[Fanfic] We'll Always Have Paris - Chapter Twenty Four: Second Chances
I know you Nino X Happiness shippers out there would love this chapter. <3 And the last part will leave you all squealing in delight. (Okay, I should stop rambling.) :p
On a (slightly) sadder note, I think I will end this fic before it exceeds 30 chapters... And then I will start with Nino's story right away. :)))
As always, this is unbeta-ed so tell me if there are any errors and mistakes. Comments, suggestions, reactions and criticisms are gladly welcomed. Happy reading! :)
Disclaimer: I am no way related to Arashi, Johnny's Entertainment or the Japanese Imperial Family. All names and events pertaining to any member of the Imperial family are purely fictional.
Chapter Twenty - Four: Second Chances
The growing tension between Sho and Nino is evident enough to the other three for them to step forward and put a stop to whatever is about to come. They all know it’s not going to be pretty, judging from how Sho pierces Nino with dagger looks and how Nino seemed tongue tied with the mention of Yumi. Aiba quickly strides to Sho’s side while Ohno and Jun remains by Nino, bracing themselves for when one of the two decides to speak up.
“I went to visit her father today. Just like what you asked me two nights ago.” Sho announces rather calmly as he steps forward while Aiba is doing the best he can to stop him from suddenly attacking Nino, although Aiba doesn’t have any idea on what’s happening right now. “She wasn’t there when I arrived. Her sister asked me to wait for her so I did.” Sho steps forward again and now he’s only a few steps away from Nino, whose eyes couldn’t meet Sho’s gaze directly. “Imagine my surprise when I saw her arrived with you. You were so chummy people might mistake you for a couple.” There was a sarcastic tone in his voice and it’s apparent that he is controlling his anger.
Four eyes are now awaiting Nino’s answer. Jun, Ohno and Aiba are completely surprised at what Sho revealed. Nino couldn’t retorts back, because he can feel the guilt in his heart.
“I know I deserve to suffer consequences for what I did to her.” Sho started again. “I hurt her, I abandoned her during the time she needed me most. I know it’s not going to be easy to win her back, I just didn’t imagine that it’s going to be like this, that I have to compete with you for her affection.” He bit his lower lip, he can’t control the tears in his eyes now. “What hurts more is that she’s real when she’s with you... She lets you in her life, Nino. The life she kept from me.”
“So you’re giving up?” Nino finally speaks for the first time. He just can’t accept that Sho would admit defeat this early. “Just like that, you’re giving up?” He shoves off Ohno’s hand on his shoulder and steps forward. “Yumi lets me in because you weren’t there, Sho!” He pushes Sho by the chest. “She needed someone and it just so happen that I am the only one around who sticks with her!” He is shouting with anger as Jun pulled him back away from Sho. “Believe me, if you let her explain from the start we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You wouldn’t feel that pain and jealousy.”
“But you like her. Do you, Nino?” Sho asked in a hollow voice.
Nino sighed as he puts a hand on his waist. “So what if I like her?” He asked back. “Both of you love each other and what I’m feeling is irrelevant.” It is the painful truth that Nino has to face and even if it hurts so much, he needed to let it out for Sho to realize that it’s not too late. He knows that he can’t have her, she loves Sho too much and for her, he’s just a friend. “Remember what I told you that night at your house? The chances we refuse to take will eventually turn out to be the thing we regret the most… I blew up my chance twice in the past, Sho-chan. I was too late to realize things and before I knew it, they’re gone… You’re not too late yet, you still have your chance… She still loves you very much.” Nino taps Sho’s shoulder as a small smile resides on the corner of his lips. “Don’t worry about me, I’m not the villain here. If both of you are happy, I’m happy.” He mumbled softly and Sho’s face softens up for the first time.
----------
In the end, only Jun and Nino are the ones who went drinking. Ohno and Aiba went home saying that it has gotten too late, they need to go home and rest for tomorrow’s big day. Sho, on the other hand, said that he have something important to do. Of course, they all know what it is without saying.
“I can’t believe you’re sneaking around all these time.” Jun accused Nino playfully with a nudge on the shoulder. “It’s quite unusual of you.”
“So I heard.” Nino replied nonchalantly as he remembers that one conversation he had with Yana. “So Yana didn’t blab, huh…”
Jun wrinkled his eyebrow. “Yana knows about it?”
