You're Beautiful: Chapter 4
Agreement
“Please don’t be upset boys...”
“Why didn’t you just ask Ryu?”
“Of course we did, but he said no. Says he doesn’t want the entertainment business anymore. He was sorry about it too. Don’t look at me like that, we didn’t have much choice...”
Reiko looked around hopelessly. Jump had taken the news pretty bad. Yabu and Takaki remained silent deep in thoughts, and Hikaru and Inoo had merely shrugged it away. But Daiki and the rest were taking it pretty hard.
“So he’s like what, a new member?” Yuto asked.
“No no...he’s going to do some programs with you, like a temporary substitute. Six months...that’s all” Reiko explained bleakly, trying to calm them down.
“I don’t like him already...” Keito muttered as Yamada nodded furiously.
“Boys...please. He’s gonna save us a lot of money. And he’s a good kid. Just...”
“Play nice?” Daiki finished grumpily.
Reiko sighed. “Just BE nice together. Stay professional. Just six months, I promise...”
“I miss Ryu...” Yamada confessed silently, hugging his bag. Keito patted him comfortingly. “Yeah...”
Reiko stared at the murmur of agreement amongst them and sighed "He is not taking his place, you guys are a family. He is just a new friend, like a new kid in the class, like...like an exchange student. I know you all have very friendly and kind hearts deep inside..."
"Deep DEEP inside..." Yamada muttered and they all laughed.
Reiko grinned. "I promise, you will be alright. I mean, we're doing this for Jump yes?"
To Reiko's relief, all the boys smiled now and nodded.
"I spose so.." Daiki added. Even though they had reached an agreement, Reiko spotted one face that looked genuinely thoughtful, and troubled.
"Chinen...you okay?" she asked.
Chinen looked up at her. “Reiko san, I can see why this is important and all....but you know this person’s bound to face quite some trouble...public wise...if we aren’t comfortable, than I wonder how uncomfortable our viewers will be...”
“But that’s why we’ve chose someone so lovable! I’m telling you he’s perfect! Give him a chance! You’ll see, it’s going to be a quick six months!”