T's Old Eito Fictions

 

Title: Ryo, the Latchkey Boy

Characters: Kanjani8, News, Various other JE boys. Surprise appearance of Tackey and Tsubasa in this chapter (don’t ask, I have no idea)

Main Focus: Ryo

Summary: An unexpected event rips the hearts of Kanjani8 and News members. They are left to attend their wound while looking after one of their own.

(side note: this is NOT a death fic, even though it looks like it.)

Format: Multi-Chapter Story

Warnings: This is set during spring 2010 while News was still a six-member group and *obviously* Subaru was still in the band. Also trigger warning for nervous breakdown I guess?

Enjoy!

 

Chapter 14: Trepidation

 

Ohkura was strolling down the halls of the agency when he came face to face with one Kato Shigeaki.

“Ah, sorry,” he mumbled and turned to walk around Shige. He wasn’t in the mindset to confront anyone, especially not a News member.

“Wait!” Shige stopped him. He was tense, his eyes huge and his mouth a thin line.

Ohkura raised an eyebrow at the younger and stopped at his track. The youngest member of News seemed on edge. This was weird. “Yes?”

“Erm…” Shige squirmed under the others frown. “How is Nishikido-kun?”

“If you are so concerned, shouldn’t you go and see him?” Ohkura couldn’t help but scold. He wasn’t in the mood to comfort a worried band member. He found News’s treatment of Ryo cold as always.

“I… Well…” Shige stumbled on his words.

“Good morning Kura!” a third voice interrupted them. Ohkura and Shige turned to see Maru strolling down the hall. “Ah Kato-san, hi.” He greeted warmly with a bright smile stretching his face.

“Uh… Hi Maruyama-san.” Shige bowed his head for an inch.

Ohkura’s gaze didn’t falter; he still eyed Shige with a suspicious frown. Maru looked between them.

“What is going on? Is everything alright?” Maru asked, raising his eyebrows in concern.

“Nothing… nevermind…” Shige mumbled, frustrated.

Ohkura turned to Maru. “He is asking about Ryo-chan.” He said with frustration.

“Hmm…” Maru looked at them, confused. “Why wouldn’t you say so?” He offered Shige a warm smile. “He is much better, though he is struggling with his dance steps… His body is not healed enough for that.”

Shige nodded and murmured a ‘thanks’ before walking away. His head was still low.

“What was that all about?” Maru questioned, looking after the youngest News member. He turned to Ohkura with puckered lips. “Tatsu?”

Ohkura shrugged but a frown was still visible on his face. “I have no idea. Another ‘News versus Nishikido’ example maybe?”

“Tatchan!” Maru objected. “You are unexpectedly harsh today.” He looked at his friend with wide eyes as they started to walk down towards their dressing room.

“I guess I am angry at them…” Ohkura trailed off.

“And why?” Maru encouraged him.

“Well… The way they tried to snatch Ryo away from us pisses us all, right?” he nodded to Maru as the other did the same. “But, what pisses me more is, in the end they don’t actually know him or his desires, what’s in his heart…”

Maru didn’t answer. He looked away, a far off look on his eyes. The topic was all too delicate for all eleven of them. They had their hardships with sharing a member between them. Not to mention both groups were situated in different cities. They were not allowed to complain publicly about schedules. Not that they would ever. And definitely not to Ryo.

Ryo’s hardships were much more severe, being torn between two groups and giving it all to both of them. They never heard him complain once though. Sure, he would act spoiled and demand some attention from the members. But that was because he was their little brother and had been acting the same since their junior days.

Maru sighed; if only Ryo could remember all this.

Ohkura turned to stare at him. “And you know what, they keep him at arm’s length all the time.” He continued, unaware of Maru’s racing thoughts.

“Hmm…” Maru looked up at the other’s eyes, thoughtful.

“Don’t tell me you agree with them?!”

 “Eh?” Maru exclaimed in surprise. “I am not on their side Tatchan!” He let out a tired sigh. “But, I think we are not really listening to Ryo-chan either. Or, well, were not listening.”

“The hell with that!” Ohkura growled. “We know Ryo-chan much better than them, hell we treat him much better.”

Just at that moment Yamapi brushed past him. Both Kanjani members startled. They braced themselves for a harsh comeback from the News leader, or at least a glare directed at them. They were openly criticizing the other group after all. But Yamapi didn’t even lift his head to acknowledge their presence. He silently strolled down the corridor, shoulders sloping.

“Eh?”

“Now what’s with that?” Ohkura asked curiously. “What is wrong with News today?”

Maru shrugged before they both continued their walk towards the dressing room.

“Ah, Ryo-chan.” Ohkura said in surprise. “You are early.”

Ryo was curled up on one of the couches, reading a magazine. He glanced up towards the new comers and turned back to his reading. Subaru, Yasu and Yoko were sitting next to the table nearby.

“Whassaaaap!” Maru greeted them cheerily to liven the mood.

“Nothing much.” Subaru answered as he too was reading a magazine.

“Oh?” Ohkura looked at Ryo. The amnesiac was quite but looking at ease from where he lay.

Maru walked over to Ryo and greeted him rather loudly. “Morning, Morning, MOOORNIIING Ryo-Chaaaaan!”

Ryo startled and looked up. His eyes were filled with fear and his body visibly shrank back into the couch.

“Idiot!” Ohkura smacked Maru’s head. “What kind of greeting is that!” He grabbed Maru’s arm and directed him away from the couch.

“Ow!” Maru pouted. “I am just happy to see Ryo-chan. Subaru and Yoko chuckled at that but didn’t say anything.

Ryo turned his gaze back towards his reading, pretending to look unaffected of Maru’s sudden exclamation. But his fast and shallow breathing gave him away.

Ohkura curled his lips in concern, but stayed silent on the matter. Rather, he turned to the other members. “Hey. Let’s get ready.” He pulled Maru towards the other side of the room. It was better not to spook Ryo too much.

Ryo let out a shudder once they turned their backs on him. He wasn’t sure he could do this today. The idea of dancing in close proximity to others was overwhelming.

“Morning,” greeted a Murakami Shingo. “Ready for rehearsal?” They all greeted him with cheerful expressions.

“Hey!”

“Yes!”

“You’re late!”

“Let’s get ready!”

Ryo forced himself up and started to get ready for the dance. But one glance at the others gathering around him sent his stomach in to knots. He started to shake his head unconsciously and backed away until his back hit the mirrored wall.

All Kanjani eight member’s eyes were on him in an instant. Yasu and Subaru exchanged a worried glance. Yoko stood at the back of the crowd; his mouth slightly open in confusion.

“Ryo-chan?” Ohkura voiced his concern.

“Are you feeling unwell? Do you want to go home?” Yassu asked.

“I can’t.” Ryo started to mumble while slowly sliding towards the door. “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t…”

“Okay,” Hina said soothingly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to.”

“Let one of us take you home.” Ohkura tried.

Ryo shook his head in disagreement and opened the door with a shaking hand. He didn’t look back as he left the room.

All Eito members stared in shock.

“What was that?”

“He was okay yesterday.”

“What should we do.”

“He shouldn’t be alone.”

While the band tried to make a decision, Ryo faltered down the hall and eventually crumbled to the floor. Tears were now flowing down his cheeks; he was shaking so bad that his body started to ache. He felt his head meet the floor, his gaze locked on the opposite wall.

Somebody was calling his name. Ryo couldn’t make out who; to be honest, he didn’t care either. He tried to wrap himself to avoid the shaking but it was an unsuccessful attempt.

Someone grabbed his shoulder and Ryo shrieked.

“Ryo-chan! Ryo-chan, it’s okay. It’s okay.”

Ryo felt his body lifted from the floor to a sitting position. He came face to face with Tackey.

“It’s okay, don’t worry.” The other smiled at him reassuringly. Another man was standing nearby, dumbfounded.

Ryo tried to wipe away his tears with trembling fingers and stared at the floor.

“Tsubasa? Can you please arrange the car? I think Ryo-chan needs to go home.”

The other man left without uttering another word. Ryo heard footsteps approaching as Tsubasa’s faded.

“Ryo!”

“Oh my- Are you okay.”

“We shouldn’t have let him leave!”

Ryo startled and cringed away from the sound. His arms unconsciously wrapped around his torso. Tackey immediately raised a hand to stop the others.

“Hey,” Takki called to Ryo in a calm voice. “It is okay. Everything is okay Ryo-chan. Just look at me. Come on, lift your head.” Tackey smiled at Ryo reassuringly. “It’s okay.

Ryo slowly lifted his gaze and looked tentatively at Takki.

“There you go.” Takki smiled. “Now take a deep breath and hold it. Good, you are doing good. Exhale.” Takki’s smile was encouraging. “No, don’t look anywhere but me. Now again, take a breath…”

Ryo felt himself calming step by step. He wasn’t expecting Takki to have this effect on him, but here he was, starting to feel composed again.

“Any one got water?” Tackey asked without looking up.

There was a small crowd starting to gather around them already. A few junior groups were on the hall besides Eito. One of the juniors handed Tackey a water bottle immediately.

“Thanks. Ryo-chan?”

Ryo looked sideways, tired and embarrassed. Tackey had one hand on his shoulder and another offering a water bottle. “Drink this. You’ll feel better.”

Somehow, Ryo didn’t flinch away from Tackey and accepted the water. His trembling fingers wrapped around the bottle and he forced himself to drink. Even though he spilled half of it, the sip he took was refreshing. He mumbled an incoherent thanks to Tackey.

 “I’ll take you home. Are you well enough to get up now?”

Ryo glanced towards his bandmates shamefully. “Erm.” His voice was hoarse.

Subaru crouched next to Takki. “It’s okay, Ryo. You don’t have to push yourself.” He offered a big smile to him. “Take it easy, go rest.”

Ryo nodded in embarrassment. He lifted his face to offer an apologetic smile at his bandmates while trying to avoid any eye contact. But then his eyes locked on to Yamapi and his small smile vanished. The other looked stunned and ashamed.

Ryo’s head dropped. “Yes, please,” he whispered at Takki. “Please take me home.” He didn’t turn to look at anyone else as he let Takki help him up. The silence behind him was deafening.

 Once they reached the car, Ryo saw the other man, Tsubasa, waiting for them with the back door opened. The man was smiling at him encouragingly.

Ryo held his face down with shame as he let Takki half carry him to the car. Once settled down, Ryo saw Takki turn to Tsubasa and ask for the car keys.

“Like hell. I am not going to just leave after that.”

“Tsubasa… It might not be a good idea to have… company.”

“Hmm?”

“The situation is delicate.”

“Okay. I understand that… But at least let me drive.”

Tackey sighed. “You keep making fun of me but you are pretty considerate to you juniors too, eh?” He chuckled.

Tsubasa half shrugged with a smile and got in the driver seat.

Ryo let his body lay down on his side and listened to the soft music Tsubasa put on as they drove back to his house. He watched the street lamps appearing and disappearing in the blue sky. Somehow it was soothing. Either that, or he was too exhausted to feel anything else.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled, his eyes drooping.

Both guys chatting in a low voice stopped immediately. Takki turned his head towards Ryo and smiled.

“There is nothing you should apologize for.”

Ryo didn’t say anything, just stared back. But it was evident he didn’t think the same way.

“Don’t blame yourself Ryo-chan.” He said sweetly. “There is nothing for you to feel guilty about.”

Tsubasa checked him from the rear mirror. “It’s okay kid. Don’t push yourself too hard.” He couldn’t see Ryo of course, but he still felt checking on the younger.

Ryo stared at the back of the seats. He felt emotionally drained. But, he shouldn’t have let the very people who had been there for him from the beginning down.

“Don’t overthink. Especially not today. Just focus on relaxing, nothing else.” Tsubasa’s voice was soothing. “You know, we can just have a day off and go sightseeing.” he suggested, glancing at the mirror.

“Hmm… What do you say Ryo-chan? Would you like to go somewhere?”

Ryo thought about it for a minute. A part of him told him he caused enough nuisance for today. Another part of him found the car ride relaxing.

He closed his eyes. “Can we… Can you just… drive?”

“Drive?” Tackey turned to Tsubasa questioningly.

Tsubasa shrugged. “Why not? Say, Ryo, would you like to see some greenery. We can drive through a forest road, and you can watch the trees as you lay down?”

Ryo didn’t look up but gave a small nod.

“Yosh, it’s settled then.” Takki grinned. “Let’s see some nature.”

Tsubasa smiled at his friends and drove towards a road he recently discovered and slowed down to a decent pace so they could enjoy the sight.

It was a narrow road surrounded by long trees on each side. Tsubasa let one of the windows roll down a bit to let in the fresh spring air.

Ryo watched tree after tree, branch after branch pass by the window. He found himself calming down, his expression softened as he watched the nature slip by. He heard the other two chatting in a low voice but didn’t mind them.

Ever since waking at the hospital, Ryo felt completely at ease for the first time.

“Say, Ryo, would you like to-” Takki turned to find his junior drowsing off peacefully. “Ah, he is asleep.” He watched the other with concerned eyes for a while. “Maybe we should pull over? What if we bump on something and wake him up. What if he has another episode?”

“Tackey.”

“Hmm?”

“You don’t have to mother all your juniors you know.”

Takki turned at his friend. “What? Come on, you didn’t expect me to leave him at that state, did you?”

Tsubasa chuckled. “No. but you don’t have to be concerned by his every move. Calm down and let the boy sleep.”

Takki snorted. “I am calm.”

“Okay. Did you inform the others? Subaru is probably having a heart attack right now.”

“Yes, yes, I sent them a text.” He stared out of the window. “Calling him boy.” Tackey chuckled. “You are not that older than him.”

Tsubasa laughed. “You are not much older than Yamapi but you are still his papa.”

“Touché.”

 

***

Ryo woke up to find himself curled comfortably under a blanket. The car had stopped in the middle of a forest road and windows were half down. He could hear the birds chirping and water flowing. He turned to lay on his back and watched the sunrays slipping between the leaves.

It was extremely calming.

He could stay like this forever.

It was at least half an hour later that he lifted himself from the backseat. The car was empty but Ryo could make the silhouettes of the two men sitting on a nearby tree trunk, immersed in a conversation.

Two more strangers that apparently knew him but Ryo couldn’t remember. Two more strangers he let down. But Ryo couldn’t bring himself to feel guilty. He didn’t want to break the peace he was feeling at that moment. It was a rarity for him – a luxury.

Ryo opened the door, causing both men to lift their heads towards him.

He wrapped the blanket around his body and took a few tentative steps.

“Thank you.” He said shyly, averting his gaze. He could feel his face heating up. They waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. He just stood there grazing the dirt with one foot.

Tsubasa was the first to approach him. He patted Ryo’s shoulder and smiled at him. “Not a problem. It’s been a nice change of scenery for us too.”

Ryo stared up at the older, surprised. “I…”

Tsubasa raised his eyebrows “Hmm?”

Ryo averted his eyes. “Sorry, I don’t remember you.” He mumbled.

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but it wasn’t definitely Tsubasa chuckling. “Boy! Why are you even sorry for? It’s not your fault. Just take it easy.” He patted Ryo’s shoulder once more and walked towards the car.

Ryo didn’t know how to react to that.

“Do you want to stay for a bit?” Tackey approached him with a smile.

Ryo nodded and settled himself on the far end of the trunk. He wrapped his arms around his legs and watched the nature with calm eyes.

“This was really…” he started but couldn’t continue. He felt all shy again.

“Hmm?” Takki encouraged, rearranging the blanket around Ryo’s shoulders.

“Thisws..lful.” Ryo mumbled, blushing.

“What?” Tackey chuckled.

“It was helpful. Th-thank y-you.”

“Oh I see. I am glad.” Tackey beamed at him.

Ryo rubbed his flushed cheeks. And stared at the small river flowing under the sun. they stayed there, silently watching the birds flying, squirrels jumping around.

Only after an hour Ryo broke the silence. “I think I would like to go home now.” He would have loved to stay there a bit more, but his aching back was disagreeing. All he wanted was a good shower and a comfortable bed at the moment.

Tackey watched the other stumble towards the car. “Say, Ryo, would you like to eat something before going home? Something nice and sweet? I hear chocolate helps a lot?”

Ryo made a face at Tackey. “I don’t think I like sweet, so no.”

Tackey let out a laugh.

 

To be continued…

 

A.N.: So a big HI to people who are reading this (especially to you Mari-chan).

I don’t know why T&T hijacked their way into this chapter, but I am glad they did. Apologies if they are out of character (they definitely are) since I don’t know them much.

For those who are reading, I would love to hear your opinions. Please don’t hesitate to comment! I will continue to write this story since I really love writing it J It would be nice to hear your opinions too!

Please excuse my mistakes as I am not a native English speaker. But I do try my best^^

 

In a crowded dusky bar three popular idols were drinking without anyone noticing them. Not that they stand out, idols were used to not attract anyone in their private life. Besides it was a ritual to them; Yamapi, Toma and Jin usually went out for a drink after a tiring day.

“So,” Toma asked, eying the crowd. “anything new?”

Yamapi remained silent but Jin answered Toma’s question after finishing his glass. “I am going to America soon.”

“I asked if there was ‘something new’ idiot.”

Jin made a dramatic face. “But I will miss you while I’m gone.”

“Sure, sure. You’re going to party with chicks. Then a month later you’ll call us to inform how good your life is and how ours suck.”

Jin grinned. “Then you can follow my steps.”

“Ha-ha, very funny Bakanishi. Don’t you think Pi?” Toma finally turned to his other friend, realizing hwo silent the other was. Yamapi sure did look like he was dozing off with his untouched glass waiting in front of him. “What’s with you?!” Toma pinched his old friends arm.

“Ouch! What are you doing?” came an angry answer immediately.

“You were dazing off.”

“No I was not!” Yamapi replied rather harshly.

Toma and Jin glanced at each other. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“We can sense it you know.” Toma insisted.

