6 posts tagged “sakurai sho”

*translations done with rie:ringo & mikyuko

ぺんの指す方向 Part I
Pen no Sasu Houkou Part I
The Direction Where the Pen is Pointing At
 
続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間だった
tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan datta
The long hand and short hand continues; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period indeed

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

動き続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間
ugoki tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan
With the continuous motion of the long hand and short hand; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

---
続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間だった
tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan datta
With the continuous motion of the long hand and short hand; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period

もう櫻が舞い落ちる 胸に回想すると ほら走馬灯のように
mou sakura ga mai ochiru mune ni kaisou suru to hora soumatou no you ni
It’s already time, as the cherry blossoms swirl down like they’re dancing; as I recall, look it’s just like the kaleidoscope

(長い一本道は)
(Nagai ippon michi wa)
(It was a long long way)

あぁそんな曲だった　小6の時か　並木背にけやきを胸に
aa sonna kyoku datta shou-roku no toki ka namiki se ni keyaki o mune ni
Ah~ a tune like that, was it the time when I was in 6th grade of primary school? The row of trees behind my back, now burning my heart

笑顔の未来が待ってるといいな
egao no mirai ga matteru to ii na
It would be good to have a smiling future waiting for me

あぁお疲れ　保護者会時間ある? じゃあ，ふらっとどう? 茶会
aa otsukare hogoshakai jikan aru? jaa, furatto dou? chakai
Ah~ thank you for the hard work; do you have spare time for a guardian’s meeting? So, would you care to have a cup of tea?

なんて20年後の世界　一緒に行こう子供の運動会?
nante nijuu-nen go no sekai issho ni ikou kodomo no undoukai
What will it be like in a world 20 years later, watching a child’s sports day together?

---
(もういくつ寝ると)
(mou ikutsu neru to)
(No matter how many nights we slept through)

歩き出す両方ペンの指す方向
aruki dasu ryouhou  pen no sasu houkou
The direction to start walking, let it be where the pen is pointing at

歩き出す両方ペンの指す方向
aruki dasu ryouhou  pen no sasu houkou
The direction to start walking, let it be where the pen is pointing at

ここからの道は背中合わせの方向
kokokara no michi wa senaka awase no houkou
From here on, our paths will go the opposite directions

この一年これが最後の最後と思いながらやってきた
kono ichi-nen kore ga saigo no saigo to omoi nagara yatte kita
Just when I thought this will be the last of this year, it finally came

せめてあとちょっとバカやっていたいんだ
semete ato chotto baka yatte itain da
At least, I’d want to do some silly things just a little longer

この雪溶けるまで溶けるまでは
kono yuki tokeru made tokeru made wa
Until this snow melts, until it melts

---
続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間だった
tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan datta
The long hand and short hand continues; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period indeed

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

動き続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間
ugoki tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan
With the continuous motion of the long hand and short hand; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

---
(今日の給食カレーかな?)  どれくらい経ったろうあれから
(kyou no kyuushoku kare- ka na?) dore kurai tattarou are kara
(Will curry be served today?) How long has it been since then

(明日は何時に学校前?)  今となってはもう過去だね
(ashita wa nanji ni gakkou mae?) ima to natte wa mou kako da ne
(What time shall we meet before school tomorrow?) It’s indeed “past tense” to us now

(部活何にした? 野球? 俺はサッカ－)  別れたくない全てこれからだ
(bukatsu nani ni shita? yakyuu? ore wa sakka-) wakare dewa nai subete kore kara da
(What club did you join? Baseball? I’m in the soccer club) It’s not about separation, everything starts now

(何だこれ銀杏かマジくせ－)  蛍の道を示すあたりくれ
(nanda kore ginnan ka maji kuse-) hotaru no michi o sasu atari kure
(Why, this Ginko-nut stinks so much) Show us the pathway of fireflies

(食堂行ってこようからあげ?)  二度と会えないわけないまさかね
(shokudou itte koyou kara age) nido to aenai wake nai masaka ne
(Shall we go to the canteen for fried chicken?) That we’ll never meet again, how shall it be possible?

(試験近いな~何かある? いいノ－ト)  気持ちを紛らすためにあんた何かいい方法
(shiken chikai na nani ka aru? ii no-to) kimochi o magirasu tame ni anta nani ka ii houhou
(The exam is coming soon~ do you have any good notes?) To prevent my feelings from shattering, do you have any good suggestion?

