The phone rang so many times. My mother answered all of them with the same thing every time. The door bell rang everyday and my mother would let him in all the time. An hour would pass with him just sitting outside of my door, silently, waiting for me. I ignored him every time. I felt bad, I really did.

I was hoping by now that he would have given up on me and stop coming to see me. But he didn’t, hasn’t. He still comes every day, calls me at least ten times a day. Maybe another week and he’ll stop? I really want him to concentrate on his work, his music, his dancing, and his acting. The things that are important to his life. I want him to spend his time with his friends. Not me. I don’t want him wasting his time on me. Jun, can’t you understand?

I’ve been avoiding him, his calls, his knocks on my door and my window for two weeks. Yet, he still comes. He still won’t back down. Why? I never knew that he could be this stubborn. It’s almost as if he’s someone else. Has he changed? Or have I just forgotten who he was? Or have I just changed so much that everyone is different?

“Jun-chan!” I jumped. Jun, after sitting in front of my door for an hour, finally stood up and yelled. He pounded my door. “Junko!” my heart pounded. He never called me by Junko unless it was completely serious and I wasn’t paying attention. “If you don’t open this door, I will.” I was sitting in my wheelchair by the window. I turned around and watched as if things were in slow motion as the white door burst open and Jun stormed in, angry faced.

He walked right up to me, glaring, his teeth clenched. He looked down on me.

“Why?” he said, forcing his voice to be low. “You didn’t come to my concert, and now you’re avoiding me. Did I do something wrong? Why? Junko, why?” I tried to look away, but his hands held my face close. I felt tears rise up. I couldn’t tell him. I couldn’t get my mouth to work, my voice to work. “Answer me…” his face saddened as he fell to his knees. I held my both of my hands and looked into my eyes. I wanted to look away, I wanted to avoid his gaze, but his eyes held onto mine.

“Why do you keep coming?” I choked out. “I want to ask why…”

“Junko…what are you saying?” this time, it was my turn.

“Why do you keep coming? I don’t want you to see me like this! Why can’t you get the point that I’m trying to get you to concentrate on your work, your life. Why do you keep coming back?” I wanted to yell, but my voice wouldn’t go as loud as my old normal voice. Jun looked at me, shocked.

“What are you talking about? I keep coming back because you’re a special person to me. You’re my best friend, my family. Jun-chan…why do you want me to leave?” I held back my tears.

“I already told you.” this time I was able to look away. I looked outside. Out at the blue sky, the shining sun, the white clouds. I silently cursed them. Why are they so cheery, so bright, so happy, when I’m here, stuck in this stupid chair, so depressed?

“Jun-chan…” I glanced at Jun, still squeezing my hands. His head was hung. I felt warm drops of liquid fall onto my lap. He was crying. Jun. Matsumoto Jun. My best friend. Arashi. Jun-chan from across the street. The guy who I never thought cried for real. Crying?

He let go of my left hand and wiped his tears away. His hand was still on my right. I couldn’t tell if he was squeezing it or not, but it looked like it. I felt my heart clench. It hurt to see him hurt. I wanted to hug him, wrap both of my arms around him and hold him. I glared, this time, at my right arm for not moving.

“Jun-chan…” I patted his back. “I…” he looked up at me.

“You want to know why I come here?” his voice was shaking, angry and sad. He stood up. “You want to know why? Do you want me to explain it to you while I’m at it too? Since you don’t seem to understand that you’re someone special to me?” I gulped back words.

“Jun-chan…I didn’t—” he cut me off.

“Jun-chan, I come here because you’re my best friend. You mean everything to me. I can’t stand seeing you sad. I want to see your smile again. Not that fake smile you’ve been giving people, but your true, real smile. The one that you used to give me. I want to see that special smile that you only show to me. I can’t come to see you? To try and make you happy? Is it that annoying for me to come?” I shook my head.

“No!” my voice still wouldn't get loud. “No…Jun-chan…I just…” I took in a deep breath. I started talking. “I stopped talking because I was afraid something will shatter inside me and I’ll be gone. I’ll lose myself first, then I’ll be gone completely. Then when you started coming even after your vacation was over, thinking of all the money you’re spending to get here and back, the time you’re wasting spending hours to see me, I didn’t want you to get too tired or waste money and time on me.” he was about to interrupt but I kept going.

“You’re my best friend and I thought you would be better off without worrying about me. That’s why I never answered your calls, that’s why I never let you in.” I let out a breath. Even though my explanation wasn’t complete, this was Jun I was talking to, he’ll get it.

“So then why didn’t you come?” Come? He dropped his head. “To my concert?” I took in a breath, slowly, and closed my eyes.

“I didn’t want people to see me like this. I’m sorry.”

“Why?” I looked at him.

