Arashi Fanfic: Snapshot - Chapter 6

Tomi arranged the lights of the studio while Mako fixed the backdrop. Whatever the situation was, both of them can actually sense the cold air hanging around the room. Majority caused by Jo. Her mood was light for the first five days but after that, it turned sour.. Very, very sour.. Arashi members, as much as possible, tried to keep the air light with some jokes and funny antics but not even Aiba, the group’s genki source, was able to fish a small smile out of Jo Sashika. Almost two weeks of work; Liason and Arashi are working harmoniously.. That is until one of them forgot to contact Jo that he can’t attend the shoot..

Mako sighed as he leaned on the wall next to Tomi, hugging the backdrop he was planning to place for the next scene. “She’s gonna say some colorful things soon.. So colorful that even the most thick-faced person will be ashamed..” He commented and Tomi nodded in agreement, mumbling something about being not in the way if ever that happened.

“Aiba-chan more to the left!” Jo instructed as she continued to take pictures of Aiba. She slowly moved her camera to the left as it continued to click continuously with every movement. “And quit giving cute smiles.. This is a Valentine edition magazine.. I need a seductive smile, Aiba-chan..” She commented and Aiba gave a sigh. Jo also sighed and moved her camera down, giving a small frown. “Do you need a break, Aiba? We’ve been doing this for an hour now..”

Aiba nodded and gave a satisfied sigh as he removed the red scarf from his neck and his coat. “Arigato, Jo-chan!” He mumbled as he reached out for a bottle of water. Though the place was cool for the photo shoot; the light is too much for him. “Why does every time we have to do a Valentines Edition cover, we have to pose as if we’re seducing people?” He asked as he chugged down half of the water inside the bottle.

“Valentines, Aiba-chan, as if you’re not aware, is when most girls wants to confess their emotions to guys they like.. This case, Arashi is the subject of most women’s dreams and believe it or not, they are willing to pay a thousand and five hundred yen to have you guys looking the way you are at the pictures we have..” The reply Jo made was so serious that she only looked at Aiba once.

“1500 yen?!” Nino gasped as he heard the reply. “For our pictures?!” He asked once more. Being the most thrifty one in the group, he was positively flabbergasted when he heard of this fact. “But.. But.. That’s enough for.. For..” He stopped his words as he heard the three laugh.

The trio laughed as they saw Nino’s reaction. “Next time, do visit other places other than game centers..” Sho commented as he gave a hearty laugh. “Neh, Jo-chan?” He asked, trying to get her to laugh. Unfortunately, this failed. Jo simply nodded as she wiped the lens of her camera. Sho’s smile dropped as he noticed that Jo took no notice of his statement and looked helplessly at his friends.

Ohno looked at Sho and took a deep breath in. It was his turn to try on appeasing Jo’s foul mood. “How is everybody feeling? It’s been almost two weeks, neh?” Ohno started as he looked at them. Ohno simply wanted to have Jo open up to them. Aiba replied something about having the hardest time to look as if he wanted to seduce each and every woman in town. Sho replied that he had some problem dealing with clothes which almost reveal his soul.. He was referring to the net-like shirt Mako gave him to wear (most thought that there was something more aside from the fact that Mako wanted Sho to look sexy for the shoot) and Nino.. Well, Nino simply said that all the flashes from the camera made him lose five consecutive Tekken matches with Ohno (who happened to be the person who sucked most at fight games).

When it was Jo’s turn, she stopped wiping the camera lens then looked at them. “Frankly speaking, I’m pissed off and I have a feeling you guys know why..” She admitted as she removed the full memory card from her camera and replaced it with a new one. Arashi looked at her then at each other, bowing their heads afterwards. They definitely knew what she meant. They have been doing the shoots for almost two weeks and during that duration of time, Jun was too busy with other engagements. Worse, he wasn’t able to inform Jo on his previous engagements. Jo did called his phone for quite some time but then, he had this habit of leaving his phone inside his dressing room or bag, thus missing Jo's calls.

Ohno shook his head. “Gomen ne, Jo-chan.. MatsuJun’s like this.. He had the tendency to leave his mobile phone.. We had the same problem during some of our tapings.. I know you canceled some engagements..”

