uh oh ,the first misunderstanding!!! I don't know but I don't like jiro,I'd rather see jun and sho with her,but this makes everything more confusing and thrilling...oh god,what will nino do??? so many questions,please update asap!!!

Chapter 4



It was like a horrible reminder of high school, someone would see something without getting all the facts and it would snowball into a horrendous rumour. I had to stop mine and Jiro's innocent meeting from becoming a wild, underage, sex romp.
"Oi... Minako... a Junior?" Nino said with a slightly disgusted, slightly confused look on his face. I tried to explain, but instead of words coming out of my mouth it was nothing. Nino raised his eyebrows as if he was waiting for an answer.
"We- We weren't... you know... he had a question and I wanted to help. We weren't doing... things." I managed to spit out. The silent hallway suddenly became crowded as staff members, directors, Juniors and other miscellaneous crew flooded into their respective rooms. As the sound staff entered their room, I slid over next to Nino and out of their way. Then, to make matters worse, several Juniors who knew me well came down the hallway giving me friendly waves and bows, with Nino's judging eyes on me the entire time. I waved awkwardly once then hid my face in my palm, "Oh my God... he thinks I'm a total whore..." that was the only thought that was running through my mind.
"You're such a spaz, no wonder Aiba hangs out with you." I heard Nino say. I looked up to not see Nino disgusted like he was before, but smirking widely. I blinked in confusion.
"Eh?"
"You're a spaz. I knew what you were doing from the beginning... I just wanted to see you freak out a bit." Nino said absentmindedly as he returned to his PSP game. I stared at him in utter shock, I should have known him better! He was the one that pulled those stupid pranks! Nino looked up once more with an impish smile before walking past me. "Je ne, Minako-san." he said as he walked down the hall, totally absorbed into his game once again.

"Where have you been!?" Aya-san exclaimed as I reentered Arashi's dressing room huffing for air.
"Sumisen, Aya-san..." I panted as I bent over, trying to catch my breath. I had been running everywhere since I ran into Nino, doing pointless tasks for directors and higher staff members. Not that I minded, it helped me get my mind off of what Nino might do with the valuable information he collected. If he wanted to, he could have me fired right away and Jiro could be at least suspended and not to mention the awful rumours... but I tried not to think of this, the very thought made my stomach turn.
"Help with the rest of the costumes, Minako... we have a few that need repairs." Aya-san said as she turned to the vanity mirror behind her to fix her wispy, graying hair. I walked over to the racks with two other assistants, who were basically my trainees, and began to double check the costumes. While I got absorbed into my work, I didn't notice the boys had come in and flopped themselves down on the couches.
"EH!?" I heard someone shout loudly after several minutes of peaceful silence. My assistants and I jumped and looked for the source. Then I turned around and saw all eyes on Aiba and Nino, who were sitting side by side on the far couch. Aiba's eyes were glued to Nino, who had a smirk on his face, Jun, Ohno and Sho were looking over curiously at the two, their brows furrowed.
"What? What is it?" Ohno asked curiously as he leaned over the back of the couch. Nino switched his glance to Ohno and just shook his head.
"Aiba gets excited when I clear the toughest level before him." Nino said casually. Ohno looked slightly disappointed in the mundane news and returned to his magazine, but Jun looked on at Aiba's stunned face.
"Then why does he look so surprised? He's not happy at all for you." Jun said, pointing at Aiba. Sho didn't say anything, just leaned forward to see around Jun so he could see Aiba's face. Nino shrugged and returned back to his game. Jun scowled and returned to his book and Sho leaned back to close his eyes. Then, I met eyes with Aiba. I knew then what Nino had said to him and my stomach flipped. I turned back to my assistants and told them I had to find an extra pair of scissors, of course it was a lie and the only reason was to draw Aiba out of the room so I could figure out what Nino had said. I slowly passed Aiba and Nino, hoping one of them would get the hint to follow. Aiba immediately jumped up as I passed, causing everyone to look our way and causing Nino to laugh out loud. I looked back at Aiba and silently continued on my way out the door, waiting for Aiba to appear.
"Um, I'm just going to see if there's any snacks!" I heard Aiba say loudly and rather unconvincingly. There were several mumbles of acknowledgment and a few moments later, Aiba appeared out in the hallway next to me. We moved farther down the hall and behind a little corner.
"Aiba-kun, it's not-"
"Who was it? Who was it?" Aiba asked me as he nearly burst with excitement. I looked at him blankly for a moment, why was he so excited?
"What?"
"Nino said you were with someone! It was Sakurai-kun, right?" Aiba asked eagerly. I felt the blood reach my cheeks as I denied everything.
"Have you ever thought that Nino was playing a trick on you? Why would I be with someone?" I lied weakly. Aiba scratched his head in thought.
"Ahh... would he really...?" he thought out loud. I nodded rapidly.
"Aiba-kun... remember Ni no Arashi?" I said while making Nino's signature peace sign. Aiba looked slightly downhearted and I felt guilty lying to him. "Maybe Nino-kun was with someone? As a matter of fact, I think I did see him with someone..." I said slyly as Aiba's eyes lit up. Normally revenge wasn't my choice of fighting, but Nino had it coming. So, as Aiba and I parted ways, I stood in the hallway waiting patiently for my plan to work. A few moments passed, then I heard Aiba's excited voice exclaim something about Nino being seen with someone. As Nino's loud objections echoed through the halls, I walked away to the spare costume room with a satisfied smile and a new understanding of what it feels like to get revenge.




