Status: complete
Forever With Me
part 1
Work was over for the day. Every member of Hey! Say! JUMP had returned home. Takaki thought he was the only one left…until he felt someone embracing him from behind.
Takaki smiled, smelling the familiar scent. He knew who it was. He chuckled. “Ryo-chan, what are you doing?”
“I just wanted to hug you.”
Takaki chuckled at Yamada’s childish answer. “Ryo-chan.”
After a short silence, Yamada asked, “Yuya, if…if I’m no longer here, will you remember me forever?”
“Why are you asking me this, Ryo-chan?” Takaki asked.
“Please, Yuya, just answer me,” Yamada said, burying his face in Takaki’s back.
Takaki smiled. “Of course I will remember you forever, Ryosuke. No matter how long, no matter where you go, I’ll wait and love you forever.”
Yamada smiled. Takaki used his name, and not his nickname. That means Takaki was serious, not that he wasn’t serious before. “I’m happy,” Yamada said. “But I don’t want you to say you’ll love me forever. That would be selfish of me.”
Suddenly, Takaki had a weird feeling in his heart. ‘Why is Ryo-chan acting like this? As if he’s trying to say goodbye,’ Takaki thought. “Why are you saying things like that?” Takaki asked. He didn’t want the same thing to repeat itself. Being separated from Yamada for more than two weeks was hell enough. He tried to turn around so that he could face Yamada but the younger teen hugged him tighter.
“Please, Yuya,” Yamada said. “Just let me hug you a little while longer. I want to remember your fragrance forever.”
“Aah,” Takaki said. He tried not to think of it. But no matter what, in his heart, he had a bad feeling that something was wrong.
-------------------------------
That night, Takaki was awaken by the ringing of his cell phone. He looked at the caller id. It was Yabu. He looked at the alarm clock. ‘I hope Yabu has a good reason for calling me at four in the morning,’ he thought as he answered the call.
“Takaki?” he heard Yabu said from the other line.
Takaki answered grumpily, “Who do you think it would b-…”
“Takaki, get yourself to the Tokyo Hospital now,” Yabu cut him off. “Yama-chan is in critical state.”
Takaki was fully awake now. “What?” he said. He knew something was up when Yamada suddenly asked questions like that last night. “W-What h-happened?” he asked, his voice shaking.
“It’s…It’s hard for me to explain on the phone, Takaki,” Yabu said. “Just get over here now.” And for once, Takaki complied without questions.
“Yabu,” Takaki called out as he rushed towards the older guy.
Yabu stood up when he saw Takaki. The younger BEST member grabbed their leader’s shoulders with both his hands. “Yabu, what’s going on?” They were in front of the operation room. On the bench nearer to the door, Mr. and Mrs. Yamada sat. Mr. Yamada was comforting the crying Mrs. Yamada. Shoon’s parents and Reon sat on the bench opposite to them
“Let’s talk about this over coffee,” Yabu said after Takaki had let him go.
“Yabu! This is a serious matter. I…” Takaki felt tears running down his cheeks. He felt so helpless, knowing nothing about what’s going on with Yamada except that he’s currently in the surgery room.
“I think we should talk in a place far away from Mr. and Mrs. Yamada,” Yabu whispered. “They need their privacy.”
Takaki nodded his head, wiping his tears away.
--------------------------
“Here,” Yabu said, handing Takaki his cup of coffee. Yabu and Takaki were sitting near the vending machine on the 2nd floor. Yabu decided to buy both of them a cup of coffee while Takaki calms himself down. “It’s my treat.”
“Thanks,” Takaki replied. He held the hot cup of coffee with both his hands. “Yabu, what happened to Ryosuke?” he asked softly.
“Yama-chan is undergoing a bone marrow transplant,” Yabu said. “He has leukemia.”
Takaki looked at the floor. “W-What?”
There was a short silence before Yabu answered him. “He found out two months ago.”
“Two months ago…” Takaki repeated. He gripped the coffee cup hard. Why didn’t he noticed what’s happening with Yamada. He was angry with himself for that. “Kuso!” Takaki hit the bench he’s sitting on with clenched fist. “I should have notice something was wrong. He was acting weird last night.”
“He didn’t want anyone to know,” Yabu said. “He made Johnny-san and I swore to secrecy.”
Takaki looked at Yabu. “When did you find out?”
“He told me,” Yabu answered. “The same time he told Johnny-san.”
FLASHBACK
TWO MONTHS AGO
“Tadaima,” Yamada said when he arrived home from Jimusho.
