[Fanfic] A Beautiful Mess (Chapter Nineteen)
This took quite a while, seeing that the last two weeks' pace is a bit faster. I realize that this fic is the longest one I've written so far, (counting the ones I wrote in the past with another fandom) and I am still in the middle part of the story. I will try to fit everything until chapter 30 I guess but not more than 35. :D And I will try to update faster starting today, maybe an update every two or three days?? But I am not promising anything though. LOL. Sometimes I can be very lazy. :p But I will try. :)
This is unbeta-ed so if you spotted any errors, don't hesitate to call my attention. Comments, suggestions, reactions and criticisms are gladly welcome. Happy reading! :D
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Izumi Yana is curled up into a ball in the couch, dressed only in a silk robe with nothing underneath, staring blankly at the widely open full length window that’s lighting up her entire living room and kitchen. It’s only a little bit past six in the morning and she’s been sitting there even before the sun comes out.
She warms her cold palms in the mug she’s holding as she took a sip of her hot tea. She couldn’t sleep at all. Not when someone like Matsumoto Jun is sleeping beside her, cuddling her close to him. It was only now that she realized that maybe last night went a little bit too overboard. She admits to herself that she’s horny, seeing that it’s been four months since she last did it and she’s trying her best to control her sexual desire since she’s changing her bad ways. But with Matsumoto Jun flirting with her, she couldn’t just say no, especially when he’s being effortlessly sexy in her eyes.
She finally stood up from the couch, placed the half empty mug on the kitchen counter and drags her tired body to her bedroom. She sat on the vacant part of the bed and stared the man sleeping peacefully beside her. A big, heavy sigh escaped her mouth as she ran a hand on the hair that’s blocking his face.
He’s beautiful.
A taught that crosses her mind that never manages to come out of her mouth.
And sweet and warm and caring.
Another big sigh. She closed her eyes for a while, trying to erase the unending thoughts filling her mind. She immediately stood up and turned her back on the man on the bed. She combs her hair from her forehead using her fingers as she tried to soothe her fast beating heart.
She enters the bathroom and looks at herself in the mirror while clutching the sink for support. Her eyes are tired, even more tired that it was last night, her skin is paler that normal, her lips is faint pink and it’s starting to chap off. She looks terrible. If Eri catches her looking like this, she’ll probably bombard her with question on what happened, seeing that Eri can see through her face.
It wonders her, though. Eri once said that her face is very transparent, every emotion is shown heavily on her expressions and how she twitches her lips. They argued about that for days, Yana reasoned that she never twitches her lips but Eri came in defense that she does it unconsciously. Since then, she’s very cautious of Eri reading her face and she tried countless times practicing a fake expression in front of the mirror. In the end, practicing didn’t do anything good since Eri told her that faking her expressions makes her look really pathetic and not to mention, retarded.
She gets out of the silk robe and enters the shower, letting the warm water drips into her naked body. All of a sudden, she heard the door knob turning open and a figure came inside as she look from behind the frosted glass shower door.
“Shit!” She curses under her breath as water streams down her face. The last thing she wanted was him seeing her totally naked inside the shower.
“Can you knock?” Yana yelled.
“I didn’t know you’re here.” Jun yelled back. “And what’s the point of knocking, anyways? I’ve seen everything last night.” He added. He’s a bit enthusiastic for someone who just woke up.
Yana chuckled as she shakes her head. She didn’t reply, she couldn’t think of something to respond to that.
The bathroom was quite for a moment other than the noise from the shower and the sound of water flushing down the toilet. She was waiting for the door to slam close, a signal that he already went out but as she waits for that, Jun surprised her by joining her inside the shower.
“What are you doing?!” She jumps as she saw him, stark naked and ready for battle.
“Greeting you good morning.” He pulled her closer and gave her his version of a ‘good morning kiss’- one which involves tongue and sucking of the lower lip.
Yana pulled away, making Jun scrunches his eyebrow.