(何だか不安なんだ)  こんなにもでかいとは不覚だった
(nandaka fuan nanda) konna ni mo dekai towa fukaku datta
(Somehow I’m worried) I didn’t expect it to be this big

動き続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間だった
ugoki tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan datta
With the continuous motion of the long hand and short hand; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period

---
続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間だった
tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan datta
The long hand and short hand continues; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period indeed

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

動き続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間
ugoki tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan
With the continuous motion of the long hand and short hand; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

---
社会人になってもやろうな　絶対やろうな
shakaijin ni natte mo yarou na zettai yarou na
Even when we become adults we’ll do it, surely we must do it

ふとあなたが言った言葉　やたらと長くここにいたがる
futo anata ga itta kotoba yatara to nagaku koko ni itagaru
The words you said all out of a sudden, made me feel like staying here for a long long time

俺はブラウンカン中　まだもうしばらく
ore wa buraun-kan naka mada mou shibaraku
I’m right in the TV tube, it’ll take a while

何でもなかった時間が何も変えがたい　思い出になる (そして春)
nande mo nakatta jikan ga nani mo kaegatai omoi de ni naru (soshite haru)
I’d like to change those times of nothingness, and make them something memorable (then there’s springtime)

最後の授業 最後の旅行　最後の卒業後に飮もう
saigo no jugyou saigo no ryokou saigo no sotsugyou go ni nomou
The last lecture lesson, the last class trip; let’s have a drink after the last graduation

---
きっと今晩生涯で一番短い夜
kitto konban shougai de ichiban mijikai yoru
Surely, tonight’s the shortest night in my whole lifetime

記憶残すこれが最後の夜, これが最後の夜
kioku nokosu kore ga saigo no yoru kore ga saigo no yoru
To leave a memory behind, this is the last night, this is the very last night

記憶残す 胸に戻る
kioku nokosu mune ni modoru
To leave a memory behind, going back to the heart

もう伝え忘れたことはないかな?
mou tsutae wasureta koto wa nai ka na?
I guess there isn’t anything more to tell that has been forgotten, is there?

ならみんなとただただこのまま
nara minna to tada tada kono mama
If so, just being like this, only this simple, with everyone

朝の日が俺ら照らすまでは　丘の上朝日上るまでは
asa no hi ga orera terasu made wa oka no ue asahi noboru made wa
Until the morning light shines on us, until the morning sun rises above the hill

何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nan jikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
How long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

動き続けた長針と短針は　振り返ってみると　いやに短期間
ugoki tsuzuketa choushin to tanshin wa furikaette miru to iya ni tankikan
With the continuous motion of the long hand and short hand; when I look back, it has been a terribly short period

なんて語りあかしもう3時半　何時間か楽しみは賛美歌
nante katari akashi mou san-jihan nanjikan ka tanoshimi wa sanbika
Hardly chatting about anything at all it’s already 3.30; how long more will it take, for the delight is indeed a song of praise

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

Touch Me Now (Sho solo)

Wow wow~ Ah! Ah!
Make you feel good
Ssss~ I kiss you babe Ah! Ah!
Show me your body

If it’s overflowing
Feel Good, more sensational
Touch me, hide it
The reality of Making Love
Don’t be afraid
Passing by the back
Ah! Ah! Touching the lips
Even even even even faster
Become one

SAKURAI SHO

1.      He is bilingual (Japanese and English).

2.      He loves and cares about children!

3.      He is an alumni of Keio University, one of Japan's most prestigious university , equivalent to the U.S.'s Ivy League schools such as Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and similar schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics.

4.      His father is a government official and his mother is a professor at a prestigious women's college (as well as an heiress to a huge company).   His family is basically a family of scholars and professionals. He is the only one in the entire Sakurai Family to be in the entertainment business, but his philosophies and influences are similar to his family's philosophies.

Start of Something New

--Lunch Break--

“Hajikeria Yeah! Sunao ni Good! Dakara…”

The song played once again, filling the room. Girls gathered around the TV in their classes, hoping to get a closer look of their schoolmate, their celebrity schoolmate.

It was students’ day and the girls from Girls’ Keio High School came over to Boy’s Keio High School for lessons.

“AH~~~!!” they screamed in excitement, “Sho-kun! Sho-kun!!”

“Iya, hontou da!!” another exclaimed, pointing to the screen, “kakkoii!!”