***Author's Note!***
Chapter 5 will be up tonight after I get home from work
This is where the drama starts between Jun and Minako!
As always, thank you to all who are reading!

Chapter 5



Much to my relief, the boys had gone to the showers when I returned moments later with a pair of old scissors. Aya-san, myself and the two assistants had finished the costume rack and were in the process of double checking the arrangement when the director came into the room. My mind being overly guilty at the moment began to imagine the worse. Nino, being pissed about my own revenge on him, had blabbed about Jiro and I being in the empty room to the director, and know I was to be fired.
"Aya-san, could we have your assistance for a moment?" he asked in his usual gruff voice. Aya-san grumbled to herself, told us to go eat and left with the director. I excused my two trainees and stayed behind to "make last minute repairs". Once they had left, I collapsed on the nearest couch and gave a huge sigh of relief. I was cutting everything close today and I didn't like it one bit. I had always been so careful at my job and tried my best at every task I was given, but some days, especially today, I always found myself in difficult situations. Dumb luck was definitely on my side. Now that I had finally sat down, I realized how tired I was and closed my eyes just for the shortest moment.
"Mina-chan, you know you can't sleep here." a voice said from faraway.
"Jun, she's fast asleep." another voice said protectively. My eyes flickered open and I tried to adjust my sleepy vision. Aiba had sat down next to me dressed only in sweats and drying out his hair with a towel. Jun was standing at the vanity mirror in a robe and slippers, combing out his hair.
"Ah, gomenasai! How long have I been asleep? Never mind, never mind, I'm not allowed in here right now." I said as I tried to get up. Jun looked back at me with his eyebrows raised and Aiba reached out to stop me.
"We don't mind, Mina-chan!" Aiba said innocently.
"After all, you've seen at least one of us with less clothes than this." Jun replied in a very low and snarky voice. Being still half asleep, I didn't hear half of what he said, but by judging Aiba's sudden collapse of laughter, I knew it was about me. Deciding to ignore Jun's remark, I went back to sitting with Aiba, who pulled out a few odd magazines.
"Did Nino say anything, Aiba?" I asked quietly. Aiba shook his head and didn't look up from the magazine.
"Nino says a lot of things." Jun said as he flipped through one of the magazines. I looked up at him from the couch, was it just me, or was Jun being particularly bitchy today?
"I didn't ask you, Jun-san." I said quietly as I leaned back into the couch. Jun gave me his famous glare and I couldn't help but to smirk.
"Then don't ask questions where everyone can hear, Mina-chan." Jun replied back, using my name a little rougher than necessary. Aiba looked up from the magazine, his eyes darting between myself and Jun, unsure of what to think. I looked up at Jun again, why was he picking another fight with me? "Nino said something about you and someone in a room. Nothing special, right?" Jun continued on, setting down the magazine on the table with a very audible slap. Ah, I knew that look all too well.
"Jun-san? Is that jealousy I see?" I purposely taunted. I felt Aiba shift uncomfortably next to me, but I kept my eyes up at Jun. He rubbed his nose in annoyance and remained silent, I knew he was boiling inside. "Rumours are never what they seem. I could have been in there with the director... or even Aya-san." I continued on. Jun scoffed loudly, I knew he was pissed now. He stalked around the couches and stormed out of the dressing room without another word. I glanced at Aiba, who was looking at me wearily.
"Just like old times, ne?" he said quietly before returning to the magazine. I fell silent again. Most of our days were like that, Jun and mine. Full of pointless arguments and whatnot... I guess we were both too hot headed and stubborn to let some things pass. But this time was different, this time I wasn't mad at all...
"I'll be back, Aiba." I said as I jumped off the couch and trotted out into the hallway. I didn't know why I was looking for him, maybe to apologize? I wouldn't know until I found him. I looked around the main hall and even in some rooms but no sign of Jun. I looped around again, re checking the rooms, and then I found him. He was back in the dressing room, only he was alone. Aiba had left. I suddenly grew nervous as I stepped into the room. He had changed into normal clothes now and was laid on his back on the longest couch, his eyes shut. "Jun-san...?" I asked quietly as I sat down cross-legged by his feet. He didn't respond... he didn't even acknowledge me. "Jun... Jun... Jun?"
"What!?" he sat up quickly and glowered at me.
"You know what..." I said softly, trying to maintain my temper. Jun looked at me and shook his head.
"You should know, Mina-chan." all his anger seemed to melt away at the gentle way he said my name. I looked at him longer, trying to read what he was thinking. Other than Aiba, Jun and I knew each other best... and yet, I could not read him.
"Jun, is it... is it jealousy? Anger? Or are you just pissy today?" I asked, trying to fish for an answer. Jun scowled a bit and suddenly moved closer until our knees were touching. Startled as I was, I tried to draw back from him but I was up against the arm of the couch. I looked at Jun uncomfortably as he drew closer inch by inch.
"I wasn't pissy." Jun whispered as he rolled his eyes. I cleared my throat nervously as he came closer, both his hands on either side of my hips.
"Wh... what... um..." I tried to ask him what he was doing, even though it was completely obvious. His scent, his warmth... I guess somewhere deep inside I missed my MatsuJun... Our eyes closed and slowly our lips met. No matter how horrible our past was, there was always a part of us that could never simply go away. My hands crept into his dark hair as Jun drew closer still. Then a sudden yell entered my mind, shattering all past bliss. "Mmph!" I tried to object without the use of my mouth. I broke away from Jun and shook my head. He looked at me in confusion.
"What?" Jun asked softly looking down at me. What? I don't even know why I broke away. I looked up at him from the couch speechless. He started to slowly lean in again but this time we were interrupted by something much more dangerous... not to mention noisy.