“Oh really?” the News member didn’t bother to look at them.

“Yeah really!” Toma replied with an angry voice. “And you insist that we are friends. No, that we are brothers.”

Yamapi slammed his glass on the table. “What did you say?”

“I said that you are acting like an ass!” Toma glared at him. He wasn’t sure what was wrong with the other.

Jin rolled his eyes. “You two idiots should stop ‘cause I think I know the reason why he is down.” Two pairs of furious eyes looked at him; but that would rarely affect him. He grinned. “It’s about that skinny monkey isn’t it?”

Toma looked at Yamapi who looked away in an instant. “Why do you think it is?” the news member asked.

“Well he’s causing many troubles lately.” Jin answered happily, ignoring Yamapi’s angry glare. But the other immediately tried to recollect himself; looking more calm and drinking his beer.

“Who is causing problems you say?”

“Ah, scary.” Jin slid closer to Toma.

“Do you think Ryo is a problem?!”

“Scary, scary, scary!” Jin nearly yelled.

“Pi, just calm down. We don’t think he is.” Toma stared at his friend.

Finding the courage in Toma’s words “Although he is a pain in the ass sometimes, he is not a problem at all.” Jin laughed.

Before Yamapi could give a sarcastic answer to Jin, Toma continued; “Lately you have a big problem with Ryo, not us. And it seems like you’re trying to take it out from everyone who accidently says something a bit negative about Ryo.”

“I do not!” Yamapi denied with anger filled voice. “I don’t have a problem with him at all. You idiots, can’t you see I am angry about how others treat Ryo. What’s wrong with protecting your friend?!”

“Dude that’s your excuse.” said Jin before taking a sip from his glass.

“Come on!” Toma insisted. “Tell us what is eating you.” Him and Jin watched as Yamapi examined their face and turned his attention back to the bar.

“Stop the torture already.” Jin rolled his eyes.

“I am not ignoring you, idiot! Can’t you see that I am thinking?!”

“No he can’t.” Toma answered instead of Jin; his voice was teasing. “How can he know? After all he never done something like ‘thinking’ before.”

“You two!” jin complained with an angry spark in his eyes.

“What? You’ll miss us when you are in America. You said so yourself. We are just trtying to make memories here.” Toma’s smile was beaming.

“Just sit and wait. I’ll definetly have all the chicks in America.”

Toma just realized how hurt Yamapi’s expression was. “We are getting off topic again.” He warned Jin. “What about Ryo bothers you?”

Yamapi turned his emotionless eyes to his friends. “I…” he started. But he couldn’t continue. He took another sip from his drink. Others waited patiently for Yamapi to gain his courage. “I…” he continued. “Am I a bad friend?”

Toma sighed.

Jin Laughed. “Why on earth would you think something this foolish?”

Yamapi hesitated. “I am  not sure.”

The other two gave him a knowing look. “Right.”

“Really, I am not sure what it is. Can’t put my finger on it exactly. But there was this incident with Ryo…”

“After the accident?” Toma asked.

“No, not after, before. By the way that wasn’t accident, it was robbery, assault, attempted murder!”

Toma and jin looked at each other warily.

“I think you are taking your anger out of the thief.” Jin tried to rationalize.

“Don’t tell me he doesn’t deserve it!” Yamapi shot back with anger, nearly yelling.

“of course not. He does deserve it. But I think you are cirlcilng around the main subject. Get to it already.” Toma said before he drank his beer.

Yamapi watched as Jin threw some peanuts into his mouth. “Before the incident, there was a time that we were going to hang out together, but I cancelled at the last moment.”

“Was that the problem.” Jin rolled his eyes.

“Really pi, are you a drama queen or something?” Toma sighed.

“Ofcourse saru-chan would be angry, typical Ryo behaviour.”

“Will you shut up.” Yamapi cut. “Typical Ryo you say… but.”

“But?” Toma asked after ordering another drink.

“But?” Jin sighed. “But you are an idiot?”

“No, Bakanishi! But maybe I don’t know him at all, and maybe that’s why his ‘typical’ behaviour is upsetting me!” this confession earned him a blank stare from the other two.

“Akanishi-kun, would you like to knock some sense in to this idiot? Or should the honour be mine?” Toma spoke.

“I am not sure Ikuta-kun, maybe we both should.”

“Oi come on!” Yamapi nearly yelled, again. “I am trying to share my problems with you and this is your reaction?!”

“You are an idiot, more greater than me.” Jin rolled his eyes.

“Whoever gave you this idea about not knowing your friend is a moron.” Toma pointed out.

“I demand a duel! I don’t like to have rivals! Or at least those who try to steal my lawfully earned title.” Jin complained.

“Oh maybe its Ryo, the guy did hit his head pretty bad.” Toma suggested to jin.

“Could be. The other option is Pi thought about it himself, which proves his IQ is lower than mine.” Jin beamed with a smile as if he gained victory.

“Okay! Stop it you too!”

“Honestly who gave you the idea?” Toma asked.

“Well… hey but we do fight a lot!I mean if I really knew him-“

Toma stared at Yamapi in disbelief. “God! If you were not drunk I would hit you.”

“Friende usually fight you know. Fights draws people closer.”

“Who the hell was idiot enough to make you believe that?” Toma insisted.

“err… we had an argument with Shige and…“ Yamapi summarized the little incident between him and Shige.

“Honestly!” Jin said.

“Shige is an idiot too then.” Toma commented.

“Hey!” Yamapi opposed.

Toma sighed before he started to explain. “I think he has his own problems and, like you, he is taking it out on someone else; in this case, you.”

“Yamapi you know that ‘knowing a person’ doesn’t mean you are able to read him like an open book, right?”

Yamapi looked at them. “Of course not. But at least I should be able to understand what he is thinking.”

“Maybe we should write it down for him, and make him read it hundred times. He’ll eventually understand.” Jin said to Toma.

“Hope so.” Toma said.

“I really want to kick you right now.” Yamapi said.

“Okay, I’ll try to explain it once more. Now Pi, for all these years we spent together we came to understand each other’s ‘feelings’. We learned how to react when we saw the other angry, upset etcetera…” Toma’s expression was like a patient teacher. “But unfortunately for you Pi, we didn’t develop any talents like mind reading.”

“That would be way too easy.” Jin yawned. “Then Life would be borring.”

Yamapi opened his mouth to say something but Toma cut him. “We have something called ‘conversation’ to be able to know what kind of thing is bothering the other’s mind.”

“I think Pi is coming to his senses. Of course thanks to us, or he would continue to have a low IQ.”

Yamapi threw him some peanuts. “I get it already Bakansihi.”

“You are not allowed to call me that before clearing this mess.”

“By the way what’s Ryo doing? I heard he was very busy.”

“Yup.” Yamapi confirmed. “He is most probably resting. He is not healed yet and they are making him learn the choreography and the song. Every time I see him he is dead tired. Like when he had one tour following the other and dramas to film, events to attend.

A confused expression appeared on Jin’s face “I don’t get it, he is not healed yet, how can they force him?”

“It’s Johnny-san. His words are absoulute.” Toma sighed. “Where is he now?”

“Who Johnny?”

“No Bakanishi, Ryo.”

“At home. He is not going out much; he isolated himself to his house.”

“That’s understandable. He is probably very scared of the world right now.”

“Let’s go and see him one day.” Jin suggested.

“Let’s wait for him to heal first.” Toma said. “Not you Pi; you should go and solve the problem.”

“Yes sir!” Yamapi bottomed up his drink and got up to his shaky legs.

“Not tonight idiot.” Jin laughed.

“Yes, okay.” Yamapi mumbled.

“He is drunk?” Toma laughed.

And that was about their evening, it started grumpy but ended with laughs.

 

To be continued...

 

“Cheers!” Takki yelled happily to one of his juniors.

“Cheers!” Jun yelled.

“Cheers.” Jin blurted out.

Yamapi had invited everyone he could out for a drink. It wasn’t actually a bad idea, everyone was having fun; except Yamapi himself. He wasn’t enjoying anything at all at that moment. The smiles he threw all around were fake. No one actually noticed it, the witnesses from the earlier incident weren’t invited; and of course he was good at hiding his emotions – just like someone he knew.

Yamapi sipped from his glass.

Or maybe someone he thought he knew.

“Oi Pi, what are you thinking?” Takki asked.

Yamapi blinked his eyes to turn back to the reality. “Ah nothing really, I was thinking about today.”

“Really?” The older munched some nuts. “What happened?”

“I wasn’t very successful at filming. I kept doing one of the scenes wrong.” Yamapi lied while sipping.

“That sucks. Are you depressed about it?” Takki looked concerned, Takki always looked concerned, especially if it was Yamapi who was troubled.

“A bit. But I am sure I’ll manage it tomorrow.”

Takki’s generous smile immediately lightened up his face. “That’s the spirit.”

“Ne, Yamapi,” Ninomiya patted on Yamapi’s shoulder. “How is Nishiki? I was planning to see him tonight.”

Yamapi was expecting this question. “He is healing. It’s good that you didn’t go see him tonight, he was so tired after the practice.” He answered the Arashi member.

“What practice?” Takki asked. “I thought he was resting at home. If I knew he was good enough to accept visitors I would have visited him long ago.”

Yamapi turned to his ‘papa’ again. “He is going to perform on Music Station.”

“He is that okay?” Ninomiya asked. Takki looked down, he probably felt guilty for not visiting Ryo before.

Yamapi patted Takki’s shoulder. “He is not okay, really. Because of his current situation it would make him worse if there were more strangers next to him.”

“I am not a stranger.” Takki sounded offended.

“I guess he meant that Nishiki has amnesia; didn’t you know?” Ninomiya teased.

“Eh?” Takki looked at Ninomiya. “Are you serious? Why don’t I know about that?”

“Didn’t I tell you?” Yamapi looked outside of the window. “I must have forgotten.”

Takki’s jaw was nearly hitting the floor. “You are serious.” He looked for his jacket. “I should go see him.”

“Told you, it will worsen his situation.” Yamapi said to stop him. His voice sounded a bit angry. “Besides today was a hard and tiring day for him. Why do you still insist? You should give him some time.”

“What’s with you?” Ninomiya asked instead of Takki. Yamapi looked at them, they both looked confused.

“It’s… I had a hard day too.” He mumbled. The other two stared at him for a few seconds.

“Get up.” Takki slapped on Yamapi’s back. “I’ll drive you home.”

Takki wasn’t very happy about the new news, who would be. He dropped Yamapi in front of his building and drove right away to Ryo’s place. He was feeling very guilty now.

He had to ring the bell for three times to get it open. Maybe he shouldn’t have come this late.

“What the hell!” Ryo opened the door. “What do you want in the middle of the night!”

Takki looked at his watch. “It’s only nine thirty, not that late. Are you okay?” the older guy just noticed the others state. His hair, and shirt, was damp; his eyes were swollen like he was sleeping – or crying.

“Who are you?” Ryo answered the others question with a question.

Takki tried to smile. “One of your friends, we work together.”

“So one of those idiots, I see.” Ryo eyed him for a while. “What do you want?”

“Won’t you let me inside?” Takki answered. “It’s a bit rude like this.”

“Then you shouldn’t have come this late.” Ryo did no attempt to move aside.

“Ryo-chan.” Takki smiled. “Come on. I am not going to bother you much.”

“You’ve already bothered me enough.”

A sigh left Takki’s mouth. “Ryo-chan, I understand you may feel unsecure because of your amnesia. I am not going to harm you in any way, I assure. Just let me in.”

Ryo didn’t want to, but somehow he ended up pushing the door open.

Takki’s famous smile lightened up as he entered the flat. He ruffled Ryo’s hair after closing the door behind him.

Ryo wasn’t expecting that kind of treatment. He jumped, “What the-“

The other laughed. “Can’t help it, you guys will always be kids in my eyes.”

A confused expression formed in Ryo’s face. “Kid? Who are you?”

“Come on, let’s sit first.” He headed to the couch. “You’ve lost so much weight you know.”

“I know.” Ryo’s answer came. Judging his voice, he sure felt unsecure. “I heard it numerous times.”

“How much do you weight now?” Takki settled on the couch.

“Fifty.” Ryo sat across him.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’ve been on a scale today.”

“You must have lost…” Takki made a calculation in his mind. “… around four or five kilos. That’s pretty much.”

Ryo shrugged. He didn’t care about his weight right now, he didn’t understand why everyone else did.

“You don’t care?” Takki asked.

“Why would I?” Ryo ruffled his damp hair.

“Well you used to care very much.” Takki answered him.

The answer bothered Ryo, he shifted uncomfortably. “So… err… What do you want?”

The older guy eyed him before answering. “Sorry. It probably scares you.” He could see the other wasn’t expecting this kind of answer from the way he lifted his eyebrows. Ryo was confused.

“Eh?”

“We all claim to be your friends, to be close; but you don’t know what’s the truth, you don't know if we are lying or not.”

“So?”

“So,” Tackey eyed him. “You’re afraid to believe us.“

“How did we jump in to this conversation?”

“You’re trying to run away.” Takki stated before continuing his previous statement. “… because if you do trust us, and if we’re lying. You’ll end up hurt. That’s what you’re afraid of right?”

The younger looked away. “What the hell?! That’s not it!” he bit his lower lip.

“Then what is it?”

Seemed like there was no way out of this weird guys questions. It would be better to answer his questions to get rid of him, as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to be with strangers like you because it’s bothersome.” Maybe the other would take the hint and leave.

“Yeah right.”

Either he didn’t take the hint – which proved he was a complete idiot – or he ignored it on purpose. Ryo couldn’t help but glare at him.

Silence.

“Why is your hair damp? Did you just took a shower?”

“Eh? No.” the sudden change of topic caught Ryo off-guard. Now what was that guy trying to do?

Tackey thought about of it for a few second while starring at his junior. The reason why he asked that was just to make Ryo relax with a casual conversation. But looking at the others uncomfortable shifts Tackey knew he just hit another jackpot.

“You’re hair and shirt is damp, you’re eyes are swollen.”

Ryo couldn’t help but rub his eyes. “Eh, so? I was sleeping, of course they are swollen.”

“I’d say,” Tackey continued ignoring Ryo’s words. “You were either taking a shower, while crying – which is unlikely, ‘cause if you were crying in the shower your eyes wouldn’t get swollen.”

“Told you so.” Ryo smirked.

“The other option would be that you were having a nightmare.” Ryo opened his mouth in protest but the other didn’t let him. “Since you said you were sleeping, the first option is disqualified.”

“I was-“ Ryo started, nearly yelling.

“… having a nightmare. Your eyes wouldn’t be swollen like this if you were only sleeping.”

The nervous reaction he got from the other proved his point; Ryo was playing with his hands.

“What was the nightmare about?”

Ryo turned his wide eyes back to his senior, who had an annoying knowing smile on his face. “You’re pushy.”

“You need to be pushed; otherwise you wouldn’t let anyone near yourself.”

The amnesic didn’t know how to answer that. The others diagnosis made him feel uneasy.

“You actually want to be friends.”

“You didn’t say your name.” Ryo cut his words. “Talking about this nonsense is easy.”

“Okay, let’s start with that. My name is… well you can call me Tackey. What was the nightmare about?”

“What a suspicious name.” Ryo mumbled.

A sigh escaped his seniors mouth. Tackey looked around and got up to get something from the bookshelf. “Here, this is the drama we’ve been in.”

Ryo took the DVD and looked at the cover. Though there were many people on the cover, him and ‘Tackey’ was the main Focus. Yes him, there he was with a depressed expression on his face, there was his name, Nishikido Ryo. Why didn’t he look at these earlier?!

“Are you happy now?”

“Takizawa.” Ryo read out, he wasn’t paying much attention to the other.

“I assume you’ve been this suspicious to the others too.” Tackey started to pull out some more DVD’s. “Hey take a look at these too.” He went to sit next to his junior and put them on the youngers lap.

Ryo wasn’t looking at him, his gaze was still on the Orthros no Inu DVD, though he wasn’t actually looking at it. His frown and sparkling eyes showed that the younger was focusing on something.

“You nearly strangled me.” he said nearly whispering.

“Eh?” Tackey lowered his head to see the others face.

“You nearly strangled me.” Ryo repeated.

“There’s no strangling in that drama.” Tackey was confused. “I didn’t harm you in anyway.” What was Ryo thinking, was he mistaking Takki with someone else.

“No, no.” Ryo turned his eyes to him. “Long time ago, there was a… competition I think. We were running… racing…”

“Sounds like old junior days.” Tackey commented, trying to help rather than interfere. He could see the amnesic started to remember something.

Ryo froze for a second, junior days? How many things were there that he should remember? “Before we started the race you took me as a hostage.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You hold my neck with your elbow, like this.” Tackey watched as Ryo hold an imaginary person with his elbow, like strangling him from the behind. “The others saved me.” He added.

“Who? Do you remember them?”

“It was…” Ryo lowered his gaze to the DVD mess on his lap. “I don’t remember his name.” he said while biting, actually chewing his lips.

“But you know him?”

Ryo nodded.

Tackey reached out for a DVD, it was News’. “Can you recognize him from here?” he watched as the other’s gaze wandered on every members face.

“Not here.” Ryo lowered his eyes to the DVD mess again, this time he pulled out a Kanjani8 DVD. “This one.”

“Subaru-kun.” Tackey couldn’t help but get his hopes up. “Any others you remember?”

The amnesic tried to focus on the memoir. He could remember the suns warmth on his skin, the burning desire for water. That guy, Subaru, was the same; maybe his skin was a bit younger. And there was someone next to him, someone goofy.

Tackey looked at the others frown and waited with patience.

“He had blonde hair.” Ryo slowly spoke. “Here, this one.”

“Yokoyama-kun.” Tackey leaned in to see the picture. “You remembered it well. It was actually a competition between Tokyo and Kansai- are you alright?”