“Why? Because if they see me, they’ll stare, judge, who knows? I’m afraid of what people will think. Especially if I meet your friends, what would they think of me?” I looked away to stop the tears from falling down. “Jun-chan…I’m afraid.”

“I won’t let them! No one will judge you! No one will stare, unless you’re with me,” he laughed a bit. He was trying to make me feel better. “Jun-chan…don’t worry about other people.” I shook my head.

“But you still come every day, when I know you don’t have time…” I said under my breath. I didn’t mean for him to hear, but he did.

“Junko!” he yelled once again. I jumped back in my chair. “I come everyday because I want to see you! Because I love you!” he quickly covered his mouth, his eyes wide. My eyes were just as wide, my mouth hanging open. Love? I coughed.

“As in family and friends…” I nodded. “But you don’t go to visit your grandmother everyday when she’s sick in the hospital.” I would know.

“That’s because I don’t love you as in family and friends.” He kneeled down. “I love you more then that, Junko…I love you.” he held my left hand in his hands. “I love you.”

AWE!!! so cute I loved that chapter!!!

After he told me those three words, Jun hadn’t come by or called for three days. I was glad that he wasn’t wasting time on me anymore, but I wasn’t glad that he’s doing this now, after he said that to me. What kind of guy does that? Gets mad at a girl for avoiding him, then tells her he loves her then avoids her?

I do have to admit though, after he got mad at me, my mind was working better. I made a decision. I opened my door and went into the kitchen. My wheelchair making a slight whining sound as I rolled down the hall.

“Mom?” I found her sitting at the table staring off into space. Thanks to me. She looked over at me with a soft, kind, yet sad, smile.

“How are you feeling?” I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves down. I rolled over to my designated space. The spot at the table where a chair was missing.

“Mom, I’m sorry.” I bowed my head low. “I’m really sorry.”

“Junko? What are you sorry about?” my mother stood up.

“I caused you so much trouble. I’m sorry…” I looked up at her. “Thank you. For everything. For being my mother.” She sat down. It seemed as though her legs gave out on her. She covered her face and I heard soft whimpers coming from her.

“Junko…I was so worried…” she looked up, wiping her tears away. She smiled. A smile full of happiness. “Jun-chan really is something, isn’t he? To have changed you back to your old self. I’m assuming this is Jun-chan’s work?” she laughed slightly. I nodded.

“Mom…he said he loves me.” and once again, my mother laughed. She stood up and walked over to me, resting her arms around me. She squeezed me tight.

“And your answer is?” I closed my eyes and let my body relax. I felt safe once again. Being held in my mother’s arms. I felt like a little child.

“I…love him.” her embrace tightened for a moment before she let go. She kneeled down and faced me, her smile never wavering or leaving her face.

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”


The sun was shining bright today. The birds seemed to be singing a new song. There was a slight breeze and the trees rustled. The flowers seemed to dance. The street was empty as my mother and I made our way down to the main street.

I felt as if I might faint any second now. My heart was pounding so hard. My hand was sweating as I clenched my sweatshirt. I glanced back at my mother. Just to make sure she was still there. Even though she was the one pushing me, I still wanted to make sure she was still there. My hand, unconsciously, went into my sweatshirt pocket once again. Just to check that it was still there. Just to make sure it didn’t fall out.

The main street came to view. I saw people crowding on the sidewalk as cars, taxies, and buses drove by on the road. I shut my eyes and took in a few deep breaths, preparing myself to plunge into the sea of people. I crossed my fingers, hoping no one would stare.

“Here we go, Junko.” I said to myself as my mother wheeled me onto the busy sidewalk. I held my breath. My mother seemed to see me tense up and rested her hand on my shoulder. I felt warmth flood into me. I was going to be ok.

I glanced around at the people rustling by. No one seemed to notice me. No one seemed to be staring at me. I got some glances, but no one stopped and stared. No one seemed to be judging me. I felt relief, then happiness.

We stopped by the road. My mother stopped a taxi and helped me get in. she then folded my wheelchair and got into the seat next to me. She leaned forward and told the driver the address of the building we were headed to. I looked out the window. How long has it been since I’ve been out of the house other then just going to the hospital? How long has it been since I’ve looked and noticed things? Taken in the city?

It all seemed familiar as we drove down the busy roads, passing shops and restaurants, yet, it seemed so foreign. My hand clenched around it again. Squeezing it tight. My heart sped up as we rounded the last few corners. Among other buildings, the one we were headed to came into view. It seemed so ordinary. It didn’t look like it was holding so many boys that girls would die for. And I was going into that building. Would I really be able to find him? Will he look at me? Will he even talk to me?

“Is this the right place?” the driver stopped in front of the building. My mother nodded and paid the man. She got out and got my wheelchair out of the trunk and helped me get in.