***Author's Note!***
tomorrow is chapter 6!
thank you everyone

Chapter 6



"You should have seen them! It was just like when they were dating!" Aiba's voice echoed through the halls and into the dressing room.
"Why does that make you so hyper?" Nino's annoyed voice came closer. In a frantic attempt to look innocent, I tried to kick Jun off me, but in the process both of us toppled off the couch landing on the floor just as everyone walked in.
"We were playing a new game!" I said in a unusually high voice as I jumped up from the floor. Everyone paused at the doorway, looking on at the awkward sight. Jun was left disgruntled on the floor and I was standing awkwardly with a mussed up ponytail and straightening out my T-shirt.
"What game?" Ohno's soft and oblivious voice asked curiously. I swallowed nervously and pointed to Jun.
"Well... who ever is the loser at janken, has to be the finder... of an object that I hid in... the room." I said pathetically. There was a moment of silence where everyone just stared, then slowly they continued what they were doing. Nino returned to his game, Aiba and Ohno went over to Jun to ask him more about this new game and Sho settled on the couch with a book. I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, pretending to occupy myself with fixing my ID that hung around my neck.
"Good you're all here! We have about ten more minutes before the start of the afternoon show." the director loudly announced as he entered the room, followed by a slightly irritated Aya. He went on to explaining this and that and the usual, while I busied myself next to Aya at the costume rack.
"Aya-san, I meant to tell you about a repair on one of my costumes." someone said from behind us. I turned around and was facing Sho. My heart leapt into my throat and all breathing ceased. Aya-san asked Sho to show her and I moved stiffly and obediently off to the side so they would have room. I was holding a few extra shirts Aya had given me tightly to my chest and my eyes were downcast, trying to steady my breathing. I had gotten used to being nervous and self-conscious around Sho but this time I was almost too nervous and had a feeling of dread. Like I had betrayed him or something.
"Minako, could you go find Sato-san for me? She's better at repairing zippers than I am." Aya-san asked as she fought with the broken zipper. I looked up and nodded, trying to ignore Sho's curious glance as I set down the pile of shirts. With my eyes to the floor, I numbly exited the room and slowly walked down the noisy hall. Having no idea where Sato-san may be, I turned down a seemingly quiet hall and leaned up against the wall. I couldn't really make sense of how I felt and why I felt that way, but I just felt... guilty. How much guilt could I possibly have in one day? And why all of a sudden did Jun bring back all these things that were in the past? Whatever was going through his mind didn't make my thoughts any easier to comprehend. "Minako."
I looked over and walking slowly towards me was Jun. What was it with him showing up like I called him? I slightly scowled at him, which brought a scowl to his face too.
"Why are you following me?" I asked sourly. Jun leaned up against the wall next to me and looked over at me.
"Don't be stupid." he said quietly. I turned my face away from him and glared at the floor. "It's not like you were objecting back there." Jun continued. I looked back over to him but he was looking the other way.
"I tried to..." I replied quietly. Jun scoffed and smirked.
"You still didn't stop it." he mumbled.
"We can't do this again, you know as well as I do." I snapped angrily. Jun pushed himself off the wall and stood in front of me, leaning forward.
"Who said?"
"You did when you called it off! Why are you bringing this up now?" I exclaimed. I don't know if I was about to explode or cry, but I knew that my head was pounding in frustration. Jun sighed loudly and rolled his eyes. I waited for him to answer, but nothing came. So, I angrily began to walk past him only to be stopped by him grabbing my hand. I looked back slightly startled.
"Are you saying that everything is gone?" Jun asked, his brows pulled into either worry or confusion. I tried to pull my hand away, but Jun just tightened his hold.
"Is now really the time? I have to find someone-"
"A yes or a no is fine for now." Jun said with a dangerous smirk. I glared at him as he came close to me once again, his hold on me still unmoving. He looked down at me, our noses inches apart.
"I..."
"Hm?"
"N... no. Gomenasai... Jun-san..." I said weakly as my eyes dropped to the floor. It was true... partially. After a moment of silence, I felt the grip on my hand lessen, the slow and reluctant retreat of Jun's body from mine and the melancholy footsteps down the hall. I looked up from the ground to Jun as he turned the corner but I couldn't read his expression. I swallowed the tears that blocked my throat and straightened up. I was at work, this was no time to let this bother me. Clearing my throat and blinking back stinging tears, I silently continued my quest for Sato-san. When I found her, I put on a fake smile and when I returned to the dressing room, I kept to myself. Though I occupied myself in organizing the costumes, I could feel the uneasy tension in the air.
As Aya-san, Sato-san and I bid good luck to the boys while they filed out into the hallway, Jun was the first to sweep by us without a glance and made a straight line to backstage. I looked after him with a strong, yet strange, sense of loss.
"Mina-chan...?" I heard Aiba say softly. I looked to Aiba with a false smile.
"Yeah?" I asked quietly. Aiba didn't need to say anything else, he knew. But before anything else could be said, the director came booming down the hallway with his megaphone. I sadly smirked at Aiba and bowed. "Ganbatte, Aiba-chan..."