“Okaeri, Ryo-chan,” his mother said. “We’re in the kitchen. Come and have dinner.”
“Hai,” Yamada replied. As he walked towards the closet to keep his coat, he felt his visions blurry. He shook it off. He’s been dizzy lately, but he convinced himself that it was because of the stress of work.
On his way to the kitchen, he felt a liquid substance flowing from his nose. He touched it. It was blood. He wiped it off. He continued his was to the kitchen. His dizziness is getting worse, and he’s seeing double. Once he reached the kitchen, he saw his mother, father, older sister and younger sister. On his way to the table, his pupil rolled up and he passed out.
When he woke up, his mother was right beside him. Touching his head, Yamada asked, “Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital,” his mother answered. “You passed out last night.”
“Oh,” Yamada said. He tried to sit up, and his mother helped him by putting the pillows behind his back.
“I’ve phoned your school and the Jimusho, so you don’t need to worry about skipping,” his mother told him. Yamada nodded his head. “Now, you rest and I’ll go and see your doctor.”
------------------------------
A few days later, Yamada and both his parents went to the hospital to see Sakura-sensei, Yamada’s doctor. She had called earlier, asking them to meet her at the hospital.
“This is Ryosuke-kun’s blood test,” she said, holding the results in her hands.
“So, is there anything wrong with Ryosuke?” Mr. Yamada asked.
“I’m sorry to give you this bad news but it seems like Ryosuke-kun has leukemia,” Sakura-sensei answered.
Mr. Yamada stopped in his tracks, and Mrs. Yamada hugged her son. Yamada’s eyes went wide.
“Is there any way to cure him?” his father asked.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t found a cure for leukemia yet but there’s a chance to be cured with a bone marrow transplant,” Sakura-sensei said, “That is the best method but it’s hard to find a suitable donor.”
“C-Can I be a donor?” his mother asked.
“Usually, the best choice for donors are siblings,” Sakura-sensei said. “Does Ryosuke-kun have any siblings?”
“Yes,” his father said. “An older sister and a younger sister.”
“You could take them here tomorrow or anytime this week to see if they are a suitable donor,” Sakura-sensei said. “If one of their bone marrow matches Ryosuke-kun’s, he could immediately do the operation.”
“If my sisters’ bone marrow doesn’t match, how long do I have to live?” Yamada asked out of the blue. Mr. and Mrs. Yamada, and Sakura-sensei looked at Yamada who’s been silent since the beginning.
“If there’s no suitable donor, you’ll be put in the waiting list,” Sakura-sensei said. “While waiting, you’ll be undergoing the chemotherapy. It will kill the cancer cells in your body, and it might give you hope to be cured.”
“I want to know how long I have left?!” Yamada said, louder than he intended.
“Two months the least,” Sakura-sensei answered.
When Yamada’s mother hugged him tighter, a tear slipped down Yamada’s cheek.
--------------------------------
Both Johnny-san and Yabu are looking at Yamada. Yamada had just told them about his condition. Yabu was looking at him with sad eyes; the eyes belong to a caring older brother.
“Yamada-kun, does this mean you’re quitting Jimusho?” Johnny asked.
“There…There may be times I won’t be able to dance or perform, b-but if it’s okay, I wish to continue performing,” Yamada said with determination. He bowed at Johnny and Yabu. “Onegaishimasu!”
Johnny looked at Yabu. “Yabu-kun, you’re the leader of Hey! Say! JUMP. I’ll let you make the decision.”
Yabu stared at Yamada for a short while. Then, he went beside the still-bowing Yamada. He bowed as well. “Johnny-san please let Yama-chan stay in the Jimusho. Hey! Say! JUMP won’t be the same without him.”
Johnny inwardly smiled at the two teens. “But if anything happens during concerts or such, Yabu-kun will be responsible.”
“Hai!” Yabu said. “Arigatougozaimasu.” Both him and Yamada stood up straight.
“Johnny-san, if it’s possible, could you keep my condition a secret from everyone?”
“Done,” Johnny said.
After giving their respect to Johnny, Yabu and Yamada left Johnny’s office. The BEST member and 7 member walked in silence.
----------------------------------
“How long have you known?” Yabu asked, breaking the silence.
Yamada was looking at the floor. “A few days ago.”
“Are you going to do a bone marrow transplant?”
Yamada shook his head. Yabu was surprised, but he refrained himself from saying it. “My sisters’ bone marrow isn’t suitable, and so was my parents’. So, I’ll have to do chemotherapy while I wait for a donor.”
