[fanfic] Open Your Eyes, PG, Chap.1-5
Title : Open Your Eyes
Author : nichiya
Genre : Romance
Rating : PG-13
Pairing : Ryo x OC (Michi)
Disclaimer : i don't own Ryo, so don't sue me!
A/N : My first non-Yamapi fic LOL. I always find Ryo is interesting with his poison tongue and so I made a spin-off from Love Song, coz the female character is the waiter girl who appeared in that fic and now she's the female lead. Let's see if this Michi girl fell in love with Ryo or Uchi?
Chapter 1
Michi looked her reflection on the mirror in her small flat. She was trying her clothes for the big party tonight. The party would be held in a new opened club that famous with many celebrities around. She couldn’t wait for the party, she was happy that her best friend Aya won the free tickets over a contest in a magazine, they could never afford the expensive tickets. She tried on her only sexy top that she bought in a night market, it’s a flashy black top with cute ornaments that would show off her beautiful shoulder. She also wore a ripped jeans and a matching big white belt. She looked at the mirror again, a proud smile was showing on her face. She couldn’t believe with a different style of clothes she could transform from normal boring girl to a stylish modern girl.
She heard the knocks on the door, and she smiled when Aya waved to her.
“Awww, you look great, Aya-chan!” admired Michi looking at her best friend who also looked so stunning that night. She was wearing a leather dark brown jacket and a mini skirt with matching dark brown boots.
“Thanx girlfriend, you also look awesome!” replied Aya and took off her jacket and only wore a soft green flashy butterfly top! She wasn’t shame to show off her beautiful body at all.
“Wow, that’s uber sexy yo!” laughed Michi.
“Well, it’s time to party! Etoo, you need help on your face, dear!” as she stared at Michi’s soft make-up, only with blush on and lipstick.
“Why? What’s wrong with my face?” sulked Michi.
“Too plain!! You didn’t put extra effort on the make-up! Here let me help you!”
“Make-up? You mean with thick eye-shadows and all? No no no!” stepped back Michi.
“Whyyyy? C’mon, let me help you! You have a big eyes, should be no problem!” persuaded Aya with cheeky smile.
“NO!” refused Michi.
“Alright, then I should call someone else to company me tonight!” threaten Aya and took out her cell phone from her bag.
“Ergh, I hate when you do that! Ok, you can do whatever you want with my face! But please not too thick!” begged Michi.
“YAY! Here sit in front of me!” as Aya opened her bag and placed her make-up collections, a complete eye-shadows set with many kind of colors, liquid eye-liner, eye-pencil, mascara, etc. Not bad for a Perfume Sales Girl like her.
“Wow! I thought you are selling perfume not make-up!” surprised Michi.
“Shut up! These are my assets! Now close your eyes!” she started working on her eyes, made a sexy smokey eyes effect, and put the eye-liner upper her eye-lids to make her eyes looked more bigger and finally the finishing touch, the mascara!
“Now open your eyes!” Michi did what she was instructed for, Aya grinned and shouted, “Kanpeki!”
Michi turned her head to the mirror and found how Aya’s magic hand really made her looked prettier than ever.
“Aya-chan, arigatou!” she hugged Aya.
“Yosh, we are ready to go! Let’s go girl!” Aya grabbed her jacket and bag. Michi also picked her coat and followed her.
***
The atmosphere at the club was super high, everyone danced crazily and didn’t really care for their surrounding. They all tried to enjoy themselves. The techno music was banging in every single corner of the club. Michi wasn’t really comfortable with all of this. She rarely went out clubbing, and was a little drunk already. She only had two glasses of cocktails. She didn’t know where Aya was, she hooked up with a stranger dude who was starring at her since the first time they arrived at the club. And only God knows where she could be, Michi tried to search her out, she walked between people who were busy dancing and drinking. And all the sudden, someone pushed her from behind, she lost her balance and was about to fall down the floor. She tried to grab anyone near her, and her action made someone spilled his drink from his hand and made his shirt wet. The whole little incident wasn’t aware by other people who were busy with their own things. She tried to adjust her balance and about to apologize to the guy in front of her.
“Aho! What are you doing!” snapped the black haired guy.
“Sumimasen!” bowed Michi in regret.
“I don’t need your sorry! Look at my shirt!”
“I’m truly sorry!” she tried to help him cleaning the shirt, but he refused her hand and glared at her furiously.
“Ryo-chan, doushita no?” asked his friend who just appeared between them. He’s quite tall and skinny with light brown hair.
“Nothing, just a stupid girl spilled my drink on my shirt!”
“I’m sorry!” apologized Michi again.
“Ne ne, c’mon, it’s not a big deal, she said sorry anyway! Let’s go join the others!” calmed the tall guy. The black haired guy just sighed and both of them left her. The tall guy smiled apologetically to her.
She was relieved that finally that rude guy went away, she wasn’t really paying attention on their faces, but somehow, the black haired rude guy and his friend looked someway familiar with her. She tried to concentrate and kept her conscious awaken, she stared at those two guys who were walking to the other side of the club. “They seems familiar, but argh, my head is dizzy, must find Aya!” thought Michi.
***
“Ne Ryo-chan, why you have to be so rude with that poor girl?” asked Uchi when they finally reached their table. They were celebrating that they first album TOUCH reached no. 1 on Oricon Chart. On the table, there were sitting Yamapi with his girlfriend Akane, Koyama with his girlfriend Miharu, and Massu. Shige, Kusano, and Tegoshi couldn’t join the celebration coz they were still under aged.
“Poor girl? Look what she has done to my shirt?” sulked Ryo.
“But I bet she didn’t do it in purpose! Beside she’s kinda cute!” smiled Uchi.
“Cute? Gah! I will never be interested with those type of girls!” pouted Ryo.
“Hey hey, what’s wrong? Someone got our dear Ryo-chan mad?” joked Koyama.
“Yup, a cute girl accidentally spilled his drink to his shirt.” explained Uchi while trying not to laugh at Ryo’s sulking face.
“She’s not cute!” retorted Ryo.
“C’mon Ryo-chan, here let me help you clean the shirt.” offered Akane like a mommy trying to persuade her little son.
“Akane, stop being nice to him! He’s not a baby, he can do it himself.” laughed Yamapi.
“Pi-chan, don’t start!” glared Ryo.
“I think you look hot with that wet shirt, Ryo!” teased Miharu joining the others. Ryo was red with all the teasing, and found Massu who was clueless with everything and was still busy munching the foods in the table.
“Massu! Haven’t you eaten enough yet? You will get chubbier!” scolded Ryo.
“Ehh? But you guys don’t want to finish all of these, it’s a waste of foods!” defended Massu and continue munching.
“Let him eating in peace! Beside just forget it, your shirt will just fine!” said Uchi who was tired to see Ryo’s bad temper that night.
“Whatever, I’m leaving!” as Ryo walked the exit door.
“Ahh, are we over teased him?” worried Akane.
“No worries, he will be alright! Maybe he’s just having a PMS!” joked Uchi and got peanuts thrown at him by the others.
***
Michi finally found Aya who was busy locking her lips to that stranger dude. She didn’t want to interrupt them, but she really wanted to go home now. Her head was spinning around already. She even barely to stand! She approached them and tapped Aya on her shoulder.
“Ahem, sorry Aya, but we have to go home now!” interrupted her. Aya released the kiss and that stranger dude was annoyed.
“What? Michi, it’s still early! Can you wait a little longer?” protested Aya.
“NO! I can’t stand this dizzy head anymore, please Aya!” begged her.
“Can she just go home herself with taxi or something?” the stranger dude tried to get inside the conversation.
“No way! She’s drunk!” answered Aya with bored look.
“Then I will ask a friend to company her home!” replied him.
“And you think I will believe that your friend won’t take advantage of her? Forget it! I will take her home now!” ended Aya and grabbed Michi out from the crowd.
“Thanx Aya!” whispered Michi before she felt asleep in the taxi.
“Baka girl! You only have 2 glasses of cocktails and got drunken already.” smiled Aya looking at her best friend who now fast asleep.
***
Chapter 2
Michi wake up the next morning with a huge hangover. She thought that she would never drink again in her life. She walked to the fridge and drank a lot of mineral water, soon she felt much better. She looked around her surrounding, and she was at her flat already, still wearing the same party clothes. And she found a small note at the table from Aya written like this, “You owe me big time, girl! Must treat me expensive meal on your birthday! Aya.”
She smiled after reading the note and thought how lucky she was to have her as best friend. She glimpsed the clock in her room then she realized that she was almost late for work!
“Yabaii! I’m going to be late again!” shrieked Michi as she got ready to change her party clothes to her work uniform. She’s working as a waitress for a coffee shop called “Haven” in Setagaya street and she must take a train to get there. She just started working since 2 months ago. And her boss wouldn’t be too pleased to see her late again this time.
