Arashi Fanfic: Snapshot - Chapter 4

Jun’s eyes followed the young photographer as she walked into the conference room. Like the rest of the group, he was surprised that the person Johnny referred to as very professional, short tempered and mature happened to be the very same girl she saw near the vendo machine. Young and witty but had proved that not all youth these days only knows how to have fun. ‘Interesting..’ Jun thought and gave an inward smile at the fact. Jun snapped out of his reverie when he saw Aiba trying not to laugh. ‘Damn.. Aibaka really does see through me..’

If there’s someone in Arashi who can easily read in between the lines, it would be Aiba. He may seem clueless and childish most of the time but it was Aiba whom they can easily talk to. He may not give the smartest advice but he does listen with full interest and attention when one talks about something. And at this point, he reads Jun’s thoughts but decided not to pester him with it. Realizing this fact, Jun also wondered why he was thinking on such matters. He was paired with countless girls on various projects. There were even rumors on girls who were linked with him but he simply ignores them. As a matter of fact, whenever he got close (in a friendly manner) to a girl, it was because the girl approached him first. That’s why he was very confused as to why his thoughts ran in only one direction and that is, he wanted to know Jo more.

‘No!’ He stopped himself. ‘I only find her cute and I’m a sucker for anything or anyone cute!’ He reminded himself as he sat down the chair by the table. ‘This is business and nothing more! I’ve met a lot of girls and she is just one of them.. An acquaintance and nothing more..’

Before arranging this meeting with Arashi, she researched some facts about them, wanting to know something about the group and the personality of each member before diving into work with them. She downloaded mp3s and listened to them. She even asked Rina and Mako to lend her their shows, dramas and concerts. Listening and watching them amused her in more ways than one. She learned that all of them started at an early age and was trained by the agency to turn into idols. She was amazed by the number of their fans worldwide and she was immediately taken in by their series and movies.

Ohno, in her perspective, was a quiet person. Though he was referred as the leader of the group, it is obviously seen that he gives his group freedom to voice out their opinions and suggestions. There are times when he gets unsure of his status as their leader but the rest kept on insisting that he is one and he does act as a very effective leader of the group. Jo was also mesmerized by his powerful voice. It’s not a wonder why he was referred to as Arashi’s lead vocals. In terms of vocals, she thought of Nino as another powerful singer. Being a guy with high pitched voice, she was amazed at how he can control it. Personally, she made a mental note that she would have a difficult time getting along with him. To her, Nino was the one who showed least interest in some of their tasks but one thing Jo finds attractive in Nino is that once he got into something and finds it interesting, he would continue the task and will do his beat at it.

As she was making a mental notes of her past observations (while listening and commenting on small discussions with Arashi and Johnny), she then continued her inward observance on the rest of Arashi members. Her eyes then landed on the group’s rapper, Sho. She was too shocked when Mako (being an ultimate Sho fan), told her that he came from an elite family. Having a father with government position and a professor of a mother, Jo was shocked that Sho was able to pursue his entertainment career. During this part, she also realized that she had met his parents on one of the government gathering where she was hired to be the occassion's official photographer. She also remembered the time when she had a small conversation with Sakurai-san when he mentioned that he had a son who was in the entertainment industry. Jo, since she just returned from France at that time, was clueless on whom the person was talking about. Jo instantly remembered that Sakurai-san was not too happy with this fact but there was a certain proud spark in his eyes whenever he talked about his son’s achievements and fame. Then we have Aiba; the most cheerful and lively one in the group. He was referred to as the group’s baka person because of his senseless comments but Jo knew that he was the one who is closest to every Arashi members. Aiba had this aura which can befriend anyone. As Rina (a die-hard SakurAiba fan) said, Aiba can make even the toughest person open up for him and after seeing Aiba that day, Jo can’t argue with that fact. To her, Aiba was the one whom she can openly talk to and she was sure, a hundred percent, that she won’t be having trouble with him.