Yabu just nodded his head. Not long after, they were finally in front of Hey! Say! JUMP’s room. Before they entered, Yabu said, “Yama-chan, if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I’m happy that you trust me enough to tell something this important.”
Yamada nodded his head. “Arigatou.”
------------------------------------
Two weeks later, they were having a dance practice for a concert. It was their break time; Yamada was sitting at a corner, alone, drinking his water.
“You know, Dai-chan,” Chinen, whose sitting on Daiki’s lap, said. “I’ve been watching Yama-chan lately, and he seems to be really tired.”
“I noticed it too, Chii,” Daiki said.
“He seems to be ignoring Yuyan as well,” Chinen said as he looked pointedly at Takaki, who’s currently talking to Keito about something.
Suddenly, Yamada stood up abruptly and ran off somewhere. Takaki saw it and so did Yabu. Takaki was going to follow his lover when Yabu grabbed the younger teen’s hand.
“What the-…” Takaki was about to say when Yabu cut in, saying, “I’ll deal with Yama-chan.”
Takaki just kept silence as he stared at Yabu running after his Yamada. Chinen and Daiki watched from afar. ‘Since when does Yabu and Yama-chan started getting close?’
------------------------------
Yabu found Yamada in the toilet not far from JUMP’s room. He was kneeling in front of the toilet.
“Yama-chan, are you alright?” Yabu said, running towards the younger member.
“Yabu-kun,” Yamada said, before he threw up again.
Yabu rubbed Yamada’s back. “You’re a mess. You have to go home and rest, Yama-chan.”
“But practice…”
“You’re in no condition to practice,” Yabu cut in. “Don’t worry about the others, I’ll explain it to them. Besides, I did tell Johnny-san that I’d take responsibility.” Yabu smiled at the younger teen.
Yamada’s shoulder shook as droplets of tears fell to the floor. “Gomen, Yabu-kun,” he said. “I’m bringing trouble too the group.”
“Don’t say that, Yama-chan,” Yabu said. “You’re like a brother to us, and a best friend.”
“A-Arigatou, Yabu-kun,” Yamada said. Yabu helped Yamada up. “Please don’t tell Yuya about this.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Yabu said. “Now let’s call your mother, ne?” Yamada nodded his head.
--------------------------------
Half an hour later, Yabu returned to Hey! Say! JUMP’s practice room. He told them that Yamada was sick and his mother had picked him up. Takaki went towards Yabu.
“We need to talk,” Takaki said.
“Practice is starting,” said Yabu. The older teen knew what Takaki wanted to talk about. “We’ll talk after practice.” Yabu was using his leader voice, so Takaki have to oblige.
-------------------------------------
Yabu and Takaki walked home together. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
“What is going on between you and Ryo-chan?” Takaki asked.
“Nothing,” Yabu said. “He’s like a brother to me, that’s it.”
“Then why did you stopped me earlier?” Takaki asked.
“Because I am responsible for all JUMP members,” Yabu answered. He stopped walking and looked at Takaki. “Look, Takaki, Yama-chan love you okay, and I love Shoon so there’s no romance between us. You need trust Yama-chan.”
For the rest of the journey, Yabu and Takaki walked in silence. After a few blocks, Yabu said, “Well, this is my destination. Remember Takaki, just trust Yama-chan. Give him his space and time.”
--------------------------------------
On Saturday morning, Takaki went to Yamada’s house. They had a date that day. Takaki pressed the doorbell.
“Takaki-kun?” It was Yamada’s older sister who answered the door.
“Uh, Ryo-chan no nee-san,” Takaki said. “Can I see Ryosuke?”
“Sure,” Yamada’s sister said. “Come inside.”
Yamada’s sister led Takaki to the kitchen where Yamada was currently eating breakfast.
“Yuya?” Yamada said, surprised, when he saw Takaki.
“What brings you here, Takaki-kun?” Mrs. Yamada asked.
“Uhm, I’m picking Ryo-chan for our date,” Takaki explained. Both their family knows about their relationship already. Of course, who wouldn’t notice if they almost made out in the hallway.
Yamada’s father looked at him. “Ryosuke, you haven’t told…”
“Ah, Yuya, let’s talk outside,” Yamada said, immediately standing up. On the porch, Takaki and Yamada talked.
“Ryo-chan, what did your father meant? What haven’t you told me?”
“I can’t go out with you today, Yuya,” Yamada said. He averted his eyes away from Takaki. “There’s somewhere else I need to go to.”
Takaki tried to hide his frown. “Oh, I see,” he said. “You made other plans even though you know we have a date?” Then, something caught his eyes. He grabbed Yamada’s right hand. “How did you get these bruises?”