Ryo was visibly shaking; he pushed the mess off of his knees and pressed himself away from the older. Only that the couch’s arm was preventing him to back away further.

“What’s going on?!?”

What’s going on was when Tackey leaned over, his shadow fell on Ryo, completely covering the youngers face. That’s how he found himself under an unexpected pressure; though why he felt that way wasn’t clear.

“Ryo-chan?”

“Get away!” Came the answer clearly.

Tackey Straightened himself right away; giving some space to the unwell guy seemed the right thing to do. As the result came out, the other looked less frightened and his breathing slowed down. Still he followed Tackey with eyes which were filled with pure horror when the other got up to get a glass of water.

“Here.” The older offered the water to the younger.

Ryo didn’t move, just glared at his senior, causing the other to leave the glass on the coffee table. Tackey could see that the fear was disappearing from those tired eyes, but something else was filling in; anger, pure, wild anger.

“I see, guess I pushed you enough for tonight.” He eyed Ryo sadly. “I’ll leave you alone for tonight. But we will talk about this later okay?”

Ryo still kept silent.

“Say ‘yes’ boy. Otherwise I’m not going to leave. Would you prefer that?”

Ryo wanted to yell at him, punch him, kick him. But he could do neither with his fatigue at that level.  He hated it, he hated being this weak when he needed strength. “Leave me alone tonight.” He said finally.

“Okay.”Tackey grabbed his jacket. “We will talk about this later, I have your word for that, right?”

Ryo nodded unwillingly while looking away.

A sad smile appeared on the older guys face. “See you. Hope you’ll get better soon.” With that he left.

Ryo didn’t look but the door slam sent a shiver down his spine. Now that he was alone he wasn’t feeling secure at all. He glanced to his bedroom. Outside world sure was an evil monster to him, but ‘home’ wasn’t peaceful either. Ryo knew his own mind was playing games to him; his sleep was the most troublesome experience lately.

There was only one option for Ryo, giving up sleep. Getting to that conclusion, he reached for the song sheet that he needed to memorize.

 

To be continued...

 

Patience…

One of its reagents is time; which everybody thought there was plenty. That was before the manager dropped by.

It was after Ryo’s important bath session. Ryo came out wrapped in towels from head to toe. He had an innocent look on his face, which was very deceptive after the battle he caused in the room behind him.

“Oh.” Hina looked at him from the couch. He and Yoko were the only ones who stood in the safety zone. All the others insisted to help Ryo.

Now they were coming out the bathroom wrapped in soaked clothes from head to toe.

“What did you do Dokkun?” Yoko laughed after eying the others. Ohkura wasn’t there, he was probably cleaning up.

“He thought that water might be something to wrestle.” A very tired and ill-natured Subaru was the one who answered Yoko.

“Eh?” Shingo scratched his cheek with the remote device in his left hand.

“I didn’t do anything…” Ryo mumbled. His face was hidden under the towel but his body language was the proof of how embarrassed he was; shoulders low, feet dragging on the floor, hands pulling on the sleeves.

“You see, he really was very hyper in there.” Subaru continued, pointing back at the bathroom. “And he was very generous to let us in too.”

“I’m sorry…” Ryo mumbled again. He continued his journey to his bedroom.

“Aaah…” Yoko sing sang in a low voice. “He is embarrassed.”

“Oi! You guys!” Hina got up after Ryo closed the door behind him.

“Murakami-kun…” Yassu started.

“Don’t you try the polite act now!”

“Oi Shin-chan! No need for your famous b-gatan.” Maru smiled. “Two hours in the bathroom really was tiring. Not that I’m complaining about it.”

“It doesn’t seem like that from here! He is sick and all you’re doing is complaining.”

“All we’re doing?!” Subaru snapped. “What are you doing Murakami?” The short vocalist took a few steps forward.

“What do You mean!” Shingo took a few steps forward too.

“Oi guys.” Yoko tried to cut in.

“That’s what I’m asking!” Subaru gritted his teeth.

“What do you mean!” Hina pushed Subaru as he demanded an answer. “Oi. Oi!”

Subaru pushed him back. But before they started an actual fight – a fist fight the others pulled them back; Yassu pulled Subaru, Yoko hold Hina still, and Maru stood between them.

“Are you two gone mad?”

“He isn’t doing anything! All he knows to do is how to watch soccer games!” Subaru yelled.

“Oi calm down. There’s no need to yell.” Maru desperately tried to calm the down, very ineffective though.

“Oh really? What about you? Acting like a mother all of a sudden. You can’t complain cause that I  don’t have the same instincts as you-“

“You-“ cut out the Subaru. He tried to reach Hina but failed, thanks to a certain guitarist who was holding him tightly.

“Leave!” a deep, calm voice suddenly silenced the room. Ryo, still half naked and wet haired, was standing in front of his room.

It was so silent that they could hear the neighbours next door.

Maru felt Ryo’s disappointment in himself, which made his heart break. After everything they said to Ryo… this shouldn’t be the result…

Ryo bent his head to the front door. “Get out. I don’t want any of you here tonight.”

“Ryo… we were…”

“Leave I said!” Ryo yelled. “I don’t want to hear it! Get out!”

Subaru bit his lips. “It was only…” he began but the doorbell interrupted him.

“I’ll get that.” Ohkura just got out from the bathroom. “Ryo dress properly. With only boxers on you’ll catch a cold.”

Ryo didn’t say anything, nor did he react when Ohkura pushed him in to the bedroom while passing.

“Good night Ohkura-kun.” I didn’t knew you were here too.” It was their manager. Very chubby and tired as always.

“Oh. Good night manager-san.” Ohkura  greeted. The shorter man entered the flat and looked around.

“So everyone is here. Its good actually.”

Subaru and Hina glanced at each other.

“Is there a problem?” the vocalist asked.

“Actually yes.” Manager answered directly, causing the others to widen their eyes. “The problem is Johnny-san wants Nishikido-kun back on track-”

“What?” Subaru’s voice was filled with anger. A fire lightened up in his eyes, a reminding of his old rebellious years.

“Doesn’t he know Ryo is sick?” Shingo said. His limit was full but he tried to stay calm, for a while at least. “Doesn’t he know Ryo has serious problems?” Ryo flinched uncomfortably; as if they were talking behind his back – as a matter of fact they did. He leaned on the door frame to listen the rest. At least he had a shirt on now.

“Doesn’t he know…” Hina continued not noticing anything. “… Ryo doesn’t have any idea of any songs or dance steps?”

“He does.” The manager sighed and swept away a sweat tear rolling down from his forehead. “He knows of course. Why don’t we sit down? Eh? What happened to you guys?”

“Nevermind that.” Yoko waved his hand as if he was trying to chase a bug.

“Whatever. Nishikido-kun has to be on stage in two weeks.” Truth be told, that night the manager was so blunt, so blunt that it nearly broke their heart.

“Are you crazy?” Ohkura’s cold anger was building up.

“Two weeks.” Hina mumbled. “Isn’t it Music Station again?” the way he articulated it reminded them something they had forgotten. Shivers went down their spines; stomach’s twisting.

“Is it?” Maru asked slowly. “I thought it was cancelled.

“No. johnny-san wants you on that show that day.”

“But it’s a live show.” Yassu stated. He walked close to the couch. “We can’t cover anything. No cutting, no editing; everything might be revealed.

“I know. But I can’t do anything about it.” The chubby man wiped his forehead again. He sure did sweat a lot.

“You can actually!” Subaru cut in angrily.

“How exactly?”

“Like grabbing your ass and heading off to the Jimusho, talking to the almighty Johnny!”

“Subaru!” Maru put a hand on his rebellious band mate.

The manager, however, didn’t care about Subaru’s rudeness. “I did try to, following wxactly the steps you suggested. But you see, he thinks that Nishikido might never gain his memories back, he might never recover from amnesia. So for him there’s two options; to give up on Nishikido-“

“You mean kick him out of Jimusho!” Hina crossed his arms, if he didn’t he might end up punching a certain somebody; even though he knew the one deserved the punch wasn’t the guy infront of him.

“-or adjust to the situation as fast as possible. He is trying to minimize his loss.”

“Minimize-the-loss…” Subaru mumbled. “After all he only saw as puppies who make money. If one of the puppies can’t make any profit anymore it’s time to shoot it.”

“That’s not surprising.” Ryo welcomed Subaru’s harsh words with calmness. “It’s business.”

“You were here?” Yassu turned to look at him.

“Dokkun you’re cold.” Yoko complained. “We are talking about your life here.”

“My life doesn’t make any sense to me.” The other answered.

“That’s why…” Ohkura started.

“Oh please don’t start with that crap again.” Ryo snapped at the drummer. “I had enough of that. I guess this Johnny wants me out since I don’t remember anything.”

“Idiot.” Shingo clenched his fist. “You think we will let you out that easily?”

“No man. You are going to continue till you have your memories back. After then you can decide whatever you want. I am not going to step aside and watch you throw your years of hard work away!”

Ryo glared at Subaru. “What is I don’t have my memories back?”

“Come on-“

“Don’t dodge the question!” his voice was raising with anger.

“The tension is really high here.” The manager stated. “What was I expecting anyway?...” tha manager stood up to leave. “Nishikido-kun you’re probably very tired, your face says so. Let’s take a rest and talk about the details tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Ryo quickly agreed, by everyone’s surprise. “Just get everyone out of here.”

“Ryo!”

“Oi!”

“Come on.”

“I want to be alone.” Ryo ignored the others, as if they didn’t exist, and looked directly in the eyes of the manager. “One more thing, give me the songs we are going to sing, the recordings and brief history of the show.”

The manager couldn’t help but smile. “As expected from a workaholic like you, your geared up again. I admire this side of you Nishikido-kun.”

Ryo bit his lower lip. “Thank you.” he mumbled.

“So.” The chubby man turned his attention to the others. “First we need to rest. Everyone to their own places. Let’s go guys.”

“But…”

“Nishikido needs his own break.” The manager started to push them all in front of him. “You guys must be tired too. Everyone gets a break from everything tonight.”

Even though they didn’t admit it they liked the idea of a break from everything. Did they push themselves so hard?

Yassu turned to look at Ryo. It was odd; in the dusk of the room Ryo almost seemed like crying.

Ryo was not crying; that didn’t mean he felt like it though. After the door closed behind his band mates he left out his breath. His lungs welcomed the fresh air with desire.

His mind was locked on one scene; where Hina and Subaru were yelling at each other. One tall figure, one smaller figure, yelling at each other with such anger, hatred.  And the reason was him.

Guilt was building inside him, which made him angrier, towards his band mates especially. He didn’t ask them for help. Well except for the bath incident. But that incident was the trigger.

Ryo didn’t like the drowning feeling and the guilt; no man would like. So he choose the easier, and the wrong path; he ignored the feeling and turned on the television. Soon enough he was lost in a exciting action movie.

To be continued...

Title: Ryo, the Latchkey Boy

Characters: Kanjani8, News, Various other JE boys.

Main Focus: Ryo

Summary: An unexpected event rips the hearts of Kanjani8 and News members. They are left to attend their wound while looking after one of their own.

(side note: this is NOT a death fic, even though it looks like it.)

Format: Multi-Chapter Story

Warnings: This is set during spring 2010 while News was still a six-member group and *obviously* Subaru was still in the band.

Enjoy!

Edited on 10.03.2019

 

 

Chapter 6: Member-ai

 

While Ryo was suffering from nightmares, News was attending a live broadcast with five members.

“Today our guests are popular boy band News…” announced the host. The audience screamed excitedly. “… we have only five members with us in the studio today…”

News members smiled and waved when the camera focused on them.

“… because one of them was injured.” The host turned to the official leader of News expectantly.

“Yes.” Yamapi confirmed. “Ryo-chan… Nishikido Ryo is injured and now resting at home. But he is much better and will be back to work soon. We are sorry to have caused this distress to fans.”

All News members bowed slightly to the audience.

“We hope he will get better.” said the host. The audience agreed.

“Yes, we do so too.” Koyama smiled.

“So how does this effect you? As a whole group I mean; it must be hard.”

Shige frowned and nodded his head.

“Yes, it is a bit difficult without Ryo-chan.” Answered Koyama. “After all, we are a six-member group. We have many things to do together. But we are okay for now. Even it is hard it’s not a problem at all. We all just wish Ryo-chan to gain his health quickly.”

Massu nodded.

“It’s really hard I guess.” The host turned to the audience. “Working hard when Nishikido-kun is resting at home… you probably want him to heal up soon.” He obviously was trying to make a joke.

“Yes.” Shige agreed. But Yamapi cut his words.

“It’s not easy for Ryo-chan either. He is trying his best to recover.” He said calmly. He was feeling protective suddenly. It didn’t matter if the host wanted to ease the atmosphere.

“Of course, of course. I am sure he does.” The host smiled. “But I don’t think anyone can compare resting in a bed with working hard to fill an absent members place.”

Yamapi got tense. He couldn’t help but stare at the host. Koyama put his hand on Yamapi’s arm to calm him down.

“Ryo-chan is facing different difficulties.” Tegoshi answered, forcing himself to smile. “He really loves his work, so he is trying to get better quickly.” A little lie wouldn’t hurt anyone. Besides if Ryo hadn’t got amnesia these words would be true. “You seem to care a lot about Ryo-chan.” He teased. “What about learning what is News doing recently?”

“Yeesss!” The audience yelled.

With this, the topic changed to News and Yamapi relaxed. Though the storm was just delayed.

Once they were on their van on their way back Yamapi felt he couldn’t hold his tongue much longer.

Checking outside, “It’s getting hotter.” Shige said. It was a sunny day.

Yamapi turned his eyes to Shige.

“Well summer is coming.” answered Koyama absentmindedly. He didn’t bother to raise his head from the magazine he was reading.

“Shige.” Yamapi started. His voice was calm and deep.

“Yes?” Shige seemed cheerful.

“Why did you say that it was hard?”

“Huh?” Shige looked confused. He couldn’t understand what Yamapi was talking about. Koyama lowered the magazine and looked at them.

“Is it too much for you?” Yamapi tried to sound calm. Massu glanced at them and to Koyama, asking with his eyes what was going on. But Koyama was too focused on his best friend and band leader to acknowledge Massu.

“What are you talking about Yamashita-kun?” Shige asked curiously. He knew that Yamapi wasn’t the type to get easily angry. Something must have happened. But what, he had no idea.

“I am talking about Ryo!” Yamapi was now glaring at the younger man.

Koyama bit his lips.

“What about him?” Shige had a hard time following Yamapi.

“Do you think that Ryo is resting peacefully while we are working our asses of?!”

“Eh?” Shige’s eyes widened.

“Yamapi…” Koyama tried to interrupt.

“Stay out of it Koyama. I am talking with Shige, not you.” Yamapi still had that eerily calm voice.

Tegoshi unplugged one of the headphones to see, actually hear what was going on.

“Yamashita-kun I didn’t…”

“You did.”

Shige sighed heavily. “So what?”

Massu’s eyes widened. This is definitely not going to end well.

“So what?” Shige repeated. “Yes, he is injured, yes he has to rest. But telling that he is only resting while we are all trying hard to cover up is not a wrong thing!”

“Oh yeah! So, you prefer us to drag you to work when something like this happens to you?”

“I didn’t say that, okay!”

“Shige… Yamapi…”

“Stay out of it Koyama!”

Tegoshi frowned at the sight.

“Yamashita-kun, Shige-“

“Massu, you too, stay out of it.” Yamapi didn’t bother to turn his head. His gaze was still locked on Shige. “What do you suggest Kato-kun?”

Shige frowned. “I suggest that we should find a nurse or something, who could watch over him and make sure he gets better-“

“So, you won’t do any more extra works.” Yamapi completed for him.

“Yea! We are idols not babysitters!”

“Oh really? Nobody is pushing you to help Ryo! We didn’t ask you to watch over him. You can continue to do your own job only.”

The silent News members turned to Shige, wondering what kind of comeback he was going to make.

“I will, since no one is asking me anything else.”

“What do you mean?” Koyama asked.

“Nothing okay!”

“Shige-“

“Besides how do you know he is not faking it?”

An audible gasp filled the van as all members stared as Shige, incredulous.

Yamapi’s eyes widened. Tegoshi and Massu came closer in case they had to hold their leader. But Yamapi didn’t attack Shige.

“You don’t believe it?” Their leader folded his arms and continued with a calm voice. “Fine, go see it yourself. I am not going to waste my time explaining the situation to you. Turn the van towards Nishikido’s place.” The last bit, he directed to the driver.

Silence fell in the van, no one made eye contact. Instead they watched the buildings pass by and try to understand what the center of the problem was. No one talked until they entered Ryo’s building.

Ryo’s flat was dead silent.

Yamapi opened the door with his spare keys to see Ohkura lying on the couch, sleeping.

“Don’t make a noise and disturb him.” whispered Yamapi, his index finger on his lips.

Massu and Tegoshi nodded, Shige just followed. Koyama closed the door behind them as he was the last to enter. They tiptoed through the living room and entered to find Ryo wrestling with the bed sheets and moaning.

Everyone turned to Yamapi, as if to ask what now. Yamapi himself was unsure. Was it okay to wake someone up from a nightmare, especially if this someone was afraid of them as well?

Ryo opened his eyes with a low cry, saving Yamapi from his dilemma.

 

 

What was the dream, Ryo couldn’t remember. Only the feeling remained. He swallowed down to wet his throat and let out a sigh-

The presence of others suddenly pressed on to him. He knew, he was not alone and was watched. He turned to see creepy guy number one- sissy, the guy with single eyelids, that pumpkin head (couldn’t he get a better haircut; wasn’t he supposed to be an idol), that baby faced kid (he was probably still a kid), and a new guy.

Seeing all of them in his room after just waking up from a nightmare scared the shit out of him but he tried to stay still. The only hint he gave away was gripping the sheets. He wasn’t aware of it but Yamapi didn’t miss it.