Lastly, Jo looked at the group’s fashion-guru and so-called woman expert, Jun. Being known to the fact that he was personally chosen by Johnny, she was sure that there was something with this person that Johnny found special. Truth to be told, Jo cannot still decide on this person’s personality. As she watched their series, shows and movies, she still cannot grasp on Jun’s personality. All she can surmise is that he easily gets irritated, had a certain air in him which shouts ‘look up to me!’ and most of Arashi and Jun fans called it the 'Do-S syndrome'.. But if there’s one thing she’s certain about, Jun is positively passionate with his work. A bit hard to understand but he's someone she can work with. And as much as she tried to hide it, she have to admit that she was Jun-baited.. Despite the collected persona and ‘touch-me-not’ aura, she grew a liking on how he carries those outrageous concert outfits and of course, superb acting. But then, she made sure that her fanatic side would always be kept in check and not be like those absurdly stalking fans.

“So, what do you think of my boys?” Jo quickly looked up as Johnny asked the question. She inwardly thanked the gods that she was done with her internal recollection as Johnny shot his question. Her eyes landed immediately on Arashi as she heard the frustrated groans and hid her laughter as she saw Arashi rolled their eyes. “WHAT?!”

“You asked as if you own us or something..” Nino complained as he took a sip of the juice Tomi placed for them.

"My boys indeed..” Ohno repeated the exact phrase as he sighed. “Are we items which you have placed under bidding and asked for a buyer to comment on? We’re people, Johnny-san.. H-U-M-A-N-S..” Ohno spelled the last words to emphasize his point as Johnny continued to look unabashed by his talent’s reactions.

Johnny’s eyes widened comically at this. “I do own you, Nino-kun..” He stated in a matter of fact tone. “In fact, I invested quite a lot for you guys and I can say that I officialy have my brand on you..” He added as he gave a satisfying laugh. “You all are under my mercy..” He joked as he crossed his leg, getting comfy on his seat.

“Well and precisely said..” Sho commented and railed back as he received the glares from his group. “I didn’t said I was happy with it!” He added.

Jo gave a soft laugh at the exchange. She was relieved that this group, as famous as they are, were able to get along well with their boss. As far as she knew, Johnny only talks this way to his talents who had proved their worth and no doubt, Arashi was able to pass Johnny’s expectations. “Well, aside from the fact that you already know that I positively hate tardiness, they are way beyond famous so I can say they’re professionals in the modelling field.. I don’t know what else you wanted to hear from me Johnny-san.” She safely answered. “Fishing for compliments, Johnny-kun?” She jokingly added, earning a laugh from the group.

“Not quite.. We got a daily dose of compliments from fans already..” He admitted off-handedly and Jo didn’t retorted back since she herself knew that this was true. “We can start on who you think you can easily befriend with.. Or.. Do you think they can be a problem to you?” Johnny pressed on. Jo looked at Arashi at this and was a wee bit surprise that they were also waiting for her honest opinion on them. “Go on.. If one of them reacted quite violently, I can immediately replace KAT-TUN with them.” At this comment, the conference room was filled with Arashi’s replies of “EH?!”s and “NANI?!”s. At this, Jo realized that KAT-TUN was probably their virtual rival in all of the JE team.

“Well, I don’t think I have problems working with Riida-kun, Masaki-kun and Sakurai-san..” She admitted, earning smiles from the three. “Though I may have a problem with Matsumoto-san and Kazunari-kun..” She added then quickly added an explanation. “I’m not saying that you guys are not what I’m expecting you to be but I was inclining more on the professional side!” She finished, blushing a bit as she caught Nino and Jun’s amused looks. Relieved that they are not offended, she continued. “From my reference, which also happened to be photographers Arashi had worked with, Nino and Jun are the.. Um..” She stopped as she searched for a right word to describe their personas without offending them. “The.. ‘Touch-me-not’ types..” She finished, hoping that they got it.

Johnny laughed at her comment and nodded. “They do give that aura, don’t they?” He returned then smiled. “Personally, I can’t say that would be a problem, neh?”

Aiba nodded at this fact. “Though these two may look snobbish..” He was cut short as Jun and Nino threw a piece from the nuts they were nibbling on, indicating that they are not too flattered at his choice of words. “Anyway.. They are really nice.. It may take time for one to adjust with them but they are quite friendly.. All you need are the right words and coaxing abilities, then you’ll have them at your fingertips!”

“And now, he referred to me and Nino as kids..” Jun hissed as he gave Aiba a whack on the head. “Baka..” He mumbled and folded his arms at his chest. “It’s just that unlike Aiba, we seldom speak and open up to those we just met..” He admitted and Nino nodded in affirmation.