She cleaned her face from the make-up and looked at her reflection in the mirror again, she sighed to herself, “Ahh, welcome back Michi!”
She grabbed her coat, put it on and walked out from her flat to the nearest train station. She only had 20 minutes left to reach her work place. She was busy looking coins at her purse when someone bumped her in front the ticket machine.
“Aho! Watch you step!” scolded the guy.
“Sumimasen!” bowed her apologetically. The situation was kinda familiar to her but she didn’t quite remember. She looked at the guy in front of her, who was wearing a blue caps and sunglasses.
The guy didn’t wait for her and just walked on. She thought how rude he was, she just rolled her eyes and bought the ticket and went inside the platform. She noticed that he was waiting the same train as her. And finally the train arrived, they both went inside from different gates.
10 minutes later, the train approached Setagaya station, she prepared herself and walked out the gate when the train stopped. She made it just in time in the coffee shop, her boss already raised his eyebrow when he saw her inside from the back door. She bowed as a sign of apology and took out her coat. She tied up her hair into a pony-tail and brushed her bangs down to her forehead. She was ready to start working that day. She was cleaning the tables when a bunch of people went inside the coffee shop.
***
Michi turned back her body to welcome the guests who just came in, and her jaw almost dropped in surprise as Yamapi, Akane, Koyama, Miharu and Uchi appeared in front of her eyes. She was speechless, couldn’t believe her luck to meet some NEWS members that day. She’s not a huge fan, as she couldn’t afford to buy their stuff and magazines, but NEWS was really popular lately, they always appeared in TV. She gasped and finally a shaky “Irasshaimase!” came out from her mouth.
She tried her best to calm herself, approached the small group and greeted them nervously.
“Hello, welcome to Haven Coffee Shop! Table for 5?” as she counted in her mind.
“Hi, Michi right? Can you set a table for 6? We are still waiting another one to come.” smiled Yamapi. Michi was in heaven that he still remembered her name. She met him last month there when he was looking for his girlfriend Akane, they seemed to have problem but at the end they made up in front of her working place. And she thought Yamapi was really humble as an idol and they looked great together.
“Michi, I’m Akane, baka Pi forget to introduce me last time, thanx for finding my necklace!” added Akane.
“Iie, it’s nothing!” gulped Michi nervously.
“Ahh, so they know you! I’m Koyama, and this is Miharu and that tall skinny guy is Uchi.” Koyama introduced himself. Miharu and Uchi waved to her.
“Hello! I’m Tsukino Michi, please call me Michi, nice to meet all of you!” she was surprised to see them being so friendly to her like that.
“I think I have seen you before!” started Uchi while observing her.
“Ehhh? Really? Maybe you met my lost twin sister!” joked Michi. Then she remembered that she was still working.
“Oh sorry, 6 right? Please follow me this way!” she led them to the table for 6 people and started to take their orders. And by that moment, the door was opened, the guy with blue caps and sunglasses came in. She gasped, as she remembered him as the rude guy in the train station! She didn’t say anything and tried to concentrate on the orders.
“Ryo-chan! Osoii yo!” welcomed Uchi.
“I got a bit lost, who has idea to meet up in this stranded place by the way?” replied Ryo.
“Ah, so he’s Nishikido Ryo!” murmured Michi in her heart.
“That would be me! But this place is nice, isn’t it? It’s the first place where I ever saw Akane. Please respect us!” said Yamapi.
“Ok ok! Ahh, I’m thirsty, can you please get me water?” asked Ryo to Michi who was still standing there. He looked at her, “Hey, you are the girl who bumped me at the train station!” Michi could feel her cheeks turning red.
“Sumimasen! But actually it was you who walked toward me.” she decided to defend herself.
“Excuse me? It’s you!” retorted Ryo.
“Hey Ryo, stop bully this poor girl!” calmed Uchi. “Oh wait, I think I know why you look familiar, were you at Jam club last night?” as Uchi looked at her.
“Huh? Yes! Why?” confused Michi.
“Ahhh, I think you and Ryo are meant to be together, as both of you also bumped into each other too last night at the club!” smirked Uchi.
“Ehhh really? So you were the one who spilled his drink? Wow! Way to go girl!” excited Miharu.
Michi was speechless again, she didn’t remember much about the incident last night. “I really met Ryo and Uchi last night?” asked Michi to herself.
“Uchi, stop being silly! It’s not my fault if this girl always bumped into me.” barked Ryo.
“That’s it! I can’t take it anymore!”
“Listen! I believe I also said sorry last night, and if I really bumped you, I never did it in purpose! So can you please be a gentleman and forget it already?” snapped Michi with red face. She knew she would be in trouble to say those words in front of costumers like that, but she has pride, and she didn’t want to get humiliation anymore.
“What? Who do you think you are?” angered Ryo.
“Guys please! We are not here to fight! She is right, Ryo please act like your age and forget it!” interrupted Koyama. “But …” as Ryo started again.
“No, we have enough! Michi could you please get our orders, and uhm add iced lemonade for him to calm his head.” said Yamapi as he pointed to Ryo.
“Right! Sorry for the shout!” excused Michi and walked to the kitchen, she was lucky as the owner went out and there were no other costumers, so no one heard the little fight between her and that evil Ryo.
5 minutes later, she came back with their orders and started to deliver it their table. She tried to smile, she often deals with annoying costumers, but Ryo really got her nerves on! She placed the drinks and snacks to the table, and when she was about to place iced lemonade in front of Ryo, she tried to not look at his eyes, as she aware that he was glaring at her. She excused herself and went to the new costumers who just came in.
Ryo was still sulking and didn’t really concentrate on the conversations his friends have that day. It supposed to be a nice relax outing, but now he couldn’t help starring at that waitress girl. He never met any girl who would reply his evil words like that. Someway he didn’t realize that girl already attracted him. He looked at her who now was busy taking order from other costumers. She looked really different from last night, thought Ryo in his mind. He didn’t notice that Uchi was looking at him with interest and followed his eyes and caught he was starring at Michi. Uchi smirked again.
“Ne, Ryo-chan, are you interested with her?”
“Ehhh? Nani? Of course not, I was looking the interior of this place. Yamapi was right, it’s indeed a nice place to hang out.” denied Ryo.
“Come on! I know you well! Stop denying it! Beside she’s kinda cute ne?” whispered Uchi evilly.
“Uchi Hiroki! Stop being a nosy and leave me alone!” sulked Ryo.
“Hey you two, what’s wrong?” asked Koyama.
“Nothing!” replied Ryo before Uchi could say anything.
***
Michi felt a tap at her shoulder when she was cleaning the glasses, it was Yamapi. He smiled to her, and asked for the bill.
“Oh chotto matte kudasai ne!” Michi walked to the cashier machine and counted their orders. After paid the bill, Yamapi took out something from his pocket.
“Kore ageru.” smiled Yamapi as he handed two tickets to her.
“Ehh? What is it?” confused Michi.
“That’s our concert tickets! I haven’t really thanked you for helping us before, beside I also need to apologize for Ryo-chan’s behavior.”
“That’s not necessary. But thanks for the tickets, I always wanted to see JE concert.” excited Michi.
“Feel free to visit us at the backstage. I will tell the crew to let you in.”
“Hontou? Promise to introduce me to other NEWS members?”
“Sure thing!”
“Etoo, are they nice?” whispered Michi as her eyes glanced at Ryo. Yamapi laughed.
“No worries, Shige, Kusano, Massu and Tegoshi are really sweet! You will love them!” reassured Yamapi.
“Pi-chan, done already?” asked Akane as she approached them.
“Yes, let’s go! Bye Michi!” waved Yamapi followed by the others, even Uchi was blowing goodbye kisses for her. She laughed. Only Ryo who was silent and just went away. She raised her shoulder, and thought about him being rude wasn’t a new thing, but then she tried not to think about it. She just couldn’t wait to tell Aya about the free-tickets.
***
Chapter 3
“Kyaaa Michi! This is super exciting, I always want to see a JE concert!” exclaimed Aya as they walked out Yokohama station.
“Yeah I know! Even I’m not really familiar with the songs, but I think we will have a great time!” excited Michi back.
They saw many young girls, women, even middle aged aunties were heading the same way as them, could also see some of them even wore cosplay costumes. They tried not to laugh, the whole atmosphere was new for them. As they never been into JE concert before. They saw the stalls for concert merchandises were crowded with ocean of girls.
“Ohhh, I want to take a look!” pointed Aya to the stalls.
“C’mon Aya, you are not teenagers anymore!” laughed Michi.
“Why not? Wait for me here!” instructed Aya as she tried to get inside the crowds.
5 minutes later, she was back with huge grin holding two uchiwas in her hand.
“Look what I got!” excited Aya fanning the uchiwa to Michi.
“OMG! I can’t believe that you are actually 22 years old!”