“Quite a lot of them..” Jo intercepted as she looked at Ohno. “And some of them cost me certain amounts which are enough to pay for my studio’s three months' expenses..” She was referring to the business side of her projects. “And.. We only have 10 solo shots of him and you guys have.. How many? 45 to 50 shots?! And the deadline’s two weeks from now! There’s still editing, lay-outing and a lot more stuffs to do before submitting the photos to Sakura Magazine!”

Arashi winced at this. Tomi and Mako took a deep sigh as they finished the arrangements for the next scenes. “I know.. That’s why I want to apologize for MatsuJun..” Ohno finished lamely.

“Oh.. So you’re the one apologizing for something he did? Lucky him.. Are you also going to apologize to those who are affected with my cancelled engagements?” She crudely replied. That reply caught all of their attentions and they all turned quiet. Jo caught the embarrassed look on Ohno as soon as she said those words. As soon as Jo realized that she struck a sensitive spot, she sighed and shook her head. “Gomen.. Hontou ni gomen..” She apologized then took a low and long apologetic bow. “I know I don’t have the right to lash out my irritation at you guys.. Just that..” She sat down and massaged her temples. “It's not an excuse.. Demo.. I’ve cancelled most of my important engagements since I consider this project as high priority.. Just that..” She sighed once more then stood up, folding her hands in front of her chest as she leaned her back on the wall. “Is it that difficult to call and inform me that he’s gonna be busy and can’t attend the shoot? That way I can reschedule some of my businesses.. Both sides will then be happy..”

Sho gave a slow smile and slung an arm over Jo in a brotherly manner. “Neh, neh.. I know what MatsuJun did was wrong but he’s not the type who would leave something unfinished.. We’ll try to contact him and give him an earful ok?!”

Nino looked up from his game console and smiled “Hai.. I’m sure he already realized his mistake.. Give him time..” He said then gave an awestruck look as he pushed his handheld console away from him. "I DIED!!!"

“I’ll call him tonight, neh? So quit with the scary face.. You looked like someone who rose from the dead and ready to spread wrath to people..” Aiba commented which earned a bored sigh from Nino.

“You read too many manga and fiction books, Aiba-kun.. You better quit it before your intelligence level would be the same as a zombie’s..” Nino blabbed all this without taking his eyes off his console. At this, Jo laughed and others followed.

“Thanks guys.. I really appreciate your patience while I was acting all bratty..” She said then placed the camera once more over the stand. “Break’s over! Come on Nino and drop that game console or I’ll throw it out of the window..” She joked as Nino gave her a dirty look but looked at the console once more, saved the game and stood up, adjusting the sleeveless muscle shirt Mako made him wear.

“Ready to go!” Nino announced as he took a seat on the sofa provided for them.

Right after the shoot, Jo asked Mako and Tomi to go ahead and send Rina the memory stick which were used for the day and have them transferred on her laptop. Arashi then offered Jo a lift which she good-naturedly declined, saying that she have to call Miata (one for her client) to reschedule a meeting. To add, she still have to look through some photos which she will use for her next coffee table book.

“Jo-chan’s really impressive, neh?” Riida asked the three as he laid his head on the car’s headrest. “After a whole day’s work, she still stayed to finish things.”

Aiba nodded and looked at the read view mirror to meet Ohno’s eyes. “Hai.. Tomi even told me that tomorrow, after our photo shoot, she will head straight to Akihabara for an otaku convention there..”

Nino blinked at this. “She even accepted those offers?” He asked smiling as he learned the fact. “Suge.. I can ask for game updates and discounts since she’s there..” He said then took out his mobile phone, sending a message to Jo regarding this matter.

Sho smiled at this then massaged his left shoulder. “I don’t know about you guys but I’m really tired today.. You guys can spend the night at my apartment if you want to.. We have some clothes at our dressing room in JE.. We can change there tomorrow.” He suggested and the three agreed. Aiba turned the car and headed for Sho’s apartment.

It took them half an hour until they reached Sho’s apartment. While Sho was opening the door, the three waited patiently; each of them holding bags of snacks they bought before heading back home. As soon as Sho opened the door, he was immediately greeted by an image of Jun, laid on the sofa, watching TV. Jun turned his head and waved his hand as soon as they entered. “Yo!” He greeted.