Yamada yanked his hand from Takaki. “It’s nothing,” he answered.
“Ryo-chan…”
“I told you it’s nothing!” Yamada yelled. He ran into the house.
Takaki stood outside alone, the words Yabu told him replaying in his mind.
“Trust Yama-chan. Give him his space and time.”
---------------------------------------
Yabu cornered Takaki as soon as he saw the younger member when he arrived at JUMP’s room.
“I told you not to push Yama-chan,” Yabu hissed.
Keito, who was reading a book, and Inoo, who was practicing his lines, could feel the tensed atmosphere. Inoo dragged Hikaru out of the room, and Keito dragged Ryutaro.
-------------------------------------
“Keito-kun, what are you doing?” Ryutaro asked.
“Uhm, taking you to…. to Chinen,” Keito lied. “H-He is going to stalk Ohno-kun again.”
Ryutaro clenched his fists. “Oh, he is going to get it,” the youngest member of JUMP said as he stomped off in search for his lover. Keito was left alone in the hallway.
--------------------------------------
“Kei-chan, what are you doing? Why’d you drag me out?” Hikaru asked his boyfriend. He was in the midst of playing his Nintendo, and was about to defeat the master when Inoo dragged him out. “I was so close in winning.”
“Can’t you feel the tense atmosphere in there?” Inoo asked.
Hikaru looked at him blankly. “Huh?”
-----------------------------------------
“I didn’t push him,” Takaki retort.
“Then why did he cried to me yesterday?!” Yabu yelled. He knew he shouldn’t mention his conversation with Yamada, but he just thought it was unfair.
Takaki let out a dry chuckle. “So, he went to you for comfort, huh?”
“I told you, Takaki, he’s just like a little brother to me,” Yabu said. “Just like Jin and I.”
“I’ve been observing you and Ryo-chan since a few weeks ago,” Takaki said. “He always went to you for everything. I AM supposed to be his lover.”
“Takaki, you have to trust Yama-chan,” Yabu said.
“How could I trust him when he won’t tell me anything?!” Takaki snapped. He just couldn’t keep it to himself anymore. He hated it, being left out in the dark, not being able to help the one he loves.
The sound of something dropped to the ground made both BEST members of their surrounding. Yabu was the first one to see him.
“Yama-chan,” JUMP’s leader said. Takaki immediately averted his gaze to the doorway.
“G-Gomen,” Yamada said. “I-I just- I just want to keep my bag.” He walked inside the room silently, not making eye contacts with either Takaki or Yabu. After he put it on a chair, beside Yuto’s and Chinen’s things, he ran out of the room before anyone could say anything.
‘Ryo-chan,’ Takaki thought.
“Go,” Yabu said. “This time you are the one who have to fix it.”
Yabu needn’t have to tell him twice. Takaki immediately ran after his lover. He accidentally bumped into Yuto in the hallway.
“No, my science project,” Yuto cried in despair, looking at cracked eggs on the floor.
Daiki patted his back sympathetically. “You could always do extra credit.”
“This IS my extra credit,” Yuto said, looking at the BEST member with teary eyes.
----------------------------------
Yamada sat on the swing, swinging it slowly with his legs. He was at the park, not far from the Jimusho. ‘I shouldn’t be surprised,’ Yamada thought. ‘I’m at fault too, for keeping him in the dark.’ Yamada looked at the sky. The sun is hiding behind the cloud. ‘What will happen if I can’t be saved?’ Yamada could feel the hot tears running down his cheeks.
“Ryo-chan,” he heard Takaki’s voice from behind. Yamada quickly wiped his tears and stood up. He stood facing Takaki. “Ryo-chan, I’m sorry,” he said.
“No, Yuya,” Yamada said. “You were right. How could you trust me if I didn’t tell you anything?” ‘This is for the best.’
“Ryo-chan, please forget everything I just said,” Takaki begged. “I didn’t mean anything. I-…”
“I think it’s best if we keep our distance for awhile, Yuya,” Yamada said. Every word made his heart crush little by little.
Takaki pulled Yamada in a tight embrace. “Ryo-chan, please don’t do this.”
Yamada blinked away the tears forming in his eyes. ‘I’m sorry, Yuya.’ He pulled away. “I really think we need this alone time.” Takaki didn’t say anything. He just stood there motionlessly. “I’m going back to the Jimusho, Yu- I mean, Takaki-kun.” As he walked away, he thought, ‘If I really can’t be saved, this way you won’t be hurt too much, Yuya.’