“Hey, I even more younger than that auntie!” pointed Aya to an auntie who bought almost all Yamapi stuff, and filled her shocking pink NEWS bag with his poster, uchiwa, clear file, pamphlet, photos, etc.
“Stop pointing around! So who you got? You will hold those two uchiwas during the concert?” asked Michi.
“Silly! Another one is for you! You will love what I choose for you!” smirked Aya as she handed one uchiwa to her. Michi was dead shock when she finally saw the face printed in the uchiwa. It was Ryo!
“Arrghhhh Aya, why him?” frowned Michi.
“Ehh why not? I thought you will like him, he’s so your type! Beside I remember you once said he was hot!” confused Aya. “That was then! Ergh! I don’t want this!” refused Michi and tried to return the uchiwa to Aya.
“No way! I have my own uchiwa already! I can’t blow kisses with my hand if I’m holding two uchiwas right? Beside I already have Tegochu here!” she showed off her Tegoshi Yuya uchiwa.
“Te … Te … Tegochu?” Michi was about to faint.
“He’s so kawaii! I want to pinch him right on the face!”
“Aya! That boy is only 17!”
“So what? Who knows he likes older sister type!” grinned Aya.
“Jeez, now I’m kinda regret to bring you here!”
“Michi stop sulking, I was only joking, you know I like mature guys, I just randomly choose him. And guess I didn’t make a bad choice ne?”
“Alright, whatever! Help me to buy the bag please, I don’t want to hold this!” she glanced that Ryo uchiwa she was holding. Aya nodded and went to the crowd stall again and back with a NEWS shopping bag. Michi placed the uchiwa inside and after they passed the security checks, she kept the bag in the locker. She didn’t feel like to hold anything that night, she just wanted to enjoy the concert.
Their seats were awesome, really close with the main stage. And they could see everything clearly inside the Yokohama Arena.
“Holy shit! We have a great seats!” surprised Aya as she still holding her “Tegochu” uchiwa.
“Thanx so much, Yamapi!” whispered Michi to herself. They waited for like 10 minutes before the whole Arena went black and the audiences started get up from their seats and screamed.
***
The concert just ended, it was a great time for both Michi and Aya, they didn’t familiar with the songs but the still enjoyed the concert. Aya was busy following Tegoshi and learnt how to do the “Tegoshi desu” hand sign quickly and always praising his angelic voice. Michi hated to admit this, but she really liked Ryo’s voice esp. when he sang “Koi Yake” with Kusano. She thought his voice was unique and really fit with the song. And without she realized it, she started to notice him more than other NEWS members during the concert.
“Great concert, Michi! So where are we going now?” asked Aya.
“Oh, uhm, I guess I want to go backstage and thanking Yamapi for the tickets.”
“Ehhhh? You got the tickets from Yamapi? How come? Why you never told me?” surprised Aya.
“Long story! Will tell you at the train later. But I’m not sure if we are allowed to go inside the backstage or not.”
“Let’s try first!” winked Aya and dragged Michi to the backstage.
They were stopped by the security guard at the backstage entrance. Michi mentioned her name and the guard checked with the list in his hand.
“Ok, you can go inside, but wear this card!” said the guard as he handed her one visitor card.
“Anoo, what about her?” asked Michi as she pointed Aya.
“Sorry, we only have your name here! Your friend can’t go inside! That’s the rule.” apologized the guard.
“It’s ok, Michi! You go yourself.” smiled Aya.
“Demo …” she was feeling guilty to leave Aya alone. She hesitated to go inside until she heard someone calling her name.
“Michi, kochi kochi!” screamed Akane who just appeared near the entrance.
“It’s ok sir, they are our friends.” said Miharu to the guard. And he nodded as the sign of agreement and also gave Aya a visitor card to wear on.
“Yokatta! So glad that I meet you girls!” relieved Michi.
“Yeah, sorry if the guard was a bit strict, he just following the rules.” explained Miharu.
“It’s ok, we understand! By the way, I’m Sugiyama Aya!”
“Hi Aya, Michi’s friend is also our friends, I’m Haneda Akane, and this is Yoshikuni Miharu, we are the staff in here.” introduced Akane.
‘They are Yamapi and Koyama’s girlfriends.” whispered Michi to Aya.
“Argh, the good guys are always taken.” frowned Aya to Michi’s ear. She just laughed at her friend’s reaction.
“So you are also the staff here? The management allowed that?” asked Michi curiously as they walked to NEWS dressing room.
“Yeah, the management knows us, but still we have to hide it from the press and fans.” explained Akane.
“I see … “ replied Michi and before she finished her sentences, the door in front of her opened and she bumped into someone, this time it was quite hard and she fell down the floor.
“Sorry! Oh, it’s you! Third times already, I must be jinx!” said Ryo without helping her and walking away as nothing happened.
“Ahh, sorry for Ryo-chan’s behavior!” apologized Akane while helping Michi up.
“Iie, I’m getting used with it!” replied Michi as she tidied up her clothes.
“Is that Nishikido Ryo? So rude!” exclaimed Aya.
“Who’s being rude?” asked Yamapi as he appeared from NEWS dressing room.
“Ryo that is! Who else?” replied Miharu in bored tone.
“Oh, Pi-chan, Michi and her friend Aya are here!” said Akane.
“Michi, nice to see you here! Hello Aya, do you enjoy our concert?” smiled Yamapi.
Aya was having star struck and was speechless for a while, Michi nudged her and replied, “Yes, the concert was amazing! We really enjoyed it! Thanks for the tickets!”
“My pleasure! Ahh, come inside, so you girls can meet up with other NEWS members.” invited Yamapi.
The girls followed him inside the dressing room and they were introduced to Shige, Kusano, Massu and Tegoshi. Aya was practically smiling non-stop when she had handshake with Tegoshi.
“OMG, he’s even cuter in real life! I want to pinch him!” whispered Aya to Michi.
“Don’t do that! We will be kicked out from here!” replied Michi softly.
“Tsukino-san, my solo has the same title as your name!” bounced Kusano.
“Wow, really? That’s a beautiful song!” surprised Michi.
“It’s actually a solo of Kame from KAT-TUN, but he sang that song together with Kame and Jin in SUMMARY.” explained Massu.
“Your parents blessed you with such beautiful name then.” said Shige.
“And suit with the beautiful yourself.” added Tegoshi. And made Michi blushed even more. She was surprised to see how NEWS members welcomed her and Aya so friendly like that.
Uchi and Koyama who just entered the room were also welcomed them with huge smile and they showed them around the backstage. Koyama was really bubbly as he talked non-stop about Yokohama Arena and all other stuff.
“That’s my boyfriend! I don’t need to worry if he ever retired from this business, he will be a good tour guide!” said Miharu proudly to Michi and Aya who couldn’t stop giggling at her statement.
The boys couldn’t stay long with them as they have another interview and photo shoots for the press. Michi and Aya also excused themselves and said millions thanks for welcoming them.
“Are you girls interested to join the staff here? We sort of run out staff for tomorrow as it will be the final stage, we will have much more things to do.” offered Akane as they walked them to the entrance.
“Yeah, the paid is good! Beside we are already busy with our mountains!” added Miharu.
“Mountains?” confused Michi.
“Baka! YAMA-shita for Akane and Ko-YAMA for Miharu, get it?” scolded Aya.
“Haha yes, our mountains! So the answer is?” asked Akane.
“Ahh! Too bad I have double shifts tomorrow, but Michi is available! You have day-off ne? Beside you said you need extra money for your trip to London.” replied Aya.
“Sshhh Aya, no need to mention about London!” hushed Michi in embarrassed look.
“London?” confused Akane.
“Yes, Michi won a scholarship to study English in London next month.” exclaimed Aya.
“Wow, congrats girl! So for you is a yes?” excited Akane.
“I don’t know, but yes, I’d love to help you all! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!” bowed Michi.
“Yay! We have a new ally here! Come and meet our manager!” said Miharu and dragged Michi to a room near the entrance.
***
Chapter 4
Michi started her job as a staff for NEWS Spring Concert in Yokohama Arena since early morning. She must check out all the stuff needed at the backstage. It was hectic but also fun at the same time. Akane and Miharu helped her explaining things and stuff. NEWS members arrived an hour later. They all welcomed her with friendly smiles except for Ryo.
“Why is she here?” asked Ryo rudely.
“To help us of course!” barked Miharu.
“Oh, tell her to stay away from my things.” mumbled Ryo.
Michi didn’t say a word, she was hurt at Ryo’s evil tongue but she had prepared herself well, she wouldn’t let him ruin her day. “He can say anything, and I will just ignore him!” she said to herself.
Actually Ryo didn’t mean to hurt her, he was just surprised to see her again. And he was a bit uncomfortable to have her around. He still wasn’t sure about his feeling, but he knew that she attracted him in a way. And he tried to deny it. “She’s so not my type!” he said it to himself over and over again.