“I thought we made it clear.” Yana firmly accused him.
“Falling in love, yes.” Jun answers back. “You never said anything about the desire we have for each other.”
Yana couldn’t believe what she heard. He’s talking like her from few months back.
“What are you trying to say? We’re keeping the sex?” Yana tries to confirm.
“I am sure you would love to keep it, Yana.” He came closer again, entangling one arm around her waist and kissing her lips softly this time.
She didn’t pull away and returns the kiss until it became more passionate and eager. He pressed her on the wall as the water from the shower went straight through his face. They were staring admiringly at each other’s face for a while, as she continuously wipe away the water from his face.
“You wanted this.” Yana told him as she studies his face, her hands rubbing his cheeks. “I just hope you wouldn’t regret this decision.”
Jun didn’t get to answer right away. His eyes turn away from her down to the floor. He’s hoping for that too. To never regret this risky decision he just made. He wouldn’t promise anything to himself, one broken promise is enough.
“I won’t.” Jun answered as his eyes returned back to her. “I am hoping that you wouldn’t too.”
It was now Yana’s turn to think.
“I won’t.” She replied. It is better to go with an answer that wouldn’t entice another question, even if she’s still uncertain about it.
“Good.” Jun pressed his body on hers and she felt his hard on down her lower abdomen. Yana wrapped her arms around his neck as she reached for his lips, hungry and full of desire.
And they did it again, for the second time, in less than six hours after the first one, first thing in the morning, inside the wet and steamy bathroom.
---
Yana picks up the paper napkin on the kitchen counter, crumpled it and aimed it directly at Eri, who’s standing by the sink, clasping her mouth with both hands as she tried to control her laughter.
“What?” Eri picks up the crumpled napkin and threw it at the trash bin. “It’s funny. I bet he’s horny since that VIP Room recording.” she sniggered, while covering her mouth.
“Shut up!” Yana ordered straight away.
“So what are you guys now? What is your label?” Eri asked as she leaned over the kitchen counter.
“I don’t know.” Yana shakes her head as she took a bite from her breakfast sandwich.
“Fuck buddy?” Eri suggested and Yana creases her forehead. “Sex friends?” she suggested again. “Booty call?”
“Seriously?” Yana gave her a questioning look.
“Then what exactly are you?” Eri pushes in.
“We’re still friends.” Yana said with assertion. “We’re friends having casual sex. That’s it.”
“Tell me how you still wanna be friends with him after he gave you the best sex of your life and left you questioning your alleged friendship.” Eri told her upfront. “I say, you want it to be more. And I bet he wants to either so why not go into the next level? Saves both of you some time suppressing your burning feelings.”
“I don’t want to fall in love.” Yana utter quietly.
“You are already falling in love, Yana.” Eri bluntly said. “That tingling sensation you told me about every time you see his face, that’s what they call butterflies in the stomach. That fast beating of your heart whenever he leans over for a kiss? The secure feeling you get whenever he wraps you around his arms? The longing and desire to see him? And the sudden brightness of your face by the mention of his name? If that isn’t love then I don’t know what to call that.”
“Stop doing this to me, Eri.” Yana mumbles as she rubs her hands up and down her forehead.
“I am sure you already realize that. You just don’t want to admit it because you are still the same stubborn girl you used to be.”
“Love is too complicated and a relationship is too demanding.” Yana told her. “He is a hardworking superstar. I am a determined musician who spends her life loving music and nothing else… If this turns into a love story, it’s going to be one heck of a rollercoaster ride and it might turn into a tragedy.”
“The problem with you, Yana…” Eri rubs a hand on her back. “You think too far ahead and you let fear rule over your mind. Stop running away from everything and start facing what life throws at you. Have you heard of that saying, ‘one day at a time’?”
“Don’t start with this sayings and quotations and whatnot. You know that doesn’t affect me.” Yana rests her elbow on the counter. “You know what I’ve been through, Eri. My life is filled with angst and drama. I am just protecting myself. It’s what I always do.”
