7 posts tagged “ninomiya kazunari”

*Edited with the lyrics in the booklet

Gimmick Game

3...2...1… Let's Go!

どうしてだろう　あなたの指が　私だけには汚くみえてるの
doushite darou anata no yuubi ga watashi dake ni wa kitanaku mieteru no
Why is it that I’m the only one who can see that your fingers are dirty?

だからお願い　その汚い指で　私の体そんなに撫でないで
dakara onegai sono kitanai yuubi de watashi no karada sonna ni nadenai de
So please, don’t touch my body with those dirty fingers of yours

（ナンデダヨ？）そりゃそうでしょ。　だって
(nande da yo?) sorya sou deshou datte
(Why is that?) Well of course, it’s like that

（ドウシタンダヨ？）その言葉あなたにあげるわ
(doushitan da yo?) sono kotoba anata ni ageru wa
(What's wrong?) That word, I give unto you

---
また違う世界で　自分だけ満たして
mata chigau sekai de jibun dake mitashite
Once again in a different world, you only satisfy yourself

それでなんで知らぬ顔で　私を愛せるの
sore de nande shiranu kao de watashi wo aiseru no
Then, why love me with that ‘I-know-nothing’ face?

あなたは今日もまた　愛してるが去ってる　
anata wa kyou mo mata aishiteru ga satteru
You’ll do it again today, letting “I love you” pass away

だって（オマエシカアイセナイヨ）
datte (omae shika aisenai yo)
Because (I can only love you alone?)

あなたの首筋　ほら嘘がみえた
anata no kubisuji hora uso ga mieta
Right at your nape, look I saw a lie

---
真面目な顔して　その気はあるのに　なんでしてくれないの悲しい顔
majime na kao shite sono ki wa aru no ni nande shite
Making a serious face, that aura is indeed there; why don’t you show a sad face for me instead?

お望みならば　涙ぐらいならば流してもいいよ　なんかそれっぽいでしょ
onozomi naraba namidagurai naraba nagashite mo ii yo nanka soreppoi deshou
If you wish, you can make it seem like your tears are gonna fall too; it’ll look quite real, won’t it?

（ナカナイデ）あなたもそうなの
(nakanai de) anata mo sou na no 
(Don’t cry) Aren’t you like that too?

（ホラ、ワラッテ）終わりには　優しいふりばかり
(hora, waratte) owari ni wa yasashii furi bakari
(Look, smile) In the end, it’s just some pretentious kindness

---
出て行くのもいいけど　ねぇ持って行ってよ
dete iku no mo ii kedo nee motte itte yo
It’s fine with me if you want to leave, but please bring them with you

何もかもすべて全部　思い出も全部
nani mo kamo subete zenbu omoide mo zenbu
Anything, everything, all of them; the memories, all of them

あなたがいらないのは　私もいらないの　
anata ga iranai no wa watashi mo iranai no
The things you don’t want, I don’t want them too

だって（モウヤメニシヨウナ）
datte (mou yame ni shiyou na)
Because (let’s just bring it to an end)

わたしの首筋にも　嘘はあるの
watashi no kubisuji ni mo uso wa aru no
Right at my nape, there’s a lie too

---
壊れた時間に戻れるなら　今ならすべて分かるのかな
kowareta jikan ni modoreru nara ima nara subete wakaru no kana
If I can go back to the broken times; perhaps now, will I’ll be able to understand everything?

その言葉　仕草   愛
sono kotoba shigusa ai
Those words, gestures, love

---
なんてかわいい振りして　嘘を着て歩いて
nante kawaii furi shite uso wo kite aruite
Pretending to be adorable, walking around wearing a lie

なんでだろう　街の色が綺麗に見えるの
nande darou machi no iro ga kirei ni mieru no
Why? How can the town look so beautiful?

それは私が汚れているから。なの？
sore wa watashi ga yogorete iru kara, na no?
It is because I’m the dirty one around, isn't it?