“…kiyameru, sou sa bokura wa KEIO BOY!!” laughing, Genkaku leaned towards Sakurai Sho, who was lowering his head escaping the unwanted attention, while trying to concentrate on his studies.

It has been a busy week for Sho, VERY busy. After coming back from Hawaii where Arashi had their first official debut, he was even more occupied catching up with his schoolwork, VERY busy.

Seeing his fanatic schoolmates going all goo-goo-eyes over the TV screen, the 17-year-old rolled his eyes in annoyance, “Oh God…” Sho looked up at Genkaku, “et tu, Gen-kun?”

“Com’on, Sho-kun,” Genkaku gave him a light push at the shoulders, “it’s not that bad, is it?”

“Yeah,” Shizuka, who was sitting beside Genkaku said, shifting her glasses, “that means you’re getting famous, right?”

Kazuko threw her pencil back into her pencil case, “well, isn’t that what being a celebrity is all about?” her braces showed as she talked, “although I don’t quite see the meaning of getting famous anyway.”

Sho sighed, “I know,” closing his Economics text book, “it’s just that…. Why can’t they act more casual? Why can they’re act normal? I’m here in school as a student, not a celebrity for God’s sake.”

Obviously, Sho was bothered by the sudden attention everyone was giving him. It’s not that he didn’t want to be popular and famous, he’s just not used to it.

He was somewhat a loner before this, since everyone else felt intimidated by his remote family background. His father was a politician, his mother, and English literature professor; in fact, his whole family are made up of scholars.

Genkaku, was his only friend in school, he got to know Genkaku, Shizuka and Kazuko only recently during an intellectual competition in fact. True, they weren’t exactly the coolest people in school, but they were definitely one of the smartest. He felt comfortable with them, as they never interfere with his personal decisions, never asking too much about his personal life, not even showing their interests in his celebrity business. He rarely see Shizuka and Kazuko since they’re in the Girls’ Keio High School, but he gets to see them once in a while when there’s this students’ programs coming along. Despite the fact, he knew that they would always be there for him, no matter what.

I actually enjoyed company, he realised, but I am yet to get used to this. Ever since he entered Johnny’s, people he didn’t even see before started acting like they’ve known him for ages; irritated, he usually choose to get as far away from them as possible. What’s their problem anyway?

“Ah~” Genkaku shove his hand through his hair, trying to act cool, “this, simply shows that you’re popular. You’re loved, Sho-kun,” patting Sho on his back, attempt to cheer Sho up, “be happy, be happy…”

Sho looked out of the classroom, only to find the hallway filled with silly schoolgirls, or rather silly fan girls, smiling and waving stupidly at him. Oh kuso! He thought as he saw quite a number of them actually coming into his class, screaming and jumping towards him, they’re out of their minds!

“Chotto,” Genkaku stood up, stopping the girls from getting anywhere near Sho, “stop right there.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Shizuka, too, stood up beside Genkaku, “don’t you know this is school? Sho-kun’s here as a student.”

“So?” one of the girls replied offensively, “you just want him for yourself, that’s what I see!” as the rest of the girls roared in agreement.

“Oh yeah?” Kazuko chirped in, “at least he chose us over you silly fan girls,” giving them a glare.

“Shut up, you nerd!” as an argument over Sho started all over again.

Uzaiyo na~ Sho thought, why should I be happy?

                                                             ***

“Hora!”
“Here he comes!!”
“Sakurai Sho!! Autograph, autograph!!”
“He’s looking at me! He’s looking at me!!”
“Sho-kun!!!”
Hearing those high-pitched screams, his head simply ached. Ignore them, he told himself, trying to control his uprising rage as he made his way out of Keio.

It is a known fact that Sho is more seen in Keio than in TV studios. Being in one of the most prestigious schools in Japan, he wouldn’t even think about missing school. He was raised in a family of intellectuals, education was, is, and will forever be the priority in his family. School, naturally, became his second home.

They should never have disclosed my school, he thought bitterly, those fan girls are insane!

“Sho-kun kakkoii!!”
“Kekkon shite kudasai!!”

She wants me to marry her? He heard it and gave a cold chuckle, two words, DREAM ON!

Just then, something caught his eye. Something that wasn’t supposed to be here at all, something that broke practically the most important rule under Johnny’s, something that made him explode, unable to suppress his anger anymore.