Eri took her hand and squeezes it gently. “It’s because you are too focused on protecting yourself that you start losing touch of those people who genuinely cares… Like Matsumoto Jun.”
The corner of Eri’s mouth forms into a small smirk when she met Yana’s eyes after the mention of that name.
Yana timidly smiled at her. “We’ll see. It’s not an overnight process, Eri. If he’s worth everything, he’ll eventually earn it. For now, let’s keep it this way.” She remains firm of her decision.
Eri sighed. “Fine, little miss stubborn. Just be careful.” She gave up. After all, she is still the same Yana, even though she has changed a lot these days, she is still the same persistent and strong-willed girl that she is.
---
Inside a spacey meeting room in the Johnnys Entertainment building, the five members of Arashi are seated together along with the rest of their staff. Summer is fast approaching and that means concert season is just around the corner. This is the first time they all sat together to discuss about their upcoming tour. Jun, of course, takes the lead in the flow of the meeting, it was a very normal thing for them but what everyone notices is that he’s peculiarly smiling while he speak and he occasionally laugh as well.
“Why are you overly happy today, Matsujun? Care to share?” Aiba gets Jun’s attention when the staff is out of sight. Only their managers and the other members are left in the room.
“What are you talking about?” Jun replied while drinking from his water bottle.
Only Aiba and Ohno are the ones left seated on the leather office chairs, the rest are preparing to move to their next schedule.
“You’re glowing.” Ohno said nonchalantly.
“Huh?!” Jun reacted innocently.
Sho and Nino exchange knowing glances as they both joined other two in the table.
“Why are both of you sitting down? We’re going to our next schedule.” Jun pointed at them.
“It won’t start in an hour or so, we still have time to spare.” Sho reminded him.
Jun raised his eyebrow, he’s sensing something wrong with this. The guys are trying to get him to talk and he doesn’t know what to tell them.
“You and Yana, any development?” Nino asked out of the blue which makes Jun widen his eyes on him.
Jun studies the faces of the rest of the three, they are waiting for him to speak up. Even their managers are waiting.
Jun puts both hands on his waist as he lowers his gaze on the ground, shaking his head.
“Since when did we have meetings regarding our love life?” Jun asked. “We don’t even talk about these kind of things.”
“Well, I know that we don’t do this often but…” Sho asked for support from the others.
“She’s Izumi Yana, everybody’s dream girl.” Aiba informs.
“Every man in this planet is a competition when it comes to this girl. She’s perfect.” Ohno added, receiving giggles from Aiba and Sho.
Jun shakes his head again.
“Just tell us what the real deal is and let’s get this over and done with.” Aiba pointed out.
“Nothing.” Jun flatly stated. “She doesn’t want any romantic stuff going on… she asked me not to fall in love with her.” He finally took a seat in the empty chair between Sho and Nino.
And there was silence.
The glow on Jun’s face suddenly turned dark and dejected. The four guys exchange meaningful looks, as if pointing fingers at who’s at fault for starting this conversation.
“We are kissing each other, hugging each other, I get to hold her hand every time I want to, I get to sleep with her anytime… but the thing is, there should be no emotional attachment. And the funny thing is… I’m the one who wished for it.”
“Why?” It was Nino who dared to ask.
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m afraid I might lose her… Or maybe because I like this feeling that I get whenever I see her and I still want to continue feeling that… Or maybe… just maybe, one day, I can get her to love me…” Jun rubs his forehead with fingers, maintaining his gaze at the papers on the table.
“She loves you.” Nino’s voice makes Jun shoot his glance up to him. “She’s just afraid and she has every right to be. Give her time and don’t rush her, let her heal on her own.” He puts on his usual smirk seeing that everyone is looking at him very seriously.
Everyone’s attention is on Nino now, like they wanted to ask him a question but no one dares to speak it out loud.
“And yes, I am totally fine with it.” Nino answers the unspoken question.
“Really?” Ohno asked.