“Everything will be fine,” my mother said, noticing my nervousness. I smiled at her. “Trust me.” we approached the sliding door when they suddenly flew open. A girl came storming out. She looked mad. She had long brown hair that reached to about her mid-back. She wore a pair of black baggy pants and a plain red sweatshirt. She looked Japanese, yet she didn’t. Seconds later, a guy wearing a green beanie, aviator sunglasses, a black t-shirt with some red writing and a pair of jeans came running out. Without shoes.

“I’m sorry I forgot my lunch again!” the guy said. He caught up with the girl and spun her around. “I just need to see you! I’d die if I was stuck with those guys all day long!” so he’s one of them? One of those guys that the girls would die for? He has a girlfriend…

“I have to work too you know? Aib—” the girl was just about to say something when she stopped herself and glanced back at me. She turned around with a kind smile. She seemed to be a year older then me. Maybe the same age? “I’m sorry about the commotion. You look lost, do you need help?” her smile was soft, so kind, so different from a second ago.

“Are you here to see someone?” the guy walked up next to the girl. My mother bowed her head slightly.

“We are here to see Jun-cha—Matsumoto Jun.”

“Ah? Jun-kun,” the girl smiled. “Does he know you’re coming?” she looked down at me. I shook my head.

“Are you his girlfriend? Did you get in a fight with him?” the guy asked. The girl turned to him and smacked him.

“Aiba Masaki!” her shoulders dropped and her head hung. So he was Aiba Masaki. “How do I put up with him?” she laughed slightly. The guy grinned and stood there, he seemed to be watching the girl closely. “My name is Rika. I can take you to Jun-kun.” She held out her hand. Her right hand. I hesitated before I lifted my left hand. She looked quizzically at me before lifting her left hand to shake mine.

“My name is Junko.” I smiled at her.

“Junko, can you handle it from here?” my mother leaned down to whisper at me. “Give me a call when you’re done. I have to go back to work now.” I nodded and thanked her as she caught a taxi. She waved at me once again before she left.

I turned to look at the two people standing in front of me. My heart pounded. Not just because I was going to be stepping into a building full of guys that girls would die for, but because I’m trusting my life in their hands. The girl, Rika-chan, seemed to be someone I could trust. But the guy…I gave a weary glance at him.

“Don’t worry,” Rika-chan laughed. “I’ll take you there instead of that…thing.” Aiba Masaki scowled and crossed his arms.

“Thank you,” I bowed my head.

Yay!! Rika is in this story too!! I'm glad that Junko has left her house!! Good luck Junko!!

good luck junko I wonder what she will say to matsujun

“So, Junko-chan,” Rika-chan said to me. I turned to her. “Jun-kun? Let’s go.”

“Don’t you have work?” Aiba Masaki walked over to us. Aiba Masaki…oh my goodness! Jun’s group mate, best friend, famous person…

“This is more important.” Rika-chan smiled at me. I couldn’t help but smile back at her. She started walking back towards the building.

“So seeing me isn’t important?”

“Just ignore him.” I followed Rika-chan. I struggled slightly with the chair. Since I didn’t have my electrical one and I had to use the manual, it was hard with one arm. The two of them seemed to notice me struggle.
“I can push you,” Aiba Masaki offered, coming up behind me. I blushed. I felt so ashamed.

“It’s ok…”

“Let him push you,” Rika-chan said. “Let him be useful.”

“Th-thank you,” I felt so embarrassed though. Aiba Masaki started to push me, right behind Rika-chan. My heart raced again. Aiba Masaki is pushing me.

“My name is Aiba Masaki,” he said cheerfully. It bugged me. I’ve heard his name before. Who is he? We stopped at the elevators.

“How do you know Jun-kun?” Rika-chan asked me. The elevator doors opened and we got on. Aiba Masaki pressed the tenth floor.

“We went to the same school…”

“That’s so cool!” Aiba Masaki grinned. He took off his sunglasses and beanie. I got a good look at him. My left hand clenched my sweat shirt. I evened out my breathing. The elevator stopped. Jun…

“Rika, it’s this way,” Aiba Masaki laughed going to the right while Rika-chan went to the left. She blushed slightly.

“I…know.” She walked over to us. “I just wanted to see what was over there.” Aiba Masaki laughed. He leaned down to me.

“She has a bad sense of direction.” I let out a slight giggle.

“I do not!” Rika-chan defended herself. They started bickering to each other. The hall was plain. The walls were white and on each side of the hall were black doors with small whiteboards next to them. Some of the whiteboards had names written on them while some were blank. We stopped in front of a room with ‘Arashi’ on the whiteboard. I took in a deep breath as I prepared myself to see Jun.

“Oh great! They’re back!” I heard a sarcastic voice say behind the door. Rika-chan laughed and opened the door.