でもその世界でしか　生き方知らないの
demo sono sekai de shika ikikata shiranai no
But I only know how to survive in this world

寂しい振りしてすぐに涙流すの
sabishii furi shite sugu ni namida nagasu no
Pretending to be lonely, letting my tears flow immediately

するとほら来た次の世界が　また
suru to hora kita tsugi no sekai ga mata
Then, look it’s here, the next world, again

（ソンナニナクナヨモウ）
(sonna ni nakuna yo mou)
(Don't cry so much anymore)

君の首筋　ほら唾をつけた
kimi no kubisuji hora tsuba wo tsuketa
Right at your nape, look, I’ll leave my spit (to indicate that you’re mine)

*In Japanese, ‘tsuba wo tsukeru’ means to claim ownership

My Lyric Translations Index

done with rie:ringo

もういない…ない
Mou Inai… Nai
No longer there… not anymore

指先からこぼれてる愛
yuubi saki kara koboreteru ai
The love overflowing from the tips of our fingers

落とさぬよう 握っていてね
ochitosameyou nigitteite ne
Holding on to it like it’ll slip away anytime

綺麗な 寒い 寒い日
kirei na samui samui hi
A beautifully cold, cold day

私たち 暖かいね
watashitachi atatakai ne
Yet we’re in warmth

もうちょっとこのまま…
mou chotto kono mama…
Still a little more, just like this…

---
目を閉じて感じているの
me wo tojite kanjite iru no
Close your eyes, feeling it

唇から足の先まで
kuchibiru kara ashi no saki made
From the lips till the tips of your toes

瞼の奥 雫がひとつ
abuta no oku shizuku ga hitosu
In the heart of an eyelid, there is a drop (of tear, I assume)

落ちる間に形変わる　離れてく
ochiru naka ni kei kawaru hanareteku
Falling down, the figure changes, separated

もういない････無い
Mou inai... nai
She’s no longer there… not anymore

---
人は皆 いや人だから
hito wa minna iya hito da kara
Humans are… no, because we’re all humans

夢はそう はかなく散るの
yume wa sou hakanaku chiru no
That’s what a dream is, short-lived and scattered

背低い私とキスをする度に抱き締める
se hikui watashi to kisu wo suru do ni dakishimeru
Kissing me who isn’t very tall (just, short, okay?), you hold me

その腕恐いよ このまま
sono ude kowai yo kono mama
I’m scared of those arms, just stay like this

---
優しさなんて与えないで
yasashii nante ataenai de
Don’t show me gentleness

どんどん汚くなりそうで
don don kitanaku narisou de
Feels like it is becoming corrupted gradually

ズルさなんて憶えないで
zurusa nante okuenai de
Things like cheating, don’t remember it

私みたいに染まってゆく
watashi mitai ni somatte yuku
It’s tainted, just like me

目を閉じて感じているの
me wo tojite kanjite iru no
I close my eyes, and feel it

唇から足の先まで
kuchibiru kara ashi no saki made
From the lips till the tips of your toes

瞼の奥 雫がひとつ
abuta no oku shizuku ga hitosu
In the heart of an eyelid, there is a drop (of tear, I assume)

落ちる間に形変わる　離れてく
ochiru naka ni kei kawaru hanareteku
Falling down, the figure changes, separated