To hide the fact that he was scared Ryo examined the new guy; an ordinary face with piercing eyes. He didn’t trust his voice though, so he stayed silent.

Shige broke the awkward silence. “Nishikido-kun?” his voice was thick and hoarse.

Ryo just watched him. He didn’t bother to answer. His eyes were deep like a void. Shige shuddered internally.

“Is it true-“

“Yes, I don’t remember you.” answered Ryo. He wasn’t in the mood for another reunion. He made a show of yawning. “Who are you? I think they introduced me to all the members.”

Shige stared at Ryo as if trying to read his mind. “This doesn’t seem real. No, definitely not. Are you really sure he is not faking it?” Shige narrowed his eyes.

Okay now Ryo was angry. This new guy might be on top of his list of most unwanted. Even those creepy guys didn’t annoy him like this. “Who the hell are you?”

 “This is Kato Shigeaki, a member of News.” Said Koyama quickly. He noticed that Ryo was getting angrier by every second.

“Kato Shigeaki.” copied Ryo. “So now I know your name you can get out. I need to sleep!”

“No, I am not getting out. I want to be sure.” Shige crossed his arms. Massu frowned at him from behind but didn’t say anything. Tegoshi chewed his lips.

“Of what?” asked an annoyed Ryo.

“Amnesia.” Shige stepped forward, causing Ryo to back away slightly.

Yamapi lowered his body and sat on the floor. This was going to take some time. Ryo could chew Shige’s ass if he wanted to. He wasn’t going to intervene.

“Be my guest.” Ryo said with a crooked smile.

Tegoshi sat next to Yamapi.

Now encouraged by Ryo’s demeanour, Shige stepped much closer to the bed. But to his surprise, Ryo shrank in the bed. He looked determined but Shige could see his lips quiver.

Koyama caught Shige by his arm. “You shouldn’t go near him.”

“Why? Is he going to bite me?” Shige shrugged him of.

“No, he is just… err…” Koyama glanced to Ryo who was frowning.

“It doesn’t matter. Just shut up and watch, Kei-chan, okay?” Shige stopped at the side of the bed and stared down at Ryo. From this angle, the other really didn’t look that much older than him.

“Tell me Nishikido… two plus two?”

“Eh?” Ryo frowned in confusion. “What? What is this?”

“Answer please.” Shige stood tall.

“… well… four. This is stupid.”

“What colour is my eyes?” Shige ignored Ryo’s statement.

“Hmm… brown.”

“Who do you hate the most in this room?”

Ryo rolled his eyes. This was really stupid. “It’s either you or him.” He pointed at Yamapi. Shige turned to see Yamapi’s reaction. Their leader just shrugged it off.

“What is your ranger colour?”

“Ran-… what?” Ryo looked at the others to get a hint of what Shige was talking about. As expected, none of them helped him, they just stared back. Ryo frowned and checked the room. What the hell was ranger colour? His eyes fell on a lanyard that was dangling from his closet. It had bright yellow stripes, even the card dangling by the end was yellow.

“Ah, I know. I know it is yellow.” Ryo smiled like he won the jackpot.

Tegoshi’s eyes widened. Shige was also taken aback; he looked back to see if anyone helped Ryo. His eyes darted around the room.

Yamapi was about to say something when Shige finally decided to continue. “Okay, do you know your bands names?”

Ryo frowned again, this time not because of anger, because he was thinking. “I do. One is… Kansai eight. And the other…  nyu… nyusu…”

Tegoshi and Yamapi shared a look.

“What smell do you hate the most?”

“… hospital. Medicine.”

“Oh really? Then why don’t you take a shower?”

Ryo griped the sheets again. “Why do you care, I just don’t want to.”

“What’s going on?” Ohkura peeked in while scratching his head, his eyes were squished due to the bright light. “Wha….” He let out a long yawn. “What are you all doing here?”

Massu shrugged. “Just checking on Nishikido-kun.”

“It sounds more like an interrogation to me.” Ohkura yawned again.

“It was actually.” Ryo said glaring back at Shige.

“Why?” Ohkura leaned on the wall and closed his eyes. “Why would they do that?”

“Because I am faking amnesia.”

“Hmm…” Ohkura’s head fell, Ryo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Really? Faking amnesia? Ryo-chan you are very smart then, convincing the doctors is not an easy task.”

“Eh…” Massu looked at the tall guy. “You are okay with it?”

Ohkura’s eyes popped open. “No. I think you have trust issues.” Ohkura pointed towards the News members. Then he leaned his head back on the wall again.

“Funny, coming from you.” Ryo mumbled. He raised his voice, “Are you sleepwalking?”

“Mmm…” Ohkura opened his eyes by force. “Ryo-chan are you hungry? Its nearly your medicine time.”

Ryo raised his eyebrows at the change of conversation.

Koyama took the hint. “Maybe we should go?” he said, turning to the News members.

“Oh you should definitely.”

“Shige?”

“Yes, lets go. We had something else in a few hours, right?”

Yamapi glanced down at his watch. “Yeah, we better get going.”

To Ryo’s surprise they all left without another word. He was left sitting on the bed, completely confused. “What kind of idiots are they?”

“Mmm? They are your band mates and friends. You like being with them.” Ohkura answered sleepily.

“Yea right, I forgot I was a freak… Weren’t you going to prepare something for me?”

Ohkura rolled his eyes. “Freak wants food…”

 

 

Downstairs, at the parking lot, News members gathered around Shige.

“So,” began Yamapi, staring right in to Shige’s eyes. “Do you still think he is faking it?”

Shige let out a heavy sigh. “No, I don’t.”

Everyone was surprised to hear that.

“What about the ranger colour thing?”

“Oh that? He found something yellow in the room and copied that. A lucky guess. If he actually knew his colour he would fake it and say another colour, don’t you think?”

“Cool.” Koyama commented.

“And?” Yamapi crossed his arms.

“Okay. I am sorry.” Shige looked away.

“Somethings fishy…” Koyama mumbled.

“What?” Massu looked at him.

“Ah nothing.” Koyama smiled widely. “Let’s get to work!”

  

To be continued…

 

Title: Ryo, the Latchkey Boy

Characters: Kanjani8, News, Various other JE boys.

Main Focus: Ryo

Summary: An unexpected event rips the hearts of Kanjani8 and News members. They are left to attend their wound while looking after one of their own.

(side note: this is NOT a death fic, even though it looks like it.)

Format: Multi-Chapter Story

Warnings: This is set during spring 2010 while News was still a six-member group and *obviously* Subaru was still in the band.

Enjoy!

Edited on 18.02.2019

 

 

Chapter 4: Reunion

 

A dead tired Yokoyama Yuu was resting his head on a dead tired Shibutani Subaru’s shoulder.   They couldn’t find the energy to leave the hospital, so now they were sleeping soundly on the chairs in Ryo’s private hospital room.

Yamapi, who was in the same room with them, didn’t actually mind them. His eyes were locked on Ryo who was fast asleep as well. But Yamapi’s mind kept repeating a scene from earlier, making him feel restless.

 

 “Can you tell me your name?” The doctor asked Ryo

“Of course!” Ryo smiled. This should be an easy question for Ryo, Yamapi thought. “It is...” but it seemed like Ryo was struggling. He kept frowning, biting his lower lip and fidgeting in general.

The doctor took a note on his chart.

“Wait, I know my name!” Ryo objected.

The doctor smiled at him. “Let’s move to the next question.”

“But I know my name.”

“Okay, then you can tell me in five seconds. Otherwise we will be moving to the next question.”

“...”

“Can you tell me where were you born?”

Ryo bit his lips as he scowled. “Umm…”

 “You don’t know? I see…” the doctor noted down something on his chart. “Then what can you tell me about your family?”

“Ah, they...” Ryo stopped and looked around.

The doctor watched Ryo carefully before he wrote something else. Yamapi could see Ryo was getting more and more confused and lost. He was becoming more and more agitated.

“No wait! I know, I know. It’s just at the tip of...”

“...Your tongue?” the doctor completed for him. “You feel like you are about to remember?”

“Yes.” Ryo sighed. “I am sure I can answer the next question.”

“Then why don’t you tell me something you remember, memories before you woke up here.”

Ryo looked very uncomfortable; he chewed on his lower lip nervously.

 

Yamapi didn’t like how his friend looked so vulnerable, how he was trying hard to remember and how he failed. He really hated to watch Ryo in that state. And the worst of all was, he couldn’t do anything about it.

He and the two Kanjani8 members were watching it from the far corner of the room at the time. They were not allowed to interact in any way so they watched helplessly.

After the ‘interrogation’ as Yoko called it, the doctor invited them out to explain Ryo’s situation.

As far as Yamapi could remember he said that head injuries were actually very serious. Nobody could know exactly what would be the outcomes. In some cases there were unexpected deaths, some became sick after hitting their heads. Amnesia, of course, was one of the outcomes. His character may change as well. For amnesia they couldn’t be sure if Ryo would remember anything at all. He could remember everything in an instant, or it could come to him slowly. He could gain his memories tomorrow or twenty years later. There was nothing to do about that. He could only suggest that Ryo see a neurologist regularly. Tiny details or shocks or old memories could help him remember. But they should be careful not to agitate him too much. He might have nightmares as well, it was very common in amnesia cases.

Hearing those words Yamapi felt his world darken even more. These past few days were like a roller coaster to him. First the fight, then losing Ryo in a freak accident, then just after finding out Ryo was actually alive, losing him once more, metaphorically.   

He couldn’t bring himself to tell the others about this new turn of event. All he said was “Don’t come, its getting crowded over here. We will bring Ryo-chan home tomorrow.”

They didn’t like it surely. But they did decide to wait patiently. At least Ryo was alive, so they were happily waiting for him to come back to them.

Since he was deep in thought, Yamapi didn’t notice Ryo’s troubled sleep.

Ryo was sweating heavily. He turned from one side to the other and shoved the pillows away as he tried to breath. He jerked his eyes open and breathed heavily as he lay motionless. His body was all sore; his hands ached from where he gripped the sheets. Now that he saw the dream was not real, he calmed himself down slowly. Only after he had adjusted, he gazed around the dark room.

Yes the three men were still there. Two of them were sleeping but that one, who attacked him earlier, was awake and he was looking right in to his eyes.

Ryo felt a big lump of fear forming on his throat. The idiot was watching him. Why? Who was he? Why was he here?

But then he noticed the other one was not looking at him; he was just lost in his thoughts. Although this calmed him down, Ryo tried to stay still regardless. He didn’t want to alert the other and trigger another attack like earlier.

They told him they were close friends but Ryo was sure he didn’t like that sissy. No way could he be friends with him. At least that would prove he was not who they insisted to be. He didn’t trust them. He didn’t trust anyone. Ah how he wish he could remember.

Yamapi blinked his eyes and suddenly smiled. “Ryo-chan!” he exclaimed warmly.

Yoko jumped at the sound and looked around, and then he placed his head back on Subaru’s shoulders.

Ryo’s shoulders stiffened. Yamapi didn’t miss that one but he tried to smile happily as nothing happened. “I didn’t notice you were awake. Do you need something? I can get you water if you want. Your throat must be pretty sore.” Yamapi wondered if this was how Koyama usually felt, worrying so much about the other one, being an overprotective mother bear.

Ryo on the other hand didn’t like to be found out. He raised himself from the bed and cleared his throat as much as he could; it still hurt to swallow. “No.” He managed to say with a cracked voice. “I don’t want anything.” But when he realized Yamapi just gotten on his feet and was coming towards him, he held his breath in fear. His eyes went wide.

Yamapi saw how suddenly Ryo backed away to the edge of the bed. “I am not going to hurt you Ryo-chan.” he said as he sat on the bed. This was tough for him, how do you handle an amnesiac best friend who turned to a scaredy-cat?

Yamapi smiled bitterly. “You might not remember, but we are close friends. I will never ever hurt you.”

Ryo’s only response was blinking his eyes.

“I can imagine how hard it is to trust a complete stranger.” Yamapi’s voice cracked at the last two words, but he cleared his throat to continue. “But I am truly concerned about your wellbeing. I just want to help, that’s all.”

Ryo didn’t say anything so they remained silent for a while. Yamapi turned his gaze to the floor. He felt his strength leaving him.

Ryo himself was too scared to say anything.

“Ryo,” he began again, looking up at his friend. “I must apologize. I know you don’t remember this but the last night we saw each other, I was at fault. And before that too... I am sorry.” He bowed his head a bit.

Ryo looked at him in disbelief. “And you are saying this now, when I don’t have any clue what the hell you are talking about?”

Yamapi grinned. “But that’s because, when you gain your memories you’ll complain about it. You’ll say that I should have apologized earlier. And you’d probably add that amnesia isn’t an excuse.”

“You are an idiot.” Ryo rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. “I think saying it now is another excuse. I will probably say that you are trying to get over it while I don’t remember. Pretty pathetic attempt to run away from confrontation.” He cleared his throat again. “Now, if you excuse me, I want to sleep.”

“Okay.” Yamapi got up, he smiled down at Ryo. “I am glad to see our Ryo-chan is still there.”

Ryo looked up at Yamapi, confused. But he didn’t say anything further. He wasn’t sure what Yamapi just saw in him. And he didn’t want to know right now. He lay back on his bed and covered himself with sheets. He wished there was a familiar face beside him before closing his eyes. Everything was too strange.

 

The next morning came easily only for Ryo. Truth be told, he spent most of the day sleeping, that’s probably why.

For the other three who was accompanying him, it was like a whole month passed by. They sure did sleep too, if you would count two or three hours of sleep on a chair; no need to add that they were quiet anxious so they couldn’t rest properly; even if they had a nice and comfortable bed next to them.

For the rest of the members, however, it was a happy feeling. They only left Ryo’s apartment to get a proper sleep, to recharge before Ryo came back to them.

Early in the morning Ryo’s front door opened once again. Koyama, who beforehand borrowed Yamapi’s spare key, entered the messy home; it was much messier than Ryo had left it that awful morning.

Tegoshi let out a tired sigh after entering the flat. Massu, who was behind him, looked around with a happy grin on his face.

“Oi don’t sigh Tegoshi. It’s not that messy. We can clean up pretty quick.”

Tegoshi sighed again. “How do you expect me to know how to clean up? You know I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Don’t be a spoiled brat.” Koyama laughed. “There is no need for experience to tidy up or clean up.”

“But... Why isn’t Shige here?”

“He is busy, you know, for the drama-” Koyama suddenly stopped as he looked in the bathroom. “Aie! There is a corpse here! Oh my god!” He jumped back and hid behind Tegoshi.

Tegoshi rolled his eyes. “Don’t be stupid Kei-chan.” He went to check the bathroom as Masuda watched them with curious eyes.

“Oi! It’s not a corpse Kei-chan!’ came Tegoshi’s muffled voice from inside the bathroom. ‘It’s just Ohkura-kun sleeping.” He peeked out of the door to look at the oldest member.

“Sorry! I am sorry. Sorry Tegoshi. But he really looked dead.”

“Shouldn’t we wake him up?” asked Massu as he looked over Tegoshi’s shoulder. “That must be very uncomfortable.”

“Mmh.”

Both of them looked down at Ohkura.

“You are too noisy.” Ohkura mumbled, his eyes still closed. He rolled to his side and scratched his head.

“Err... Ohkura-kun,” Masu began. “You might catch a cold sleeping like that.

“M-hm.”

“Ohkura-kun?” It was Tegoshi this time. “What were you doing here?”

“...andi...”

“Eh?” Both News members looked at each other.

“Mmm... Laundi...”

“Maybe he is trying to say ‘laundry’?” suggested Koyama.

“Oh you are right Kei-chan.” Tegoshi was looking at the washing machine.

“...Ryo’s clothes were dirty...” Ohkura mumbled.

“Err... Okay but you should hang them to dry too.”

“M-hm....” Ohkura suddenly opened his eyes. “Ah damn it, I fell asleep.” He rubbed his eyes. “What time is it?”

Massu looked down at his watch. “Around twelve.” he answered.

“Great! Is it that late! I have to clean everything before Ryo comes.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Koyama said cheerfully behind his bandmates. “We are here for the same reason.”

Ohkura raised his head to look at them. “Then why are you just standing there? Get your lazy asses to work.” He clapped his hands.

“Ah, yes!” answered all News members. Ohkura could be quiet scary if he wanted.

They all rushed around and started to clean up like busy ants. Tegoshi grabbed a bag and started to collect the trash all over the place; beer cans empty snack packs, full ashtrays. Massu got the vacuum and started to clean the entire place; cleaning after Tegoshi twice coz the baby faced guy was very clumsy. Koyama was busy at the kitchen. There was quiet a mess there. They didn’t realize how they messed the place while they were in sorrow. When did they use these plates or those glasses, he really didn’t know. Looking at one of the glasses, he saw a cigarette swimming in the beer, it was disgusting. Koyama grimaced.

Ohkura on the other hand was doing laundry and tiding up Ryo’s bedroom. He was sure Ryo would feel dead tired and, well, he loved clean sheets. While he was hanging the clothes the bell ringed. He passed the living room; Massu was yelling at Tegoshi because the other had dropped the ash tray. Apparently it wasn’t the first time.

“Good morning!” yelled Yassu with a very energetic voice when Ohkura opened the door. He had bags on his hands. “I brought food!”

“Ah lovely, I was so hungry.” Ohkura grabbed the bags and searched what was inside.

“They are not for you idiot.” Yassu snatched them away. “They are for Ryo.”

Ohkura snorted as he let the guitarist in. “We were very busy cleaning up, you know. Soo tired and hungry! Can’t you-“

“No! Tachhon Never! Wait patiently for the others, especially Ryo.”

“You are unusually ruthless today.” mumbled Ohkura.

Yassu shrugged. “Oh! The house looks great. Last time I saw, it was like a war field.”