“Well, it’s not like I intend to let her know. Two days she saw us together and she wouldn’t stop bugging me until I spill the details.”
Jun laughs quietly. “She probably thought it’s something she shouldn’t blab about… that or she just can’t find the time to tell me… She’s really busy these days. She’s barely at home and we hardly see each other.”
“Is everything okay?” Nino asked with concern. “I mean, you started living together last spring, right?”
“Of course.” Jun assured. “It’s just that Yana is twice as workaholic as I am. She’s working on a new album and she doesn’t want any distractions so she spends time writing new materials at her old apartment, she said that she feel more at ease writing at that place.”
There used to be a certain awkward air between them whenever Yana’s is mentioned. Although he doesn’t let it show, it wasn’t easy for Nino to be around them during the early stage of their relationship. But as days go by, he saw the changes happening on the two. Yana became happier and optimistic with life while Jun somehow mellowed down a bit and began taking things lightly, whether in work or in his private life. And then he realized that they complemented each other so well. If Yana chooses to be with him, he won’t probably be able to change her as much as Jun does. Then naturally after that realization, Nino would find himself striking up a conversation with Jun about Yana casually.
“So, is Sho-kun right about you?” Jun glances at him knowingly and Nino nodded once. “Don’t tell me you like her since Paris?” He smirked.
“No.” Nino shakes his head. “The truth is, I didn’t know that I’m falling for her until this afternoon.” He pursed his lips as he stares blankly in front of him. “It’s not that hard to fall for someone like Yumi. She’s got a beautiful heart, down to earth and kind. She may not be that strong but her determination to keep going and to face her problems with her head up high is admirable.”
Jun grinned while bobbing his head up and down in understanding. “You sound like a man in love and yet and you admit defeat and even helped your rival to get her. What a nice guy you are.”
“There’s no meaning in competing with Sho-chan… Her heart belongs to him. Even after everything he did and said to hurt her, she still loves him wholeheartedly.” Nino took his glass in one shot, as if asking the alcohol to take over the pain he’s feeling inside. “I know my place. I will always just be her friend.”
Nino leans back to his seat and heaved a deep sigh.
“I feel like I’m being punished sometimes.” Nino said as Jun looks back at him. “For what I did in the past… What I did to her was terrible and now I feel like I’m experiencing the same heartbreak she had with me.”
“It’s not as terrible as you think, Nino.” Jun assures him with a soft tap on his shoulder. “You can’t force someone else to love you back. People have to experience heartbreaks at least once in their life because you learn from those things and the next time you fall in love again, you know better.”
Nino started chuckling softly. “When did you learn to talk like this?”
Jun smiled. “Well… My girlfriend used to be the most stubborn person in the world when it comes to love. Just imagine how many times I tried talking to her about those cheesy stuff just to get her to admit that she loves me.”
They both laughed. Of course, Nino knows that Yana very well.
“Are you talking about Yana earlier when you said that you blew up your chances twice in the past?” Jun suddenly asked.
Nino nodded. “I started asking a lot of what ifs after she chooses you. If only I treated her nicely… But I’m happy that she found you, Jun-kun. You bring out the best in each other. Just look at her now, she changed her wild ways which is good. And look at you. You’re less scary and serious now.”
Jun started laughing shyly. “But you’re okay with us now, right?”
Nino narrowed his eyes. “It’s been two years and you’re still worried about that? Of course I am. You don’t have to worry about me, seriously.”
“Who’s the other one then?” Jun asked curiously and Nino’s forehead crumpled a bit. “You said twice…”
Nino finally gets what Jun means and he laughs softly to himself.
“So you finally realized that you were in love her? Since when?” Jun asked with a grin.
“Last year.” Nino mumbled almost inaudibly. “I don’t know how but I started missing her, like I started seeing her face wherever I go. I even wrote a song for her like what she wanted.” He rubs his face with his hand. “I was planning to go and see her but I got scared that she wouldn’t accept me anymore… And besides, she might have changed a lot by now.”
Jun turns to him and looks at him straight to the eye which made him uneasy. “Do you still feel the same? I mean, what about now?”
Nino sighed. “Yumi is probably a good distraction.” He rests an elbow on the table and buried his chin on his palm. “Since I started spending time with Yumi, I forgot that I am holding on to someone whom I can’t have anymore. Like I said, I blew up my chance five years ago.”