Michi was really busy at the backstage, she even didn’t have a chance to sneak out and watched the concert. She ran here and there to deliver stuff and also arranged fans in the lobby as NEWS would have a little press conference and fans gathering after the concert. The other crews already set up a mini white stage in the lobby for that. After she made sure she has done all her tasks, she went back to NEWS dressing room for final check. The room was empty already, and everything was well prepared. She took a seat and let out a sigh of relief. She never imagined how hard to be a staff for a concert, but she enjoyed her experience. She was really exhausted tho, and fell asleep with both of hands and her head on the table.
Ryo forgot his black-white scarf, so he returned to the dressing room and was surprised to see Michi was sleeping there. He didn’t want to awake her as he saw how peaceful her face was. “Like a cute baby!” he thought. Then he shook his head, “What am I thinking?”. He grabbed his scarf, but then he couldn’t help starring her again, and felt the room was a bit cold. He looked around and saw a spare blanket in the sofa, he softly placed the blanket around her shoulder, smiled, and went away.
15 minutes later, Michi wake up and once she realized where she was, she gasped, “Ahh, I’m still in NEWS dressing room!” She stood up and the blanket on her shoulder fell down. She looked at it confusedly. She believed that she didn’t have that blanket before, and she wondered who would be so kind to put it on her. She grabbed the blanket from the floor, she observed it and found a small white tag from the laundry with a name written as “Uchi Hiroki”.
***
NEWS just finished all their duties that day, the press conference and fans gathering went well and everything was going smoothly. They shouted, “Otsukaresamadeshita!” to everyone they met on their way to the dressing room. They soon changed their concert costumes with their own clothes. Michi was prepared herself to go home aswell, it was a hectic day, and she already received a cheque for her hard work, she smiled and kissed the cheque, Miharu was right, the paid was excellent. She walked out from staff room, when she heard Akane called her name.
“Hey Michi! Where are you going?”
“Uhm, home?”
“What? No way! The night is still young! You have to go with us! We will celebrate our freedom at karaoke!” said Miharu cheerfully.
“Ehhh? But I’m really tired, beside I don’t want to interrupt you all!” refused Michi.
“C’mon! Believe me, you will have a great time!” added Akane.
“But I can’t sing!”
“No BUT, beside with Tegoshi and Massu coming along, we will have no chance to sing!” joked Miharu.
“Err okay, I have something to talk about with Uchi-kun too.” agreed Michi.
“Uchi? What happened with Uchi?” asked Akane.
“Uhm nothing, just want to thank him for something.” blushed Michi.
“Ahh yokatta! Go win his heart! I’m tired to share Kei-chan with him!” joked Miharu again.
“No no no, it’s not like that! I didn’t say I like Uchi! I just want to thank him!” replied Michi in panic way, worried about the girls might think her having crush on Uchi.
“Oh please Michi, love him! He’s all that girl could ask for, he’s tall, handsome, he’s perfect!” Miharu acted like a pimp promoting a gigolo.
“Yeah right! Too perfect until you will faint with his singing voice!” laughed Akane.
“Hey hey, what’s wrong with my voice?” pouted Uchi who just appeared.
“Too squeaky, dear! It will break glasses esp. when you sing that Believe My Story song! For God shake, please never sing that song again!” teased Miharu.
“Mou, Miharu! You are so mean! Must report this to Koyama!” sulked Uchi. And the girls just giggled at his childish act.
“Anoo Uchi-kun, can I talk with you privately?” asked Michi as she saw Akane and Miharu went inside the staff room to get their stuff ready.
“Sure! What’s up?” replied Uchi cheerfully and he led her to more quiet area near NEWS dressing room.
“I … I just want to thank you for your kindness, you always helped me before, you know when I deal with Nishikido-kun, and you also always welcomed me with open arms. But mostly I really want to thank you for the blanket this afternoon. Uchi-kun, hontou ni arigatou!” bowed Michi.
And by the time she said that, Ryo was walking nearby and heard everything. He felt something in his heart, an invisible pain inside. What is this feeling? He thought to himself. He was pissed to see Michi thanking the wrong person, he didn’t realize that the feeling he got was called jealously. He returned back to the dressing room with annoyed look on his face.
***
Chapter 5
“Wow, it’s not everyday a cute girl thanking me! But actually, I don’t understand the blanket part! What blanket?” puzzled Uchi.
“Uhm, the brown blanket in NEWS dressing room is yours right?”
“Yes, why?”
“I fell asleep there, and when I wake up, your blanket was on my shoulder already.” blushed Michi.
“But it’s not me who put it for you. I was at the lobby for the press conference the whole afternoon.” explained Uchi.
“Ehhh? Hontou? So who did it?” confused Michi.
“Wait, what time was that?”
“Uhm, around 6 pm I think, not really sure.”
“Oh, I know it! Ryo-chan was a bit late, he said that he forgot something in the dressing room. So maybe it was him.” smirked Uchi.
“Nishikido-kun did that for me? How possible? I thought he hated me?” asked her with eyes widened.
“So typical Ryo-chan, he never displays his interest with girl that he likes.” grinned Uchi.
And before Michi could say anything more, they were interrupted by Akane and Miharu who called their names to join them and the rest of NEWS for karaoke.
“Oh, time for party! Let’s go Michi!” Uchi pushed her away.
***
At the karaoke, they checked in into the large room, as there were 11 people. As expected, Tegoshi and Massu dominated the microphones for themselves, sometimes they let Kusano sang along. These three boys really realized that they have amazing voices. The others were cheering on them and also singing along. Michi clapped her hands and tried to enjoy the karaoke. She sat near Uchi and Akane, at first Uchi wanted to sit next to Koyama, but Miharu didn’t let him.
“Uchi, let me have Koyama in peace just for tonight!” joked Miharu. And the others just laughed at their craziness.
Michi stared at Ryo who sat near Tegoshi. He was busy drinking and didn’t seem care on his surrounding. He kept ordering alcohol drinks for himself. Michi rolled her eyes, after the first drunk encounter she experienced on the club before, she has learnt her lesson, and promised herself not to drink anymore. And she hoped Ryo wouldn’t drink too much, but then she raised her shoulder, and thought, “Why I care anyway? He’s an adult already!”
She excused herself to the ladies room. She washed her face, as she almost couldn’t stand her sleepy eyes anymore, it’s nearly 1 am, and she hadn’t got enough sleep the night before. She thought the excuses to leave earlier. She wondered how NEWS members could have such energies to stay genki after the concert.
She opened the door and was surprised to see Ryo was waiting for her outside. He was leaning his back on the wall and was smiling when he saw her appeared. Michi didn’t know what to do, seeing Ryo smiling at her was a brand new thing for her. Actually, he really has a dazzling smile, she spoke to herself.
Ryo walked to her in tipsy steps and finally Michi realized how drunk he was. She could even smell the alcohol in his breath, as he faced her now. It was really close, she couldn’t move from him.
“Sshhh, don’t be afraid!” said Ryo in deep voice with odd smile now.
“What do you want?” asked Michi in shaky tone, she was a bit scared.
“I just want to tell you, that you thanked the wrong person! It was me who put that stupid blanket, not Uchi!” as his eyes glared at her.
“Is it? Well, thanks anyway! Now can I move?” she felt uncomfortable with drunken Ryo in front of her.
“NO! I deserve something in return right?” he cornered her with his arms on both sides of her head.
Before Michi could say anything, he pressed his lips into her! Her eyes widened in shock, she pushed him with all her strength and slapped him right on the face.
Ryo touched his hand on his red cheek and glared at her.
“How could you!” as she glared back in anger. She could feel her right palm was burning red. Tears fell down on her cheeks, she run back to the karaoke room, she didn’t say anything, just grabbed her stuff and went away.
“Michi wait!” said Uchi who was sitting near the door. She didn’t care for his call and just ran as fast as she could to the exit door and called out a taxi. Uchi chased her but by the time he reached the exit door, she was in taxi already, and he lost the sight of her. The others followed him from behind and wondered about what happened.
They found Ryo who just returned to the karaoke room.
“Ryo, what happened with Michi? What have you done to her?” asked Uchi.
“Nothing!” answered him shortly and started drinking again. They all just rolled their eyes and thought about what could possible happened between them. They knew with his condition, they wouldn’t get anything from him.
“Ne, Ryo-chan, please stop drinking, you have enough!” said Akane softly.
“Uchi, take him back to hotel, will you?” asked Yamapi.
Uchi sighed, he has no choice. He helped Ryo stand up, placed his arm on his shoulder, took him out from the karaoke place and called a taxi. He looked at his helpless friend beside him, they have early shinkansen to catch as they would join other Kanjani8 members for “Hey! Say! Dream Boy” musical the next day. “Though day tomorrow!” said Uchi in his mind.