“Yeah.”

“Food!” Massu yelled.

“Not for you.” Said Yassu, rolling his eyes.

Massu didn’t like the reply but he didn’t say anything and turned back to what he was doing. Tegoshi looked at them with disappointment for a second then he too turned back to what he was doing. Koyama who was wiping the sticky floor of the kitchen looked at them through the door.

“Yasuda-kun, isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“Eh?” Yassu’s eyes widened.

“I think they misunderstood you.” commented Ohkura. “It’s for Ryo-chan, he doesn’t let even me grab a piece.” Ohkura waved at them in reassurance.

“Sorry. Sorry I didn’t mean to be rude.” Yassu apologized with a worried face. The ringing bell interrupted them once more. “Ah, it must be Maru-chan and Shin-chan.”

Ohkura smiled. “Ryo will be angry at us. ‘I need rest you idiots, go back home!’” Ohkura mimicked Ryo’s voice as Yassu opened the door. He was correct; Maru and Hina just arrived with bags on their hands.

“We bought food!” Maru smiled energetically.

“Eh? You too?”

“Eh? Yassu bought too?”

“Great!” Ohkura clapped his hands. “Now I can grab a piece!”

“Wait for Ryo idiot Tatsuyoshi.” Hina smacked Ohkura’s head.

“Wow! This place looks very clean.” Maru changed the subject.

“Of course it does, we have been working on it since...”

“Just one hour.” said Koyama checking his watch.

“Eh? But I am so tired.” Tegoshi complained.

“Really? Me too! It’s incredible how house work can be very tiring. Just one piece Maru-chan?” Ohkura tried to be cute. Actually he could be cute if he wanted to be, and he knew how to use it. It usually worked; but not today.

“Wait for Ryo-chan Tatsuyoshi!” said Maru sternly.

“Okay!” Ohkura solemnly sat on the couch accepting defeat.

“That won’t work either.” Hina laughed. “When are they coming anyway? Anybody called them.”

“Well Kei-chan has been calling Yamapi every ten minutes.” Tegoshi turned to look at Koyama expectantly, so did the others.

Koyama was taken aback because of the sudden attention. “Well... um...” he started to play with the fabric in his hand. “They need to check up something, waiting for some results. So it may take some time. They hope to be here before evening.”

“Ah...” Maru sat next to Ohkura and Hina after placing the bags on the coffee table. “There is still hours, how is it supposed to pass?”

“Try to help us by cleaning.” Ohkura suggested with an evil smile.

“But it’s all clean.” complained Maru.

“You lazy ass.”

“Hey, wasn’t it very crowded out there?” Shingo cut them.

“Out? You mean front of the building?” asked Ohkura.

“Yup. I wonder if they are going to be okay.”

“We didn’t see anyone.” said Massu in a low voice. News members were extra careful each time they said something to the Kansai guys.

“We used the parking lot, that’s why.” explained Koyama. “They will be okay. Yamapi has his car with him.” He fished his phone out of his pocket. ‘I’ll send a text just in case.”

“Aah. I forgot the parking lot. Why didn’t anyone tell me?!”

“Oi, Oi! There’s no need for the b-gatan!” Yassu tried to calm Shingo. “You should have thought about it yourself.”

 

 

Just a few hours later, Yamapi had arrived at the parking lot under the building just as Koyama had guessed. He stopped the engine and turned to look at the man sitting next to him.

Subaru looked in front of him with blank eyes.

“Shibutani-san?” Subaru looked at Yamapi for a second, making the other shiver. What cold eyes. Yamapi wondered if he looked the same.

“Right.” The tiny old man blinked and forced a smile at Yamapi.

Yoko was already off the car. He crossed the other side and opened the door to help Ryo. Subaru jumped down to help him as Yamapi checked the car one last time and got off.

Ryo didn’t like strangers. He had always been shy around them, but with his new condition, it became clearer to all three of them.  Apart from disliking strangers contact, he was also not very energetic, and could barely stand on his own. All he could dream of at that moment was a comfortable bed, no matter how he got to it. So, for the time being, he didn’t complain or back away from the strangers, he was actually very grateful towards them.

He let one of his legs swing down and put his hand on Yoko’s shoulder, who also had his other arm around Ryo’s waist to support him.

It hurt. It really hurt. Ryo felt pain tingling all over his body but he didn’t say anything. Instead he pressed his lips together tightly to prevent any whimper escaping his lips. The other two noticed but kept their mouths shut as well. Instead they took extra care of Ryo.

When Ryo swung his other leg down, Subaru caught his arm to help him. Yamapi stared at them with guilt. Why the hell did he have to buy a high based car?

Ryo, on the other hand, oblivious to the inner struggles of all three men around him, decided it was a good idea to slide his body down, so it wouldn’t be too much of a burden on the ones holding him. But soon after he noticed this was a wrong decision. His strained back  tingled with pain up his spine. The sudden sensation made Ryo topple over, and he nearly took the two men down with him too. But’ with great effort, they managed to stay still and pull Ryo to a standing position.

“Here. Let me help.” Said Yamapi, taking Subaru’s place. The older man looked exhausted already. Not to mention, he was actually smaller than Ryo. “You are already very tired Shibutani-kun.”

Yamapi placed his arm around Ryo’s waist and looked up at his friend. Judging from the sour expression, Ryo didn’t like the change. But, thankfully, the latter didn’t say anything.

“Thank you.” Subaru mumbled. He didn’t have the energy to prove Yamapi wrong. Instead, Subaru picked the tiny bag which contained Ryo’s belongings. And they slowly started to walk.

Ryo was in pain and he felt like he didn’t have any energy, even to breath, so they took their time and didn’t rush Ryo. It took couple of minutes to get on the elevator only, but nobody complained.

When Yamapi glanced at Yoko, he found the elder with a calm and strong expression, like a determined big brother, helping his youngster.

“How are we going to explain?” asked Yoko, oblivious to the thoughts crossing the other’s mind. His expression quickly turned to a lost child when he turned his gaze to Subaru. Subaru was leaning on the wall. He rested his head on the back and casted his eyes on the floor.

“I don’t know Yoko. I wish I knew.”

Ryo rested his head on Yoko’s shoulder. The position felt comfortable and reminiscent of things he couldn’t remember. He wanted to ask many questions, who was the others? How many more strangers should he endure? They told him he was going home, his own home. But they didn’t tell him about any other people. Maybe he had housemates? But forming a word seemed impossible after his exhausting little trip to the elevator.

The bell of the elevator ringed to announce they arrived to the requested floor. It caused Ryo to startle. He raised his head in alarm. Now he had to walk again. All this helplessness was getting under his skin already. He pushed himself to endure the pain and walk with the least help from the others. And knowing it was for a short distance made him feel more confident. Though in the end, the two men on either side of him had practically carried him to his front door.

Ding Dong

Subaru ringed the bell without hesitation. He wanted to get over with it already.

The door quickly opened as expected. Everyone was hyper to welcome their friend back from the dead.

“Yaayy! Ryo-chan is home!”

“Oh god! Ryo-chan!”

“I can’t see him!”

“Move, move!”

“Stop pushing’ idiot!”

There were so much noise that nobody could figure out who said what.

“Guys.” Subaru raised both his hands to stop the commotion. His voice sounded far away, as if it came from under the ground. “Make some space. And be quiet. Ryo needs rest, and so do we.”

Now the air was filled with many different versions of the word ‘sorry’. The crowd in front of the door quickly stepped aside and observed Yoko and Yamapi help Ryo come in.

Subaru closed the door behind them when they were all finally inside and rested his head on the back of the door. Now comes the hard part, he reminded himself.

The two bands were now lined up like school kids, waiting for permission to move. They all watched Ryo sat on the couch with help from Yoko and Yamapi. It wasn’t a very nice thing to watch. All those years they knew Ryo, he never was this helpless. But, still, they weren’t feeling so down. Actually they were quite excited to see Ryo alive and breathing. Yeah he had bruises and bandages, he might have lost weight in two days too but who cared. They had him back alive!

Maru couldn’t help himself. “Ryo-chan! You lost all the weight you gained. How sad, you tried so hard to gain it.” He grinned at the younger.

Yoko looked at them, didn’t say anything and went to kitchen to get a glass of water. Subaru walked silently towards the couch and sat down, resting his head on the soft pillows. Yamapi was still holding on to Ryo as they sat next to each other. He was afraid the other would vanish if he loosened his grip.

“You guys look like hell. You and Yokocho should go and rest, we will take care of Ryo.” Hina smiled at them.

“Yeah right!” Subaru snapped. His eyes were closed. “I am sure you would. You would probably ditch him to play a stupid game as soon as possible.”

Hina’s eyes widened with shock and hurt.

Ohkura stared at them, suspicious. “Is there something wrong?” the drummer asked. “Or is it only your fatigue?”

Ryo, who was examining every new person, opened his mouth. He felt like he was the responsible one, so he should be announcing the new reality of their lives. “There is this thing. I think they didn’t tell you yet.” His throat was tickling. He swallowed down to ease the itching sensation.

Kanjani8 members were silent but News stared at Ryo with curiosity. “What is it?” asked Tegoshi.

Ryo sighed. Nobody stopped him. Somebody should explain and they felt so drained to say something like that. So, they let the amnesiac explain it himself. “I lost my memories, I have amnesia.” Even Ryo didn’t believe the words just came out of his mouth. It felt like he was reciting a movie line.

“Ha?” Maru looked at him in shock and disbelief.

“What does he mean? What does amnesia mean?” asked Koyama. Massu looked at him. “It must have some other meaning than the one I know.”

Ohkura seemed a bit angry. “If this is your get back for the last incident it is not funny Ryo!” he took a step ahead causing Ryo to shrink. With his height towering over Ryo, he looked quite menacing.  

“Ohkura don’t” Subaru jumped up as a protective barrier in front of Ryo. “It’s the truth. Besides he is afraid of people; don’t make a sudden move like that!”

Ohkura suddenly lost his voice. Yassu’s jaw dropped.

“Here.” Yoko offered Ryo water. Ryo gladly took it. He added that tall man to the creepy list. There were two members; number one – the sissy guy sitting next to him, number two – that tall man who just yelled.

“He needs rest. So do we.” Yoko copied Subarus earlier words. “But he also needs somebody besides him. So we should arrange someone.”

“Wait!” Ohkura cut in. “Isn’t someone going to explain everything clearly?”

“I am sure Yamashita-kun can do that.” Yoko yawned. “I didn’t have a proper rest last two days.”

“Maybe we should introduce everyone to Ryo first.” Said Subaru.

“First af alll. Ryo, you should know you were a member of two bands.” Yoko started, his eyes were closed closed with exhaustion. He moved his head to make it more comfortable on the pillow. “People here are the members of both. One named Kanjani8, other is News.”

“So I was... a musician?” said Ryo slowly, more to himself.

“Yes, a good one.” answered Yoko. A sad smile crept up on his tired features. “Also, a pretty good actor with awards.”

Ryo’s eyes shot up in disbelief. A musician and an actor? An award winning actor? Wait, he is in two bands?

“Whatever.” Subaru cut in. “I would like to tell you who you really are completely. But I am too tired to do so. Sorry Ryo.” He pointed at Hina. “That man over there is named Murakami Shingo; you can’t miss him or his molar tooth. He, Yoko and I are the three elders of our group.

“The one next to him is Maruyama Ryuhei. He is a goofball, filled with happiness and smiles twenty four hours a day. The one next to them, the short guy, is Yasuda Shota. And that idiot who just scared you is Ohkura Tadayoshi, our drummer. All together, we are members of kanjani8...”

So the scary tall guy was named Ohkura Tadayoshi. Ryo made a note on his head.

 “So, on to the second group you are in; that short guy with a bad haircut is-“

“Hey, I like my haircut. Even though Nishikido-kun seemed to dislike it...” Massu patted his own head with affection.

“Whatever, he is Masuda Takahisa. And the guy next to him is Tegoshi Yuya. They even have their own duo within the group. Don’t know much about them though.” This earned a glare from both Tegoshi and Massu but Subaru couldn’t care less. “And the last one, that tall guy who looks at you like he is your mama or something, is Koyama Keichiro. With Yamashita next to you and Kato who is apparently absent, together they form the News.”

“Where is Shige?” asked Yamapi.

“Work.” shrugged Tegoshi.

Ryo waited for them to continue the introduction but they didn’t. “You didn’t tell me your names yet.” He said to Subaru.

“We didn’t? Oh okay.” Subaru rubbed his face. “I am Shibutani Subaru and that one sleeping next to you-“

“Hey I am not sleeping.” Yoko said lazyly.

“Is Yokoyama Yuu. The one sitting on the other side is Yamashita Tomohisa, also the leader of News.”

“Leader… who is the leader of Kanjani eight then?”

Yoko opened one eye to glare at Ryo. “There’s no leader of Eito. We are a bunch of crazy old guys who prefer to be leaderless.”

Ryo nodded at that secretive comeback. He felt there was more to the story but he wasn’t in the mood to press on the matter. “And what was my name again?” he asked instead.

“Nishikido Ryo, member of both News and Kanjani8. Don’t forget that. Any part of it.”

Ryo nodded. Even he had many questions he didn’t ask any. All he wanted from life at that moment was to sleep.

“So Ryo, do you prefer one of us to stay with you? Me and Yoko need rest. So you need someone else to take care of you.”

“Well...” Ryo looked up with a scared expression. “I don’t want him and him.” He pointed to Ohkura and Yamapi. “They... seem... seem to be creepy.”

“Creepy?” Tegoshi seemed confused. “But Ryo-chan, Yamapi is one of your closest friends, you always say that.”

Ryo didn’t say anything else. Closest friend? Maybe he shouldn’t have opened his mouth at the first place.

“Sorry for making you feel that way Ryo-chan.” Ohkura smiled at him. “I will be more careful in the future.”

Yamapi didn’t say anything, he was very hurt. This was a cruel joke on him.

“This is Ironic.” Said Yassu, who was silent during the whole introduction. “The two, who might be the closest ones to Ryo, are now the distant ones.”

So they were close? What kind of freak Ryo was to hang out with those creepy guys. He closed his eyes “Where is the bedroom?”

“I’ll help you.” Ohkura said as he went to the couch. “I apologize for earlier.” His smile was genuine but still Ryo couldn’t help the sudden fear straddling his heart.

Ryo tried to swallow down his fear. He knew he needed the others help as he was pretty much unable to move by himself. But, in a world of complete strangers he didn’t know who to ask for help in the first place.

He unconsciously clinged at Yoko’s arm and made the other jump up. The Peter Pan of Kansai looked at them with a long face and sleep filled eyes. He let out a sigh. “Alright. I’ll help you too Ohkura.”

Yamapi watched them with sad eyes.

 

 

Kato Shigeaki was finished for the day and now he was heading towards Ryo’s house. There weren’t any words to explain how relieved and happy he felt. The last few days had been hell and back for every one of them. Truth be told, he didn’t get along with the other, but learning his death sent Shige into a spiral of emotions he couldn’t quite understand yet.

When he stopped at the red light he saw a little ramen shop at the corner. He remembered eating there with Ryo once. That time Ryo had said he really loved the taste of the place.

When the light turned to green he got the car parked in front of the shop, and got in. He wanted to buy ramen only for Ryo. Probably that Osaka man should be very hungry. Even though he was a skinny monkey, like Akanishi loved to call him, he loved to eat. Too bad all that food didn’t help him much to gain weight.

Then he remembered his bandmates. He couldn’t just go and ignore them, could he? Six servings then, he thought; but, then again, he remembered the other band, kanjani8.

“How many servings?” asked the manager.

Shige sighed. “Twelve please.”

Of course Shige respected Kanjani8 as a group but he was not very happy to share one member with them.

“Here.” The manager handed the package to Shige. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

“No I don’t think so.” Shige smiled. He paid for the ramens and rushed out to his car.

Even though he was not very happy to share Ryo with another band he didn’t care much at that moment. Ryo was alive, and he was going to see his friend. World seemed brighter. There were nothing much to worry, he decided, it was a happy day.

 

To be continued…

 Title: Ryo, the Latchkey Boy

Characters: Kanjani8, News, Various other JE boys.

Main Focus: Ryo

Summary: An unexpected event rips the hearts of Kanjani8 and News members. They are left to attend their wound while looking after one of their own.

(Side note: This is NOT a death fic!)

Format: Multi-Chapter Story

Warnings: This is set during spring 2010 while News was still a six-member group and *obviously* Subaru was still in the band.

Here is the awfully long second chapter. Enjoy! I really hope you do.

Edited on 13.02.2019

 

 

Chapter 2: Memories of The Dead

Out of the Jimusho’s windows the sky was covered with clouds. There was no trace of the sun anymore. The sun which was shining so brightly in the morning was long gone.

Just like Ryo.

It was definitely going to rain soon.

Yassu was watching the clouds movement from where he lay on the floor. He found it weird that even the sky was in mourning.

The room was all silent for a while. All eleven people who were laughing and crying was all quiet.

“We must inform them.” Yassu started.” I mean the ones who are waiting outside. We owe it to them… To the fans…” He pointed towards the window, without looking at anyone. His voice was low and husky. “It’s going to rain soon.”

Yamapi didn’t move an inch. He was quite dead the moment News entered the room.

“Who is going to inform them? And what?! We don’t know anything too!” protested Massu.

Maru nodded. He also didn’t want to announce that Ryo was dead. He didn’t want to hear it anymore. He didn’t want to believe it himself to begin with.

“Well, we know the Nishikido Ryo on the news is our very Ryo-chan.” Subaru provided in a low voice.

“But they didn’t found...”  Tegoshi cleared his throat before he continued. “... his body... yet.”

“His name is on the list you see.” Koyama said to his teammate.

“Like that would be enough to prove he is dead.” said Ohkura sharply.

“Right.” Said Yoko, who was cleaning the screen of his PSP for at least half an hour.