“Jun-kun? Someone’s here to see you.” she let the door swing open. Aiba Masaki wheeled me inside the room. The room was carpeted with blue, plush, carpet. There were a couple of black couches on one side of the room with a fridge next to one. There was a glass coffee table in front of them too. To the other side of the room was a table and five lockers. There were two doors too. “Jun-kun?” there was three guys in the room. No Jun.

“He’s in the shower.” One of the guys got up. “Who is she?” he glanced down at me, smiling. I recognize him too. I bowed my head. I wonder…if he Ohno Satoshi? No, he looks too tall. I glanced at the two other guys. One was playing games. I recognized him from all the shows he’s done. He’s Ninomiya Kazunari. The other one, who was just sitting there, staring off into space. He must be Ohno Satoshi. I looked back at the guy standing in front of me. So this is Sakurai Sho.

“My name is Junko…” I tried to smile my best at him.

“Sakurai Sho.” He smiled. “Jun should be out soon.”

“So, who are you?” Ninomiya Kazunari asked.

“Nino! Weren’t you listening?” Aiba Masaki grumbled. “She’s Junko!”

“I know that!” Ninomiya Kazunari looked up from his game. “But what are you to Jun?” what am I to Jun? I thought on this for a bit.

“I…I’m not sure…” one of the doors opened and Jun walked out, his hair wet and a towel around his neck. He had on a pair of black shorts and a white undershirt. He stopped, his mouth hung open.

“Jun-chan…” he shook his head and walked over to me. “How’d you get here?” my heart pounded. I had trouble looking at him with a straight face.

“Well, Rika-chan and Aiba-san helped me…” he looked at Aiba Masaki a bit strangly then at Rika-chan.

“Thank you,” he bowed his head.

“It was no problem, Jun-kun,” Rika-chan smiled. She walked over to one of the couches and sat down next to Ohno Satoshi. Aiba Masaki bounding after her. Sakurai Sho still stood by me. Jun looked back at me.

“Jun-chan,” I started. My hand went into my pocket and wrapped around it. I slowly brought it out. “Sorry.” I held out my hand. Jun’s hand came up to mine and took it from me. A small black bag.

“What’s this?” I just gave him a slight smile. He opened it up and a necklace fell out.

“Jun-chan!” he gasped. The necklace was a simple silver chain with a small pendant on it, a basketball. He looked up at me. His mouth closed and turned into a grin. “Does this mean…?” I nodded. He reached around his neck and took off a necklace he had on. He held out the necklace that I knew so well. A simple silver chain with a small book on it. He took my left hand and dropped it in my palm, closing my hand around the necklace.

“I’m back.” I whispered as his arms wrapped around me.

“Welcome home, Jun-chan.”

The End...?

Aww!! It's over!! It was so good!! I hope we see more of Junko in your other stories!!

Eight years ago


My stupid new schedule kept me busy all week and didn’t even give me the chance to tell her! I was lying on my bed, on my back, glaring at my ceiling. I had a long day today, got home around ten. My mom said it was too late to go tell her the great news, that I should just call her in the morning at the airport. But that just doesn’t work! She’s my best friend! I can’t leave without seeing her face to face!

I jumped up, glancing at the clock. It was three now. I’m leaving in another three hours. It wouldn’t hurt if I went to visit her now. I could manage. If I just took the ladder out in the back, I would be able to just knock on her window and tell her my good news, or maybe not so good if it’s going to keep me so busy that I won’t be able to see her.

Slowly, I crept down the hallway, down the staircase, and slowly I unlocked the sliding glass door to the backyard. Silently, I slipped out into the warm, early morning. I quickly walked to the back and found the ladder. I picked it up, making a slight banging noise, which made me jump then freeze for a moment to listen if anyone heard. No one did. My family is known for their heavy sleeping. It’d just a part of their dream if they had heard anyways.

The street lights were starting to dim as the sun started to rise slightly. My feet made slight noises as I crossed the road. Once I was on the other side, to her house, was the problem. Her room was on the second floor on the back of the house. Opening the gate, I would make noise. Could I chance it? I could always climb over it, but with a ladder?

Thought it was dark, I knew this area well enough to walk through half blind. I stepped threw the slightly damp grass, the small pebbles, making sure I didn’t make too much noise, and then was the gate. I stood there for a while deciding whether I would hop over and hope to be tall enough to reach over and pull the ladder over.

A loud, or maybe not so loud, clicking sound made me jump, once again, as I opened the gate. Jumping over, I had confidence in. My height, I wasn’t too confident in. Plus, even if I were tall enough, I don’t know if I’ll have the upper arm strength to pull the ladder over.

The small ally of the side of her house was extremely dark. My heart pounded. I know. I’m sixteen and I don’t believe in ghosts or monsters, but in a situation like this, I couldn’t help but imagine a ghost coming out of the side of the house to stop me or haunt me.

I let out a deep breath that I had been holding once I made into the backyard where the moon cast its bright light. I looked up at the three windows. The one closest to me, the on the furthest of the left. That was her window, her room. I set the ladder down against the house and started climbing up.