***
TBC
Author : nichiya
Genre : Romance
Rating : PG-13
Pairing : Ryo x OC (Michi)
Disclaimer : i don't own Ryo, so don't sue me!
A/N : My first non-Yamapi fic LOL. I always find Ryo is interesting with his poison tongue and so I made a spin-off from Love Song, coz the female character is the waiter girl who appeared in that fic and now she's the female lead. Let's see if this Michi girl fell in love with Ryo or Uchi?
Chapter 1
Michi looked her reflection on the mirror in her small flat. She was trying her clothes for the big party tonight. The party would be held in a new opened club that famous with many celebrities around. She couldn’t wait for the party, she was happy that her best friend Aya won the free tickets over a contest in a magazine, they could never afford the expensive tickets. She tried on her only sexy top that she bought in a night market, it’s a flashy black top with cute ornaments that would show off her beautiful shoulder. She also wore a ripped jeans and a matching big white belt. She looked at the mirror again, a proud smile was showing on her face. She couldn’t believe with a different style of clothes she could transform from normal boring girl to a stylish modern girl.
She heard the knocks on the door, and she smiled when Aya waved to her.
“Awww, you look great, Aya-chan!” admired Michi looking at her best friend who also looked so stunning that night. She was wearing a leather dark brown jacket and a mini skirt with matching dark brown boots.
“Thanx girlfriend, you also look awesome!” replied Aya and took off her jacket and only wore a soft green flashy butterfly top! She wasn’t shame to show off her beautiful body at all.
“Wow, that’s uber sexy yo!” laughed Michi.
“Well, it’s time to party! Etoo, you need help on your face, dear!” as she stared at Michi’s soft make-up, only with blush on and lipstick.
“Why? What’s wrong with my face?” sulked Michi.
“Too plain!! You didn’t put extra effort on the make-up! Here let me help you!”
“Make-up? You mean with thick eye-shadows and all? No no no!” stepped back Michi.
“Whyyyy? C’mon, let me help you! You have a big eyes, should be no problem!” persuaded Aya with cheeky smile.
“NO!” refused Michi.
“Alright, then I should call someone else to company me tonight!” threaten Aya and took out her cell phone from her bag.
“Ergh, I hate when you do that! Ok, you can do whatever you want with my face! But please not too thick!” begged Michi.
“YAY! Here sit in front of me!” as Aya opened her bag and placed her make-up collections, a complete eye-shadows set with many kind of colors, liquid eye-liner, eye-pencil, mascara, etc. Not bad for a Perfume Sales Girl like her.
“Wow! I thought you are selling perfume not make-up!” surprised Michi.
“Shut up! These are my assets! Now close your eyes!” she started working on her eyes, made a sexy smokey eyes effect, and put the eye-liner upper her eye-lids to make her eyes looked more bigger and finally the finishing touch, the mascara!
“Now open your eyes!” Michi did what she was instructed for, Aya grinned and shouted, “Kanpeki!”
Michi turned her head to the mirror and found how Aya’s magic hand really made her looked prettier than ever.
“Aya-chan, arigatou!” she hugged Aya.
“Yosh, we are ready to go! Let’s go girl!” Aya grabbed her jacket and bag. Michi also picked her coat and followed her.
***
The atmosphere at the club was super high, everyone danced crazily and didn’t really care for their surrounding. They all tried to enjoy themselves. The techno music was banging in every single corner of the club. Michi wasn’t really comfortable with all of this. She rarely went out clubbing, and was a little drunk already. She only had two glasses of cocktails. She didn’t know where Aya was, she hooked up with a stranger dude who was starring at her since the first time they arrived at the club. And only God knows where she could be, Michi tried to search her out, she walked between people who were busy dancing and drinking. And all the sudden, someone pushed her from behind, she lost her balance and was about to fall down the floor. She tried to grab anyone near her, and her action made someone spilled his drink from his hand and made his shirt wet. The whole little incident wasn’t aware by other people who were busy with their own things. She tried to adjust her balance and about to apologize to the guy in front of her.
“Aho! What are you doing!” snapped the black haired guy.
“Sumimasen!” bowed Michi in regret.
“I don’t need your sorry! Look at my shirt!”
“I’m truly sorry!” she tried to help him cleaning the shirt, but he refused her hand and glared at her furiously.
“Ryo-chan, doushita no?” asked his friend who just appeared between them. He’s quite tall and skinny with light brown hair.
“Nothing, just a stupid girl spilled my drink on my shirt!”
“I’m sorry!” apologized Michi again.
“Ne ne, c’mon, it’s not a big deal, she said sorry anyway! Let’s go join the others!” calmed the tall guy. The black haired guy just sighed and both of them left her. The tall guy smiled apologetically to her.
She was relieved that finally that rude guy went away, she wasn’t really paying attention on their faces, but somehow, the black haired rude guy and his friend looked someway familiar with her. She tried to concentrate and kept her conscious awaken, she stared at those two guys who were walking to the other side of the club. “They seems familiar, but argh, my head is dizzy, must find Aya!” thought Michi.
***
“Ne Ryo-chan, why you have to be so rude with that poor girl?” asked Uchi when they finally reached their table. They were celebrating that they first album TOUCH reached no. 1 on Oricon Chart. On the table, there were sitting Yamapi with his girlfriend Akane, Koyama with his girlfriend Miharu, and Massu. Shige, Kusano, and Tegoshi couldn’t join the celebration coz they were still under aged.
“Poor girl? Look what she has done to my shirt?” sulked Ryo.
“But I bet she didn’t do it in purpose! Beside she’s kinda cute!” smiled Uchi.
“Cute? Gah! I will never be interested with those type of girls!” pouted Ryo.
“Hey hey, what’s wrong? Someone got our dear Ryo-chan mad?” joked Koyama.
“Yup, a cute girl accidentally spilled his drink to his shirt.” explained Uchi while trying not to laugh at Ryo’s sulking face.
“She’s not cute!” retorted Ryo.
“C’mon Ryo-chan, here let me help you clean the shirt.” offered Akane like a mommy trying to persuade her little son.
“Akane, stop being nice to him! He’s not a baby, he can do it himself.” laughed Yamapi.
“Pi-chan, don’t start!” glared Ryo.
“I think you look hot with that wet shirt, Ryo!” teased Miharu joining the others. Ryo was red with all the teasing, and found Massu who was clueless with everything and was still busy munching the foods in the table.
“Massu! Haven’t you eaten enough yet? You will get chubbier!” scolded Ryo.
“Ehh? But you guys don’t want to finish all of these, it’s a waste of foods!” defended Massu and continue munching.
“Let him eating in peace! Beside just forget it, your shirt will just fine!” said Uchi who was tired to see Ryo’s bad temper that night.
“Whatever, I’m leaving!” as Ryo walked the exit door.
“Ahh, are we over teased him?” worried Akane.
“No worries, he will be alright! Maybe he’s just having a PMS!” joked Uchi and got peanuts thrown at him by the others.
***
Michi finally found Aya who was busy locking her lips to that stranger dude. She didn’t want to interrupt them, but she really wanted to go home now. Her head was spinning around already. She even barely to stand! She approached them and tapped Aya on her shoulder.
“Ahem, sorry Aya, but we have to go home now!” interrupted her. Aya released the kiss and that stranger dude was annoyed.
“What? Michi, it’s still early! Can you wait a little longer?” protested Aya.
“NO! I can’t stand this dizzy head anymore, please Aya!” begged her.
“Can she just go home herself with taxi or something?” the stranger dude tried to get inside the conversation.
“No way! She’s drunk!” answered Aya with bored look.
“Then I will ask a friend to company her home!” replied him.
“And you think I will believe that your friend won’t take advantage of her? Forget it! I will take her home now!” ended Aya and grabbed Michi out from the crowd.
“Thanx Aya!” whispered Michi before she felt asleep in the taxi.
“Baka girl! You only have 2 glasses of cocktails and got drunken already.” smiled Aya looking at her best friend who now fast asleep.
***
Chapter 2
Michi wake up the next morning with a huge hangover. She thought that she would never drink again in her life. She walked to the fridge and drank a lot of mineral water, soon she felt much better. She looked around her surrounding, and she was at her flat already, still wearing the same party clothes. And she found a small note at the table from Aya written like this, “You owe me big time, girl! Must treat me expensive meal on your birthday! Aya.”
She smiled after reading the note and thought how lucky she was to have her as best friend. She glimpsed the clock in her room then she realized that she was almost late for work!
“Yabaii! I’m going to be late again!” shrieked Michi as she got ready to change her party clothes to her work uniform. She’s working as a waitress for a coffee shop called “Haven” in Setagaya street and she must take a train to get there. She just started working since 2 months ago. And her boss wouldn’t be too pleased to see her late again this time.