“Nani shiten no yo?!” he shouted roughly to a fan girl, “don’t you know Johnny’s rules?” snatching her camera, “you’re not even qualified to be a fan!” and threw it onto the ground without hesitating. The camera crashed into pieces almost instantly.

Teary-eyed, the fan girl struggled for words, “I…. just…” backing off as Sho peered towards her, unable to accept the fact that her idol is shouting at her.

“You what?” Sho will not tolerate with this anymore, they did this before last time, haven’t they learnt anything?! “You what? Tell me!! Don’t you know you’re not supposed to take pictures whether if it's on the scene or off the scene?” it’s happening again!

“I…” the fan girl’s face filled with tear tracks, I’m ending up just the way the last time someone did this in the Subway, she thought, “I’m sorry…”

The crowd stayed silent, watching fearfully as Sho continued ‘lecturing’ the fan girl harshly, somewhat happy that they’re not the fan girl. Some kept their camera phones, while others made sure that their cameras were no longer visible, not willing to victimise themselves, and their devices.

“Let me tell you,” he pointed his finger at the fan girl, “be warned. If it weren’t for you being a girl, your jaw would’ve been broken by now. Don’t ever let me catch you doing this again, hear me? My patience is limited.”

With her tears flowing fiercely, the fan girl nodded with all her might.

Girls, Sho rolled his eyes, they never stop crying, do they?

                                                             ***

Was I too harsh? Sho thought as he sat on his bed, carelessly flipping through the TV channels once he was done with the CNN news.

Recalling the tearful face of the fan girl this afternoon, he felt that maybe…just maybe… he should fairly learn to control his temper a little better. I did it again…

He knows, it was known to everyone around him in fact, that he is quite impatient. Just a little anyway. He takes things seriously, not to say that he never jokes, but he is firm to get things done the right way.

He couldn’t understand why others don’t see the importance of getting things done correctly, he’s sick of people fooling around while they have to practice in Johnny’s. Don’t they realise we’re in serious business here?

He lost his temper the other day, and it’s not the first time indeed. They’re really immature, misbehaving themselves while they’re not supposed to joke, those low-classes brats, their parents certainly did poorly in educating them, he thought, why can they be more mature?

Thinking about the incident just makes him on fire, that Nino, it’s his fault anyway, yet he’s always up against me. He touched his left thigh, it still ached. Stupid Nino, he cursed silently, my thigh’s blue black because of him.

Hey, his lips were bleeding too.

No, he doesn’t hate that brat he always fought with, the brat whose name is Ninomiya Kazunari, the brat in his group Arashi. It’s weird, he realised, I don’t hate him at all. In fact, he found Nino a rather interesting person; he’s even starting to consider Nino as a buddy, a ‘fighting’ buddy, to be exact. Ii na membaa desyo~ a bizarre thought climbed up his mind.

--Door Open--
 
“Oniichan?” a head popped in.

Sho smiled, “com’on in,” he signalled for his little brother to enter the room, “still wide awake huh.”

“I thought you might need this,” his brother held a cup of hot chocolate carefully in his hands, walking slowly towards him.

“Geez,” that was nice, “thanks,” Sho took a sip from the cup, the warm effect took place immediately, “this is Good~”

“Really?” his brother smiled, “well enjoy then, mom asked you to sleep earlier…” he walked towards the door, “oyasuminasai.”

“Oyasumi,” Sho got up and closed the door after his brother, “you sleep tight too, cheeky boy.”

Sitting down at his study desk, he pinched the bridge of his nose. He was tired. Studying and being a celebrity at the same time, he was tired. Making sure his results were good despite being so busy in the show biz, he was tired. Working hard to regain the respect he deserved from his family and his family social background, he was tired.

Sometimes I just wish I can be as carefree as Ohno, he thought, as genki as Aiba, always smiling and laughing around. He doesn’t know them well; they themselves are not very close to each other either. Funny, something was clearly bothering him, that Nino brat seemed fine with the rest, how come he only picked on me?

Jun-kun’s really cute, his leader Ohno was… anything but a leader. Weird as it can be, everyone was fine with the final decision. I was soo close to becoming the leader, he thought, but then again, he’s not that bad is he? Thinking of Ohno’s funny gestures, a smile spread across his face.

                                                            ***

Practicing their dance for their next performance, Arashi tried to get their steps right. The music played as each of them stay put in their own corner, learning their moves without affecting the other members.