The three looked at each other as they saw Jun. Sho was about to reply but Nino beat him to it. “BAKA!” It was Nino’s reply for Jun’s greeting. Jun’s right eyebrow raised in obvious irritation as he heard Nino’s greeting. “What are you 'Yo!' –ing about, Do-S?! Jo’s really pissed off today!” Count on Nino when it comes on being flat-out frank..

Jun blinked at this then looked at them. I sent her a message that I can’t attend the shoot! I made sure to do it every time I wasn’t able to go!” He defended, sitting up, ready to answer each of their questions.

“Eh?” Aiba commented then looked at Jun. “Jo didn’t received any of it.. She kept looking at her mobile phone to check for your messages.. Nothing came… That’s why she’s so angry..”

“Impossible..” He mumbled, eyes widening as he took his phone and moved to the group as he showed them the messages he sent. “Look! Here are my messages.” True enough, there were messages saying that he can’t attend the shoot. “I may be Do-S like but I never forget to inform people when I won’t be able to show up..”

Riida looked at him then back at the phone. “Um, MatsuJun.. Can I see the number again?” Jun nodded and scrolled his message down until Jo’s number is displayed at the screen. Ohno then took his own mobile and compared the number on his display from MatsuJun’s. “Jun.. The last number’s 7.. Not 1..” Jun blinked at this then looked at it, He placed a hand on his head in a aghast manner as he realized that he had been sending his message to the wrong number. Good thing he never did placed his name on his message.. “No wonder Jo didn’t received your messages..” Ohno commented as he placed his phone back on his pocket.

Jun gave a frustrated sigh then rushed to the phone inside Sho’s room. “I’m going to borrow your phone!” He announced and quickly dialled Jo’s number. “I am so dead..” He mumbled as he heard the other line ring. He caught Aiba’s smiled as he turned around them. Frowning, he slammed the room’s door shut, mumbling a curse as he heard Aiba laugh.

Jo reached her hand out towards her phone as she heard it ring, her eyes never leaving the computer monitor where she’s reading some article about a certain photographer she admired. “Moshi moshi? Liason..” She said the line without thinking. The line was like her mantra every time she answer the phone.

“Moshi.. Jo-chan?”

Jo blinked then her eyes narrowed. “Oi.. So.. You’re still alive?”

Jun winced at her voice. “Gomen ne, Jo-chan! I did send you a message but I got your number wrong. Zutto ni gomen!” Jun apologized.

“How can you explain that one incident when I can’t call you on your own mobile phone?” Jo asked as she closed her laptop, suddenly not in the mood to read. Why she felt so angry, she didn’t know.. She felt as if Jun owed her an explanation.. She does get angry whenever her models forgot to inform her about such matters but she never did ask for explanations.. So.. Why is she demanding one from Jun?

Jun bit his lower lip. He felt he owed her an explanation but.. Why? Oftentimes, whenever he wasn’t able to reply on calls, he would simply say sorry but now.. Jun sighed. “I forgot my phone at my dressing room.. Gomen..” He mumbled. “Onegai.. Forgive me.. I’m so sorry.. Please..” Jun muttered. Jo smiled but refused to talk. “Um.. Hello?”

“Still here..”

“Oh.. Um.. How about I treat you to coffee tomorrow..”

“Tomorrow?” Jo asked, straightening a bit from her seat.

“Hai.. I don’t have any business tomorrow, so, I’ll be going for our photo shoot.. Afterwards, we can get some coffee.. That is.. If you want..” He explained. He gave a relieved sigh as Jo laughed. He then smiled. “Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

“Try not to show up tomorrow and you’ll really get to see the monster me..” Jo warned. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.. Ja..”

“Ja..” And with that, the line hanged and Jun returned the receiver. He smiled and laid back on Sho’s bed.

“Coffee tomorrow, neh?” Sho asked as he walked inside the room. Jun quickly sat up. “And when did it became your style to speak in a very apologetic manner and even treat the insulted party for coffee.. Hell.. You even stood me up for four hours when we agreed to watch a baseball match and you didn’t even offered me a piece of candy as peace offering!” He complained, his smile not leaving his face.

“Nothing much.. Just that I brought her too many hassles and this is my way of apologizing..” Jun defended, frowning as he realized Sho’s smile didn’t wavered. Worst, it grew bigger.