“I like her she likes Jun-kun and Jun-kun likes her, it’s very easy. I should be out of the equation and that’s what I did… I’m happy for the both of you, really.” Nino assured Jun by tapping his shoulders.
“So are you really dating that model now?” Sho asked.
“Dating yes, nothing serious at the moment.” Nino answered.
“Are you not using her to-”
“To forget Yana?” Nino finishes Jun’s question. “I will be honest and say that yes, I’m trying to shift my attention to someone else. She’s fun and cute though, I think I can grow to like her. And I’m not that person who spends his nights crying his heart out locking himself inside the house, listening to sappy love songs after being dumped. I accept it, stood up and move on.”
---
After leaving the Johnnys office, they all moved to NTV for the recording of Arashi ni Shiyagare. No one mentioned Yana again, for one, it was a sensitive topic for both Jun and Nino. Aiba tried to heighten the mood, doing baka things in the dressing room and exaggerating his stories about the animals he met on his recent zoo visit, Sho, on the other hand, tried his best to laugh at every joke Aiba made. Ohno is unusually attentive today and Nino is still on with his tsukkomi. All efforts are for the sake of their youngest member. Jun made a mental note to thank them later, not by words because it’ll be really cheesy of him but through his actions, maybe a tap on the shoulder or maybe he will stop being a DoS on set for once.
“Are you really okay with it? Be honest.” Jun asked Nino. They are on a full hour break and he asked Nino to join him for a cigarette break. They needed to talk about it again, just the two of them, without the pressure of the other members being there.
Nino sighed and closes his eyes before returning his look on Jun. “It’s not a matter of whether I’m okay with it or not. It’s not my call. I told her that she deserves someone like you, because you are well aware of her feelings and you are more attentive to her needs more than I do… and to make everything simple… you make her happy more than anyone can.”
“You didn’t really answer my question.” Jun told him.
Nino chuckled. “Yes. I am okay with it. At least she’s happy. That’s what’s more important.”
They both smiled as they stare at the moving cars on the road before them.
“Thank you.” Jun mumbled. He was shy to even utter that word and it took him courage to say it.
Nino looked at him and laughed. “You’re welcome. Take care of her.” He said as he taps his back.
This is unbeta-ed so if you spotted any errors, don't hesitate to call my attention. Comments, suggestions, reactions and criticisms are gladly welcome. Happy reading! :D
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Izumi Yana is curled up into a ball in the couch, dressed only in a silk robe with nothing underneath, staring blankly at the widely open full length window that’s lighting up her entire living room and kitchen. It’s only a little bit past six in the morning and she’s been sitting there even before the sun comes out.
She warms her cold palms in the mug she’s holding as she took a sip of her hot tea. She couldn’t sleep at all. Not when someone like Matsumoto Jun is sleeping beside her, cuddling her close to him. It was only now that she realized that maybe last night went a little bit too overboard. She admits to herself that she’s horny, seeing that it’s been four months since she last did it and she’s trying her best to control her sexual desire since she’s changing her bad ways. But with Matsumoto Jun flirting with her, she couldn’t just say no, especially when he’s being effortlessly sexy in her eyes.
She finally stood up from the couch, placed the half empty mug on the kitchen counter and drags her tired body to her bedroom. She sat on the vacant part of the bed and stared the man sleeping peacefully beside her. A big, heavy sigh escaped her mouth as she ran a hand on the hair that’s blocking his face.
He’s beautiful.
A taught that crosses her mind that never manages to come out of her mouth.
And sweet and warm and caring.
Another big sigh. She closed her eyes for a while, trying to erase the unending thoughts filling her mind. She immediately stood up and turned her back on the man on the bed. She combs her hair from her forehead using her fingers as she tried to soothe her fast beating heart.
She enters the bathroom and looks at herself in the mirror while clutching the sink for support. Her eyes are tired, even more tired that it was last night, her skin is paler that normal, her lips is faint pink and it’s starting to chap off. She looks terrible. If Eri catches her looking like this, she’ll probably bombard her with question on what happened, seeing that Eri can see through her face.
