“She sounds like a wonderful person,” Natsumi-san said as we sat in the grass in a park. “I bet she was.”

“She was.” Of course she was. I loved her. She was so wonderful.

“You loved her. No, you love her.” I do. I nodded. I glanced up at Natsumi-san. She had on a smile and looked at me with soft eyes. For some reason I couldn’t look away. My eyes were glued to hers. “How did she…you know?” I nodded. I don’t know why, but there was something about Natsumi-san that made me want to open up to her. It was so easy for me to tell her things. Things that I would never tell anyone else. Things that I wouldn't even admit to myself. Yet, I found my mouth saying things to her when I opened it.

“I was walking her home…” I started. “It was a cold night and the ground was a little slick. We were crossing the road and this car came, it couldn’t stop…” I paused to hold back the tears, to calm my voice down. “She pushed me out of the way…” I took in a few deep breaths.

“She saved you then,” Natsumi-san patted my back. “It’s not your fault that she’s gone. Why do you think that?”

“Because if I were quicker, I could have moved out of the way, saving the both of us!” I couldn’t help but raise my voice.

“You think so? Maybe you would end up dead? Maybe the both of you…” she said quietly.

“I wouldn’t let that happen.”

“I bet you wouldn’t let her die happen either, but it did happen.” She was right. I couldn’t say anything back.

“She wanted you to live. She wants you to be happy. She wants you to move on.”

“How do you know? How do you know that she wants me to move on?” once I knew though. Kaho would want me to move on, to be happy. Natsumi-san didn’t answer me; she just gave me a look. She knew that I knew. That I only said it, not meant it.

“How long are you going to be depressed?” depressed…

“I don't want to be…” I sighed. “But I can’t get my mind off of …”

“Get a hobby, don’t you have hobbies? What’s your job? Put everything into your job!” she exclaimed. “You might get a promotion?” A promotion? To what? SMAP?

“I can’t get promotions in my job,” as if Johnny would take me out of Arashi and put me into another group. I wonder if she really doesn’t know me. I could get a promotion though, maybe, in Zero. But that then I would be too over whelmed and I might be in a bigger rut then I’m in now.

“You can’t? Why not?” she gasped. “Don't tell me you don’t have a job!”

“I have a job!” I frowned. “How do you think I can afford that place…?”

“Oh yea, you’re rich. You must have a good job then, what is it?” should I tell her? What if she’s just slow and didn’t recognize me? What if she knows me? What if she’s a fan of Jun’s? I’ll be dead… I looked at her once more. She didn’t seem like it. I think I can trust her to some extent.

“Music.”

“You’re in the music world? Wow! Are you famous? If you are…then I know a famous person! Wow!” she doesn’t know me. “Are you in a band?” I nodded. “What is it called? Oh man! This is so cool!” I let out a slight laugh. I felt that feeling again! I wanted to hold on to it.

“Arashi…” I answered hesitantly after the feeling died.

“Arashi? What a weird name. Are you guys famous?”

“Yea, I guess…” I didn’t want to sound full of it. She frowned.

“Sorry, but I’ve never heard of you guys...but then again, I haven’t been here long…” I gave her a quizzical look. Is she not Japanese? “I lived in Canada for a long time. Since I was little, and I just moved back here recently. I only know a few Japanese bands…” she nodded. “Very little. I know this band KAT-TUN is really popular right now. I don’t know why, they’re just a bunch of pretty boys that sing…they’re a boy band that was formed for money…” I felt my chest tighten. I was one of those ‘boy bands’.

“You don’t like boy bands?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“It’s not that, I guess to me, it just seems like they don’t care much about their music. That they’re just handed words and they sing it. No feeling, you know?”

“But some of their songs are written by them. And some of the ‘boy bands’ play their own songs, with instruments…”

“Really?!” She clapped. “That’s neat! Do you play your own instruments?”

“No…” he smile dropped.

“Are you in a boy band?” she said this hesitantly. I nodded. She frowned and bowed her head quickly. “Sorry, I hope I didn’t hurt you…it’s just, I …”

“It’s ok,” I smiled. I didn’t care too much. Kaho used to make fun of me for being in Arashi. She thought it was funny and always talked about it. Natsumi-san still looked worried that she hurt me.