She cleaned her face from the make-up and looked at her reflection in the mirror again, she sighed to herself, “Ahh, welcome back Michi!”
She grabbed her coat, put it on and walked out from her flat to the nearest train station. She only had 20 minutes left to reach her work place. She was busy looking coins at her purse when someone bumped her in front the ticket machine.
“Aho! Watch you step!” scolded the guy.
“Sumimasen!” bowed her apologetically. The situation was kinda familiar to her but she didn’t quite remember. She looked at the guy in front of her, who was wearing a blue caps and sunglasses.
The guy didn’t wait for her and just walked on. She thought how rude he was, she just rolled her eyes and bought the ticket and went inside the platform. She noticed that he was waiting the same train as her. And finally the train arrived, they both went inside from different gates.
10 minutes later, the train approached Setagaya station, she prepared herself and walked out the gate when the train stopped. She made it just in time in the coffee shop, her boss already raised his eyebrow when he saw her inside from the back door. She bowed as a sign of apology and took out her coat. She tied up her hair into a pony-tail and brushed her bangs down to her forehead. She was ready to start working that day. She was cleaning the tables when a bunch of people went inside the coffee shop.
***
Michi turned back her body to welcome the guests who just came in, and her jaw almost dropped in surprise as Yamapi, Akane, Koyama, Miharu and Uchi appeared in front of her eyes. She was speechless, couldn’t believe her luck to meet some NEWS members that day. She’s not a huge fan, as she couldn’t afford to buy their stuff and magazines, but NEWS was really popular lately, they always appeared in TV. She gasped and finally a shaky “Irasshaimase!” came out from her mouth.
She tried her best to calm herself, approached the small group and greeted them nervously.
“Hello, welcome to Haven Coffee Shop! Table for 5?” as she counted in her mind.
“Hi, Michi right? Can you set a table for 6? We are still waiting another one to come.” smiled Yamapi. Michi was in heaven that he still remembered her name. She met him last month there when he was looking for his girlfriend Akane, they seemed to have problem but at the end they made up in front of her working place. And she thought Yamapi was really humble as an idol and they looked great together.
“Michi, I’m Akane, baka Pi forget to introduce me last time, thanx for finding my necklace!” added Akane.
“Iie, it’s nothing!” gulped Michi nervously.
“Ahh, so they know you! I’m Koyama, and this is Miharu and that tall skinny guy is Uchi.” Koyama introduced himself. Miharu and Uchi waved to her.
“Hello! I’m Tsukino Michi, please call me Michi, nice to meet all of you!” she was surprised to see them being so friendly to her like that.
“I think I have seen you before!” started Uchi while observing her.
“Ehhh? Really? Maybe you met my lost twin sister!” joked Michi. Then she remembered that she was still working.
“Oh sorry, 6 right? Please follow me this way!” she led them to the table for 6 people and started to take their orders. And by that moment, the door was opened, the guy with blue caps and sunglasses came in. She gasped, as she remembered him as the rude guy in the train station! She didn’t say anything and tried to concentrate on the orders.
“Ryo-chan! Osoii yo!” welcomed Uchi.
“I got a bit lost, who has idea to meet up in this stranded place by the way?” replied Ryo.
“Ah, so he’s Nishikido Ryo!” murmured Michi in her heart.
“That would be me! But this place is nice, isn’t it? It’s the first place where I ever saw Akane. Please respect us!” said Yamapi.
“Ok ok! Ahh, I’m thirsty, can you please get me water?” asked Ryo to Michi who was still standing there. He looked at her, “Hey, you are the girl who bumped me at the train station!” Michi could feel her cheeks turning red.
“Sumimasen! But actually it was you who walked toward me.” she decided to defend herself.
“Excuse me? It’s you!” retorted Ryo.
“Hey Ryo, stop bully this poor girl!” calmed Uchi. “Oh wait, I think I know why you look familiar, were you at Jam club last night?” as Uchi looked at her.
“Huh? Yes! Why?” confused Michi.
“Ahhh, I think you and Ryo are meant to be together, as both of you also bumped into each other too last night at the club!” smirked Uchi.
“Ehhh really? So you were the one who spilled his drink? Wow! Way to go girl!” excited Miharu.
Michi was speechless again, she didn’t remember much about the incident last night. “I really met Ryo and Uchi last night?” asked Michi to herself.
“Uchi, stop being silly! It’s not my fault if this girl always bumped into me.” barked Ryo.
“That’s it! I can’t take it anymore!”
“Listen! I believe I also said sorry last night, and if I really bumped you, I never did it in purpose! So can you please be a gentleman and forget it already?” snapped Michi with red face. She knew she would be in trouble to say those words in front of costumers like that, but she has pride, and she didn’t want to get humiliation anymore.
“What? Who do you think you are?” angered Ryo.
“Guys please! We are not here to fight! She is right, Ryo please act like your age and forget it!” interrupted Koyama. “But …” as Ryo started again.
“No, we have enough! Michi could you please get our orders, and uhm add iced lemonade for him to calm his head.” said Yamapi as he pointed to Ryo.
“Right! Sorry for the shout!” excused Michi and walked to the kitchen, she was lucky as the owner went out and there were no other costumers, so no one heard the little fight between her and that evil Ryo.
5 minutes later, she came back with their orders and started to deliver it their table. She tried to smile, she often deals with annoying costumers, but Ryo really got her nerves on! She placed the drinks and snacks to the table, and when she was about to place iced lemonade in front of Ryo, she tried to not look at his eyes, as she aware that he was glaring at her. She excused herself and went to the new costumers who just came in.
Ryo was still sulking and didn’t really concentrate on the conversations his friends have that day. It supposed to be a nice relax outing, but now he couldn’t help starring at that waitress girl. He never met any girl who would reply his evil words like that. Someway he didn’t realize that girl already attracted him. He looked at her who now was busy taking order from other costumers. She looked really different from last night, thought Ryo in his mind. He didn’t notice that Uchi was looking at him with interest and followed his eyes and caught he was starring at Michi. Uchi smirked again.
“Ne, Ryo-chan, are you interested with her?”
“Ehhh? Nani? Of course not, I was looking the interior of this place. Yamapi was right, it’s indeed a nice place to hang out.” denied Ryo.
“Come on! I know you well! Stop denying it! Beside she’s kinda cute ne?” whispered Uchi evilly.
“Uchi Hiroki! Stop being a nosy and leave me alone!” sulked Ryo.
“Hey you two, what’s wrong?” asked Koyama.
“Nothing!” replied Ryo before Uchi could say anything.
***
Michi felt a tap at her shoulder when she was cleaning the glasses, it was Yamapi. He smiled to her, and asked for the bill.
“Oh chotto matte kudasai ne!” Michi walked to the cashier machine and counted their orders. After paid the bill, Yamapi took out something from his pocket.
“Kore ageru.” smiled Yamapi as he handed two tickets to her.
“Ehh? What is it?” confused Michi.
“That’s our concert tickets! I haven’t really thanked you for helping us before, beside I also need to apologize for Ryo-chan’s behavior.”
“That’s not necessary. But thanks for the tickets, I always wanted to see JE concert.” excited Michi.
“Feel free to visit us at the backstage. I will tell the crew to let you in.”
“Hontou? Promise to introduce me to other NEWS members?”
“Sure thing!”
“Etoo, are they nice?” whispered Michi as her eyes glanced at Ryo. Yamapi laughed.
“No worries, Shige, Kusano, Massu and Tegoshi are really sweet! You will love them!” reassured Yamapi.
“Pi-chan, done already?” asked Akane as she approached them.
“Yes, let’s go! Bye Michi!” waved Yamapi followed by the others, even Uchi was blowing goodbye kisses for her. She laughed. Only Ryo who was silent and just went away. She raised her shoulder, and thought about him being rude wasn’t a new thing, but then she tried not to think about it. She just couldn’t wait to tell Aya about the free-tickets.
***
Chapter 3
“Kyaaa Michi! This is super exciting, I always want to see a JE concert!” exclaimed Aya as they walked out Yokohama station.
“Yeah I know! Even I’m not really familiar with the songs, but I think we will have a great time!” excited Michi back.
They saw many young girls, women, even middle aged aunties were heading the same way as them, could also see some of them even wore cosplay costumes. They tried not to laugh, the whole atmosphere was new for them. As they never been into JE concert before. They saw the stalls for concert merchandises were crowded with ocean of girls.
“Ohhh, I want to take a look!” pointed Aya to the stalls.
“C’mon Aya, you are not teenagers anymore!” laughed Michi.
“Why not? Wait for me here!” instructed Aya as she tried to get inside the crowds.
5 minutes later, she was back with huge grin holding two uchiwas in her hand.
“Look what I got!” excited Aya fanning the uchiwa to Michi.
“OMG! I can’t believe that you are actually 22 years old!”