もういない････無い
Mou inai... nai
She’s no longer there… not anymore

ららららら････
La la la la la…

もういない・・・・無い
Mou inai… nai
She’s no longer there… not anymore

Here's a really old one... But I like it^^

Matsumoto Jun

I believe that everyone has a "love of destiny" or "heaven-sent lover"
   I've got lots of things in my room I tell you, because I like clothes; so things like T-shirts, jeans, they're everywhere piling up like hills (laugh). When I'm at home I usually watch shows on DVDs. Eh? Shows to be recommended to girls? Well... if you want "sincerely touching" this kinda feeling, KichiToka workroom's "Sound of Waves" would be suitable, somehow I feel like my soul is being washed, I like this production a lot, I think I've watched it over 4 times. When I'm at home, I barely cook, when I don't have a choice, I'll just have fried rice or just have a simple dish of greens. If a girl tells me "let me cook for you", I will answer immediately "then let me help you". Doesn't this feel better? If she made m favourite Thai-style spicy seafood soup, I will be very thankful; but it must be Thai-style spicy seafood soup without additional spices, I can't really stand those spices (laugh).
   My 'perfect girl', it's really hard to use words to describe, because it's different with everyone, every girl has their own attractions, so I might change my preferences because of a certain girl. However, I care a lot about the feeling with a certain girl around (her aura), when we're together we'll both feel great, even me myself am influenced by her to be positive, I guess it's the kind of girl who can give this feeling. Or, even the harshest comments, she'll be able to tell me honestly, I think this kind of girl is indeed close to perfect. In my opinions when you talk about "fate" or "destiny", there is a kind of unseen bound among us humans, this definitely exist on anyone, so I believe that for sure. A love of destiny, or a "heaven-sent lover" ne~

Ninomiya Kazunari

When I meet a girl worth giving respect, I'll feel "ah, she's great indeed"
   During the holidays I was playing my digital game all the time in my room, when I got the game "Hero against Mighty Dragon" which was released last year, I used up 2 days - 30 hours altogether to 'finish it off' (laugh). However, when a girl comes over, it's such a waste to stay in my room and play my digital games, I guess I'll definitely bring her out. It's fine with me wherever she want to go, I'm satisfied with just the two of us together, so I'll try my best to go along with the girl's wishes.
   The type which I like? If you talk about personalities, I think my 'perfect girl' should have a certain virtue which is worth respecting. Be it that she's kind or that she's strong-willed, or any other talents, I will think "this girl is really something" and will want to be with her for a long time, it's also the same for me regarding those of my gender. If you talk about appearances, I like girls who shows simplicity. Everytime I'd be having a sudden feeling, like when I'm in a densha, I'll always think "ah, this girl is cute", "that one's not bad too..." However this is definitely not what you call 'love at first sight' (laugh). About things that might capture my attention, I guess it's the hands; when I face a girl with wonderful hands like those which slides smoothly on the piano keyboards, I can't control myself being attracted. When I confess to the girl I like, I'll just act cool and say "let's start going out together". But at the same time that I'm saying this, I will think of scenes shown in the television which are so rottenly classical, and I myself have acted a scene like that, then it's really hard to have a feeling of reality, I'd be thinking myself "wa, it's just like I'm acting in drama" and I'd burst out laughing. About this, it's really a problem ne~ (laugh)

*Umm... so is this why you're so attracted to Oh-chan?

Aiba Masaki

The best place to date is the beach, we can go diving together and have an expedition!
   If feels great, doesn't it? (laugh) My room is very empty, because I like the feeling of having space. If a girl comes over? Hm, if she cooks for me I'd be really happy, anything will be okay, I'm not picky on food at all. When it's cold, it'll be nice to have her prepare steamboat (laugh). However, I'm basically an extravert, if we are to go dating, I'll most probably choose to exercise together, or watch a game of baseball or basketball. Ah, going to the beach isn't that bad, I love the sea! I also have a licence to drive boats! Sometimes I'd really wanna dive with a submarine into the deep sea to explore, anticipating "what's that over there?", then open the doors in the submarine and walk straight in, isn't that meaningful? There are still many things I'd like to do, because I wanna become an adult with lots of interests, so when I'm interested I'll never hesistate to take the challenge.
   Although I'm always being asked about my 'perfect girl', I never knew how to answer this question, because up till now, all the girls whom I thought "she's not bad", they don't really have anything in common... When I confess, I think I will choose the simplest words, like "I like you, so let's start going out". When I'm in the middle of a break up, I might feel depressed to a certain extend. Although people keep saying that we should cheer up after a break up and the best way to do that is to talk to others about it, but I think it's not that easy for me to move on and start another new relationship just like that. However, I will not show a depressed expression, so I think that when I'm really going through a break up, not even the members of Arashi will ever notice (laugh).