“Are you sure? I want to hear you guys! When is your concert?” her eyes sparkled. She could really jump emotions. I shrugged. We were busy with recording our new album; we probably won’t have a concert for another month or two. “Well, I want to go see your concert, so you should let me know when it is,” she grinned. I smiled back at her. Kaho was always excited to go to my concerts. “I can’t believe you’re in a boy band though,” she gave me a teasing glance. “I bet you have a lot of fans that would go crazy to even be in the same city as you. And look at me! I’m sitting next to you!” she laughed. Why was she laughing? Why was I laughing? I felt the joy flood into me as laughter came out of my mouth. It wasn’t funny, was it?

“Natsumi-san,” my voice shook with laughter. “I want to meet up with you again.” I want to be able to talk to her like this from now on. I want her to lift the weight off of me. I want her to let me feel joy again.

“I don’t usually give my number out on the second date, but I guess I can make an exception,” she smiled, pulling out her cell phone and paused. “Natsumi’s fine.” Natsumi.

“Here, put in your number,” I handed her my phone and I took hers. I punched in my number and handed my phone back to her. She’s my escape.

very nice fanfic!!

Lol!!! Natsumi didn't know who Arashi was!!!! I really like this story!! Keep up the good work!! It's great!!

I like teh way you write Sho I loved the whole promotion thing promoted to what SMAP

“Sho-chan, your phone’s ringing!” Nino called from the changing room.

“Can you get it for me? I still have shampoo!” I closed my eyes as water came rushing down my head. It always feels nice to take hot showers after a long day of rehearsal.

“Ooh! It’s a girl!” Nino exclaimed. I heard a couple of footsteps and murmurs as the other guys crowded around Nino. I shot my eyes open, water and shampoo getting in my eyes. I cried out and shut my eyes quickly, trying to get the stinging out. I blindly reached for my towel and ran out. I bumped into things but managed to reach Nino and take the phone away from him before he answered.

“Hello?” I rubbed my eye.

“Sho!” Natsumi’s voice was cheerful. “You wouldn’t guess what just happened!”

“What?” I walked back to the bathroom to grab another towel to dry my hair off. I heard the guys behind me mumble about how boring I was.

“I just crashed into a bus!”

“What?!” I yelled. “You crashed into a bus? Were you driving? Are you ok?” I heard her laugh.

“Calm down, Sho, I’m fine. I just broke my arm…I was walking…it was my fault.” My heart pounded. Images of Kaho being hit flew back into me and I started to shake.

“I’m so glad you’re ok…” my voice shook. She’s ok. Sho, calm down, she’s ok. “Where are you?”

“I’m at the hospital right now. They want to make sure nothing else is broken or what not.”

“Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be there soon!” I didn’t wait for an answer, I just hung up. I dried off and threw on my clothes. I rushed out of the bathroom and saw the guys staring at me. “I’m leaving.”

“Where are you going?” Jun asked.

“Who was that?” Nino blocked my way.

“The hospital. A friend.” I pushed him away and opened the door. I couldn’t bother with their questions. I needed to get to Natsumi as quickly as I could. I want to make sure she’s ok. I ran down the hall, ignoring the shouts I got from the guys. I stormed outside and stopped a taxi that was passing by. “The hospital.” I breathed out. The driver nodded and turned the car around and headed to towards the hospital.


“Sho?” Natsumi’s voice echoed down the empty hall. She was sitting in a chair outside of a room. I rushed over to her. She had her left hand in a cast and a couple of bandages on her leg. “Not bad, huh?” she grinned.

“Natsumi…” I frowned. “You have no idea how scared I was!” she giggled.

“Sho, you need to learn to relax. Life only comes around once. You can’t live life in safe, indoor, places. Taking chances is all about my life!” she seemed to be glowing. I couldn’t help my body. I found myself hugging her. On my knees, my arms around her body, my head resting on her shoulder.

“Natsumi…” I half laughed and half cried. I was just so glad that she was fine. “Natsumi…” I felt her right arm wrap around me.

“I’m sorry, Sho. I know…it scared you…but I’m here, with you. I guess God still wants me to live?” I looked up at her. She had on a smile, an apologetic smile. I smiled back at her. Leaning in closer, our lips touched.


“Sakurai!” my manager yelled at me the next day. “We weren’t done! We still had that meeting!” I bowed. “You better be sorry!”

“I really am. I’m very sorry.”

“Don’t get too mad at him, he had to go see a friend in the hospital.” I glared at Jun.

“His girlfriend.” Nino smirked. I glared at him even harder, but I didn’t protest.