***Author's Note!***
chapter 7 will be up on monday since i'll be busy this weekend
hopefully everyone likes the story so far

Wah! So MatsuJun still has feelings for her? Nino such the prankster XDDD HAHAH I can't wait to read more!

My fave chapter is... no, I love all of them LOL! esp the ones with a lot of Jun ahha

Chapter 7



Needless to say, the concert was a huge success and the costume changes were as hectic as usual. Aya-san became frantic, as expected, the director was stressed and myself, I was close to tears. Tension was high and I was mixed up in my own emotions. This reminded me of my very first week as Aya-san's assistant. I couldn't stop crying even after the concert and even when I was on my way back to the hotel. Aiba was kind enough to take me out for sake, even though it was close to midnight. Lame as it sounds, the sake just made the crying worse. Thankfully, Aiba hadn't drunk too much and was able to properly escort me back to the hotel. I still remember to this day how I was blabbering on and on about Jun and if it was possible for someone like him to ever like someone like me.
"Minako-san." one of my trainees handed me a water bottle and then hurried over to some of the other crew. I stood backstage listening to the boys sing their last encore for the night. It was our last night in Yokohama and tomorrow we'd be in the Tokyo Dome. The tour was going much too fast for me. Sure I had more work than I could handle during tours, but I always had fun. My daydreams were interrupted as the crew and staff erupted into cheers as the boys came back stage. Their smiles were laced with exhaustion and sweat beaded down their necks.
"Mina-chan!" I heard Aiba's voice ring out and in a blinding flash, I was in a crushing hug.
"Ai- Aiba-kun." I gasped. He quickly pulled away with a huge smile on his face.
"Riida offered to treat us to sake, do you want to join us? Aya-san wouldn't mind you taking off early, right?" Aiba asked anxiously. I bit my lip in thought. Knowing that accepting the invitation would only lead to trouble, especially since Jun and I were stuck in a rocky place again. Then, I glanced over to Sho several feet away chatting with the director, who was praising Sho like a prince. An uncontrollable smile came to my face as I faced Aiba. Against my better judgment, I accepted the invitation.
Checking my cell phone again, I wasn't surprised that they were ten minutes late. I sat inside the old fashioned tea house at the lonely table, watching other couples giggling and smiling. I sighed quietly and tried to ignore the waiters' curious looks. Tracing patterns on the tabletop with my finger slowly, I was pulled into a daydream. The little bell on the door chimed and I was broken out of my stupor. I heard the boisterous voices and knew straight away that the boys had gotten a head start on the ceremony. A slightly nervous waiter approached them and showed them the room where I was at, closing the door behind them.
"Minako is here!" Nino said happily as he and Ohno plopped down. Aiba sat next to me, while Jun and Sho shared the space across from me. The waiter returned with our drinks and sat them in the middle of the table.
"Looks like you already started celebrating." I said with a strained smile. Aiba reached his hand out and slapped the table.
"Hai! But, we didn't forget about Minakoooo~!" he said in a singsong voice. Sho took one of the two bottles from the table and everyone held out their cups eagerly. Sho scowled at them and swiped their hands away.
"Minako-chan gets hers first!" he said firmly. I handed him my cup and he filled it up until it reached the rim. Aiba laughed loudly and pointed to the overflowing cup.
"What's this? Sho-kun favouring Mina-chan over us?" he said rather loudly. I'd be lying if I said I didn't see a flicker of jealousy in Jun's eyes when Aiba said this. Sho, however, just smiled and laughed and handed the glass over to me. I wrinkled my nose at the smell, sake wasn't the top of my favourite drinks list.
"With this I'll be caught up with you guys in no time..." I mumbled before I slowly sipped the sloshing glass.
Nearly two hours passed and I could say that the sake had worked it's magic. I am ashamed to say that I am a rather reckless and loud drunk, completely polar opposite of my real personality. This unfortunate quality had lead to a very heated argument between Nino and I about why he had spread the ridiculous rumor about me and someone in the sound staff's room. Nino kept to his story saying it was all true but everyone was too drunk, they probably thought he was lying anyway. Once our spat had cooled, Ohno brought up a very uncomfortable memory.
"Mina... do you remember Jun's birthday?" he asked slowly, pointing over to an annoyed Jun. Aiba fell back onto the floor laughing.
"Hai! Hai! The alcohol!" Aiba exclaimed loudly through his laughing fit. I looked down at the sake glass hoping it could somehow get me out of this situation.
"Ohh, and that Twister game!" Nino added loudly to the laughter. I could feel Jun's irritation rising as everyone reminisced about the party.
"Matsu-san? How did the after party go?" Ohno asked curiously, eyeing Jun over the rim of his glass. Laughter died down and everyone turned their attention to Jun.
"Oh-chan!" I exclaimed loudly in shock. The after party was exactly what you think it was. After at the guests had left that night, Jun and I had a mini party of our own. Being drunk and unaware of my surroundings was not the way I wanted to start my relationship with Jun. But it saved money for both of us, right? Who could ask for a more romantic time? Obviously my shock and discomfort was visible and Jun's temper was rising, because Sho suddenly stood up.
"Ah, I think it's time to turn in, ne? We have a early morning bus." he announced loudly. I couldn't have been more thankful to Sho than I was now. He and Jun had been surprisingly quiet this whole time, so I assumed they didn't have much to drink. As for the other three and myself? We might as well been three sake bottles in human form. Somehow, we all made it to our feet and out the door. The rest of the night was a total blur to me except bits and pieces of singing on the way to the hotel, Ohno and Nino trying to do an old Ohmiya SK skit in the hotel lobby, then the most puzzling memory of all. Someone had offered to help me get into bed, but I couldn't place who the hell it was.