Sakurai Sho

Having the same values, interested in music; this kind of girl suits me
   What will I do during the holidays? Usually I'll be reading book or a magazine on my bed while listening to the music. Basically the time when I listen to the music is very long, so it'll be great if the girl likes music too, we can even go a concert together. But while having a relationship with a girl, the most important thing is having the same values, for example what matters most in life, or striving for a reason to live on, if we're similiar in these areas, I think we'll get along just fine. So there's a great possibility that I might start a relationship in the middle of a random chat, but I don't believe in love at first sight. Recently, I've been playing football with about 20 of my schoolmates around once a month, we usually start at 12 midnight, the game usually lasts till 3am, I'm not too sure if this is good for my health, or actually ruining my health (laugh).
   I always meet up with my University schoolmates, although we've only graduated last Spring, but in this one year I'm always hearing my friends say "how I wish I can just quit my current job", and there'll be girls crying suddenly too, what am I gonna do? Hm, what should I say to make them feel better... I've been a Johnny's junior for about 5 years, then I became part of Arashi; so I think that no matter what job it is, there'll surely be a time that things doesn't go our way, that's why I'll think of it as "this is just a stage of learning, no matter what others say, to see if it'll go on smoothly, I'll work hard for another 4 years or so".

*He seems to talk the least about his 'perfect girl' ne~

Ohno Satoshi

If we can both feel "it's interesting" or "how beautiful" at the same time, the girl and I must have some kind of understanding between us
   Now that I'm staying at my folks' home, so my room is sorta like the place which I only return to sleep (laugh). If I start staying out alone, I guess I would be very particular about the interior design. I will not just move things over just as they are, I will modify the standing lamp, and I will have my own tables and chairs custom-made, because I like to do these kind of things. So that is why when I give presents to the girl I like, I will most probably give her something I made myself. The same goes to dating, I will think of  going to places like little special stores; at that time if the both of us can feel "hey~ this is kinda nice" or "how cool is that?!", I will feel very happy, I guess we'll be fine with each other for quite some time...
   The 'perfect type'? Well when we are together, even if we don't talk, we'll be able to understand each other, that sorta girl. Even if it's the first meeting this girl, just by a little chat I'd be able to have a direct response, that I can have 'resonance' with this girl, it just feels right. Other than that, when I confess my love, I'd most probably just say a simple "I like you"; but when I'm going through a break up, just so I can forget it faster, I will focus fully on my work or my hobby I think, and because when I'm more hardworking than before, perhaps the outcome will be superbly great (laugh). I do have friends who already has a family of his own by the age of 24, but because I'm not too sure about my situation, so I'm not planning to get married yet. However, I do have the intention to try, and I'd like to see my own kids, at the same time as a man, I do not want to give up on what I've decided to do, instead I'll focus and head straight for my goal.

Dang That Smart Ass

   Sulking, “Keio, so what?” Ninomiya Kazunari mumbled as he sat down on the sidewalk. Opening his can drink, he continued cursing, “dang that smart ass,” before he  took a big gulp.

   Angry as he was, the 14-year-old finished up the whole can without even knowing it. When he realized that his can was empty, he threw it to ‘faraway-land’ without hesitating, “take it, Keio-boy,” imagining his rival before him.

   He let out a sigh, “Kami-sama, what’s this supposed to mean?” he looked up to the skies, “are You angry at Yourself for creating me so smart, so good-looking, so talented, so perfect…” plenty more to go, but I’m humble enough, “and now You’re sending this high-class brat to challenge me?!”

   Standing up, “oh, who’d you think I am? I am Kazunari-the-great from the Ninomiya family, You can’t beat me! Of course, I’ll take Your challenge, com’on!” he showed a fighting gesture, ever-ready.

   “TEME!”

   Teme? Nino thought, how impolite. He chose to ignore this sudden shout by God-knows-who, heading towards God-knows-where, “You hear me?” he continued shouting to the skies, “I said~ I take Your challenge!”

   “Omae sa!”