It wonders her, though. Eri once said that her face is very transparent, every emotion is shown heavily on her expressions and how she twitches her lips. They argued about that for days, Yana reasoned that she never twitches her lips but Eri came in defense that she does it unconsciously. Since then, she’s very cautious of Eri reading her face and she tried countless times practicing a fake expression in front of the mirror. In the end, practicing didn’t do anything good since Eri told her that faking her expressions makes her look really pathetic and not to mention, retarded.
She gets out of the silk robe and enters the shower, letting the warm water drips into her naked body. All of a sudden, she heard the door knob turning open and a figure came inside as she look from behind the frosted glass shower door.
“Shit!” She curses under her breath as water streams down her face. The last thing she wanted was him seeing her totally naked inside the shower.
“Can you knock?” Yana yelled.
“I didn’t know you’re here.” Jun yelled back. “And what’s the point of knocking, anyways? I’ve seen everything last night.” He added. He’s a bit enthusiastic for someone who just woke up.
Yana chuckled as she shakes her head. She didn’t reply, she couldn’t think of something to respond to that.
The bathroom was quite for a moment other than the noise from the shower and the sound of water flushing down the toilet. She was waiting for the door to slam close, a signal that he already went out but as she waits for that, Jun surprised her by joining her inside the shower.
“What are you doing?!” She jumps as she saw him, stark naked and ready for battle.
“Greeting you good morning.” He pulled her closer and gave her his version of a ‘good morning kiss’- one which involves tongue and sucking of the lower lip.
Yana pulled away, making Jun scrunches his eyebrow.
“I thought we made it clear.” Yana firmly accused him.
“Falling in love, yes.” Jun answers back. “You never said anything about the desire we have for each other.”
Yana couldn’t believe what she heard. He’s talking like her from few months back.
“What are you trying to say? We’re keeping the sex?” Yana tries to confirm.
“I am sure you would love to keep it, Yana.” He came closer again, entangling one arm around her waist and kissing her lips softly this time.
She didn’t pull away and returns the kiss until it became more passionate and eager. He pressed her on the wall as the water from the shower went straight through his face. They were staring admiringly at each other’s face for a while, as she continuously wipe away the water from his face.
“You wanted this.” Yana told him as she studies his face, her hands rubbing his cheeks. “I just hope you wouldn’t regret this decision.”
Jun didn’t get to answer right away. His eyes turn away from her down to the floor. He’s hoping for that too. To never regret this risky decision he just made. He wouldn’t promise anything to himself, one broken promise is enough.
“I won’t.” Jun answered as his eyes returned back to her. “I am hoping that you wouldn’t too.”
It was now Yana’s turn to think.
“I won’t.” She replied. It is better to go with an answer that wouldn’t entice another question, even if she’s still uncertain about it.
“Good.” Jun pressed his body on hers and she felt his hard on down her lower abdomen. Yana wrapped her arms around his neck as she reached for his lips, hungry and full of desire.
And they did it again, for the second time, in less than six hours after the first one, first thing in the morning, inside the wet and steamy bathroom.
---
Yana picks up the paper napkin on the kitchen counter, crumpled it and aimed it directly at Eri, who’s standing by the sink, clasping her mouth with both hands as she tried to control her laughter.
“What?” Eri picks up the crumpled napkin and threw it at the trash bin. “It’s funny. I bet he’s horny since that VIP Room recording.” she sniggered, while covering her mouth.
“Shut up!” Yana ordered straight away.
“So what are you guys now? What is your label?” Eri asked as she leaned over the kitchen counter.
“I don’t know.” Yana shakes her head as she took a bite from her breakfast sandwich.
“Fuck buddy?” Eri suggested and Yana creases her forehead. “Sex friends?” she suggested again. “Booty call?”
“Seriously?” Yana gave her a questioning look.