Once I reached her window, I balanced myself and sat down on one of the steps. I really hate heights. Really. I knocked on the window softly. I looked in. She probably had the air conditioner on full blast to escape from the humid night. Since her curtains were pulled, I could see inside her room. She really was a basketball freak. She was lying on her basketball sheets, holding a pillow with basketballs on it. And of course, she had on basketball shorts and one of her basketball camp shirts on. All on her wall, she had shelves with trophies and pictures of the camp teams and school teams she’s been on.

I shook my head. Stupid Takada Shuusuke. I’m not saying basketballs bad, but why couldn’t she be obsessed over something just because I did it? I shook my head. Not the right thing to be complaining about.

Knocking a little harder, she moved a little. I didn’t want to knock too hard, her brother might hear. If anyone woke up and saw me, I’d be dead. I don’t even know if I’d be able to go to Hawaii. I knocked again with a little more force. Her eyes twitched. She rubbed her eyes then they opened. She looked around the room and was about to close her eyes once again, but I knocked before she could.

She jumped. I would have laughed out so loud, if I wasn’t trying to be so quiet. She was looking around her room, sitting straight up, holding the pillow close to her. She looked scared. I felt bad that I was the one who caused her to feel so scared. I knocked again and she looked over at the window. I could see her mouth open, get ready for a scream. But I waved my hands frantically and thankfully, she noticed me. Leaving the pillow behind, she wobbled over to window, opening it.

“What are you doing!” she whispered loudly, glaring at me.

“Just wanted to say hi?” I gave her an innocent look.

“Jun-chan, if my parents, or your parents, find out, you’d be dead! I’d be dead!” she moved out of my way to let me in though.

“I know,” I grinned. “But I have important stuff I need to tell you.”

“It can’t wait until tomo—a couple more hours?”

“No, Jun-chan, this is important news that needs to be said right now.” I walked over to her desk and sat down in her computer chair. She went back to her bed and sat cross legged, hugging her pillow.

“I was chosen to be in a group!” I exclaimed in a hushed voice.

“Huh?” Jun-chan just looked at me dumbly. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m going to be debuting!” I threw my hands up. “I’m in a group!”

“You are?!” she jumped up, running over to me and throwing her arms around my neck. “That’s great news! I’m so happy for you!” I hugged her back. I wanted to stay like this a little longer. My wish didn’t come true. She broke away with a big grin on her face, her eyes sparkling. “When?”

“I’m leaving in a couple of hours to fly to Hawaii with the rest of the guys…we’re debuting there.”

“In Hawaii?” she made a funny face. “I wish I could go to Hawaii!” her hands were still on my shoulders. They were distracting me.

“There are four more guys in the group. I know three of them pretty well, but the other one wasn’t in Tokyo for a couple of years so I don’t know him too well,” I shrugged. “He seems cool though.”

“You’re going to have to take a ton of pictures and show me everyone and everything!” Jun-chan looked excited, as if she were going on the trip herself. “How long are you going to be there?”

“A week, I think…” I frowned. “I got home late today, and my schedules been keeping me busy, I wanted to tell you sooner but I just couldn’t get the chance to. I’m leaving at six and my mom said to just call you from the airport to tell you the news, but I couldn’t do that. I needed to tell you in person!” I gave her my best grin. She hugged me once again. I could live with that.

“You know, you really should stop these mid-night, early morning drop-in’s. They can get kind of annoying when I have to wake up at six in the morning for basketball!” she shoved me slightly.

“What can I say? I just love the early mornings!” I shrugged, giving her an innocent smile. “What have you been up to?”

“Camp,” she replied simply, sitting on the ground, hugging her knees. “I’m not enjoying it much. Some of the girls on there are just rich brats that think that if they pay money they’ll get better…” she scowled. “The coach isn’t all the good and the workouts we do are nothing compared to the last camp. This is just…day care.” She let out a frustrated sigh.

“Is Takada Shuusuke there?” he was usually at all the cities basketball camps.

“Takada Shuusuke?” she shook her head. “That name sounds familiar…” I chuckled. That was so like her. He had hurt her, so she pushed him out of her mind. She just had the power. After a year or so, if she pushed someone out of her mind, she literally forgot who they were. She could meet up with them again but wouldn’t remember that she knew them. I wish I had that power.

“Oh!” I half remembered to myself. He had moved. I rolled my eyes. Yea, he moved. Jun, c’mon, get your head straight. If he was still here, she would know who he is, since he is, was, such an awesome basketball player and would definitely be at one of her camps. Too bad, he just had to move before school ended. Too bad. Really.

“You’re going to be gone for a week?” Jun-chan rested her chin on her knees. “It’s going to be so boring…I almost died this week because you weren’t around!” she glared at me.