Shige’s eyes widened. “Do you believe he is alive?”

“Why not?” The other shrugged.

“Then can you explain to me why isn’t he here, huh?! Why isn’t he laughing his ass off at this lovely mistake?” Yamapi suddenly raised his voice. Everyone startled at his voice. They were quite sure Yamapi was dead too.

“I wonder that too.” Said Maru. “Probably revenge?” he looked at his bandmates for encouragement.

“Ah Aprils fool, right?” said Koyama with a bitter smile on his face.

“What is that?” asked Yamapi. “Why would he want revenge?”

“Can we return back to the reality?” Shige tried to change the conversation back to the important task at their hand. “Who is going to inform the fans?”

“Wait a minute!” Yamapi objected.  “What did you do so that Ryo-chan would want revenge?! What’d you do to him?!”

“It’s between our band.” Yoko answered him coolly.

“I think one person from both groups should go and face them.” Hina answered Shige, avoiding Yamapi.

“For News is it going to be Yamashita?” asked Subaru.

Yamapi looked at them blankly.

“No, I don’t think so…” answered Koyama, instead of Yamapi. “I think someone else should. I can go.” He volunteered.

“No I can.” Tegoshi jumped in.

“What about you guys?” Shige asked to Eito. “You don’t have a leader.”

“Well having one probably wouldn’t help much right now.” Yoko nodded his head towards Yamapi.

“Rock-paper-scissors?” suggested Ohkura. “His favourite game to decide things…”

All Eito members grinned. “Good idea bonkura.”

“Ready...”

“Rock – paper – scissors.”

“Who’s left?” Tegoshi leaned in to see the result.

“No one. Four rocks and two papers.” informed Yoko.

“I think we should decide who should go too.” said Shige. Both teams turned to their band mates: News squeezed on one of the couches and Kanjani8 on the other side, sprawled on the floor.

Shige continued, “We need someone calm.”

“Ah its Shin-chan.” said Yassu.

“A B-gatan for announcement, that’s not good.” Subaru commented.

Massu joined the conversation, “… and who knows how to talk.”

“I don’t want to say ‘Ryo-chan is dead’! I can’t say that you know. Why don’t you say it Subaru?”

“I can go.” Koyama said from the other side of the room.

“That won’t do either.” said Subaru. “You know how… well… talkative I am in front of cameras right?”

“Why am I not going?” Yamapi objected. “I am your leader, am I not?”

News members looked at each other nervously.

“Well, you are not very-”

“Very what? Am I not reliable?”

“That’s not what they are saying.” Yoko butted in once more. He was back to his PSP now.

“Yoko, don’t interfere.” Subaru warned his bandmate. “Let them work it out themselves.”

“No, I want an answer.” Yamapi raised his voice.

Ohkura laughed. “What a dumb friend Ryo has.”

Yamapi sighed and rubbed his eyes in frustration. Koyama answered the question for him “We just think, among us, it’s hard on you the most. We just wanted to lighten your burden.” He bit his lips as he waited for Yamapi’s reaction.

“I am not going to yell Koyama.”

“I’ll go.” said Shige suddenly. “It’s okay right?” everyone looked at him, surprised.

Eito was now waiting patiently for the other group to decide.

“Shige, you don’t have to. I am okay doing it.” Koyama put a hand on his friends shoulder.

Shige raised his eyes at him. “I know. But we can’t always rely on you Kei-chan.”

The managers that were gone when Eito broke in to tears now entered the room. “We need to make an announcement to officially confirm... it.” They informed both groups but avoided looking at Eito. Who knew what kind of a reaction those Kansai boys would give.

“We won’t bite you.” said Hina, sensing their hesitation.

“Sorry. Here is the notes.” One of the managers bowed and handed out a paper. “You have to decide who is going to do the announcement. And read this; Johnny-san prepared it himself.”

“We already decided.” Ohkura smirked.

“Oh… Ah… that’s great.”

Tegoshi took the paper from the manager and quickly read it. His eyes went wide with every word. “Well seems like Jimusho is agreeing with Kanjani…” Massu moved to stand behind his bandmate.

Eito looked at Tegoshi as he started to read the paper aloud. “As you all know there are news reports about Nishikido Ryo of Johnny’s Jimusho being involved in an accident and passed away. We are sure every fan wants to know the truth behind this news, and we feel obliged to let you know what is going on behind the curtains. We have to admit, sadly, that the Nishikido they are referring to is our bandmate...”

 

Camera lights flashed in their eyes as Shige continued. He tried not to look at the fans, the reporters, the cameras. He held his head low, and his eyes on the floor as he folded his hands in front of himself. The fans crying voice was suffocating him from all sides. He hoped his voice could last enough to finish this terrible announcement.

“...This morning he was going to Osaka to attend his older brother’s wedding. Reading the records of the airlines, he boarded the plane at last minute, which is, by their record 7:26 in the morning. Because of this he is on the passenger list and, by default, he is considered dead.” Shige’s voice broke at the end.

Hina took over in an instant. “But according to the last records his body...” Hina coughed. “...is not found yet. So we will not acknowledge his death. All we know for now is he is missing. we have requested to investigate the airport security tapes...”

The others were standing at the back, heads bowed low and waiting for the announcement to end.

The rain was pounding at the Jimusho windows behind them. It started to rain right after they got out for the announcement. They were all soaked but none of them seemed to care. They waited patiently for Shige an Hina to finish the speech and bowed low to the cameras and fans.

As expected, there were a million questions flying their way. Hina quickly deflected them and said they were not going to answer questions for the time being and asked for some time from the fans.

Once they finished their announcement they went back to the room. Jimusho’s halls were unexpectedly empty. Even the few people available in the halls quickly gave way to the grieving groups. Maru went on to sit on the floor and started to play with a pen. He spinned it and watched it stop, spinned it again. This went on for a while as the others settled down around the room.

“Hey.” he said without raising his head. “Let’s play a game.”

“What kind of a game?” asked Yassu as he sat next to the bass guitarist.

“You...” started Massu with a hint of resentment in his voice.

“What?” asked Yoko, who just crouched next to the two guitarists.

“I really don’t understand you guys... You start making fun of Nishikido-kun… and then start to cry… and now you want to play a game... and... and...” Massu was lost in his own words. The Kansai group was extremely confusing to him.

“Didn’t you hear how crazy we were?” said the drummer. He wasn’t paying much attention to the younger man actually. “Okay what’s the game?” he looked expectantly at Maru.

“Last memories with Ryo-chan.” Maru’s voice was so faint that they barely heard it. It was as if he was afraid of getting yelled at. But surprisingly no one scolded him; that was an unusual day, everyone was different then their usual self.

Instead of yelling all Eito members gathered in a circle around him.

Yamapi got up on his feet and moved closer to the Kansai boys. “Why would we? That’s painful.” he commented in a low voice.

“Still you are sitting next to Shibutani-san.” said Koyama with a smile on his face.

“If there are no objections can we start?” asked Subaru. He looked especially at News members

“Brr, its cold.” commented Hina as Shige looked to them. Somehow they were the last ones to enter the room.

“What are you guys doing?”

“Come.” Koyama called out to Shige as he patted the space between him and Tegoshi. “We are playing a game.”

“Game? In this situation?”

“Hey why didn’t you wait for me?” asked Hina as he went to Ohkura. “Make some place for the elders.” Massu, who was next to the drummer, immediately squeezed to the other side.

“Hey Massu you’re crushing my leg.” complained Tegoshi.

“Ah, sorry.” Massu tried not to crush anyone and make himself as small as possible.

“Tegoshi Yuya.” Tegoshi startled at Yamapi’s voice.

“Yes.”

“Stop being so selfish for at least an hour, will you?”

“Yes sir.”

“Okay, now everyone is here we can start. I am going to spin this pen.” Maru looked at each of them. “When it stops the pointed person will start to share their memories with Ryo. Okay?”

“Nice.” Said Yoko.

“Which part?” asked Yassu.

“Excuse me?”

“Which part is going to set the person.”

“The tip of the pen of course, you idiot.” Said Hina smacking the guitarist. “What kind of a question is that?” he laughed, showing his molar tooth.

“Ow…” Yassu rubbed his head. “I am just asking so we are all in the clear” he nodded towards News.

“Okay. Whatever. I am starting.” Maru spinned the pen as the others watched it carefully. It slowed down and down, and stopped, pointing at Yamapi. They all looked at Yamapi with expectation.

“Ehm...” Yamapi cleared his throat. He was using the time to think as well. “The memory I am going to share is the last time we saw each other. And I am not talking about our last fight at the park.”

“Okay.” Shige said encouragingly as Koyama smiled at their leader from his side.

“It was four days ago. After I finished filming for the day Ryo came by.” Yamapi started his story with dreamy eyes.

 

Flashback

“Hey Pi.” Ryo greeted his best friend with a cheerful smile.

“Ryo-chan? Why are you here?”

Ryo frowned at him. “Didn’t you promise me for dinner? I came to pick you up.” he said with an edge to his voice.

“I did? I don’t remember anything about that.” Yamapi yawned. “I am sorry, I am a bit tired now. Maybe another night.”

Ryo looked hurt. “Yeah maybe another night. Maybe when I am not in this world anymore.”

“Ryo!” Yamapi cut a bit harshly. “What are you talking about. Stop trying to guilt me into this. It is not like that.”

“Sure it’s not. ‘hey, Ryo-chan, I promise to be on the concert, lets meet up after’” Ryo started mimicking Yamapi’s voice, raising his eyebrows at the other daringly. “‘sorry something came up, I’ll make it up to you.’ ‘Ryo-chan lets go out tonight.’ ‘sorry, sorry, I have to go home for tonight, I’ll treat you lunch tomorrow.’ ‘sorry I couldn’t come-‘”

“Shut up Ryo.” Yamapi pushed his friends. It wasn’t a hard push at all, just enough to get the other shut up. He was mad, truly mad. “Sorry I couldn’t ‘eat’ with you because I had work to do! Sorry I didn’t have time to fool around!”

“Oh yeah? Fooling around. Hah!” Ryo let out a laugh. “That’s rich. I am sorry I forced you so much Tomoko-chan. You are right you had work to do, especially with Jin and Toma. We lazy people can’t understand you.” Ryo started to walk away. But now that he got on Yamapi’s nerves the other wasn’t going to let Ryo off that easily.

“Where do you think you are going you skinny monkey!” He grabbed Ryo’s arm and turned him forcefully.

“Back off you sissy!” Ryo grabbed Yamapi’s wrist to free himself. They stared down at each other for a minute... two minutes... three...

Ryo was the first to smile. He looked away and bit his lower lip to hide it. Yamapi grinned as he saw Ryo’s reaction.

“You smiled first!” he laughed.

“I did not! You are just trying to get away because you were actually the first one to smile.”

“Yeah right! You think I am blind?”

“You might be, who knows.” Ryo shrugged at him playfully.

“I am not the one who got a new pair of glasses here.”

Ryo shrugged once more. “Well I have to go then.” He pushed Yamapi’s hand away and turned to leave.

“Wait, we are still friends right?”

Ryo waved a hand back at him without turning and walked away.

Yamapi began to put his belongings to his bag, thinking about Ryo at the same time. “That idiot.” he mumbled. “He didn’t ask me to drive him home.” Maybe it was a good idea to text his stubborn friend. His phone vibrated at the same time he pulled it out.

It was from Ryo.

Yamapi stared at the message in front of him, dumbfounded.

‘Are we really friends?’

What was that?

‘What do you mean? Of course we are!’ he typed in a hurry and waited for a reply but it didn’t come. Maybe he should try to call him. He pushed the green button.

“The person you have called...”

Great, his phone was off. He made a mental note to himself ‘Call Ryo-chan Tomorrow.’

 

 

“Did you?” asked Yassu.

“I forgot.” Yamapi looked down. “I forgot... till yesterday.”

“Was that why you tried to kidnap our Dokkun?” Yoko snorted like a child.

“I did not try to kidnap him!”

“Okay, okay! Guys calm down.” Hina butt in. “Your memory is actually quite painful.” He offered a calming smile to the News leader.

“Yeah.” Yamapi looked away as Koyama grabbed his shoulder.

“Okay the next...” Maru spinned the pen again. “... is Yokocho.”

“Eh... me?”

“Okay Yokoyama Yuu-kun, begin please.” Hina pointed an imaginary microphone to Yoko.

“What’s with that?” he swatted Hina’s hand away.

Hina smiled. “Okay, okay. Just start already.”

But Yoko didn’t begin. “Do I have to?”

“Is it so shameful that you can’t share?” asked Subaru with a huge grin on his face. He was ready to make fun of his bandmate.

“No!” Yoko scowled. “There is nothing to tell okay!” he crossed his arms around his chest.

Massu sighed, he waited for them to move on to the next person. But he obviously didn’t know Eito wouldn’t give up that easily. Especially when there’s an embarrassing memory involved.

“Come on Kimi-chan.” Said Yassu. “Even if it is a bad one, we won’t make fun of you, right?” the others nodded in confirmation, but Yoko didn’t notice there were mischievousness hidden behind their innocent face. Any other time he would have caught on, but today was different.

“Yamashita here...” Subaru slapped Yamapi’s back. “... shared his painful memory bravely. I am sure Ryo didn’t say ‘are we friends Yokocho?’” the last sentence was said in a thin, girly voice. Yamapi looked hurt but the others laughed.

“Even if Ryo-chan said that, he wouldn’t use that kind of voice.” Said Hina. “It would be more like ‘Hey Yokoyama-kun we are friends, aren’t we.’”

“Ryo’s voice is not that thick.”

“Whatever guys.” Subaru put an arm around Yoko’s shoulders. “YOU Share the painful memory, lessen your pain.” He nudged Yoko’s chest with his free hand.

Yoko squinted at him, then he looked at Ohkura who was very silent. They made eye contact. What was it, Yoko was not sure, but that look made him change his mind. “Alright.” he said. He took a deep breath. “It was couple of days ago, I was sitting in the dressing room alone, and Ryo came in. I was feeling down so he comforted me.”

They waited for him to continue but Yoko shut up and looked at Maru expectantly.

“Oi Yokocho! That’s not how you tell a story.” Complained Subaru.

“I agree. Tell us the details, why were you feeling down and what did you guys talk about.” Said Tegoshi. Everyone looked at him. “What? You all want to know right? Don’t blame me that you didn’t have the courage to say it out loudly.”

“Well Ryo was right about him.” commented Ohkura.

“About what?” asked Tegoshi. He was now curious.

“Can we return to Yoko’s memory?” Hina said.

“I already told you didn’t I.”

“Don’t be stubborn Yokocho.” Yassu pulled his arm. “Come on.”

“Why don’t you want to share?” Ohkura asked slowly. “You don’t trust us?”

“No of course not! I mean I do trust you.”

“Which is it?” laughed Subaru.

Yoko sighed. “Okay, but under one condition. You are not going to talk about it later. No words about it, you will forget everything okay.”

Subaru raised his eyebrow, Maru seemed confused and looked at the others.

“Okay.” Subaru nodded

“Do you promise?”

“Don’t torture us Kimi-chan.” Said Hina. “Tell us this lovely memory of yours.”

“Well as I said I was alone in the dressing room...”

 

Flashback

Yoko was staring at the wall with blank eyes while holding his PSP in his hands. He was so lost in thoughts that he didn’t hear Ryo come in. So when Ryo dropped his bag on the table in front of Yoko, the elder nearly jumped out of his chair.

“What the- Dokkun!”

“What were you thinking?” Ryo said with a big smile spread over his face.

“Nothing much.” Yoko turned his attention back to the PSP.

“Are you ignoring me now?”

“Aren’t you the one who usually ignores me?” Yoko countered with a calm voice as he started a new game.

“I don’t do that.” objected Ryo with a high voice, bending his head to one side.

Yoko smiled bitterly. “Sometimes you are back to the cute child I first met.”

“I was never cute.” Ryo grinned. “I’ve always been evil.”

Yoko shrugged. Silence fell between them for a minute.

“Yokoyama-kun? May I ask what bothers you?” Ryo began slowly.

“You may.”

“Will you answer then?” He bit his lower lip. Looking expectantly at Yoko, eyes wide and all.

“Nah. Ah I died.”

Ryo quietly sat next to Yoko. “Is it a personal problem?”

Yoko shrugged again.

“... or is it related to us?” Ryo made a lucky guess just now.

Yoko stopped playing for a second. “Why would I be bothered by you guys?” he said as he started to play again. His eyes were locked on the screen, so was Ryo’s.

“So it is something about us. Just one of us or the whole group?”

Yoko blinked and looked at Ryo who startled at Yoko’s sudden movement. But he lifted his gaze to look at Yoko. He was trying to figure what the elder was thinking.

“Not anyone special.”

“So, it’s about everyone… So, if it is like that.” Ryo bent his face and stared at the wall. “I am not sure, but… is it about being ridiculed because of your singing and dancing skills?”

Yoko stared at the younger in disbelief. His character died once more but Yoko was past caring. “Nishikido-kun did you develop a special talent such as mind reading?”

Ryo grinned. “So it seems like it. Why are you upset anyway?”

Yoko turned his gaze at the same wall Ryo was staring at. “I am not sure if I am fit to be with you guys.” He confessed finally. “I mean you and Subaru are great vocals and besides you are good at guitar too. Sho-chan is amazing with his guitar and of course Maru is a great bass. Ohkura is like a god when he is playing the drums.”

“And you think you don’t have any talent at all, nor can you dance.” Ryo sighed.

“Something like that.” Yoko admitted. “I sometimes wonder what I am doing here.”

“I was thinking the same too. Well sometimes I still do.”

Yoko turned his gaze to Ryo in disbelief. “You do? You are the fans ‘sexy Osaka Man’!”

“Yeah. Whatever.” Ryo shrugged. “But did you watch yourself on DVD or TV?”