   His shirt was pulled to the side, a little too hard that he lost his balance, knocking into a passer-by,

    Close, but not quite. Oh great, Nino groaned as he took a closer look, not now~ he tilted up his head, is this the best You can do?!

   “You threw this, in the jimusho compound,” the so-called passer-by, who apparently isn’t just passing by, held an empty can in his hand, “didn’t you?”

   “Heh, Sakurai-kun,” Nino tried to smile, “who told you it was me who threw this?” he pretended to look around, “as far as I can see, no one’s here!”

   “Yeah, it’s because no one’s here so I’m 100% positive that it was you,” Sakurai Sho said matter-of-factly, “it was you, wasn’t it?”

   Nino gave a cold laugh, “since you said you’re 100% sure, or positive whatever you call it,” rolling his eyes, “you don’t have to ask me again, do you?” eat your own words, smart ass, he smiled victoriously.

   “I’m just giving you a chance,” Sho defended himself, “or we can get a DNA check on this can if you wanna proof yourself innocent.”

   DNA check? Arienai~ Nino’s brows arched, “you…”

   “Hmm…?” Sho waited for him patiently, rather happy that he came up with such a brilliant idea.

   “Are you sick?” Nino placed his palm on Sho’s forehead, “wow, it is indeed a little warm. Alright,” he gave Sho a pat on the shoulder, “I’ll forgive you this time, I don’t have all the time in the world to fool around with you,” he walked off, “ja ne,” waving his hand casually without turning back.

   “Oi!” Sho couldn’t quite get Nino, no, I’m not sick, am I? he touched his forehead, no. and why do I need his forgiveness? I did nothing wrong!

   Looking at the empty can in his hand, what do I do with this? He looked around and made sure no one was looking, tossing the can away randomly as he tried to act normal, I didn’t do anything, I didn’t hear anything.

   Landing with a light thud, the empty can rolled off along the pavement.

   “Doushita no?” Ohno asked as he saw his Musical Academy team mate sighing at the corner of the room.

   “Say,” Sho sat up properly, “you know that guy from the other group, that Nino-brat?” he couldn’t help adding the last word.

   Ohno paused for a moment, “yeah, I know him,” I think… but there’s no one by the name of Brat here.

   “He’s such a pain I tell you,” Sho started, “he’s so ignorant, and he thinks that he’s…”

   “…so smart,” Nino told his group members during their dance practice break, “yeah right, kiss my *censored*, as if,” quite expressively.

   “But he’s from Keio High School,” Aiba said, crossing his legs as he sat down on the floor, “that’s gotta mean something.”

   “Perhaps his brain got damaged cause he couldn’t take in too much,” Nino laughed, “he’ll get kicked out in no time.”

   In two separate rooms, two totally different people, sneezed at the same time. Major JINX.

   “Ooh~” Jun’s face twitched, “who’s that giving lectures again?”

   In their dancing room, the door was open. They could all hear that their next neighbours are having some kind of ‘BIG time’.

   “Who else?” Nino got up, “smart ass.”

   “Hey Sakuso!” Nino shouted as he entered the next room, “still got time to give lectures huh?”

   “What did you call me?” Sho glared at him.

   “Oh, hahaha…” Nino laughed, “guess you didn’t understand those words used by us low-classed brats do you? Smart ass,” he came closer to Sho, “I’ll tell you, I’m kind you see,” he went on, “Sakurai-kun, your name’s kinda cute. If you add a ‘kuso’ instead of a ‘Sho’ behind, it’ll be far better, ne? Sakusho~ ahh… nonono… Sakuso.”

   “You!!” Sho screamed as Nino ran away, giggling triumphantly, “come back you scumbag!”

   At the back of the room, “phew, that was close, I thought we’re gonna be stuck here with his lectures again,” Machida said.

   Smiling, “aitsu-tachi, mata ka?” Ohno leaned against the wall, watching Nino and Sho chasing each other.

   “Sou da na,” Machida said, “what got into them that they hate each other so much?”

   “LOVE,” Ohno said, “it’s love ne.”