“Sorry…I’ll promise though, that I’ll call you and I’ll get you the coolest gifts!” I hope that would make her feel better. A slight smile appeared on her face, but not a complete one. I wanted to hug her.

I glanced at her clock. The sun was already in the sky. It was five thirty. Wow, time passed quickly. I stood up and walked over to her, bending down to give her a tight hug. She hugged me back. We held onto each other for awhile, then separated.

“No reason for going back to sleep,” she giggled, standing up and walking with me to the window.

“Sorry…” I was out on the ladder now. I felt like Romeo, on the balcony sneaking in to see Juliet. Except, our parents weren’t against us being friends. Or maybe even more? But it still made me feel like Romeo, since in a way, I am doing something forbidden for Jun-chan, and if my parents ever found out, I’d be dead. I was so romantic!

I climbed down the ladder and waved at her. I blew her a kiss and winked at her.

“Bye, Jun-chan,” I whispered up to her.

“Be careful, come back, ok?” I nodded. One last wave. I turned around and walked back down the ally on the side of the house, walked through the open gate and shut it, not too afraid of making too much noise anymore. My feet made pattering noises as I walked across the street. I snuck around to the back of the house, hoping no one was taking an early stroll because then they’d think I was trying to brake in, probably. Resting the ladder against the back fence where I had originally gotten it, I silently slipped through the sliding doors and crept up to my room.

Odd, did I leave my lamp on? I pushed my door open and found my mother sitting on my bed. She didn’t look happy. Uh-oh.

“Jun.” her voice was stern. I hung my head and walked in, sitting down in front of her on the floor. “I hope she wasn’t too upset.” My head shot up. What? My mother had a smile on her face. A tired, happy, smile. I grinned at her.

“She wasn’t. She was happy though…”

“Well, get packing, we have to be at the airport in a couple of hours. We need to leave the house in twenty if we want to make it on time!” she clapped her hands, getting up and leaving my room. Thanks mom.

“Hot weather…” I pulled out my duffle bag and packed in all my basketball shorts and board shorts. I grabbed ten shirts, boxers and socks. I ran to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I packed my toiletries in a little bag and ran back to my room. “Flip-flops? Yea, that might be nice…” I ran to my closet and grabbed a pair of flip-flops and a hat, throwing them into my duffle bag. I grabbed a light jacket and also put it in. “Done!” I smiled, putting on socks.

“Hurry, Jun!” my mother called from the bottom of the steps. I ran down, almost tripping on my duffle bad, and sat down at the table where I almost choked on my bowel of rice.

“Thanks, mom,” I really would be dead if it weren’t for her.



The five of us stood together, but were all absorbed in our own thoughts. Johnny stood in front of us in the line, waiting impatiently to get on. Bunches of the staff were behind us, along with our very noisy manager. All of our mothers had kissed us goodbye at the gate and were slightly weeping. It was pretty embarrassing. We were young adults, we could handle ourselves.

“Have you ever been out of the country?” Aiba-kun asked Ninomiya-kun who looked very tired.

“No.” his answer was blunt. He yawned and looked away. Ohno-kun, the oldest and the only person I didn’t know so well, seemed to be sleeping. Aiba-kun turned to Sakurai-kun.

“Are you excited?” he seemed desperate for a conversation.

“I am,” Sakurai-kun answered. “Are you?”

“Yes!” Aiba-kun exclaimed, getting rude looks from a couple of the other passengers. He covered his mouth and shrunk a little. I let out a little laugh.

“This should be fun,” I joined in on the conversation. “Do you think we’ll be big?”

“Definitely! We’re going to be the top!” I laughed again. And to think he only found out about this trip three days ago. “What’s our name going to be?” Sakurai-kun and I looked at each other.

“Arashi,” we both said at once. Aiba-kun looked as if we had just said a magic word.

“Arashi…” he mumbled. “I like it.”

“Yea, I do too.” I agreed.

We were finally starting to get on the plain.

“Thank you!” Johnny exclaimed. “I thought I might have been standing here all day! Huh, boys?” he turned to us with a grin. He really was a weird old man. We all nodded.

My seat was next to the aisle and Ninomiya-kun’s and Aiba-kun’s was next to Ninomiya-kun’s and the window. Sakurai-kun was in the seat across from me next to Ohno-kun who looked really nervous. His face was contorted and he was gripping the armrests. I held back laughter.

“Ohno-kun, is this your first time flying?” he shook his head. “Do you like flying?” he shook his head. “Are you nervous?” he nodded.

“I…really…hate flying…” he gasped out as if he couldn’t breath. He really was a funny guy. I laughed. Sakurai-kun even laughed, looking up from his notebooks. Ninomiya-kun was still looking tired. He held his gameboy in his lap. Aiba-kun was looking out the window, jumping in his seat. I slouched down in my seat and pulled out my book that I had to read for school. I wonder how we’ll all be one?