“Then what exactly are you?” Eri pushes in.
“We’re still friends.” Yana said with assertion. “We’re friends having casual sex. That’s it.”
“Tell me how you still wanna be friends with him after he gave you the best sex of your life and left you questioning your alleged friendship.” Eri told her upfront. “I say, you want it to be more. And I bet he wants to either so why not go into the next level? Saves both of you some time suppressing your burning feelings.”
“I don’t want to fall in love.” Yana utter quietly.
“You are already falling in love, Yana.” Eri bluntly said. “That tingling sensation you told me about every time you see his face, that’s what they call butterflies in the stomach. That fast beating of your heart whenever he leans over for a kiss? The secure feeling you get whenever he wraps you around his arms? The longing and desire to see him? And the sudden brightness of your face by the mention of his name? If that isn’t love then I don’t know what to call that.”
“Stop doing this to me, Eri.” Yana mumbles as she rubs her hands up and down her forehead.
“I am sure you already realize that. You just don’t want to admit it because you are still the same stubborn girl you used to be.”
“Love is too complicated and a relationship is too demanding.” Yana told her. “He is a hardworking superstar. I am a determined musician who spends her life loving music and nothing else… If this turns into a love story, it’s going to be one heck of a rollercoaster ride and it might turn into a tragedy.”
“The problem with you, Yana…” Eri rubs a hand on her back. “You think too far ahead and you let fear rule over your mind. Stop running away from everything and start facing what life throws at you. Have you heard of that saying, ‘one day at a time’?”
“Don’t start with this sayings and quotations and whatnot. You know that doesn’t affect me.” Yana rests her elbow on the counter. “You know what I’ve been through, Eri. My life is filled with angst and drama. I am just protecting myself. It’s what I always do.”
Eri took her hand and squeezes it gently. “It’s because you are too focused on protecting yourself that you start losing touch of those people who genuinely cares… Like Matsumoto Jun.”
The corner of Eri’s mouth forms into a small smirk when she met Yana’s eyes after the mention of that name.
Yana timidly smiled at her. “We’ll see. It’s not an overnight process, Eri. If he’s worth everything, he’ll eventually earn it. For now, let’s keep it this way.” She remains firm of her decision.
Eri sighed. “Fine, little miss stubborn. Just be careful.” She gave up. After all, she is still the same Yana, even though she has changed a lot these days, she is still the same persistent and strong-willed girl that she is.
---
Inside a spacey meeting room in the Johnnys Entertainment building, the five members of Arashi are seated together along with the rest of their staff. Summer is fast approaching and that means concert season is just around the corner. This is the first time they all sat together to discuss about their upcoming tour. Jun, of course, takes the lead in the flow of the meeting, it was a very normal thing for them but what everyone notices is that he’s peculiarly smiling while he speak and he occasionally laugh as well.
“Why are you overly happy today, Matsujun? Care to share?” Aiba gets Jun’s attention when the staff is out of sight. Only their managers and the other members are left in the room.
“What are you talking about?” Jun replied while drinking from his water bottle.
Only Aiba and Ohno are the ones left seated on the leather office chairs, the rest are preparing to move to their next schedule.
“You’re glowing.” Ohno said nonchalantly.
“Huh?!” Jun reacted innocently.
Sho and Nino exchange knowing glances as they both joined other two in the table.
“Why are both of you sitting down? We’re going to our next schedule.” Jun pointed at them.
“It won’t start in an hour or so, we still have time to spare.” Sho reminded him.
Jun raised his eyebrow, he’s sensing something wrong with this. The guys are trying to get him to talk and he doesn’t know what to tell them.
“You and Yana, any development?” Nino asked out of the blue which makes Jun widen his eyes on him.
Jun studies the faces of the rest of the three, they are waiting for him to speak up. Even their managers are waiting.
Jun puts both hands on his waist as he lowers his gaze on the ground, shaking his head.