“Of course I did. We all do. All the time.”

“Not like that.” Ryo waved his hands to the side. “No. I mean when you are at home, when you are resting or something, did you watch it for fun only?”

“Hmmm. I didn’t know Dokkun was this self-centred.”

“Hey I am not! I am just saying you should watch yourself with more attention. Sometimes you use your voice really effectively. And sometimes you are the best at dancing. Everyone has their ups and downs. Kicyu is not the same without you, you know. Nor Onigishi…”

“Yes but-”

“Besides what would we do without your MC?” Ryo laughed.

“Don’t make fun of your elders.” Yoko smacked his head.

“Ouch, sorry.”

Yoko grinned. “Sometimes you are back to being that cute little child. You were such a good boy.”

“I still am, idiot.  did I do something to you?”

“You just called me idiot.”

“Sorry.” Ryo slapped his hands together and bowed towards Yoko. “Sorry, Yokoyama-kun.”

Yoko chuckled at the younger’s reaction. “You are right, if I were not here who would make fun of you.” He turned his attention back to the wall still smiling.

“Right, thank you for that, I really appreciate it.” Ryo’s voice was mocking.

Hina entered the room to see his too bandmates staring at the wall. The scene seemed peculiar to him. “What is it guys?” He went over to them, standing near the wall they were staring at.

“There was a bug right there, just where you are standing right now.” Yoko pointed at the wall. Hina jumped away with a scared face while Ryo and Yoko laughed in unison.

 

“Oh so that was it. You two were making fun of me!” Hina waved a finger at Yoko.

“It’s not the right time for the b-gatan.” Subaru jumped in. He was laughing too.

“This was a great story, I don’t understand why you didn’t want to share it.” Koyama started. He was really touched by the story. Then again Koyama was always touched by any little member-ai moment.

“Remember your promise.” Yoko said in a dangerous tone.

“Right sorry.”

“Maru...”

“Ok... the next one is... me?”

“Now is a good one coming.” Yoko and Subaru smirked.

“Well, I don’t know if it was good or not. Buuuuut… you remember when we went to a public bath last time?” Maru began. “Yoko caught me yelling at Ryo.”

“Yeah, yeah. Ryo was screaming and apologizing.” Subaru helped. News members looked at each other with curious eyes.

“There was a photoshoot a few days ago.”

 

Flashback

Maru went in to their dressing room as a furious Ryo followed him.

“Can’t you stop fooling around for just a minute!” he scolded the other. “At least for just one minute!”

“Come on Ryo-chan!” Maru singed. “They were quite happy with the results.”

“Yeah, everyone was quite happy that I nearly broke my leg!”

“It’s not a big deal okay.”

Ryo looked at him with furious eyes. “Not a big deal? Are you for real?!”

“Hey you two.” Ohkura leaned in from the doorway. “You are extremely loud; be quiet will you.”

“Shut up Bonkura!” Ryo scolded the drummer.

“Yeah, yeah, nice to see you too Ryo-chan.” Ohkura disappeared from the door.

“Hey Ryo-chan.” Maru said cheerfully and put an arm around the younger’s shoulders.

“What!”

“Let’s go to a public bath together after the shooting ends.”

“You. Are you trying to change the subject?”

Maru sent an apologetic smile towards him. “No idiot, I am trying to apologize here.” He looked expectantly at Ryo, his eyes big with excitement.

“Oh you do? It doesn’t seem like it, looking from here!” Ryo folded his arms.

Maru sighed. “Please, please, please. I will try to be more careful.” He stepped away and fully bowed in front of Ryo “Sorry. Let’s go the bath after, to... you know... make peace.”

Ryo’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Err… okay… whatever.”

“Great!” Maru happily skipped out of the door, leaving a slightly embarrassed and motly confused Ryo behind.

As the day continued, he really tried his best to not to be a burden for Ryo. But that made it hard for the other members. Since he was extra careful, it made him extra clumsy as well. He accidently spilled Subaru’s water, soaking Yassu; eating the pudding – which was Ohkura’s, Ohkura nearly killed him for that; tripping and nearly broke Yoko’s arm – instead of Ryo’s leg that is.  All of them was on edge while Ryo was laughing at them.

“Ryo-chaaaaan. We are done, let’s go?” Maru asked in a sweet tone.

“Ryo be careful, he might kill you.” warned Subaru as he was dressing back to his clothes. “He is extra chipper today.”

“Yeah, okay, bye.”

Maru, who was in an extremely good mood, took them to a public bath nearby. Cheered everyone with one liners, creating laughter all around. Everything was going okay until it came to the cold water.

Ryo shivered. “Do I have to? Let’s skip this part.”

“No way!” Maru was grinning now. “I waited for this part for so long.”

“Eh?” Ryo’s eyes widened, then he understood. “You! You... this was on purpose.”

“Of course! Get in quickly.”

“It’s cold.” Ryo jumped up and down. “It’s cold, it’s cold! I don’t want to! I refuse! It’s cold, it’s cold. So this was your revenge plan?”

“Yelling at me always even if I didn’t do anything. Suits you well. Get in now!” he commanded the younger.

“No way! I am not going to let you bully me you idiot. I am getting out!”

“In your dreams.” Maru filled a pot with cold water and splashed it to Ryo before he could get out.

Ryo Screamed. “You are so dead Maruyama Ryuhei! I promise you!”

And then they started running around the bath, chasing each other.

“Keep that damn water away from me!”

 

“You are such a bully Maruyama Ryuhei!” Hina laughed.

“Isn’t revenge very sweet.” Maru commented at his own story as he grinned sweetly.

“Well, that was definitely mean, but fun.” Koyama laughed. News members all seemed amused; mostly because it was hard to picture Ryo in such situations where he was bullied.

“Hai, Hai.” Maru laughed and spinned the pen again.

“It’s my turn.” Informed Tegoshi. A bitter smile spread over his delicate features. “Okay for my memory of Ryo-tan; he treated me with lunch...”

 

Flashback

“Thank you Ryo-tan! I am so happy.” Tegoshi exclaimed cheerfully.

“You are really easy to please.” Ryo laughed. “Hey do you want to come over to Osaka again?”

“Can I?” Tegoshi asked with excited puppy eyes. “Can I really?”

Ryo laughed again. “Yes of course. that’s why I am asking, you idiot.”

Tegoshi grinned. “So can I eat your moms cooking again? It was delicious.”

“Yup.”

“When are you going?”

“After the Music Station show. I might go the next morning. I am not sure yet.”

“Okay great! I am free for a few days, I will be there I promise. I really like your family, they treat me really, really nice. I feel so happy.”

“Is that why?” Ryo laughed. “Don’t you ever think about anyone else Tegoshi?”

“Nah.” Tegoshi filled his mouth with pudding. “Isn’t it bothersome to do so.”

Ryo laughed. “You sure are spoiled.”

A girl’s whisper reached them. “Hey, hey, aren’t they famous?”

Ryo choked on his juice. “Finish your pudding fast will you. I don’t want to see fangirls all over me right now.”

“Yes, yes, they are from News.” continued another girl.

“Are you sure?”

“But Ryo-chan loves girls, right?” Tegoshi teased with a huge grin on his face. “Besides as Johnny’s idols we should smile at them, not run away.”

Ryo rolled his eyes. “Yea, yea. You sure don’t know what you are talking about. Grow up soon will you Tesshi.” Ryo eyed the girls with the corner of his eyes; their numbers were increasing.

“Let’s go and ask for an autograph.” A girl nudged her friend.

“Faster babyface.” Ryo said impatiently to Tegoshi.

“Why does that sound like an insult coming out of your mouth.” Tegoshi pouted.

“Because it is.”

He heard the girls again and rushed to finish his pudding.

“Maybe we shouldn’t bother them. Tegoshi is cute...” the girls were saying.

Tegoshi grinned. “They are not going to bother us because I am cute Ryo-tan.”

“... but I don’t like Nishikido. He is so frightening.”

Tegoshi’s smile froze on his face.

“It’s not because you are cute idiot.” Ryo teased with a smile on his face, but Tegoshi saw Ryo was actually upset.

“Let’s go, I am finished.” said Tegoshi as he rose from his seat. Ryo didn’t say a word as he paid the bill and followed Tegoshi outside.

“I am sorry Ryo-chan, it was...”

“Don’t be bothered by it.” Ryo smiled at him calmly. Come to Osaka next week. My mother really loves having you around.

 

“Same thing happened with me too.”  Ohkura commented.

“Oh? What happened Tacchon?”

“Not his turn Yassu, wait for it.” Subaru calmed his band mate.

“It is sad how they see Ryo-chan.” Said Koyama.

“It can’t be helped, he acts that way.” commented Shige.

“So would you prefer him to change his attitude?” Yoko asked slowly.

Shige suddenly felt nervous. “No, no...” he mumbled something that no one, even Koyama who was next to him couldn’t hear.

“Please spin the pen Maruyama-kun” said Yamapi, saving his bandmate. They all watched the spinning pen silently. It slowed down and stopped pointing at Yassu.

“Me? Okay.” Yassu sat up.

“Why are you getting all worked up?” Yoko smacked his head.

“ouch, ouch, ouch, Yokoyama-kun!”

“Start your story already junior.” Said Yoko, not looking at him.

“Stop that act will you.” Now it was Subaru’s turn to smack Yoko’s head. “Sho-chan go on.” All Eito members were grinning already.

“Okay.”

 

Flashback

Yassu entered the empty dressing room. Well it seemed empty at first glance. He found Ryo sitting on the floor a second later. His bandmate was leaning his back on the couch, playing his guitar and taking some notes on the sheet in front of him.

“Great!” he yelled with excitement. “Yasuda Shota-sama!”

“Eh?”

“I really love you for your excellent timing.”

Yassu looked at Ryo, the younger had all his hair messy. “You know you look like a child with your messy hair.”

“No way! Your lying right?” Ryo tried to combine his hair with one hand but then he got bored. “Whatever. Help me please.” He looked at the skilled guitarist with puppy eyes.

Yassu sighed. “Are you trying to steal the ‘cute’ title from me?”

“Are you an idiot? Unlike you I am very manly.” He threw a cool look towards Yassu “I can’t be cute. Now will you stop this stupid conversation and help me out.”

“Pfft.” Yassu let out a chuckle. “Okay what is it? I have a feeling that if you didn’t need my help you wouldn’t be this nice.”

“Of course not.” Ryo admitted. “Now listen, I think there is some kind of disconnection here.” Ryo started playing his guitar a bit while mumbling. Yassu listened a bit but got distracted looking at the sheet.

“These are nice lyrics.” He commented. He stared at one sheet after another.

“Hey! You terrible fashionista, listen carefully!”

“Ryo-chan?” Yassu lifted his gaze to Ryo’s. “Do you always write your songs for the one-night stands? Or do you write them to an imaginary lover in your head?”

“Am I that shallow idiot.” Ryo smacked Yassu’s head playfully. “Thinking again, I might be. Am I that shallow?” his voice changed to a serious tone this time.

Yassu looked worried. “Are you okay Ryo-chan? I was so worried about you after ‘last friends’ and there was that drawing of yours ‘life and death’.”

“Aren’t you worrying too much.” Ryo didn’t look up as he noted something down on the sheet. “I am not going to be affected because of a tiny thing like that.”

“But you seem to have some problems.”

Ryo looked up with calm eyes. “Doesn’t everybody have problems Yassu? Seriously, you are worrying way too much. There is nothing serious, so can you please help me out.”

“Ah, yes...” But Yassu still seemed anxious.

“Yassu...” Ryo’s tone was like a warning. “You’re getting on my nerves.”

“Sorry, Sorry.”

 

Maru was spinning the pen again and again.

“You don’t have to show how bored you are.” Yassu pouted.

“No I wasn’t bored. It’s sad that we don’t know what was bothering him.” Maru commented. “Because obviously something was if he was hiding it this well.”

“Hmm…” came Hina’s voice. All of them fell silent for a full minute.

Yoko sighed heavily, breaking the silence. “Let’s move to the next one.”

“Okay… Ah, It’s Subaru.”

Subaru straightened his back and looked up at the ceiling. “Okay. Let me think... let me think...”

“You should have thought about it already.” Hina complained.

“Okay.” Subaru clapped his hands. “I found one. The night before Music Station...”

 

Flashback

Subaru was outside of Ryo’s door, knocking at the door endlessly.

“What is it? Oh, Subaru?” Ryo stared at him with sleepy eyes.

“Its 9 pm and you are sleeping already?” Subaru’s eyes widened. “Are you a chicken.” He walked past Ryo and went right to the living room.

“I guess I should quit going to Ohkura’s dads place.” Ryo yawned. “His sleepiness is contagious. What did you get me?” He looked at the bags Subaru was carrying.

“Something to eat and beer.”

“Great!” Ryo grinned. “Apology accepted.”

“I wasn’t apologizing silly.” Subaru smacked Ryo’s sleepy head.

“Well you should, waking me in the middle of my sweet dream.” Ryo scratched his heads and loomed over the bags. “Hmmm?” He began to search the bags but Subaru snatched them away.

“Not before the others come.”

“Others? Who else is coming?”

“Shingo and Takki.”

“Eh?” Ryo’s eyes widened. “You didn’t! He won’t stop complaining about the mess.” He threw himself on the couch. “Who invited you to begin with?”

Subaru grinned. “Being an elderly person, we don’t need your permission to come over. We invited ourselves.”

“Yeah. Elderly. How old were you? Sixty something?”

“Shut up. Yoko always complains about how awful you became. He has a point there.”

“Hey I didn’t do anything to him.” His stomach rumbled. “Can’t we stoke a bit?”

Subaru grinned from where her was looking through Ryo’s DVD collection. But since his back was turned to the other, of course Ryo didn’t see it. “Sure you can, but under one condition.”

“Why do I feel it’s going to be a hard one.” Ryo whined.

“No, why would it be? You lost some weight lately. I am here to help you to gain some.” Subaru proudly folded his arms in front of him and smiled down at his juniorç

“Right. Sure you are. I am having an ominous feeling about this whole situtaion. What is the condition?”

“If you are going to eat before them, you have to answer my questions.”

Ryo rolled his eyes. “What kind of questions are these?”

Subaru smiled at him sweetly. “Nothing much.” He took out a dish which was wrapped carefully. “You can eat if you don’t answer the question.”

“What is this?” Ryo smiled. “Knowing you, this is not going to be as easy as it sounds.”

Subaru unpacked the package, he placed it on the coffee table in front of Ryo, and handed two chopsticks to his bandmate.

“What is this?” Ryo leaned forward to examine the dish. Fried something. But he couldn’t figure out what.

“You have to promise to obey the rules.”

“Okay.” Ryo agreed absentmindedly.

“You have to eat if you choose not to answer and you can’t eat if you answer. The game lasts till Takki and Hina comes.”

“Ok, OK, I promise.”

“No backing out.”

“Nope.”

“First question: which band do you prefer, News or Kanjani8?”

They both grinned at each other. Then Ryo took a piece and stuffed it in his mouth. But slowly his expression turned in to disgust.

“You have to swallow it, you promised.” Subaru grinned at him evilly.

Ryo scorned to the tiny man and swallowed his mouth. “You tricked me with fish! I can’t believe you! You! I hate fish you know that!” he held his stomach. “Ugh… I feel like throwing up.”

“No you don’t.” Subaru said chipper. “You have to continue, you promised. It’s your choice to eat fish or answer the questions.”

Ryo looked around. “They better hurry. Where is my phone?”

“No wasting time. Second question...”

Ryo grunted. “Give me a break will you.”

“Permission denied. Second question: do you have a death wish?”

“Of course not you idiot!” Ryo was taken aback. “Did you talk with Yassu?”

“I am the one who is asking questions here. Do you have some problems?”

Ryo threw a look to the fried fishes on the coffee table. “Yes I do.”

“Are they serious?”

“No of course not.” Ryo laughed.

“Then you can tell me about them.”

Ryo’s laughter died in an instant.

“What are they?” Subaru pressed.

Ryo stayed mute.

“Oi Nishikido if you are not going to answer then you have to eat.”

“Why are you torturing me with fish? I...” His eyes filled with tears. Subaru’s eyes widened with shock.

“Ryo...”

“Can’t we just wait silently?” Ryo turned his head away, hoping the tears would dry before dropping.

“No we can’t.” Subaru said in a low voice. “Maybe it is not right to ask for your personal problems. We don’t intrude in each other’s personal problems but-“

“You are right, we don’t.” Ryo cut off in a harsh tone. “Would you leave this matter alone?” He was now starring at the ceiling. His jaw was clenching.

“No, I can’t. I don’t know if we are considered friends but we do care about you a lot.”

Ryo suddenly reached for another piece of fried fish and filled it in his mouth, and grimaced with disgust. Subaru watched him with anxious eyes, but he didn’t say anything. At that exact moment they heard the knock on the door.

 

“My ‘memory’ was from the same night.” Was Hina’s comment.

“Thank you for showing how concerned you yourself are.” Said Subaru rolling his eyes.

“Saying that won’t change anything now will it.” Hina shot back.

The others seemed to be thoughtful before Yoko instructed Maru to continue.

Maru spinned the pen. “Yamashita. His turn is over idiot pen.” he spinned it again. It pointed at Shige this time.

“Okay. My memory is from last night.” Shige started.

 

Flasback

Shige entered the dressing room reserved for their group. He wasn’t feeling very well but that was okay; food, medicine, a good sleep, he would be perfectly fine the next morning.

Tegoshi was singing while Massu was helping him with his hair. Koyama was eating and reading at the same time. Yamapi was listening to music, he was lost in his own world. At the other side of the room Ryo was lying on the couch. He was fully dressed and ready for stage but lying like that would probably make a mess of his clothes and hair. His eyes were closed but he was not sleeping, Shige could see that he frowned and then turned his eyebrows back to normal.