Right as I was about to read, the engine started to whine and we were being taxied out to the run way. I let out a sigh and put my book in the front pocket. Aiba-kun was bouncing even more. We sat in the run way for a little while longer then we started to move. We picked up speed and our seats bumped. I glanced over at Ohno-kun and he looked like he had just seen a ghost. Aiba-kun gasped once we were in the air.

“Whoa!” he grabbed Ninomiya-kun’s arm when we leaned to the sides. “We aren’t going to crash, are we?”

“No,” Ninomiya-kun laughed. I smiled. It was the first time he showed any emotion other then boredom. We steadied out and flew for a few more minutes before the seatbelt sign went off. Ninomiya-kun didn’t wait for the announcement and turned his gameboy on.

“It’s going to be a long flight boys, try to get some sleep,” Johnny stood in the aisle looking to both sides of him. He nodded in satisfaction and walked up to the bathrooms.

“Sounds good to me!” I glanced over and saw Aiba-kun hugging a stuffed dog, his eyes closed. He started to snore. Could he really fall asleep that fast?! I watched in amazement as he slept. I turned to Sakurai-kun to tell him the news but found him, along with Ohno-kun, fast asleep. Wow, people can really fall asleep fast!

“You should get some sleep too,” Ninomiya-kun said, pausing his game. “I can switch seats with you so you can lean on Aiba-kun.”

“Thanks,” I grinned at him. We switched seats and I rested my head on Aiba-kun’s shoulder and dog. I was the type of person that wasn’t too good with sleeping sitting straight up. Ninomiya-kun knew that pretty well since he’s sat next to me in long bus rides. Even though I thought that I was crazy how fast the other guys fell asleep, as soon as my eyes closed, I found myself in a deep sleep.


“—tsuJun! Matsumto-kun! Jun-kun! MatsuJun! Matsumoto Jun-kun!” someone sang out. I felt someone shake me. I opened my eyes.

“Sakurai-kun?” I mumbled as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. Aiba-kun popped his head next to Sakurai-kun’s, grinning from ear to ear.

“Look out!” he grabbed my head and shoved it to the window. I was about to complain that it hurt, but my voice was lost. It was so beautiful. The water was so blue. The sand was so gold. The trees were so green.

“We’re landing soon,” Sakurai-kun said. I blinked and cocked my head.

“Wasn’t Ninomiya-kun sitting next to me?”

“He was,” Aiba-kun smiled. “But he changed seats with Sakurai-kun because Ohno-kun kept leaning on him while he tried to write.” I nodded.

“Oh, sorry, was I bothering you?” I bowed my head.

“No, its fine,” Aiba-kun grinned. “I made a song out of your name! Maybe we could sing it? Do you want to hear?”

“No! Not again!” Sakurai-kun groaned. I laughed.

“I already heard it, it’s … nice…” I smiled back.

“I know! I think I have a special talent!” he nodded and looked out the window.

“He was singing it for a good ten minutes!” Sakurai-kun whispered to me. “Sorry to say, but if I hear your name come from his mouth again, I might kill him…” I laughed again. He smiled back at me. “He really has too much energy. The girl he’s going to marry I bet is going to be really smart…that way she’ll have all these ways to get him under control.”

“If he ever gets married…” this got us both laughing pretty hard. The seatbelt light went on and the announcement that we would be landing in a few minutes came on. I tapped Sakurai-kun on the shoulder and pointed over to Ohno-kun. We both started laughing at the sight of Ohno-kun wake up and suddenly start gripping the armrests as we started tipping back and forth. His expression just got even better when we hit the ground.

Once we were on the ground and had stopped moving, he let out a breath and his shoulders slumped over.

“I really hate flying…” he mumbled. Ninomiya-kun had seen the whole thing too and looked amused. He patted Ohno-kun’s back.

“It’s ok, you’ll get used to it Ohno-kun. Especially since we’ll be flying around a lot later on in the years once we get into our groups.” I liked these guys. It was sad to think that this group was only for the volley ball tournament.


“Jun-chan?!” I flinched and pulled the phone away from my ear.

“Yea?” I slowly put the receiver back to my ear.

“Jun-chan!!! You didn’t call right away! I was so worried!” bad idea. I pulled it away as quickly. “How are you? How was the flight? How’s Hawaii? Did you get a tan?” I laughed.

“I did get a little darker…” I nodded.

“I’m sorry…I missed the announcement of your group…”

“It’s ok, it wasn’t a big deal…” I’m sure it was aired on Friday…which is the day she’s at the basketball courts until basically eleven at night practicing with her dad. “I took a bunch of pictures.”

“What time are you going to be home?”

“Around one…I’ll come over as soon as I drop my stuff off,” I promised her. Sakurai-kun walked into the room.