“You did hassled most of us before but you gave us nothing..” And with this, Jun frowned more and rolled his eyes, leaving the room. “I smell something, Matsumoto..” Jun simple raised his hand and muttered ‘Whatever’. Sho gave a loud laugh.. Quite loud that Jun have to return, throw him his jacket to shut him up and slammed the door shut. Sho stared at the firmly closed door and laughed once more.

Jo smiled as she placed the phone down. She then dialled Miata’s number and smiled as soon as she heard the receptionist’s voice. “Ara-kun? I’m so sorry about this but can we reschedule our meeting to Friday? Hai.. Hai.. Thanks a lot!” And with that, she wished that tomorrow would be a a better day since Jun finally promised that he will attend the shoot.. ‘Is that the only reason why I’m glad.. Maybe the coffee offer made me more pleasant..' She thought. She was sure that she would have a very great working day tomorrow..

Unfortunately.. What she thought was wrong..

Jo was tapping her fingers over her desk as Arashi, minus Jun, sat on the sofa. They were planning to take a group shot for the magazine as well as some solos from Jun and he was nowhere to be found.. The rest said that Jun left before any of them did and he was five hours late for the shoot.. “I.. Cancelled.. My.. Miata.. Appointment.. For.. This..” Jo said in a very low and slow manner that brought chill over Arashi’s backs.

“Maybe.. He got stuck in traffic..” Nino mumbled.

“For five hours?! Puh-lease..”

“Or got another business appointment..” Riida added.

“He promised me that there wasn’t any business appointment today! That’s why I cancelled my meeting with Miata!”

“Maybe an emergency taping?” Sho suggested.

“He should’ve called! He already got my correct number! I can’t even contact him!”

“Why don’t we open the TV and let time pass?” Aiba suggested and the group nodded. Jo immediately sat in between them and watched the TV screen, not even mumbling a single word.

“And as we can see, today is the Asia premier of the movie ‘Transformers’ and we were surprised to see two of Japan’s most famous personas here!” As the announcer moved aside, the screen showed an image of Inoue Mao and Jun in front of the theatre. Whatever’s on the screen, Jo turned deaf at them. She simply concentrated on the image at the screen.

Aiba looked at them then swallowed. “Um.. Maybe it was a taped boradcast..”

“The date shown is today’s, Aiba.. Besides, today's the premier of 'Transformers'..” Jo replied in a dead tone.

“Hai.. I have free time today so I thought of accepting Mao’s invitation to watch the film. We need to have free time sometimes, right?” Jun commented and smiled at the camera. “Hai.. What I have today are minor appointments so I decided to take a time off.. Anyway.. Watch the movie! It’s real great!”

Jo bit her lower lip. “Minor.. Appointment..” She mumbled and Arashi members quickly turned their heads at her direction. She swallowed as she felt something trembling at the corner of her eyes. ‘He lied to me.. Minor appointment eh?’ She simply thought as she continued to stare at the screen. ‘And I’m stupid to believe him..’ She added. ‘And I’ll die if I cried in front of them!’ And as soon as she thought them, she felt something fell from her right eye. She quickly stood up and walked ahead so that her back were facing Arashi. “Shoot’s canceled.. Come back tomorrow.. Please tell Tomi and Mako I left..” She said, her voice trembling slightly as she grabbed her jacket and left the room.

The room fell into silence then Aiba spoke. “She.. Cried..”

Nino’s eyes narrowed then dialled MatsuJun’s number. It rang and he frowned. “Do-S turned the phone off during the movie.. That’s why we weren’t able to contact him.. That..” He was cut short as he heard MatsuJun’s voice. From the screen, he can see that he’s answering the phone while Mao’s answering some of the announcer’s question. “Baka.. I never thought you’d be this irresponsible.. Minor appointment eh?” Nino said then hanged up. From the screen, MatsuJun looked at the phone blankly then replaced the phone, smiling once more at the camera.

Ohno frowned. “He’s really in for it..” He mumbled and caught the tightening of Sho’s jaw at this. “Sho-kun..” He said, he knew this look of Sho’s really well.. The last time he saw this look was during their junior days and at that time, he took a camera and flung it away from a fan.

“That idiot.. If there’s anything I never thought I’d call him, it’s ‘idiot’ but after seeing Jo’s reaction and his replies..” He grabbed the remote and turned the TV off, flinging the remote over the table where it landed with a resounding ‘thud’. “He really is an idiot..” He mumbled as he hit the sofa’s arm then huffed angrily.