Before Jun can open his mouth to speak, his phone started ringing in front of him. He quickly picks it up and reads the message.
“Yana’s at home… Finally.” Jun said after he shoves the phone to his pocket. “She’s asking me to come home now.” He laughs.
“Go on, then.” Nino smiled as he pours himself another glass. “I’m sure you’re dying to see her.”
“Will you be alright by yourself here?” Jun asked, picking up his wallet and paying the bill by himself.
“Yeah. I’ll just finish this bottle since you paid for it.” Nino said wittily as they both laugh.
Jun stood up and puts an arm around Nino. “I heard from Yuji-kun that Seira is coming home in two months.” He whispered. Nino spins around to look at him and his eyes are widened in surprise.
“That brat!” Nino’s face suddenly glowed. “Of course, she is!” He just remembered that his best friend, Yuji, is getting married in two months.
Jun pats Nino’s shoulders, even him can’t hide the smile on his face. “Maybe you can have your second chance this time.”
----------
There was a screeching noise by the door and it wakes Sayumi up from her light slumber. She checks for the time and it’s just a few minutes after three in the morning, it’s still dark outside the window and the lights inside the room are dimmed. Suddenly, the door swings open and Sho appeared from behind, he is catching his breath. Obviously, he ran all the way up here.
“Sho?” Sayumi stood up from the couch. She’s in her long sleeved sweatshirt and a pajama. “What are you doing here at this hour?”
Sho walks to where she’s standing and without any warning whatsoever, he slips his hand on her waist and gently kisses her lips. She didn’t retreat away, everything is just so sudden and honestly, she liked what he just did.
The kiss was long and full of longing, like they were paying for the lost time that they’ve been away from each other.
When they finally pulled back, their eyes drowned into each other, Sho looks at her admiringly like he doesn’t want to let go. “I didn’t mean to disrespect your father for doing this.” He mumbled, his eyes are still locked on hers while both his arms are wrapped around her waist. “But I decided that I should not waste any more time.”
She chuckled, stroking his face with her trembling hands. “Good decision.” She mutters softly as they both smile happily at each other.
Sho reached in again and before his lips can touch hers, he stops momentarily. “Is it okay to do it again?” He asked with a small laugh.
“By all means.” Sayumi beams widely, throwing both arms around Sho’s neck. He gently scoops her up and slowly places his lips on hers.
On a (slightly) sadder note, I think I will end this fic before it exceeds 30 chapters... And then I will start with Nino's story right away. :)))
As always, this is unbeta-ed so tell me if there are any errors and mistakes. Comments, suggestions, reactions and criticisms are gladly welcomed. Happy reading! :)
Disclaimer: I am no way related to Arashi, Johnny's Entertainment or the Japanese Imperial Family. All names and events pertaining to any member of the Imperial family are purely fictional.
Chapter Twenty - Four: Second Chances
The growing tension between Sho and Nino is evident enough to the other three for them to step forward and put a stop to whatever is about to come. They all know it’s not going to be pretty, judging from how Sho pierces Nino with dagger looks and how Nino seemed tongue tied with the mention of Yumi. Aiba quickly strides to Sho’s side while Ohno and Jun remains by Nino, bracing themselves for when one of the two decides to speak up.
“I went to visit her father today. Just like what you asked me two nights ago.” Sho announces rather calmly as he steps forward while Aiba is doing the best he can to stop him from suddenly attacking Nino, although Aiba doesn’t have any idea on what’s happening right now. “She wasn’t there when I arrived. Her sister asked me to wait for her so I did.” Sho steps forward again and now he’s only a few steps away from Nino, whose eyes couldn’t meet Sho’s gaze directly. “Imagine my surprise when I saw her arrived with you. You were so chummy people might mistake you for a couple.” There was a sarcastic tone in his voice and it’s apparent that he is controlling his anger.
Four eyes are now awaiting Nino’s answer. Jun, Ohno and Aiba are completely surprised at what Sho revealed. Nino couldn’t retorts back, because he can feel the guilt in his heart.
“I know I deserve to suffer consequences for what I did to her.” Sho started again. “I hurt her, I abandoned her during the time she needed me most. I know it’s not going to be easy to win her back, I just didn’t imagine that it’s going to be like this, that I have to compete with you for her affection.” He bit his lower lip, he can’t control the tears in his eyes now. “What hurts more is that she’s real when she’s with you... She lets you in her life, Nino. The life she kept from me.”