***Author's Notes!***
Sorry for not posting over the weekend ^^ working just sucks up extra time :(
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and thanks for reading!

Chapter 8



I woke up in the morning with the hangover already taking it's revenge. I cracked my eyes open and saw the little clock, "6:15". Shit... I needed to be with Aya no later than 7:30. I sat up slowly, one hand pressed against my pounding head. Suddenly, a hand came out from nowhere and clamped over my mouth. Obviously being scared out of my mind, I tried to yell and fight but whoever it was had a firm hold on me.
"Minako! Shh!" a stern voice hissed roughly.
"Jun!?" I yelled, though my voice was of course muffled. I looked up angrily at my kidnapper, fury in my eyes. However, Jun's eyes were fixated on the door.
"Aiba just came by." he whispered, finally letting me free. I straightened myself out of my awkward position and sat confused on the bed, glaring at Jun.
"Why the hell are you here?" I asked furiously. Jun raised his eyebrows at me as he faced me.
"Don't you remember?" he whispered darkly.
"Do you think I was in a state last night to remember things?" I snapped. Jun stood up from the bed and faced me with his arms crossed.
"Fine. You were so out of it last night, I offered to help you to your room-"
"Why am I in my pajamas!?" I nearly shouted as I suddenly realized what I was wearing.
"Would you quit spazzing? You changed into them. By yourself." Jun said in annoyance. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"And why are you still here?" I asked nervously. I hadn't done anything with him, had I? No, I couldn't have, he was still in his clothes from last night. Jun seemed to read my mind.
"No, we didn't do anything, I passed out right after you." Jun said as he scratched his head, ruffling his already messed up hair. I sighed silently and looked at Jun softly.
"Gomenasai... I shouldn't have yelled." I apologized gently. Jun put his hands into his pockets and shrugged.
"So... it's really over." Jun said quietly after a slight pause. I looked up wearily and nodded.
"Gomen..." I mumbled. Jun looked over at me and smiled slightly.
"This would make one hell of a rumor." he said as a mischievous grin crossed his face and he began to move slowly towards the door. My head snapped up and my eyes grew wide.
"What? What do you mean by that?" I said worriedly as I sprung up from the bed. What an ass! He would really spread this around to the other members!? Jun had already opened the door by the time I managed to stumble across the room and grab onto his arm. "I've already been seen with someone! Now you want to add that I've been sleeping around with you!?" I exclaimed rather loudly as we both managed to trip over each other and stumble out in the hall and hit the wall across the way.
"So it was true!" Jun said in amusement as he watched me gain my balance back. I pointed a threatening finger at him but couldn't think of anything to say. He stood with his arms crossed and a smug smile on his face, waiting for me to threaten him. But something in his eye caught my attention. He wasn't looking at me at all, he was looking past me... behind me. Slowly I turned around, afraid of who was behind me.
"Sh... Sho-kun?" I whispered. How long had he been standing there? What had he heard? I was feeling dizzy now and I steadied myself against the wall, at the same time trying to fix my oversized T-shirt and ruffled hair. It was indeed Sho. He looked shocked, amused and curious all at the same time.
"Ohayo, Sho-kun." Jun said rather cheerfully. I could only imagine what was going on in Sho's mind. Both Jun and I looked equally hung over, our hair was ruffled in all directions, I was in my pajamas and we both came stumbling out of the same room. I knew Sho had seen all that, and I knew he had heard my exclamation about sleeping around with Jun. First Nino and now Sho? My reputation was having no trouble finding the drain. Was it even worth trying to explain this?
"Uh... MatsuJun... are you going to pack now?" Sho asked curiously as he tried to ignore the awkward scene in front of him.
"Oh, yeah. I think we're done here. Mina-chan?" Jun said tauntingly as he looked over at me. I gave him an evil glare then looked back to Sho.
"Sho-kun, I'll see you at Tokyo." I said simply with a halfhearted bow. As I passed by Jun, I quickly kicked him in the shin. I'm sure it hurt my foot more than it hurt Jun, but he still started to swear loudly. My blood was boiling and I didn't care to look back as I slammed my hotel door and locked it roughly. I could still hear Jun as he raved angrily out in the hall, but he deserved it. Okay... so it was my fault that I had yelled about sleeping with Jun... and my fault for pissing him off. But damn it, he deserved that kick. Grabbing fresh clothes, I made my way to the bathroom for a long, refreshing bath.