“1, 2, 3, 4; 2, 2, 3, 4; 3, 2…” Sho counted the beats as he moved his body towards the music as choreographed, “4, 2, high jump..” he jumped, then continued with a back flip.

“Itai~” he groaned silently. Although he regained his balance, he was ashamed that he actually slipped. From the reflection of the mirrors, he can see that Nino and Ohno are doing quite well with their flips. I won’t lose, he told himself, and continued his practice; I will get this right, I’m sure…

“Aiba-chan!” Nino laughed all of a sudden, “you got confused with you steps again!!”

“Nan da yo~” Aiba scratched his head and smiled embarrassingly as he looked up to Nino, sitting cross-legged on the floor, “heh heh…”

Ohno came to them, giving his usual smiles, “the music’s still playing,” he squatted down beside Aiba, “heiki, heiki, you can do it,” he played with Aiba’s hair, “by the way, have I told you how much I love your hair?”

“Ohno-kun!” Jun shouted from the other end of the room, turning off the radio, “Aiba-chan’s not gonna give you his hair! Will you, Aiba-chan?” he looked at Aiba and laughed, “Super Idol Aiba-chan?”

“DAME!!” Aiba laughed, “Of course I won’t give it to him, I want his for myself in fact!!” pretending to pull Ohno’s hair.

“Itai, itai, itai…” Ohno shrieked as he laughed, “where’d you put my hair if you got them then?” he asked, “your chest?”

“That’ll be a good idea, Riida,” Nino giggled, “why don’t we try it now?” as the rest chased Ohno around the room.

Sho looked at them from where he was standing. He wasn’t angry that the music had suddenly stopped, he wasn’t angry that the rest are fooling around chasing each other instead of practicing, no, he wasn’t angry at all, not now. Somehow, he wished that he could join them right this moment. Even though they had just debuted as a group, he knew that he hadn’t been socializing much with the rest of the members, especially Nino. It’s quite fun to run around like that na~ he thought.

“Sho-kun!!” Ohno called out to him as the other members caught him, “tasukete…!”

It was a strange feeling. Sho felt it. This feeling, he had experienced in school recently, when he first knew Genkaku, Shizuka and Kazuko. This feeling that made his heart tingle, this feeling that he realised he liked a lot.

“Say,” Jun sat on the floor as he let go of Ohno, “can anyone imitate Aiba’s mistaken dance steps? It’s so funny!!”

Huh? Sho thought, imitate Aiba?

“Hey!” Aiba protested, “you’re making fun of me again!”

“You’re the one who got your steps wrong,” Nino laughed again, “you can’t blame us!”

Suddenly, music filled the room once again.

“I think Aiba-chan did it like this,” Sho took them all by surprise. He volunteered to imitate Aiba, dancing his steps then purposely changing the sequence like Aiba did. He even got Aiba’s facial expressions, trying to be serious yet cheekily cute. “3, 2, 3, 4… ah~” he fell, just the way Aiba did.

Sitting on the floor, Sho rubbed his face while closing his eyes in dismay. I guess I’m just not suitable, he thought.

Just then, laughter roared. Nino and Ohno were actually hugging each other as they laughed. Even Aiba was laughing so hard that his eyes were teary. Jun simply rolled on the floor.

“Sho-kun!” Aiba said, still laughing, “I wasn’t that stupid!”

“Jun gave Aiba as pat, “oh yes you were,” he turned to Sho, “great job, Sho-kun!” giving him a thumbs up.

“You’re so funny!!” Ohno tried to stop laughing but failed miserably.

Seeing that they truly appreciated his little act, Sho gave a smile, a sincere, contented smile.

“Ja, practice, practice, or someone will go all berserk again,” Nino got up and replayed their song, “you’ve got a nice smile, by the way,” he said to Sho before he took his place.

Sho’s smile deepened, we’re gonna be great together, all of us, I just know it.

Iya, hontou da – it’s true
Kakkoii - cool
sou sa bokura wa KEIO BOY – yes, we are Keio boy
et tu, Gen-kun – you too, Gen-kun?
Kuso - shit
Chotto – hold it
Uzaiyo na – it’s so vexing
Hora - look
Kekkon shite kudasai – please marry me
Nani shiten no yo – what (the hell) are you doing?
Ii na membaa desyo – a good member, isn’t he?
Oyasuminasai – good night
Nan dayo – what (the heck)?
Heiki – it’s okay
Dame – (not allowed)
Itai - it hurts
Riida - leader