“Since when did we have meetings regarding our love life?” Jun asked. “We don’t even talk about these kind of things.”
“Well, I know that we don’t do this often but…” Sho asked for support from the others.
“She’s Izumi Yana, everybody’s dream girl.” Aiba informs.
“Every man in this planet is a competition when it comes to this girl. She’s perfect.” Ohno added, receiving giggles from Aiba and Sho.
Jun shakes his head again.
“Just tell us what the real deal is and let’s get this over and done with.” Aiba pointed out.
“Nothing.” Jun flatly stated. “She doesn’t want any romantic stuff going on… she asked me not to fall in love with her.” He finally took a seat in the empty chair between Sho and Nino.
And there was silence.
The glow on Jun’s face suddenly turned dark and dejected. The four guys exchange meaningful looks, as if pointing fingers at who’s at fault for starting this conversation.
“We are kissing each other, hugging each other, I get to hold her hand every time I want to, I get to sleep with her anytime… but the thing is, there should be no emotional attachment. And the funny thing is… I’m the one who wished for it.”
“Why?” It was Nino who dared to ask.
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m afraid I might lose her… Or maybe because I like this feeling that I get whenever I see her and I still want to continue feeling that… Or maybe… just maybe, one day, I can get her to love me…” Jun rubs his forehead with fingers, maintaining his gaze at the papers on the table.
“She loves you.” Nino’s voice makes Jun shoot his glance up to him. “She’s just afraid and she has every right to be. Give her time and don’t rush her, let her heal on her own.” He puts on his usual smirk seeing that everyone is looking at him very seriously.
Everyone’s attention is on Nino now, like they wanted to ask him a question but no one dares to speak it out loud.
“And yes, I am totally fine with it.” Nino answers the unspoken question.
“Really?” Ohno asked.
“I like her she likes Jun-kun and Jun-kun likes her, it’s very easy. I should be out of the equation and that’s what I did… I’m happy for the both of you, really.” Nino assured Jun by tapping his shoulders.
“So are you really dating that model now?” Sho asked.
“Dating yes, nothing serious at the moment.” Nino answered.
“Are you not using her to-”
“To forget Yana?” Nino finishes Jun’s question. “I will be honest and say that yes, I’m trying to shift my attention to someone else. She’s fun and cute though, I think I can grow to like her. And I’m not that person who spends his nights crying his heart out locking himself inside the house, listening to sappy love songs after being dumped. I accept it, stood up and move on.”
---
After leaving the Johnnys office, they all moved to NTV for the recording of Arashi ni Shiyagare. No one mentioned Yana again, for one, it was a sensitive topic for both Jun and Nino. Aiba tried to heighten the mood, doing baka things in the dressing room and exaggerating his stories about the animals he met on his recent zoo visit, Sho, on the other hand, tried his best to laugh at every joke Aiba made. Ohno is unusually attentive today and Nino is still on with his tsukkomi. All efforts are for the sake of their youngest member. Jun made a mental note to thank them later, not by words because it’ll be really cheesy of him but through his actions, maybe a tap on the shoulder or maybe he will stop being a DoS on set for once.
“Are you really okay with it? Be honest.” Jun asked Nino. They are on a full hour break and he asked Nino to join him for a cigarette break. They needed to talk about it again, just the two of them, without the pressure of the other members being there.
Nino sighed and closes his eyes before returning his look on Jun. “It’s not a matter of whether I’m okay with it or not. It’s not my call. I told her that she deserves someone like you, because you are well aware of her feelings and you are more attentive to her needs more than I do… and to make everything simple… you make her happy more than anyone can.”
“You didn’t really answer my question.” Jun told him.
Nino chuckled. “Yes. I am okay with it. At least she’s happy. That’s what’s more important.”
They both smiled as they stare at the moving cars on the road before them.
“Thank you.” Jun mumbled. He was shy to even utter that word and it took him courage to say it.
Nino looked at him and laughed. “You’re welcome. Take care of her.” He said as he taps his back.