Baths never cease to amaze me. One moment you're overflowing with rage, you step into a bath and the next moment, you're as calm as if nothing happened. The whole stupid thing with Jun had taken up at least fifteen minutes or more, which left me a little under a half hour to get to Aya. Humming a song softly to myself and trying to ignore my grogginess, I began to pack my belongings that I had brought. Scanning the room quickly for any missed items, I soon noticed that my cell phone was missing. This put me into a slight panic. Ripping open my luggage, I went through everything a third time- still no phone. I spotted the hotel land phone on my dresser and quickly dialed my own number. Maybe who ever had it would answer or if it was in my room, I would hear the ringtone. I waited... nothing. Then a very faint melody floated to my ears. I scanned the room, trying to spot where it could be coming from. Closet? No... Under the bed? Nope.
"Eh?" I looked towards the door and noticed something was slipped under it. I hung up the phone and walked over to the door. Pulling my hair over my shoulder, I knelt down and tried to pull the folded paper in. It wouldn't budge, something was attached to the other side. So, opening the door and looking down, there was my phone with a paper attached. I placed my phone in my pocket and unfolded the mysterious note.
Minako-chan, Aiba came by earlier to drop this off, it fell from your pocket last night... MatsuJun is okay, he's pissed though. What happened between you two?
Sho

Sliding down to the floor once again, I smiled sheepishly as I read the note over and over. Perhaps today was looking up to be a good day.


***Author's Notes!***
not much to update today... but i promise things will get more interesting and complicated as the chapters go on

thanks to all who are reading/ commenting!

Chapter 9




Luckily for me and my very nervous psyche, I didn't run into any of the boys the rest of that morning. According to Aya, they had left an hour or so before us.
"Minako-san? Do you want one?" one of my trainees asked me as she held out a red bean cake. I shook my head and politely refused. Food was the last thing on my mind. Aya-san, Sato-san, the two assistants, myself and a few more staff members had taken an extra minibus that was following the director and his staff. I chose the back seat by myself so I didn't have to be involved in their meaningless gossip. My cell phone was in my hand, open to a text page explaining what had happened between Jun and I... all I had to do was press send and it would go to Sho. Nervousness was stopping me though. What if he thought I was being rude? Was I giving him too much information about us? I bit my lip and scrunched my eyes closed, my finger on the send button. Closer... closer... it was sent. I opened my eyes again, slightly relieved the pressure had disappeared. Now all I had to do was wait until he responded... if he responded at all. In the mean time, I occupied myself with trying to get extra sleep in hopes of pushing away the hangover. I had purposely set the phone to vibrate so it could wake me up if I fell asleep and that's exactly what it did almost ten minutes later. Blinking the sleepiness from my eyes, I flipped open the phone and held it steady in my quaking hand.
"So that's what you two were doing when we walked in... why'd he want to start something again?" I read Sho's message carefully before sending my reply, I was very, very self conscience at this moment.
"I think... he was jealous? Maybe there's still that feeling that we belong to each other?" I sent it and waited a few minutes.
"That was almost four years ago, though... ah, don't worry about it, Mina-chan... Jun's always been someone to hold a grudge, so I guess holding onto emotions isn't that different."
"It's over now... we had our last bit of fun... not in the hotel room! You just walked in at the wrong moment..."
"Lol, I know... Jun actually told me where he was going last night... ano, could I ask you something?"
The last part of the message made me catch my breath. What was he going to ask? Being a hopeless and shameless romantic, my mind buzzed with movie type love confessions.
"Sure, Sho-kun, what is it?"
My heart was pounding in anticipation as I waited for his reply.
"Where do you usually have lunch?"
I can honestly say that the horrible disappointment shone brightly on my face. What? No deep, heartfelt love confession?
"Usually I have lunch in our staff room... why?"
"Meet me at lunch time, I'll show you then."
I stared at the message for a few moments in confusion. I told him I would meet him, then put the phone back into my pocket after waiting a few minutes for him to respond. Settling back into the seat, I put on my earphones and played some music, hoping to fall asleep once again. I could hardly call it sleeping, more like... being in a deep daydream. Conversations between Jun and I floated around in my head, Sho's gorgeous smile, Aiba's drunken laughter and even Jiro's
innocent face. This confusing sub-conscience continued for most of the ride until the last hour or so when I was shaken awake by Aya.
"Minako, we're almost to the Dome." she said firmly, tapping my shoulder until I sat up in annoyance.