   “Huh?” Machida shot Ohno a very weird look.

   "You'll see."

   “Ne Sho-kun,” Nino said out after they’re done with their recordings, “issho ni nomimasen ka?”

   “Sure thing,” Sho replied with a smile, “you need a ride?”

   “Nah, I’ll meet you there,” Nino said, “mata.”

   “Same old place,” Sho said, as he too headed for his car.

   “Hey!” Ohno called, “aren’t we invited too?”

   Aiba came, “yeah, how come you’re only asking Sho?”

   Smiling, Jun said, “Nino’s too stingy to bill us all, maybe Sho’s only getting some really cheap sake.”

   “Ah,” Aiba laughed, “suddenly I feel good about being Aiba Masaki, instead of Sakurai Sho who has to drink cheap sake with cheap Ninomiya Kazunari.”

   Five years has passed since Arashi’s debut. Things didn’t exactly turn out the way they had expected, but the results were pleasing alright. The two boys, under Johnny’s strict orders, had to bear with each other being in the same group.

   Was it because they’re getting more matured? Was it because they themselves changed? Was it because of the time they’ve spent together? Was it because they realised that they’re not so different after all?

   For whatever reasons, their adversary seemed to lessen. As time passed, they’ve learnt to live together as a group, as partners, as friends. Friendship, stronger than rivalry, became the essence of their lives.

   Hey this Nino, Sho thought on the way home, come to think of it, he’s pretty smart after all, this thought came all of a sudden.

   Kami-sama, whatever this challenge is, Nino looked to the skies from his windshield, I took it, and it sure feels great… he took a right turn, especially when the person’s a smart ass like Sho.

A note for this fic:
Sho’s nickname used to be Sakusho, so Nino was playing with this nickname.
Before Arashi debuted, Ohno, Machida and Sho together with some other guys were in a sub-group called Musical Academy, while Jun, Nino and Aiba with several other guys are in another group. That’s why Jun, Nino and Aiba are portrayed to be in the same room, while Ohno, Machida (Ohno’s buddy at that time) and Sho are in another room.
Sho used to be very serious in everything he does, a little too serious in fact, he couldn’t accept others who are fooling around during practice time. That’s why he often ‘lectures’ people when they’re not paying attention.

Kami-sama – God
Teme – You (rude form)
Omae – You (rude, but less offensive)
Jimusho – office
Arienai – impossible
Doushita – why
Kuso – shit
Aitsu-tachi – those kiddos
Mata – again/ see you again (till then)
Issho ni nomimasen ka – wanna have a drink together?
Sake – Japanese wine

Konseki (Nino solo)

It won’t disappear, it won’t disappear
The marks of rain in May
Those are the marks of tears, never able to be wiped away
Unable to wipe away, unable to wipe away
It floated in the dark nights
The shadows of the one I love

NINOMIYA KAZUNARI

1.      His five favourite hobbies are music, song writing, self-taught guitar-playing (which he is very famous for...), and watching/playing baseball, of course his games

2.      He can play the piano as well

3.      He appeared in the most TV dramas among his fellow band mates

4.      His least favourite season of the year is summer... which is kinda ironic because they first debuted as a new group in the J-Pop industry in Hawaii on a VERY HOT, RIGID SUMMER.....

   Baka ja nai? Ninomiya Kazunari cursed under his breath as he cycled along the busy streets of Tokyo, this is plain stupid.

   With his baseball bat hanging firmly on his back, he was bitter that he could not attend his baseball game. The baseball GAME.

   It’s practically the only thing I’ve been looking forward to for the whole week, com’on, that gotta mean something… he thought grumpily as the winds blew through his hair, I wanna go to my baseball game for God’s sake! He groaned and continued cycling reluctantly towards his destination, which he is still unsure of.

   But then again, 5000yen! Who’d refuse that?

                                                               ***

   Mrs. Ninomiya stared into the blank TV screen. My son’s gone off now, she thought, he may not be happy, but I’m sure I did the right thing. Being his mother, she knew him well.