“So you’re giving up?” Nino finally speaks for the first time. He just can’t accept that Sho would admit defeat this early. “Just like that, you’re giving up?” He shoves off Ohno’s hand on his shoulder and steps forward. “Yumi lets me in because you weren’t there, Sho!” He pushes Sho by the chest. “She needed someone and it just so happen that I am the only one around who sticks with her!” He is shouting with anger as Jun pulled him back away from Sho. “Believe me, if you let her explain from the start we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You wouldn’t feel that pain and jealousy.”
“But you like her. Do you, Nino?” Sho asked in a hollow voice.
Nino sighed as he puts a hand on his waist. “So what if I like her?” He asked back. “Both of you love each other and what I’m feeling is irrelevant.” It is the painful truth that Nino has to face and even if it hurts so much, he needed to let it out for Sho to realize that it’s not too late. He knows that he can’t have her, she loves Sho too much and for her, he’s just a friend. “Remember what I told you that night at your house? The chances we refuse to take will eventually turn out to be the thing we regret the most… I blew up my chance twice in the past, Sho-chan. I was too late to realize things and before I knew it, they’re gone… You’re not too late yet, you still have your chance… She still loves you very much.” Nino taps Sho’s shoulder as a small smile resides on the corner of his lips. “Don’t worry about me, I’m not the villain here. If both of you are happy, I’m happy.” He mumbled softly and Sho’s face softens up for the first time.
----------
In the end, only Jun and Nino are the ones who went drinking. Ohno and Aiba went home saying that it has gotten too late, they need to go home and rest for tomorrow’s big day. Sho, on the other hand, said that he have something important to do. Of course, they all know what it is without saying.
“I can’t believe you’re sneaking around all these time.” Jun accused Nino playfully with a nudge on the shoulder. “It’s quite unusual of you.”
“So I heard.” Nino replied nonchalantly as he remembers that one conversation he had with Yana. “So Yana didn’t blab, huh…”
Jun wrinkled his eyebrow. “Yana knows about it?”
“Well, it’s not like I intend to let her know. Two days she saw us together and she wouldn’t stop bugging me until I spill the details.”
Jun laughs quietly. “She probably thought it’s something she shouldn’t blab about… that or she just can’t find the time to tell me… She’s really busy these days. She’s barely at home and we hardly see each other.”
“Is everything okay?” Nino asked with concern. “I mean, you started living together last spring, right?”
“Of course.” Jun assured. “It’s just that Yana is twice as workaholic as I am. She’s working on a new album and she doesn’t want any distractions so she spends time writing new materials at her old apartment, she said that she feel more at ease writing at that place.”
There used to be a certain awkward air between them whenever Yana’s is mentioned. Although he doesn’t let it show, it wasn’t easy for Nino to be around them during the early stage of their relationship. But as days go by, he saw the changes happening on the two. Yana became happier and optimistic with life while Jun somehow mellowed down a bit and began taking things lightly, whether in work or in his private life. And then he realized that they complemented each other so well. If Yana chooses to be with him, he won’t probably be able to change her as much as Jun does. Then naturally after that realization, Nino would find himself striking up a conversation with Jun about Yana casually.
“So, is Sho-kun right about you?” Jun glances at him knowingly and Nino nodded once. “Don’t tell me you like her since Paris?” He smirked.
“No.” Nino shakes his head. “The truth is, I didn’t know that I’m falling for her until this afternoon.” He pursed his lips as he stares blankly in front of him. “It’s not that hard to fall for someone like Yumi. She’s got a beautiful heart, down to earth and kind. She may not be that strong but her determination to keep going and to face her problems with her head up high is admirable.”
Jun grinned while bobbing his head up and down in understanding. “You sound like a man in love and yet and you admit defeat and even helped your rival to get her. What a nice guy you are.”
“There’s no meaning in competing with Sho-chan… Her heart belongs to him. Even after everything he did and said to hurt her, she still loves him wholeheartedly.” Nino took his glass in one shot, as if asking the alcohol to take over the pain he’s feeling inside. “I know my place. I will always just be her friend.”
Nino leans back to his seat and heaved a deep sigh.
“I feel like I’m being punished sometimes.” Nino said as Jun looks back at him. “For what I did in the past… What I did to her was terrible and now I feel like I’m experiencing the same heartbreak she had with me.”