“Maybe you’re description for us are correct..” Nino admitted then smiled. “But we will do our best to meet your expectations, Sashika-san..” He finished, earning a lot of agreement from Arashi. “And do work on your choice of words, Aiba.. It irritates me..” He said and Aiba simply smiled his reply.

“Good to hear that then..” Jo said then smiled as she placed her elbows on the table and propped her chin over her hands. “No wonder you were chosen as Yamada Tarou, Kazunari-kun.. That smile of yours is quite addicting.” She commented and Nino scratched his head from embarrassment and mumbled thanks. “And please do call me Jo.. I think I’m the youngest one in the group..”

Jun bit his lower lip at Jo’s comment on Nino. Jealousy? He doesn’t know but he was quite irked at Nino. He quickly brushed the thought then smiled. “Are you? Nino and I happened to be the youngest here..” He added as he looked at her.

Jo nodded in reply. “Born in 1984, only I was born on October 29.. I’m currently 23. So, calling me Sashika-kun or Sashika-san makes me feel I’m way over your senior..” She said then looked at Jun as she tilted her head to the side. “Also.. Unlike Nino, your smile is more of charming people rather than amusing them..” She commented and heard the rest laughed at the comment. As she realized what she said, she bowed her head in apology. “Gomen.. I was used on commenting on people’s smiles since I’m a photographer and all..”

“Jo-chan then!” Jun simply said then waved his hand in a non-offending manner as she made her comment. His irk for Nino was placed with amusement. “No worries.. We’re used to it.. People often say the same thing” He joked then the rest laughed once more..

“Do-S in the house, y’all!” Sho rapped as other laughed more. Jun gave a Domyouji-like smile at them then settled in his seat. Truth to be told, all were relieved that they can talk like this. It was a start of a good working relationship between Liason and JE.

“Another thing..” Jo added as she remembered something. “If there’s something I need to know about your schedules, I mean aside from the common work-related schedules, I would appreciate it if you would tell me when’s your day off and such..” She suggested. “I hate it when your girlfriends come barging in here and start attacking me on taking your time and ignoring them..”

And after that comment, everybody went silent. Jo looked around and she saw Arashi had their eyes downcast but still trying to look as if nothing was happening. Jo, being a very experienced photographer can immediately detect their sudden change in expressions, especially Sho’s. ‘Did I asked a wrong question?’ She asked herself, wondering what's the cause of the sudden change in their expressions.

Johnny laughed at this. “Looks like you are not oriented with our policies, Jo..” He stated. “While they are in JE, they are not to be involved in serious relationships since it can destroy their concentration, thus causing havoc to their work..” Johnny said and laughed as Jo’s eyes widened in surprise. “It’s been a part of the working contract and Arashi can attest to this..”

Arashi members nodded and agreed on this. All except Sho who suddenly turned quiet and literally paled. ‘Uh-oh.. Me and my big mouth..’ Jo thought as she realized she placed one of them in a tight spot and mentally cursed herself for this mess.

Sho’s mind was reeling. He didn’t expect this coming and he can’t blame Jo for this. She was just doing her part. He looked at the rest of Arashi and they also gave him a look which said that he should agree with Johnny. Problem is, Sho was the type who hates lying and agreeing would mean denying Hikari. Aiba bit his lower lip as Ohno looked from Johnny then back at Sho.

Johnny was looking at the photos on the wall as they agreed but as he didn’t heard Sho’s reply, his attention returned to him and he quirked his right eyebrow. Not a good sign and Arashi knew this. He was still expecting a reply from Sho. “Well Sho? I didn’t heard you..”

Jun noticed the tension around the room then laughed. “Come on, Johnny-san.. You know Sho’s answers.. We are all aware of that line..” He said, hoping that Johnny would simply get off the topic.

“That’s right, Johnny-kun!” Aiba added enthusiastically, trying to replace the dead air rising in the room.  Nino and Ohno also attested to this fact, saying that there’s no need to state that policy since they were all too aware of JE’s rules.

“No.. You know me.. I want the answer coming out from the person’s mouth..” He finished. The tone of his voice was in a ‘final decision’ tone and he returned to Sho. “We’re waiting, Sakurai..” Johnny said in a very deep tone. He used Sho's surname.. Not a good sign..

Sho swallowed the sudden lump in his throat as he struggled to answer. “I.. I.. Um..” He stammered as he looked around for help. ‘Kami-sama.. Help..’ He prayed and this was the only time Sho thought that lying can sometimes be a good thing.