   Without her son’s knowledge, needless to say his permission, she allowed her niece to apply him into Johnny’s Entertainment as a Junior when she got to know that they’re recruiting uprising stars. Today, is the big day for auditioning.

   True, he was upset about it and refused to go to the audition. Baseball game eh? She rolled her eyes, thinking of her youngest son who finds life meaningless without his games and baseball.

   She was worried about him in fact. I don't think his friends are doing him any good, the only reason she signed him up to Johnny's behind his back is because she feels that Nino was hanging out with the wrong crowd and were afraid that he'll be a "juvenile delinquent" when he gets older. I hope that being in Johnny's would give him a sense of discipline and stability, she thought. She just wanted what's best for him after all... she's his mom, need she say more?

   This is it, his chance to learn how to discipline himself. Losing it all just for a baseball game? No, she would never allow that, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! He’s too young to make such decisions for himself, she thought, he’s merely 12! Of course she wants her son to be happy, it’s every mother’s dream, but baseball game? On this day? Uh~uh, today you’ll listen to me.

   She sighed, at least he’s listening to the 5000 yen I gave him. She checked her wallet and frowned. Oh my, I swear I hearted the leaking sound of my wallet… my poor wallet… my cheap son. She sighed again, only longer this time.

                                                               ***

   His bike stopped in front of the massive building belonging to Johnny K. Seeing many boys of his age entering the building with all sorts of expressions, should I go in? Nino was still hesitating, demo ne… my baseball game…

   He had planned to go straight to his baseball game despite his mother bribing him. Call me cheap, he thought, but it’s kinda little, don’t you think? (No, Nino, it's not little you cheap brat) But still, he felt quite guilty to do that. After all, he did take the money.

   Don’t get me wrong, he is still angry about it. How could she? He thought, how could they? They tricked me… talk about being cousins, sighing, girls, you’d never know what’s playing on their minds, assuring himself, no matter how old they are.

   "Johnny's idol! My brother's gonna be a Johnny's idol!!"

   Nino turned towards the direction where the voice came from. Despite the noisy excited crowd gathering outside the building, this kiddo's voice was distinctively clear.

   “No, it's not necessary that I would get picked," an older boy replied the little kid jumping around just now.

   Oh family gang, Nino nearly smacked his forehead, nearly, what a scenario.

   "Ganbatte ne," their mother said as she held her younger son's hand, "everything's gonna be alright."

   "I hope so," the older boy seemed rather depressed.

   What's his problem? Nino arched his brows, it's just a stupid audition, big deal?! I should be the one depressed here, I have a baseball game!!

   "Oniichan's the best!” his little boys squealed happily, "my brother's gonna be a Johnny's idol!! I'm gonna be an idol's brother! Banzai!!! Yayayaya!!!!"

   "Shh..." the older boy tried to cover his brother's mouth, "shizuka ni kudasai yo~"

   Their mother smiled as she led him into the building Nino had been staring at for the past 10 minutes, “let's go in, it's about time."

   This is just great, Nino watched silently as they went in, this guy’s got his whole family here to support him He got down his bike and started pushing it to the bicycle booth nearby, come to think of it, isn't that nice?
   
   He was actually starting to feel jealous… Nah, maybe not.

                                                               ***

   “Ninomiya Kazunari desu!” he stood up, as it was his turn to give a brief description of himself, “jyu-ni sai.”

   So he gave in at last. He came in for the audition at last. He felt like whacking himself up for walking out on his friends. Baseball… competition, a pang of guilt hit him, argh! Forget it, I’m here already… but then again… urgh!

   He had not been paying attention as the others introduced themselves, but he did saw some crazy kid holding a basketball right from the minute he walked in this room. What’s he gonna do with that anyway? He didn’t understand why.

   The kid holding a basketball stood up, “Aiba Masaki desu, jyu-ni sai, yoroshiku,” introducing himself.