“Not you too!” my manager smacked his forehead and slumped down into the couch. “I already have to put up with two lovesick puppies!”

“Two?” Jun questioned.

“Well, one has a girlfriend, and another one seems to be in love…” he glanced at Ohno. “And I’m actually not sure about another one…” he then glanced at Nino.

“I don’t have a girlfriend!” Nino defended himself. “Girls are weird.” Ha! Right, Nino, you say that.

“Matsumoto, I’m glad that I can count on you…” The whole room burst into laughter, that is, except Jun, who didn’t look too pleased.

“I can get a girlfriend if I want. How do you know that I’m not in love too? Maybe I am? Maybe I have a girlfriend? Who knows? Maybe I just might be married?” he mumbled to himself, although everyone could hear.

“Jun? Married?” Nino giggled to Ohno.

“I always thought Jun would be the first to get married…” Ohno said, looking over at Masaki.

“I’m not married yet,” Masaki laughed. “Jun could always meet someone tomorrow and get married…”

“So, who is she?” Ohno turned to me.

“Huh?” I wasn’t going to tell him. Or any of them for that matter.

“Her name?”

“Tabitha.”

“Right. How old?” Nino asked, leaning forward.

“147.”

“Where’s she from?” Masaki asked.

“Hmm…Venus.”

“What does she do?” my manager asked.

“She sits on babies.”

“Is she nice?” Jun said, in a rather bored tone.

“She is.” The only truthful answer. Well, sort of. The sitting on babies…well in a way, it’s true. She baby sits, that's sort of the same, isn’t it?

“Sound like a wonderful girl,” Masaki giggled. “I think she’ll be great friends with Rika!” you say that about everyone. But this time, I think he may be right. Natsumi and Rika have a lot in common, I think.

I can’t wait until I get out of this place. Today is my first date date with Natsumi. I actually asked her out on a date. And my plan, by tonight, she’ll be my girlfriend!

She got hit by a bus!! And she was happy!! This is great!! I'm loving this story!!

I woke up in cold sweat. I knew that voice. I know that face. I know her. But who was she? I turned on my lamp next to my bed and looked at the clock. Three. I felt my heart clench. A feeling of missing someone filled me up. Who was I missing? I was missing that girl in my dreams, the girl I didn’t know.

My date with Natsumi went great. We went out to dinner then we went on a walk along the street where we just talked and talked. I signed her cast, then we went out for ice cream. She asked me questions about Arashi and so I took her to a CD store and had her listen to one of our songs. Funny thing is, she’s heard a lot of our songs.

I walked her home. Her apartment was pretty close to mine, which made me a bit happy. That means I get to visit her. About a five minute walk. On my way home I felt light. Happy. As soon as I got home, I took a shower and went to bed. And that's where I am now.

I went to the bathroom and splashed water onto my face. I wiped the water off and went back to bed, only to fall into the same dream. A dream with a girl who I miss so much, a girl I love. But still, I can’t figure out who she is.


The next morning, I woke up drenched. It wasn’t because of the heat either, since my room was on the colder side. It was my dream. The girl. Who is she? Confused, I got up and washed my face before changing into clean clothes. I had a day off and I was planning on surprising Natsumi by taking her out. Hopefully seeing Natsumi will get rid of this weird feeling in the bottom of my gut. I took out my cell phone and dialed the number that was so nerve wrecking to dial.

“Hello?” a tired voice flowed into my ears.

“Good morning,” I grinned. Her voice sounded so cute.

“Sho?” she mumbled. I heard her stifle a yawn.

“I didn’t wake you up, did I?” I felt my grin get wider. “I’m planning on being over there in five minutes, ok?”

“Sure…” I heard another yawn. “…” then the line went dead. She said sure. I put my phone in my pocket and went out the door.

The walk was shorter then I thought. Maybe it was because I was so excited to see her? Or did it just seem faster? I stood on the fourth floor, the fourth door from the stair case. I knocked on the cool, black metal door. No answer. I knocked again, this time with a little more force. I heard slight pattering and then the sound of the door unlocking.

I was welcomed by the sight of Natsumi in her flannel pajama bottoms and a tank top with her hair tied back into a loose bun.

“Sho? What are you doing here?” she said as she yawned once again. I noticed that she had little kittens on her pants and a matching kitten on her tank top. I let out a little chuckle as I let myself in.

