone. "Sorry, I - " That someone being Nino. "Ah, Ninomiya-san..."
"Eh? Ninomiya-san?" He tilted his head to one side, annoyed.
I didn't answer. Instead, I covered his mouth with one hand, pointed at the door with the other and mouthed the words 'They can hear us'. He nodded to say he understood.
I removed my hand as we just stood there, looking at each other. Okay...don't panic. I didn't expect it to be this awkward, not after one week since...
"Why didn't you tell me you were 19?" He suddenly burst out.
"Huh?" I shrugged. "Oh. Well...you didn't ask."
He slapped his head. "Thanks a lot! Thanks to you, now those bakas think I have a Lolita complex!"
"Don't you?" I nodded and placed the tray onto the nearest table. "Ano...about the last time we met...my behavior was completely inappropriate and out of line. I didn't mean for things to go out of hand and - "
"Apology accepted!" He gives me a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, it happens to me all the time. No matter how hard I try, girls can't seem to keep their hands off me. It seems I'm irresistible to them..." He brushes his hair back with his fingers, sighing. "It's both a curse and a blessing, being a handsome idol and all ..."
"What the - ??" Apologize?? I'm not apologizing! The nerve! "I'm not saying sorry, Nino! Especially to you! In fact, I'm not sorry at all. I'm not sorry that it happened nor am I sorry that I even kissed you!" I gasp and quickly cover my mouth as soon as the words fly out. I didn't mean for that to slip out but he got me so angry. Why should I say sorry? I didn't do anything wrong!
He gives me a smirk, coupled with a smile before raising an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Look, it was just a kiss. Let's just forget it happened and move on." It's not a big deal. It doesn't change anything.
"Whatever..." He pulls out a cigarette from his pocket and puts it between his lips. "Do you have a lighter?"
I quickly grab it from his mouth. "Sorry but you can't smoke here. Toushin has a strict, no-smoking policy during work time." He smokes? Yuck! Smoking is a bad habit that causes lung cancer and could also be considered a fire hazard.
No wonder he's so thin...not to mention his dark gums...
He curses under his breath as I throw the cigarette onto the nearest trash can. I head out with the tray and hand it to Toushin, who tells me to give it to Jun. As soon as Jun receives it, saying "Thanks.", Toushin comes around again. "Hanari! Where's Ninomiya-san? Find him - now!"
I run back towards the back room and was about to open the door but, for some reason, I stopped. The door was slightly open and I could see Nino, on the couch, playing with his game boy. I raised a hand to knock but decided not to when he stood up. He walked over to the dresser and, without warning, took off his shirt. I bit my lip as my eyes wandered over to his shirtless self. I took in his small frame, from his smooth back up to his strong shoulders and short arms. His skin shone against the light, making me notice his wide chest and his abs. His soft hands move down to his denim pants, fingers hooking along the belt loop. He slowly unbuttoned it, the zipper going down and...
I instantly wondered what he'd look like without the pants, and secretly wished he'd take it off as well...
"Hanari!!" Toushin yells, snapping me out of my dirty thoughts. I jump back, surprised. Damn it! Just when it was getting better... My hand quickly moves over the door, knocking softly. "Ninomiya-san? Please hurry up. They're all waiting for you."
I walk back towards the set, my cheeks slightly warm. I tried to shake my head but couldn't remove the image of Nino, topless, from my mind. Needless to say, Toushin did the honors for me.
"Where's Ninomi - Oh, there he is." Toushin nodded as I stood behind him. "Ninomiya-san, stand over there please."
The photo shoot went on without a hitch, except for a few times when I caught Nino's eyes giving me these weird, indecipherable looks. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Ninomiya-san, please look at the camera." Toushin called out before continuing to take pictures. He turned to Koro-san after, whispering that Nino's eyes were very expressive and could convey any emotion he asked for in just one glance. "These shots are very good." He says to Nino.
"Guess I'm done then..." He smirked at me as he left the set.
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I stood up and stretched out. Boy, was I so tired! Who wouldn't be after your boss leaves you to clean up the set?
Picking up my bags, I head for the door after the shoot. "Ja ne! Arigatou minna!"
"Oh, Hanari-san." Ohno almost bumps into me as I stand against the door. "Sorry."
Jun stands behind me, a worried expression on his face. "Where's Nino? Did you find him?"
Ohno shook his head. "No. I can't find him anywhere. Did you?"
Jun shook his head as well. "Have you seen Nino?"
"No. What's wrong?" I glance back between them.
"He's gone." Jun says.
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