“Hey, I even more younger than that auntie!” pointed Aya to an auntie who bought almost all Yamapi stuff, and filled her shocking pink NEWS bag with his poster, uchiwa, clear file, pamphlet, photos, etc.
“Stop pointing around! So who you got? You will hold those two uchiwas during the concert?” asked Michi.
“Silly! Another one is for you! You will love what I choose for you!” smirked Aya as she handed one uchiwa to her. Michi was dead shock when she finally saw the face printed in the uchiwa. It was Ryo!
“Arrghhhh Aya, why him?” frowned Michi.
“Ehh why not? I thought you will like him, he’s so your type! Beside I remember you once said he was hot!” confused Aya. “That was then! Ergh! I don’t want this!” refused Michi and tried to return the uchiwa to Aya.
“No way! I have my own uchiwa already! I can’t blow kisses with my hand if I’m holding two uchiwas right? Beside I already have Tegochu here!” she showed off her Tegoshi Yuya uchiwa.
“Te … Te … Tegochu?” Michi was about to faint.
“He’s so kawaii! I want to pinch him right on the face!”
“Aya! That boy is only 17!”
“So what? Who knows he likes older sister type!” grinned Aya.
“Jeez, now I’m kinda regret to bring you here!”
“Michi stop sulking, I was only joking, you know I like mature guys, I just randomly choose him. And guess I didn’t make a bad choice ne?”
“Alright, whatever! Help me to buy the bag please, I don’t want to hold this!” she glanced that Ryo uchiwa she was holding. Aya nodded and went to the crowd stall again and back with a NEWS shopping bag. Michi placed the uchiwa inside and after they passed the security checks, she kept the bag in the locker. She didn’t feel like to hold anything that night, she just wanted to enjoy the concert.
Their seats were awesome, really close with the main stage. And they could see everything clearly inside the Yokohama Arena.
“Holy shit! We have a great seats!” surprised Aya as she still holding her “Tegochu” uchiwa.
“Thanx so much, Yamapi!” whispered Michi to herself. They waited for like 10 minutes before the whole Arena went black and the audiences started get up from their seats and screamed.
***
The concert just ended, it was a great time for both Michi and Aya, they didn’t familiar with the songs but the still enjoyed the concert. Aya was busy following Tegoshi and learnt how to do the “Tegoshi desu” hand sign quickly and always praising his angelic voice. Michi hated to admit this, but she really liked Ryo’s voice esp. when he sang “Koi Yake” with Kusano. She thought his voice was unique and really fit with the song. And without she realized it, she started to notice him more than other NEWS members during the concert.
“Great concert, Michi! So where are we going now?” asked Aya.
“Oh, uhm, I guess I want to go backstage and thanking Yamapi for the tickets.”
“Ehhhh? You got the tickets from Yamapi? How come? Why you never told me?” surprised Aya.
“Long story! Will tell you at the train later. But I’m not sure if we are allowed to go inside the backstage or not.”
“Let’s try first!” winked Aya and dragged Michi to the backstage.
They were stopped by the security guard at the backstage entrance. Michi mentioned her name and the guard checked with the list in his hand.
“Ok, you can go inside, but wear this card!” said the guard as he handed her one visitor card.
“Anoo, what about her?” asked Michi as she pointed Aya.
“Sorry, we only have your name here! Your friend can’t go inside! That’s the rule.” apologized the guard.
“It’s ok, Michi! You go yourself.” smiled Aya.
“Demo …” she was feeling guilty to leave Aya alone. She hesitated to go inside until she heard someone calling her name.
“Michi, kochi kochi!” screamed Akane who just appeared near the entrance.
“It’s ok sir, they are our friends.” said Miharu to the guard. And he nodded as the sign of agreement and also gave Aya a visitor card to wear on.
“Yokatta! So glad that I meet you girls!” relieved Michi.
“Yeah, sorry if the guard was a bit strict, he just following the rules.” explained Miharu.
“It’s ok, we understand! By the way, I’m Sugiyama Aya!”
“Hi Aya, Michi’s friend is also our friends, I’m Haneda Akane, and this is Yoshikuni Miharu, we are the staff in here.” introduced Akane.
‘They are Yamapi and Koyama’s girlfriends.” whispered Michi to Aya.
“Argh, the good guys are always taken.” frowned Aya to Michi’s ear. She just laughed at her friend’s reaction.
“So you are also the staff here? The management allowed that?” asked Michi curiously as they walked to NEWS dressing room.
“Yeah, the management knows us, but still we have to hide it from the press and fans.” explained Akane.
“I see … “ replied Michi and before she finished her sentences, the door in front of her opened and she bumped into someone, this time it was quite hard and she fell down the floor.
“Sorry! Oh, it’s you! Third times already, I must be jinx!” said Ryo without helping her and walking away as nothing happened.
“Ahh, sorry for Ryo-chan’s behavior!” apologized Akane while helping Michi up.
“Iie, I’m getting used with it!” replied Michi as she tidied up her clothes.
“Is that Nishikido Ryo? So rude!” exclaimed Aya.
“Who’s being rude?” asked Yamapi as he appeared from NEWS dressing room.
“Ryo that is! Who else?” replied Miharu in bored tone.
“Oh, Pi-chan, Michi and her friend Aya are here!” said Akane.
“Michi, nice to see you here! Hello Aya, do you enjoy our concert?” smiled Yamapi.
Aya was having star struck and was speechless for a while, Michi nudged her and replied, “Yes, the concert was amazing! We really enjoyed it! Thanks for the tickets!”
“My pleasure! Ahh, come inside, so you girls can meet up with other NEWS members.” invited Yamapi.
The girls followed him inside the dressing room and they were introduced to Shige, Kusano, Massu and Tegoshi. Aya was practically smiling non-stop when she had handshake with Tegoshi.
“OMG, he’s even cuter in real life! I want to pinch him!” whispered Aya to Michi.
“Don’t do that! We will be kicked out from here!” replied Michi softly.
“Tsukino-san, my solo has the same title as your name!” bounced Kusano.
“Wow, really? That’s a beautiful song!” surprised Michi.
“It’s actually a solo of Kame from KAT-TUN, but he sang that song together with Kame and Jin in SUMMARY.” explained Massu.
“Your parents blessed you with such beautiful name then.” said Shige.
“And suit with the beautiful yourself.” added Tegoshi. And made Michi blushed even more. She was surprised to see how NEWS members welcomed her and Aya so friendly like that.
Uchi and Koyama who just entered the room were also welcomed them with huge smile and they showed them around the backstage. Koyama was really bubbly as he talked non-stop about Yokohama Arena and all other stuff.
“That’s my boyfriend! I don’t need to worry if he ever retired from this business, he will be a good tour guide!” said Miharu proudly to Michi and Aya who couldn’t stop giggling at her statement.
The boys couldn’t stay long with them as they have another interview and photo shoots for the press. Michi and Aya also excused themselves and said millions thanks for welcoming them.
“Are you girls interested to join the staff here? We sort of run out staff for tomorrow as it will be the final stage, we will have much more things to do.” offered Akane as they walked them to the entrance.
“Yeah, the paid is good! Beside we are already busy with our mountains!” added Miharu.
“Mountains?” confused Michi.
“Baka! YAMA-shita for Akane and Ko-YAMA for Miharu, get it?” scolded Aya.
“Haha yes, our mountains! So the answer is?” asked Akane.
“Ahh! Too bad I have double shifts tomorrow, but Michi is available! You have day-off ne? Beside you said you need extra money for your trip to London.” replied Aya.
“Sshhh Aya, no need to mention about London!” hushed Michi in embarrassed look.
“London?” confused Akane.
“Yes, Michi won a scholarship to study English in London next month.” exclaimed Aya.
“Wow, congrats girl! So for you is a yes?” excited Akane.
“I don’t know, but yes, I’d love to help you all! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!” bowed Michi.
“Yay! We have a new ally here! Come and meet our manager!” said Miharu and dragged Michi to a room near the entrance.
***
Chapter 4
Michi started her job as a staff for NEWS Spring Concert in Yokohama Arena since early morning. She must check out all the stuff needed at the backstage. It was hectic but also fun at the same time. Akane and Miharu helped her explaining things and stuff. NEWS members arrived an hour later. They all welcomed her with friendly smiles except for Ryo.
“Why is she here?” asked Ryo rudely.
“To help us of course!” barked Miharu.
“Oh, tell her to stay away from my things.” mumbled Ryo.
Michi didn’t say a word, she was hurt at Ryo’s evil tongue but she had prepared herself well, she wouldn’t let him ruin her day. “He can say anything, and I will just ignore him!” she said to herself.
Actually Ryo didn’t mean to hurt her, he was just surprised to see her again. And he was a bit uncomfortable to have her around. He still wasn’t sure about his feeling, but he knew that she attracted him in a way. And he tried to deny it. “She’s so not my type!” he said it to himself over and over again.