“I told you I was coming over…” I put my hand on her shoulder as I pushed her back into the apartment. “Weren’t you listening?”

“You called?” she frowned, trying to remember. I let out another chuckle and nodded.

“Natsumi, Natsumi, Natsumi…” I rolled my eyes. “You really should listen to me more.”

“I do,” she smiled sweetly, still half asleep. She pinched my cheek lightly. “Don’t you think I listen to you?” she gave me puppy eyes before another yawn escaped her again.

“Why are you so tired?” I wrapped my arms around her from behind, resting my head on her shoulder as she walked back into her living room.

“I was up a little late playing a game…” she smiled sheepishly. “I got it as a gift and I couldn’t put it down…”

“What game?” when I heard ‘game’ instantly, Nino came to mind.

“This racing one…” she frowned. “It’s hard though…” I tried to imagine Natsumi staying up late, playing a racing game. I imagined her doing a dance after she won, yelling out with joy. I chuckled. “What?”

“Do you dance if you win?”

“I would, except, I haven’t won yet…”

“It can’t be that hard!” I let go of her and turned on the TV and the game. I took the controller in my hand and felt Natsumi sit down beside me. I picked my character, I picked my bike, then the coarse and suddenly there was only ten seconds before the race was starting. “Any tips?”

“Don’t lose.” I shook my head. Great tips. Four. Three. Two. One. The race started. All the other characters around me started to gun their bikes and roared ahead of me. I pressed buttons and moved, but I could only reach fifth place by the end. Out of ten. Natsumi giggled slightly.

“It’s my first time.”

“I know, I know. My sister said once you clear the motorcycle, its snowboarding, then jet skiing, then cars, then jets…and more, but she hasn’t gotten that far.”

“How far did you get?”

“Third place in the motorcycle…” I nodded and started the race again. This time fourth. Once again. Third. A couple more tries and I still got third. After my tenth try, I got fed up and quit the game.

“That was frustrating…” I huffed, crossing my arms and looking away from the TV and game. I was tempted to try again, but I was afraid that I’d end up in front of the TV all day. “What do you want to do today?” I looked over at Natsumi who was now fully awake and had changed out of her pajamas.

“Well, I have to go to the hospital for a check up on this…” she glanced down at her cast. “Then after that I’m free.”

“So the hospital, then to where? I have the whole day off to spend with you,” I tried to give her my sweetest grin. I was rewarded with one of her shy smiles.

“I want to have fun. I want to …” she frowned. “Do something I’ve never done…” she glanced down at her arm. “I can’t really do much with this on though…” I heard her sigh. I also frowned. What was there that I could do for her that she hasn’t done before? Something that she can do with a cast on? Suddenly, I got an idea. I grinned and jumped up, running over to her.

“C’mon, lets hurry up and get that checkup done with!”

Kyaa!! I can't wait to see what they're going to do!! Wonder who that dream girl is!

I'm curious too about what sho will do with her

the game part made me think of nino too XD

“Things seem to be going great,” the doctor smiled at Natsumi. I could hardly sit still. “You should probably be getting your cast off sooner then expect…” I concentrated on keeping still while the doctor talked to Natsumi about her arm. Finally the doctor stopped talking and we were allowed to leave.

“C’mon,” I pulled Natsumi behind me. I couldn’t wait for her to see it.

“Where are we going?” she laughed.

“You’ll see.” And once your cast is off, I promise to take you to do things you’ve never done. I stopped a taxi and we both got in. I scooted closer and whispered the name of the place. He nodded, gave me a questioning look, then pulled onto the road.

“I’m glad to see you’re happy,” Natsumi said quietly.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve changed a lot since I first met you,” she smiled sweetly at me. “You only live once, might as well live it happily, right?” I nodded. Kaho. But this time, when I thought of her, my heart tightened for a different reason. I don’t know what it was, but it wasn’t the way I felt it before. Suddenly, the dream came back. The girl was Kaho! But how come I didn’t see her? I mean, I saw her, but I didn’t. Why? I glanced at Natsumi’s smiling face. Was this her sign of telling me that I’ve moved on?

“You’re right,” I smiled back, reaching for her hand. The taxi pulled to a stop in front of a big building. I paid the driver and got out, helping Natsumi out.

“What is this?” I didn’t answer her. Just pulled her into the building. The security guards didn’t say anything, just nodded at me.

“Could you tell me where this is?” I heard Natsumi call back to the guards.