Usually at these kind of situation Shige wouldn’t bother the grouchy man but today he was tired too. He had his drama going on and seemed like he caught a flu.

“Nishikido-kun can you make some space for me too.” His voice was void of any emotion.

Ryo opened his eyes to see who was talking and rubbed one of them. He looked up at Shige waiting patiently at his side. For a second Ryo seemed like he couldn’t figure out who was the man in front of him. Then he got up. “Ah yes, Sorry.” He squeezed himself at the very edge of the couch.

Shige sat down quietly. This part of the room wasn’t very bright. All lights were near the mirrors. Maybe Ryo closed the lights on this part purposefully to rest.

The air around them was awkward as usual. Shige coughed. Ryo sighed.

“Are you okay?”

“Yup, thank you for asking Nishikido-kun.”

“You are way too formal Shige. I won’t bite I promise.” Ryo smiled weakly as he stared at the other side of the room, staring at nothing in particular.

“Sorry.”

“Stop apologizing. Are you sick?”

Shige nodded and turned to look at the other man. But when he realized Ryo wasn’t looking at him he answered his question vocally. “It seems like it.” He said.

“You should take a rest. Don’t push yourself much or it will become worse.”

“Speaking from personal experience.” Shige mocked him, a smile creeping up his face.

Ryo finally turned his gaze towards him. His famous dark orb-like eyes were full of emotions that Shige couldn’t place. But he was sure they weren’t very good. Despite that, Ryo managed to smile at Shige.

“So what?” He tried to sound energetic, Shige could tell that much.

“You should rest more.” Shige commented.

Ryo laughed. “I am not the sick one here.” He messed his styled hair more. “Whatever. After the show you should go rest before it turns out bad. And take care of yourself. Like eating properly.”

“I am eating quiet well.” Shige smirked. “I am the groups fatty right now actually. And you are nearly tinier then Tegoshi.”

“What!” Ryo looked at him in disbelief. “I am not! No way!”

Shige laughed to the turn of the events. “You are so loud. They are going to think I am bullying you Nishikido-kun.”

“You can stop with the formalities. We are bandmates after all.”

“Yeah right, I am worried about my safety you see.” Shige was chatting happily so he didn’t expect Ryo’s outburst.

“Why the hell does everyone thinks I am a scary guy? I didn’t kill anyone did I? Nor did I torture anyone. Oh sorry I did right? I tortured you with... what was it? Food. And...”

“What’s going on?” Koyama seemed worried. Tegoshi and Massu turned to see what was going on. Seeing the angry face of Ryo and the shocked one of Shige they wrongly deduced Ryo was bullying Shige again.

“Nishikido-kun, Don’t fight okay?” said Massu. “Shige probably didn’t mean it.”

Ryo got up. “Sorry for that.” He mumbled and he got out of the room in a hurry, slamming the door behind him. Yamapi raised his head at the sound. He unplugged one of his ears.

“What was that? Did something happen?”

 

“I am so ashamed.” Yamapi said. “I was spacing out and didn’t see Ryo’s bad state.

“Did you get better?” asked Koyama, concerned.

“Of course I did.” answered Shige. “I take care of my health carefully. I won’t push myself to my limits and collapse unlike a certain person.” He smiled bitterly. At the moment he would prefer a Nishikido at his limits rather than a dead Nishikido.

“Is it only me or is this getting worse?” asked Massu.

“It’s only you.” countered Ohkura. “Next one Maru.” He pointed at the pen for Maru to move the game forward.

“Next one is Masuda.” Informed Maru in surprise.

“Lighten the air then little man.” Said Ohkura.

Massu cleaned his throat. He looked around nervously.

 

Flashback

“Over here Nishikido-kun.” Massu waved at the man with a cap on his head.

Ryo rushed over to him as he frowned. “Ssshh!” he scolded Massu. “I don’t want to see any fangirls around.”

“Eh? Why? They are cute.”

“Right.”

“Nishikido-kun you seem nervous.” Masu laughed. “Are you worried about tonight’s show?”

“Nope, why would I?” Ryo said as he checked the menu. “Oi Massu! Couldn’t you pick a better place?” he complained. “These are all sweet!”

“Eh?” Massu laughed. “I didn’t notice sorry. I didn’t really search since I am not picky.”

“Well I am.” Ryo said, he was getting angry, Massu could see it in his eyes.

“Sorry, we can go somewhere else.”

“Err, hello.” Said a high school girl. “Are you, erm”

Massu smiled at her, and her friends, brightly as he winked to Ryo. “You want an autograph?”

“Yes please.” The girl was about to melt. Massu took her pen and signed whatever she handed at him. And one another for the girl behind her, and another for the girl behind the next one... the line of fangirls continued. Some of them even wanted a photo together.

Ryo frowned at the sight and then looked out of the window, his elbow on the table, his chin on his palm. No one had noticed him yet with his cap and glasses obstructing half his face.

“Ah!” one of the girls accidently dropped her books. “Isn’t that Nishikido.”

“Is he?”

“Nishikido-chan.” Massu called out in a sweet voice. Ryo turned to look at them, bored.

“Eh, Scary.” whispered one of the girls to the other.

“We should go.” Said another.

“We are sorry.” One girl bowed. “We are sorry to disturb you.” They all ran out.

“You scared the fangirls.” Massu laughed.

“Yeah sorry.” was the only thing that came out of Ryo’s mouth.

Massu looked worried for a second but then a waiter came by. “May I take your order?”

“Yes, yes, we are really hungry.” Massu smiled brightly at the waiter. He was pretty sure Ryo seemed gloomy so he tried his best to hide that fact from the others. He ordered many things for himself and something for his friend, seeing the man wasn’t going to order anything. Their orders arrived shortly.

“Eat up Nishikido-kun.”

“You know you don’t have to be so formal-” Ryo began but glancing down at the dish place on the table, he stopped. Massu looked at him curiously as Ryo suddenly covered his mouth with his hand.

“Are you okay Nishikido-kun?” Ryo now closed his eyes and started to take deep breaths. “Here, some water.” Offered Massu. Ryo shook his head to refuse.

“Sorry.” Said Ryo awhile later. “I might have eaten too much fish last night.”

“Fish? You never eat fish, you hate fish.”

“Yeah.” Ryo let out slowly, his eyes still closed. “Why don’t we continue this lunch later?”

“Okay. Want me to-“

“I can go by myself, thank you.” He smiled and got up.

 

“So he was sick too?” said Koyama. The other News members shrugged. Shige squirmed from where he sat; guilt was creeping in his consciousness.

“Stop that!” Koyama scolded. “It’s not your fault.” He offered his friend a small smile before turning back to the game.

Eito was watching the pen choose the next person, seemingly ignoring the little interaction between the News members.

Lately the pen was pointing only at the ones who already shared their memories. Maru, Subaru, Yamapi, Shige, ah Koyama.

“My turn at last.” Koyama smiled.

“This better be good Kei-chan.” Tegoshi mumbled.

“Yes, yes. We were going to practice our dance steps for our latest single.” Koyama turned towards the Kanjani eight members. “We kept making mistakes so we thought we should study on it...”

 

Flashback

“Good morning Ryo-chan!” Koyama entered the dressing room cheerfully. “How are you today?” Ryo, who was lying on the couch as usual, looked back at him.

“You are noisy.” He lifted his arm to cover his eyes.

Koyama went over to the couch and examined Ryo from head to toe. Ryo startled as he felt the others presence looming over him. He lifted his arm to his forehead.

“What is it Koyama?”

“You don’t seem well.”

“I am well enough.”

“You lost weight.”

“Nope, I did not.”

“You sure about that?”

“Yup very sure.” Ryo covered his eyes with his arm again.

“Ryo-chan, looking from here, you are very pale...” Ryo lifted his arm again and looked at the tall man frowning. “...you have dark circles around your eyes, your cheeks caved in even more. You are definitely thinner than me, Yamapi, Massu and Shige.”

“Did you start to day dream? Listening you I feel like a skeleton already.”

“You are not very far from it.”

Ryo sighed. “Can you stop acting like my mother?”

“Don’t you know they call me KoyaMama.” Koyama grinned and pointed both his thumbs to himself.

“Suits you well. Now can you stop standing there, it makes me feel dizzy.” Ryo changed his position to sitting.

“Nope. Did you have breakfast today?”

“Yup.”

“Dinner last night?”

“Yup.”

“Did you go out clubbing?”

“Yup.”

“Did you drink much?”

“Yup.”

“Are you stupid?”

“Not as much as you are.”

Koyama rolled his eyes “Well looks like your brain functions well.” He sat next to him

“Thank you doctor, am I going to live?”

“Nope, not much.”

“Too bad, there were some chicks you know. I might have seen them tonight. Can I make it to tonight? Ouch.” Koyama punched him on the arm.

“We are worried about you; can’t you at least accept our help?”

Ryo stared at him, surprised. “Thank you, but there is no need for you to worry. You know I can’t gain weight easily. Actually, it bothers me very much so can you stop mentioning it?”

“Okay, sorry. You are not worried about anything?”

“No mama!” Ryo said warily. “All I am worried about right now is I couldn’t sleep enough.”

“Okay, I am sorry. I’ll let you sleep until everyone arrives.”

“Thank you, mama.” Ryo smiled faintly and let himself fall on the couch. “It’s a lovely feeling.” He mumbled.

“You didn’t have to come this early you know.”

“Hmm...” Ryo was slowly drifting to sleep when Tegoshi entered the room cheerful, much more than Koyama.

“Good morning! Oh Ryo-chan you don’t look well, are you okay?”

Ryo hid his face with his arms. “Give me a break already.”

 

Eito was trying not to laugh. “What is it?” Koyama asked.

“KoyaMAMA!” Subaru laughed.

“What about it.” Koyama pouted.

“Next one!” yelled Yamapi as he tried to avoid a possible fight.

“Okay...” Maru spinned the pen. “Yoko... Koyama... me... Subaru... Tegoshi... Masuda... Yoko again... and Yamapi again... Yassu... Ohkura... me... Yoko...”

“Stop spinning already you idiot. It’s Tacchon’s turn.” Hina said. “I am the last one.”

Ohkura sighed. “Okay-“

“Tell us about that incident you were talking about earlier.”

Ohkura looked at Tegoshi. “I am going to, if you stop interrupting me.”

“Sorry.” Tegoshi mumbled. But he didn’t seem ashamed at all.

Ohkura cleared his throat. “We were having lunch together...”

 

Flashback

Ryo was filling his mouth as much as he could. Ohkura laughed. “Of course you can’t gain weight like that, Ryo-chan.”

Ryo raised his head to throw an angry look at the drummer.

“Hey!” Ohkura raised both his hands. “I am telling the truth here. If you eat that fast you won’t be able to eat much, so you won’t be able to gain much weight.”

Ryo swallowed down. “Are you jealous because you’re chubby?” he asked in a playful tone.

Ohkura laughed again. “Who would want a thin waist like a girl.”

“Hey!” Ryo frowned. “I can’t help it okay.”

Ohkura was about to comment when a girl interrupted them.

“Hello.” She said with a shy smile. She seemed like a college student.

“Hello.” Greeted Ohkura, raising an eyebrow. Ryo was trying to hide his smirk.

“Well, I was watching you from over there.” She pointed a table far from theirs. “And you seemed very attractive.”

“Ah.”

Ryo bit his lips to keep himself from making any sound. His eyes were sparkling with amusement.

“Thank you.” Ohkura said coldly. he would probably laugh at this later with Ryo; but not now, not in front of her.

“I was wondering… erm… if you’d like to do something together tonight? We can meet at-“ she was interrupted by Ryo, who couldn’t stop himself from giggling. Ohkura bit his lips, his face remained cold but his eyes sparkling just like Ryo’s.

“Why did you- Oh sorry but aren’t you Nishikido Ryo?” The last sentence was said in a bit of a harsh tone.

“Yeah, what about it peacock?” Ryo wouldn’t let anyone bully him, not easily.

“Hmph, just expected from you. Always acting like you are something and treating others like trash.” The girl started a full-on rant on Ryo. “You are a disgrace in Johnny’s I think you should quit already. I still don’t understand why you picked on poor Ueda! He was so kind towards you! At least have the decency to leave News, they are nice guys. Don’t take them down with you. I really can’t believe Yamapi lists someone like you as his friend.” Ryo’s eyes grow wider and wider at every sentence, but he kept his mouth shut.

“Probably Yamapi is not as shallow as you yourself are.” Ohkura answered instead. “Just because you saw him say something bad to Ueda, you developed this shallow thinking, hmpfh.” Now it was the girls turn to stay silent and watch with big eyes. “I wonder, do you know anything about Ryo, other than the so-called fight between him and Ueda?”

“He... he made fun of him to get popular, there is nothing I need to know to see that.”

“Right. To get popular. Pretty smart thinking there. I forgot that you fans knew everything. Even we don’t know all these things. It’s amazing how clever you are, how you can get in someone’s brain so easily.”

“He made Ueda cry!”

“He wasn’t crying.” Ohkura didn’t lose his calmness from the beginning. “He was trying to hide his face because he was laughing actually. Even if he was, why can’t you think that there might be some reason behind this ‘fight’?”

“Oi Ohkura!” Ryo butt in uncomfortably. “Aren’t you talking way too much?”

“Sorry.” Ohkura shrugged. The girl was about to cry. “But I really hate shallow people.”

“Let’s go.” Ryo patted Ohkura’s shoulder. “I don’t think I can eat anymore.”

“Good idea.”

They left the stunned girl all by herself and left the place.

“Thank you Tacchon.” Ryo smiled weakly once they were far away from the girl.

“No problem at all.” Ohkura put an arm around his friends shoulder. “Hey let’s go watch a movie.”

“You mean humiliate a movie?” Ryo’s smile grew brighter.

Ohkura shrugged. “It can’t be helped that all the movies lately are disgrace.” Ryo tensed at the last word but didn’t let his smile fade away.

 

Hina sighed. “My turn?”

“I would like to hit that girl really hard.”

“Tegoshi!” Koyama exclaimed in surprise.

“Come on Koyama. You are not going to act all optimistic right now are you?” Said Yamapi. “She deserves it.”

Hina whistled. “And I thought I was the tough one here. Apparently News can bite.”

“Start your ‘memory’ Shin-chan.” Yassu yawned.

“Okay, okay. Back to the night Subaru was talking about. Takki and I entered a very messy flat that night.”

“Skip that part.” Said Yoko.

 

Flashback

Hina and Ryo was sitting next to each other silently. Ryo was wearing his glasses now. Subaru and Takki was talking about something in the kitchen. They seemed to forget the other two in the house.

“Hey Nishikido-kun.” said Hina.

“Yes Murakami-kun?”

“You couch is comfy.”

“Why, thank you.”

“Nishikido-kun you look quiet dorky tonight.”

“Thank you again Murakami-kun.”

“Nishikido-kun, did you buy a PlayStation?”

“No Murakami-kun, I did not. Try to entertain yourself with something different will you.”

“Like What Nishikido-kun?”

“How could I know? I am not you Murakami-kun. Thankfully.” He added.

“You are awful Nishikido-kun.”

“Thank you that’s quite a compliment Murakami-kun.”

“And you look awful too Nishikido-kun.”

“Thank you again Murakami-kun.”

“Are you sick again Nishikido-kun?”

“I am not sick okay! I am sick of people asking that to me Shin-chan.”

“I won yaaay!” laughed Hina happily. Ryo rolled his eyes.

“I see you found yourself something to entertain with.”

“Yup. It’s called ‘Ryo-chan’.”

“There are others here, why don’t you entertain yourself with them?”

“Don’t complain, you are the one who didn’t buy a PS.”

Ryo sighed. “Why did you guys invite yourselves here tonight?”

“We just wanted to spend some time with you. Takki-san is mad at you because you ditched him last time.”

Ryo shrugged. “You can’t complain, we went out together. And he can’t complain too. I didn’t promise him anything.”

“Nice to see you cheering again.”

“Eh?” Ryo looked at Hina, surprised.

“You are quiet down lately.”

Ryo bit his lower lip as he looked in front of him. “What makes you think that way Murakami-kun.” he forced himself to laugh. Hina frowned at the sight.

“You are just not yourself.”

“It’s nothing really.” Ryo waved his hand and turned to him with a smile. “My stomach is not very well tonight, I hope-“

“What kind of a lame excuse is that?”

“No, really, it is not.”

“Even if it is the truth, it’s not an excuse to run away from a conversation.”

“I am not running away!”

“Yes you are!”

“I am sitting here am I not! You are just imagining things. Grow up idiot, we are not children anymore.”

“Nope. But the one acting childish is you.”

Ryo crossed his arm and pouted.

“See.” Said Hina. He sighed. “Maybe you are right, maybe it’s not my business. I just wanted to help you.”

“Thank you but I don’t have any problems that warrants a serious discussion right now.” Ryo pointed out as he silently examined the leftovers at the coffee table. Hina sighed and scratched his hair.

“Fine.” He then looked towards the kitchen. The two men they left there was now starring at them silently.

“Nothing?” Subaru asked silently.

Hina shook his head. ‘Nope’

 

“And I think this was the end of our little game.” Hina sighed. Nobody talked for a while.

“I want...” Tegoshi began. But he stopped. He was trying to figure out how selfish his request was and how acceptable it was under these circumstances.

“Just say it Tesshi.” Koyama encouraged him.

“Yeah we are used to your selfish requests, no need to be afraid.” Yamapi said with a bitter smile.

“I want to spend the night at Ryo-chan’s place.”

“Eh?” News seemed to be confused. Eito looked at each other.

“It’s not a bad idea actually.” Said Ohkura.

Everyone looked at each other, maybe they had different reasons maybe their reasons were same but nobody asked the other why they wanted to share the night over at a deceased person’s house. They only agreed to go

“Why don’t we get going then?” Yoko got up quietly and started to gather his things.

 

To be continued...