Walking into the Dome, I felt slightly out of my own body. Shuffling down the hall behind my chatty assistants, I spotted Jiro and a few of his friends coming down the hall. In a sudden panic, I pushed through my assistants and slid into our room, nearly tripping over a few chairs. Aya and Sato-san, who were going over concert details, looked up strangely at me and over to the startled assistants in the doorway.
"I'm just so excited!" I weakly exclaimed under my sensei's disapproving eyes. Aya and Sato-san exchanged glances, then went back to the clipboard. I cleared my throat and set down my messenger bag on one of the tables. Opening up the bag, I grabbed my ID lanyard, placed it around my neck and removed a piece of bread that I had packed that morning. I had settled down enough to have something in my stomach.
"Minako-sensei?" a quiet voice called from the doorway. I whirled around and nearly choked on the bread. Jiro stood in the doorway with a big smile on his face, bowing deeply to Aya and Sato-san. I swallowed my bread, placed the rest on the table and walked over to him, feeling curious eyes of my colleagues burning into my back. Damn it, didn't I make it into the room before he saw me? Stepping out into the usually busy hall, I looked at the happy Junior. "What were you doing? Didn't you see me wave?" he asked curiously.
"I- I was just so excited to be here! It's the end of the tour right?" it didn't sound as lame when I thought it in my mind. But Jiro seemed to understand.
"Minako-san? I wanted to know, if you had time today, if you'd want to go to a new arcade later tonight? I heard it was supposed to be pretty fun." Jiro added quickly and nervously. I crossed my arms and looked down to the floor.
"Uh... Jiro-kun... it probably wouldn't be the best thing to do." I said slowly, trying not to let him down too hard. I was right though, it wasn't the smartest thing for a Junior to go out with a female almost five years older than him... But on the other hand, I could always pull the family member card, just pretend I'm his cousin or something.
"You have other plans... with Matsumoto-san?" Jiro asked quietly, his once cheerful face now a little downhearted.
"What? No, Jiro-kun... Jun and I are done. Promise." I said firmly.
"Then come with me! I promise I'll be in disguise." Jiro pleaded, holding out his pinky finger. I looked up at his puppy dog eyes and couldn't help but to smile, Mr. Johnny sure knew how to pick these boys.
"Fine! Fine... I'll go. But not too late, okay?" I said as I hooked my pinky finger with his. Jiro smiled brightly and nodded. I watched Jiro trot away down the hall and felt a strong sense of adoration. Maybe not what I felt towards Sho at the moment or what I felt with Jun all those years ago... but it was definitely something. Smirking slightly down at my pinky finger, I collected my thoughts and reentered the staff room, ready to get on with the tour.


***Author's Notes!***
hmmm... throw in Jiro along with Sho and we have an interesting thing going on...
as always, much thanks to all who are reading or commenting!
it makes me even more motivated knowing people are actually liking my story

uh-oh haha rumors will start again!!!