“Hey, Matsum—sorry,” he smiled. “Who are you talking to?” I shrugged.

“I got you the perfect gift too,” I glanced at Sakurai-kun, who just walked over to me and leaned in.

“You didn’t have to get me a gift!” he jumped back.

“Is that your girlfriend?!” he exclaimed. I shook my head.

“What?” Jun-chan asked. “I missed that, what did you say?”

“I didn’t say anything, sorry, the guys are a bit loud…” I covered the phone. “She’s not my girlfriend, she’s my best friend,” I whispered to Sakurai-kun. He just nodded, but I could tell by his expression that he didn’t believe me. Oh well, he didn’t believe me, how sad. I guess Jun-chan and I are going out. I grinned to myself. Hopefully someday. Someday soon.

“Jun-chan, I’m really sorry, but I have to go now…basketball!” I let out a laugh.

“Can’t compete against basketball,” I heard her laugh. I guess I really can’t. “I’ll see you tomorrow…”

“Bye!” the line went dead. I closed my phone. I let out a sigh. Will she ever like me more then basketball?

“Matsumoto-kun, I came up here to ask if you wanted to play volley ball with us?” Sakurai-kun was at the door now. I jumped up.

“Sure!” tomorrow, I’m going to give Jun-chan the best gift. Ever.


“Mom could I go over to Jun-chan’s?” I ran inside after being dropped off. I ran upstairs and threw my stuff in my bedroom, taking out a small black bag and a big folder from my bag.

“Jun?!” My mother called out as I ran out into the street. “Jun!” I waved at her. I saw her as she let out a sigh, her shoulders drop, her eyes roll and saw her smile in defeat. She waved at me. I ran up to the door across the street and knocked three times before letting myself in.

“I’m home!” I called out to the house. I head a bounding sound as I saw Jun-chan run down the stairs and straight to me. She jumped a few feet away from me and wrapped her arms around me.

“Jun-chan!” she exclaimed. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her back. “You got tanned!” she laughed. “How was it? Tell me all about it!” she grabbed my hand and pulled me into her living room.

“Jun-chan, welcome home,” her mother walked in with a couple of glasses and placed them in front of me.

“Thank you,” I bowed my head slightly. “The trip was very nice. I would definitely want to go back to Hawaii someday soon.” Jun-chan’s mother smiled at me and left.

“So, talk!” I looked over at my best friend who was looking at me eagerly.

“How about pictures while I talk?” I held up the folder. I took the photos out and laid them out.

“These are the guys,” I lined up each picture I had gotten of each guy.

“He’s kind of cute,” Jun-chan giggled, picking up Aiba-kun’s picture. I frowned and took the picture away.

“Yea…but…he’s way too hyper.” Why was I getting defensive? Jun-chan’s not smart enough to get Aiba-kun under control, it’ll never work. I laughed at myself and pinched myself at the same time. How could I be so mean to her? But, it is the truth. “Oh!” I pulled out the black pouch from my pocket. “I got this for you.” I handed her the bag.

“Jun-chan!” she punched me lightly. “You didn’t have to get me a gift, I already told you that!”

“Yea, after I bought one!” I sighed. “I could have saved a lot of money!” she glared at me but we broke out into laughter. “I just had to get it.” she opened the pouch and turned it upside down. A simple silver necklace fell out with a small basketball pendant on it. She gasped.

“Jun-chan, its prefect!” she grinned. I reached around my neck and pulled out my own necklace I had bought myself. It was the same thing, but instead of a basketball, I had a book on it because I loved to read.

“When we get older one day if end up together, let’s trade,” I grinned at her. She blushed and looked down at the necklace. She looked back up at me with a teasing grin.

“Sure! That is, if I ever fall for you,” she pinched my cheek. “You’re just too much of a little boy for me to fall for.” I grinned back. I grabbed her arms and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m back,” I whispered. I felt her arms hug me back.

“Welcome home, Jun-chan.” She whispered in my ear. I closed my eyes and held on a little longer then usual. I love you so much, Jun-chan.

The End

^That is so adorable!! I especially loved the plane ride!!! It makes me wanna go squee!!!

ah sooo cute!!! I loved scarred ohno on the plane XD
And It was sweet seein junko an jun when they were younger

I Made Her Happy, She Made Me Happy
Nino's story!

Thanks you guys for reading! It means a lot to me! Hope you guys like Nino's!

That was an adorable story. I'm happy even Jun has a girlfriend now!!!

this fic is sooo nice! i love how you wrote it and all! really a good read!

aww! Hopefully Junko will get better!!
LOVE THIS ONE TOO!! im addicted!!

this is my first time reading a fanfiction ever!
and yeahhhh it's good!!
I'm happy for Jun and Junko!

(it seems that i should read Aiba's first ne? since I'm so clueless about how's the connection between Aiba and Rika in the story.)