   Oh so he’s the same age with me huh, Nino eyed him, but he’s kinda tall, somehow feeling rather intimidated. What’s with his basketball? Moshikashite he wanted to go a basketball game just as much as I want to go my baseball game? But Nino was still wondering why this kid seemed so excited about his basketball. Hen na~

    “Nino de ii yo,” he told his new friend beside him, he was used to this nickname since elementary school. Besides, his name is rather long, four syllables, mind you. This isn’t so bad, he was feeling less tensed now as he started socialising around before the real audition began.

   They were still in this room, which they were all assigned right after registering. Sorry to say, he didn’t know exactly why they’re here. Preparations, I guess, he thought as he took a big gulp form the mineral water bottle provided.

   “Does anyone know where I can find SMAP?” the boy who introduced himself as Aiba asked.

   Nino looked up, huh?

   “I wanna play basketball with them."

   He nearly chocked on the water he had been trying to swallow. He what? He looked at Aiba again, he wants to play basketball with SMAP? Jodan ja nai yo~ How is it possible that SMAP are here now anyway?

   “Sa,” the door opened as one of the crew came in the room, “ikuzo.”

   “Are we gonna meet SMAP now?” Aiba asked around excitedly as he saw everyone getting up, leaving the room.

   This guy may be genki, but he sure is blur, Nino sniggered cheekily, isn’t he?

                                                               ***

   Music filled the air as they got on-stage. They were supposed to dance. Supposed to.

   Everyone was beginning to move to the music in his own style, hoping to excel and to be the outstanding one. So did Nino the same, dancing to the beat once he caught the rhythm in the midst of all the boys.

   Audiences made up of families and friends watched carefully as everyone danced. Well… maybe not everyone.

   As he turned, Nino caught a glimpse of someone standing indistinctly on the stage, a basketball still tucked firmly in his hands. This guy, he wasn’t dancing at all.

    Genki-boy, Nino tried not to laugh, Aiba, his surname right? I wonder how long he’ll stay like this…

   Oh don’t worry Nino, not for long…

   “Hey YOU!” Johnny shouted from where he sat, pointing to Nino, “what are you doing? DANCE!”

   Aiba dropped his basketball almost instantly, though rather reluctantly. Shocked, he quickly took his place and started dancing. He did a dance alright, but in a very weird and dorky sort of way which brought the crowd into a roar of laughter. The atmosphere was immediately lightened up by this genki boy.

   Laughing so hard till his stomach ached, this Aiba guy sure is interesting, Nino thought.

                                                               ***

   He didn’t regret it. Though unwilling to admit it, especially in front of his mother and his cousin who got him into all this mess, he didn’t regret this at all. He went to his baseball game after the auditions alright, which started already to his dismay. However, it didn’t really matter anymore.

   Entering the 8th year since they debuted as Arashi, he felt contented that they’re still a team. Together with the weird kid who was so excited about his basketball, the mama-boy senpai who was actually quite blur, the high class brat he couldn’t stand yet became one of his closest buddies as time went by, and the bucktoothed shortie who grew up to be a very kakoii idol; they are Arashi, rising storm.

   The grew up together, learnt to work as a team together, got their first pay together, joked together, watched each other fall sick and get hurt together, laughed together, fought together, played together; through bad times, through good times… no regrets at all, he would say.

   For this beautiful disaster that rewrote the pages of his life, he owed them all to his beloved mother and cousin. It has taught him much, from performing skills to communicating skills, he realised that he changed a lot. It may be tiring sometimes, rushing around for concerts and shows, frustrating even because he can’t play his games as frequently as he used to; but if someone were to ask him whether he’d do it all again…

   Why not?

Baka ja nai? – isn’t it stupid?
demo ne – but then
Ganbatte ne – work hard
Oniichan – big brother
Banzai – (live a thousand years)
shizuka ni kudasai yo – please keep quiet
jyu-ni sai – 12 years old
Moshikashite – could it be…?
Hen na - weird
Nino de ii yo – you can just call me Nino
Jodan ja nai – don’t joke
Ikuzo – let’s go
Genki - hyper
Senpai - senior
Kakoii - cool