“It’s not as terrible as you think, Nino.” Jun assures him with a soft tap on his shoulder. “You can’t force someone else to love you back. People have to experience heartbreaks at least once in their life because you learn from those things and the next time you fall in love again, you know better.”
Nino started chuckling softly. “When did you learn to talk like this?”
Jun smiled. “Well… My girlfriend used to be the most stubborn person in the world when it comes to love. Just imagine how many times I tried talking to her about those cheesy stuff just to get her to admit that she loves me.”
They both laughed. Of course, Nino knows that Yana very well.
“Are you talking about Yana earlier when you said that you blew up your chances twice in the past?” Jun suddenly asked.
Nino nodded. “I started asking a lot of what ifs after she chooses you. If only I treated her nicely… But I’m happy that she found you, Jun-kun. You bring out the best in each other. Just look at her now, she changed her wild ways which is good. And look at you. You’re less scary and serious now.”
Jun started laughing shyly. “But you’re okay with us now, right?”
Nino narrowed his eyes. “It’s been two years and you’re still worried about that? Of course I am. You don’t have to worry about me, seriously.”
“Who’s the other one then?” Jun asked curiously and Nino’s forehead crumpled a bit. “You said twice…”
Nino finally gets what Jun means and he laughs softly to himself.
“So you finally realized that you were in love her? Since when?” Jun asked with a grin.
“Last year.” Nino mumbled almost inaudibly. “I don’t know how but I started missing her, like I started seeing her face wherever I go. I even wrote a song for her like what she wanted.” He rubs his face with his hand. “I was planning to go and see her but I got scared that she wouldn’t accept me anymore… And besides, she might have changed a lot by now.”
Jun turns to him and looks at him straight to the eye which made him uneasy. “Do you still feel the same? I mean, what about now?”
Nino sighed. “Yumi is probably a good distraction.” He rests an elbow on the table and buried his chin on his palm. “Since I started spending time with Yumi, I forgot that I am holding on to someone whom I can’t have anymore. Like I said, I blew up my chance five years ago.”
Before Jun can open his mouth to speak, his phone started ringing in front of him. He quickly picks it up and reads the message.
“Yana’s at home… Finally.” Jun said after he shoves the phone to his pocket. “She’s asking me to come home now.” He laughs.
“Go on, then.” Nino smiled as he pours himself another glass. “I’m sure you’re dying to see her.”
“Will you be alright by yourself here?” Jun asked, picking up his wallet and paying the bill by himself.
“Yeah. I’ll just finish this bottle since you paid for it.” Nino said wittily as they both laugh.
Jun stood up and puts an arm around Nino. “I heard from Yuji-kun that Seira is coming home in two months.” He whispered. Nino spins around to look at him and his eyes are widened in surprise.
“That brat!” Nino’s face suddenly glowed. “Of course, she is!” He just remembered that his best friend, Yuji, is getting married in two months.
Jun pats Nino’s shoulders, even him can’t hide the smile on his face. “Maybe you can have your second chance this time.”
----------
There was a screeching noise by the door and it wakes Sayumi up from her light slumber. She checks for the time and it’s just a few minutes after three in the morning, it’s still dark outside the window and the lights inside the room are dimmed. Suddenly, the door swings open and Sho appeared from behind, he is catching his breath. Obviously, he ran all the way up here.
“Sho?” Sayumi stood up from the couch. She’s in her long sleeved sweatshirt and a pajama. “What are you doing here at this hour?”
Sho walks to where she’s standing and without any warning whatsoever, he slips his hand on her waist and gently kisses her lips. She didn’t retreat away, everything is just so sudden and honestly, she liked what he just did.
The kiss was long and full of longing, like they were paying for the lost time that they’ve been away from each other.
When they finally pulled back, their eyes drowned into each other, Sho looks at her admiringly like he doesn’t want to let go. “I didn’t mean to disrespect your father for doing this.” He mumbled, his eyes are still locked on hers while both his arms are wrapped around her waist. “But I decided that I should not waste any more time.”
She chuckled, stroking his face with her trembling hands. “Good decision.” She mutters softly as they both smile happily at each other.
Sho reached in again and before his lips can touch hers, he stops momentarily. “Is it okay to do it again?” He asked with a small laugh.
“By all means.” Sayumi beams widely, throwing both arms around Sho’s neck. He gently scoops her up and slowly places his lips on hers.