*wonders what sho-kun wants to show her... *hmmm lol

Chapter 10



I don't know what it is with the end of the summer tours, everyone seems to be much more organized and somewhat calmer. Maybe it's because we finally got the hang of concert routine? Or maybe because we had a month's vacation coming before the winter concerts? Whatever it was, I seemed to be the only one that had missed out on this calm. Aya and I went to work on moving the costumes to Arashi's dressing room while they were doing the usual concert run through. Even Aya, who was naturally high strung and a perfectionist, was unusually calm today.
"Minako? Do you have plans for lunch? Sato-san and I were thinking about going to the new Mandarin restaurant, if you wanted to come along." she asked me as we rolled the costume rack into the dressing room. Being caught off guard, I gave out a yelp as I rolled over my foot with the rack. Jumping back and quickly composing myself, I looked at a startled Aya.
"Sumisen, Aya-san... but I've already planned something... perhaps tomorrow?" I asked politely as I regained control of the costumes. Aya waved her hand in dismissal.
"Perhaps, it depends if Sato-san's arthritis hasn't flared. Ahh, you young kids... running behind our backs to meet each other. Tell me, Minako, that Junior today, Sakamoto-kun... he looked rather pleased to see you, ne?"
What was with Aya today!? Were all women her age gossip birds? The question made me loudly and nervously laugh. I scratched my head, thinking of a way to tell the truth, but at the same time, lie.
"Hai... Jiro-kun has looked up to me and I recently helped him with some... problems at school. Nothing more, Aya-san." I said, joining her in straightening out the jackets. She smiled widely and I wondered if she knew I was lying.
"If not Sakamoto-kun... then Masaki-san? You two seem to be rather close." she said as she separated a pair of jackets.
"Aiba? Oh no, he's my best friend." I was starting to get nervous now. What would I say when she reached Jun? Or Sho?
"Now don't stand here and tell me you haven't had any relationships with these boys! Even I had some fun in my days!" Aya exclaimed as she stood close to me, her aging hands on her hips and a look as if she was scolding me. I stood in front of her, my mouth slightly open and my mind blank.
"Go... Gomenasai, Aya-san..." I stuttered as I bowed low. I heard her sigh and move over to the vanity mirror. I couldn't tell her about Jun and I... for some reason it felt like I would be shamelessly flaunting our relationship and I didn't want to have that information being spread around. Even though most people knew anyway, they just didn't care to bring it up.
"Don't worry Minako, you're very honorable by keeping it to yourself... as for myself. Johnny Kitagawa, my old flame way back when..." Aya said with a slightly theatrical sigh.
"EH!?" I found myself nearly shouting. Aya looked over to me and smiled shyly. I didn't know what to think about that bit of information.
"Quite the love situation there, my dear... found myself in a hurricane of trouble, I did. What an entertaining love triangle that was..." she said quietly with a hint of sadness. I looked on at Aya in a sudden sense of worry. Five years I've worked beside Aya and never once had she told me anything about her personal life. Having her being involved with such a powerful figure reminded myself of well, me. She looked over to me with her wise eyes filled with an unreadable emotion. "You're young, Minako-chan, and I know the last thing you need is some old woman giving you advice... however..." she paused here and I leaned forward, eager for her sudden wisdom.
"Nothing will make you happy, unless it's the choice you've made from your heart. Nothing else will mean anything to you if you live your life for someone else, in regret or for what-ifs." this statement absolutely blew me away. Not just the words, but the way Aya said it. Her grouchy and irritated voice had been erased and was somehow replaced with a younger, gentler voice. I sat back in amazement, staring at my boss. She sniffed loudly and replaced her thick rimmed glasses on her nose. "Well, enough of that nonsense, ne? Let's get these costumes organized, whatever baka packed these did a halfassed job." she said roughly. I smiled to myself, Aya-san was back.

After mine and Aya's moment, she sent me on a seemingly meaningless mission to find her checklist. I personally thought she just needed a moment alone, she never once forgot her checklist. A break was fine with me, I had too much going on in my mind as it was. So, I made my way back to our staff room to finish my long forgotten bread. I found it in my bag where I had placed it, but it had turned a little crusty. Abandoning that plan, I sat quietly by myself at the plastic table, drumming my fingers. I glanced at the clock on the wall, "12:35". I waited a few more minutes before I left, just to give Aya some time to be alone. I made my way back to the dressing room about fifteen minutes before show time, but as I walked into the room, the tension was thick.
Aiba must have been choking on the negativity in the air, because when he saw me, he nearly sprinted to greet me.
"Aiba... what's going on?" I asked quietly as I looked around at the other members faces. Nino and Ohno were standing in the corner with Aya and Sato-san, taking a much longer time to get dressed. Sho was already dressed, sitting on the far couch and reading a magazine with a deep frown on his face. Jun was also dressed, but he was sitting with his arms and legs crossed and sitting the farthest away from Sho.
"Matsu-san and Sho-kun had a little... disagreement." Aiba said as quietly as he could and slightly hugging my arm. But Aiba being Aiba, his voice easily travels. Jun looked over to us, spotted me and stood up from the couch. Before he reached the door, he turned back to look at Aya.
"I'm done here, then? I'll be backstage." Jun said sourly, putting his hands in his pockets roughly. Everyone looked over to Jun as he stalked across the room. Aiba pulled me aside to clear the way for Jun, but as everyone was watching him intently, my eyes darted immediately from his face. Jun paused for a moment as he passed me and I knew he was waiting for me to say something. However, I stayed silent and Jun stormed out into the hall, leaving everyone in the room to finally breathe. As I looked up at Aiba's worried face, I could have sworn that Aya was looking at me from across the room, disappointment and concern written on her wise face.


***Author's Notes!***
i know there wasn't much Arashi in this chapter... but Aya proves useful in the future :P
next chapter, i promise minako and sho will have their meeting