“You don’t have to!” I yelled back at them. “You’ll see soon. Surprises are part of living, aren’t they?” she grinned and gave me a slight punch.

We walked down a large corridor, passing large metal doors until we finally came to one that was a little smaller.

“This,” I gestured to the door. “Is part of my life.” And with that, I led Natsumi up to the door and opened it.

“Yea, your life is definitely exciting,” she said sarcastically when we entered a black space. I chuckled and switched on the lights. I heard a gasp as the lights fluttered on, lighting up the whole room. I probably shouldn’t say room. The auditorium. We were standing on the main stage looking out at thousands of seats. “This is one of the places where we, Arashi, have our concerts.”

“This is amazing, Sho,” she looked up at the seats that seemed to tower over us. “You don’t get nervous?”

“I do,” I let out a slight laugh. “But I get over it once I’m standing up here with the guys…” I walked over to her. “Do you want to walk?” I pointed at the pathways between the seats. “Our concert is coming up, I was wondering if you’d come?”

“Really?” Natsumi said happily. Really. She ran ahead of me and stopped, gazing up at the seats above. “Did you hear that? I get to see Sakurai Sho sing!” she yelled up into the stands. She turned around at me with a grin. “I hope this isn’t going to be a once in a life time thing.” I hope not too.

For the next hour or so, I sat in one of the seats while Natsumi ran around the auditorium talking about how cool it was. It was like watching a little girl. She really was something different.

“Would you ever want to sing up there?” I pointed up at the stage when Natsumi was close enough to hear me.

“Me? No,” she shook her head. “I don’t have the confidence.” I don’t have the confidence. I felt hot tears rise up to my eyes. She was so much like Kaho, and yet, so different. “Sho?” Natsumi walked over to me. I smiled at her, but the tears still spilled down my cheek.

“Natsumi…I’m sorry…you just reminded me of Kaho…” I saw her smile, a sad smile, but a smile.

“You still love her?” she sat down next to me, patting my hand. I nodded.

“But not the way I love you,” I held her hand. “She’s my girl in heaven, and I love her dearly, but you’re my girl on earth, now, here. And I love you with all my heart. You, with your words, with your personality, helped me live.” She ran her fingers through my hair. “Even if Kaho came back to life right now, I wouldn’t love her the way I love you.” I saw happiness spark in her eyes.

“Sho…” she took in a deep breath. “I’m so happy you’re happy…and I know your girl in heaven is too.” I felt her head rest against my chest. “I love you too.”


“Rika-chan,” I ran into Rika-chan who was on her way back to work after delivering Masaki’s lunch, once again. She seemed frustrated.

“Tell that Aiba Masaki that I really mean it, next time I wont bring his stupid lunch.” She huffed. I grinned and nodded. She smiled at me, patting my back. “Glad to see you’re doing better…who is she?” I smiled at her. She really did know us too well.

“Someone that saved me.” Rika-chan just nodded and went off walking. I promise that I’ll introduce her to you. When the time is right. I walked down a few more meters and stopped in front of a door, hearing shouts. I took in a deep breath and opened the door, preparing myself for the commotion.

“—is it bad to be in love?” Masaki yelled. Everyone stopped when I came in. Ohno and Jun were having a pillow fight while Nino was playing his game. Masaki was probably overreacting by a careless comment from Nino, again.

“Masaki, Rika-chan said she’ll never bring you lunch anymore, so bring it yourself,” I watched with amusement as he got a large frown on his face.

“B-but then I’ll starve!”

“Just bring it yourself, moron,” Nino grumbled. I gazed out at everyone in the room. Masaki brushing off what Nino said and going back to singing along to his MP3 player, Ohno and Jun going back to their pillow fight and Nino frowning at his game boy. Soon. At the concert. Just wait, you guys. After the concert, I’ll introduce you to my savior.

“Hey! I want to play too!” I exclaimed, throwing a pillow right at Jun’s head, joining the fight.

The End

Wow!!! It was sooooo good!!! You did a great job!!!!

"Jun-chan Duo"
Matsumoto Jun's story...

When I first started reading this, I thought it would be a sad story for Sho. And I was all prepared to cry for him, but I'm glad Sho-chan got his own sweet and beautiful story.

huwaaaah! good thing it was a happy ending, yoshimaru!

great job with this fanfic! KUDOS!

rika and aiba r great at providing comic relief. haha and that part where nino said girls r weird was funny it's a short and sweet story