Michi was really busy at the backstage, she even didn’t have a chance to sneak out and watched the concert. She ran here and there to deliver stuff and also arranged fans in the lobby as NEWS would have a little press conference and fans gathering after the concert. The other crews already set up a mini white stage in the lobby for that. After she made sure she has done all her tasks, she went back to NEWS dressing room for final check. The room was empty already, and everything was well prepared. She took a seat and let out a sigh of relief. She never imagined how hard to be a staff for a concert, but she enjoyed her experience. She was really exhausted tho, and fell asleep with both of hands and her head on the table.
Ryo forgot his black-white scarf, so he returned to the dressing room and was surprised to see Michi was sleeping there. He didn’t want to awake her as he saw how peaceful her face was. “Like a cute baby!” he thought. Then he shook his head, “What am I thinking?”. He grabbed his scarf, but then he couldn’t help starring her again, and felt the room was a bit cold. He looked around and saw a spare blanket in the sofa, he softly placed the blanket around her shoulder, smiled, and went away.
15 minutes later, Michi wake up and once she realized where she was, she gasped, “Ahh, I’m still in NEWS dressing room!” She stood up and the blanket on her shoulder fell down. She looked at it confusedly. She believed that she didn’t have that blanket before, and she wondered who would be so kind to put it on her. She grabbed the blanket from the floor, she observed it and found a small white tag from the laundry with a name written as “Uchi Hiroki”.
***
NEWS just finished all their duties that day, the press conference and fans gathering went well and everything was going smoothly. They shouted, “Otsukaresamadeshita!” to everyone they met on their way to the dressing room. They soon changed their concert costumes with their own clothes. Michi was prepared herself to go home aswell, it was a hectic day, and she already received a cheque for her hard work, she smiled and kissed the cheque, Miharu was right, the paid was excellent. She walked out from staff room, when she heard Akane called her name.
“Hey Michi! Where are you going?”
“Uhm, home?”
“What? No way! The night is still young! You have to go with us! We will celebrate our freedom at karaoke!” said Miharu cheerfully.
“Ehhh? But I’m really tired, beside I don’t want to interrupt you all!” refused Michi.
“C’mon! Believe me, you will have a great time!” added Akane.
“But I can’t sing!”
“No BUT, beside with Tegoshi and Massu coming along, we will have no chance to sing!” joked Miharu.
“Err okay, I have something to talk about with Uchi-kun too.” agreed Michi.
“Uchi? What happened with Uchi?” asked Akane.
“Uhm nothing, just want to thank him for something.” blushed Michi.
“Ahh yokatta! Go win his heart! I’m tired to share Kei-chan with him!” joked Miharu again.
“No no no, it’s not like that! I didn’t say I like Uchi! I just want to thank him!” replied Michi in panic way, worried about the girls might think her having crush on Uchi.
“Oh please Michi, love him! He’s all that girl could ask for, he’s tall, handsome, he’s perfect!” Miharu acted like a pimp promoting a gigolo.
“Yeah right! Too perfect until you will faint with his singing voice!” laughed Akane.
“Hey hey, what’s wrong with my voice?” pouted Uchi who just appeared.
“Too squeaky, dear! It will break glasses esp. when you sing that Believe My Story song! For God shake, please never sing that song again!” teased Miharu.
“Mou, Miharu! You are so mean! Must report this to Koyama!” sulked Uchi. And the girls just giggled at his childish act.
“Anoo Uchi-kun, can I talk with you privately?” asked Michi as she saw Akane and Miharu went inside the staff room to get their stuff ready.
“Sure! What’s up?” replied Uchi cheerfully and he led her to more quiet area near NEWS dressing room.
“I … I just want to thank you for your kindness, you always helped me before, you know when I deal with Nishikido-kun, and you also always welcomed me with open arms. But mostly I really want to thank you for the blanket this afternoon. Uchi-kun, hontou ni arigatou!” bowed Michi.
And by the time she said that, Ryo was walking nearby and heard everything. He felt something in his heart, an invisible pain inside. What is this feeling? He thought to himself. He was pissed to see Michi thanking the wrong person, he didn’t realize that the feeling he got was called jealously. He returned back to the dressing room with annoyed look on his face.
***
Chapter 5
“Wow, it’s not everyday a cute girl thanking me! But actually, I don’t understand the blanket part! What blanket?” puzzled Uchi.
“Uhm, the brown blanket in NEWS dressing room is yours right?”
“Yes, why?”
“I fell asleep there, and when I wake up, your blanket was on my shoulder already.” blushed Michi.
“But it’s not me who put it for you. I was at the lobby for the press conference the whole afternoon.” explained Uchi.
“Ehhh? Hontou? So who did it?” confused Michi.
“Wait, what time was that?”
“Uhm, around 6 pm I think, not really sure.”
“Oh, I know it! Ryo-chan was a bit late, he said that he forgot something in the dressing room. So maybe it was him.” smirked Uchi.
“Nishikido-kun did that for me? How possible? I thought he hated me?” asked her with eyes widened.
“So typical Ryo-chan, he never displays his interest with girl that he likes.” grinned Uchi.
And before Michi could say anything more, they were interrupted by Akane and Miharu who called their names to join them and the rest of NEWS for karaoke.
“Oh, time for party! Let’s go Michi!” Uchi pushed her away.
***
At the karaoke, they checked in into the large room, as there were 11 people. As expected, Tegoshi and Massu dominated the microphones for themselves, sometimes they let Kusano sang along. These three boys really realized that they have amazing voices. The others were cheering on them and also singing along. Michi clapped her hands and tried to enjoy the karaoke. She sat near Uchi and Akane, at first Uchi wanted to sit next to Koyama, but Miharu didn’t let him.
“Uchi, let me have Koyama in peace just for tonight!” joked Miharu. And the others just laughed at their craziness.
Michi stared at Ryo who sat near Tegoshi. He was busy drinking and didn’t seem care on his surrounding. He kept ordering alcohol drinks for himself. Michi rolled her eyes, after the first drunk encounter she experienced on the club before, she has learnt her lesson, and promised herself not to drink anymore. And she hoped Ryo wouldn’t drink too much, but then she raised her shoulder, and thought, “Why I care anyway? He’s an adult already!”
She excused herself to the ladies room. She washed her face, as she almost couldn’t stand her sleepy eyes anymore, it’s nearly 1 am, and she hadn’t got enough sleep the night before. She thought the excuses to leave earlier. She wondered how NEWS members could have such energies to stay genki after the concert.
She opened the door and was surprised to see Ryo was waiting for her outside. He was leaning his back on the wall and was smiling when he saw her appeared. Michi didn’t know what to do, seeing Ryo smiling at her was a brand new thing for her. Actually, he really has a dazzling smile, she spoke to herself.
Ryo walked to her in tipsy steps and finally Michi realized how drunk he was. She could even smell the alcohol in his breath, as he faced her now. It was really close, she couldn’t move from him.
“Sshhh, don’t be afraid!” said Ryo in deep voice with odd smile now.
“What do you want?” asked Michi in shaky tone, she was a bit scared.
“I just want to tell you, that you thanked the wrong person! It was me who put that stupid blanket, not Uchi!” as his eyes glared at her.
“Is it? Well, thanks anyway! Now can I move?” she felt uncomfortable with drunken Ryo in front of her.
“NO! I deserve something in return right?” he cornered her with his arms on both sides of her head.
Before Michi could say anything, he pressed his lips into her! Her eyes widened in shock, she pushed him with all her strength and slapped him right on the face.
Ryo touched his hand on his red cheek and glared at her.
“How could you!” as she glared back in anger. She could feel her right palm was burning red. Tears fell down on her cheeks, she run back to the karaoke room, she didn’t say anything, just grabbed her stuff and went away.
“Michi wait!” said Uchi who was sitting near the door. She didn’t care for his call and just ran as fast as she could to the exit door and called out a taxi. Uchi chased her but by the time he reached the exit door, she was in taxi already, and he lost the sight of her. The others followed him from behind and wondered about what happened.
They found Ryo who just returned to the karaoke room.
“Ryo, what happened with Michi? What have you done to her?” asked Uchi.
“Nothing!” answered him shortly and started drinking again. They all just rolled their eyes and thought about what could possible happened between them. They knew with his condition, they wouldn’t get anything from him.
“Ne, Ryo-chan, please stop drinking, you have enough!” said Akane softly.
“Uchi, take him back to hotel, will you?” asked Yamapi.
Uchi sighed, he has no choice. He helped Ryo stand up, placed his arm on his shoulder, took him out from the karaoke place and called a taxi. He looked at his helpless friend beside him, they have early shinkansen to catch as they would join other Kanjani8 members for “Hey! Say! Dream Boy” musical the next day. “Though day tomorrow!” said Uchi in his mind.
***
TBC