---------------------------------
END OF PART 1
Takaki smiled, smelling the familiar scent. He knew who it was. He chuckled. “Ryo-chan, what are you doing?”
“I just wanted to hug you.”
Takaki chuckled at Yamada’s childish answer. “Ryo-chan.”
After a short silence, Yamada asked, “Yuya, if…if I’m no longer here, will you remember me forever?”
“Why are you asking me this, Ryo-chan?” Takaki asked.
“Please, Yuya, just answer me,” Yamada said, burying his face in Takaki’s back.
Takaki smiled. “Of course I will remember you forever, Ryosuke. No matter how long, no matter where you go, I’ll wait and love you forever.”
Yamada smiled. Takaki used his name, and not his nickname. That means Takaki was serious, not that he wasn’t serious before. “I’m happy,” Yamada said. “But I don’t want you to say you’ll love me forever. That would be selfish of me.”
Suddenly, Takaki had a weird feeling in his heart. ‘Why is Ryo-chan acting like this? As if he’s trying to say goodbye,’ Takaki thought. “Why are you saying things like that?” Takaki asked. He didn’t want the same thing to repeat itself. Being separated from Yamada for more than two weeks was hell enough. He tried to turn around so that he could face Yamada but the younger teen hugged him tighter.
“Please, Yuya,” Yamada said. “Just let me hug you a little while longer. I want to remember your fragrance forever.”
“Aah,” Takaki said. He tried not to think of it. But no matter what, in his heart, he had a bad feeling that something was wrong.
-------------------------------
That night, Takaki was awaken by the ringing of his cell phone. He looked at the caller id. It was Yabu. He looked at the alarm clock. ‘I hope Yabu has a good reason for calling me at four in the morning,’ he thought as he answered the call.
“Takaki?” he heard Yabu said from the other line.
Takaki answered grumpily, “Who do you think it would b-…”
“Takaki, get yourself to the Tokyo Hospital now,” Yabu cut him off. “Yama-chan is in critical state.”
Takaki was fully awake now. “What?” he said. He knew something was up when Yamada suddenly asked questions like that last night. “W-What h-happened?” he asked, his voice shaking.
“It’s…It’s hard for me to explain on the phone, Takaki,” Yabu said. “Just get over here now.” And for once, Takaki complied without questions.
“Yabu,” Takaki called out as he rushed towards the older guy.
Yabu stood up when he saw Takaki. The younger BEST member grabbed their leader’s shoulders with both his hands. “Yabu, what’s going on?” They were in front of the operation room. On the bench nearer to the door, Mr. and Mrs. Yamada sat. Mr. Yamada was comforting the crying Mrs. Yamada. Shoon’s parents and Reon sat on the bench opposite to them
“Let’s talk about this over coffee,” Yabu said after Takaki had let him go.
“Yabu! This is a serious matter. I…” Takaki felt tears running down his cheeks. He felt so helpless, knowing nothing about what’s going on with Yamada except that he’s currently in the surgery room.
“I think we should talk in a place far away from Mr. and Mrs. Yamada,” Yabu whispered. “They need their privacy.”
Takaki nodded his head, wiping his tears away.
--------------------------
“Here,” Yabu said, handing Takaki his cup of coffee. Yabu and Takaki were sitting near the vending machine on the 2nd floor. Yabu decided to buy both of them a cup of coffee while Takaki calms himself down. “It’s my treat.”
“Thanks,” Takaki replied. He held the hot cup of coffee with both his hands. “Yabu, what happened to Ryosuke?” he asked softly.
“Yama-chan is undergoing a bone marrow transplant,” Yabu said. “He has leukemia.”
Takaki looked at the floor. “W-What?”
There was a short silence before Yabu answered him. “He found out two months ago.”
“Two months ago…” Takaki repeated. He gripped the coffee cup hard. Why didn’t he noticed what’s happening with Yamada. He was angry with himself for that. “Kuso!” Takaki hit the bench he’s sitting on with clenched fist. “I should have notice something was wrong. He was acting weird last night.”
“He didn’t want anyone to know,” Yabu said. “He made Johnny-san and I swore to secrecy.”
Takaki looked at Yabu. “When did you find out?”
“He told me,” Yabu answered. “The same time he told Johnny-san.”
FLASHBACK
TWO MONTHS AGO
“Tadaima,” Yamada said when he arrived home from Jimusho.
“Okaeri, Ryo-chan,” his mother said. “We’re in the kitchen. Come and have dinner.”
“Hai,” Yamada replied. As he walked towards the closet to keep his coat, he felt his visions blurry. He shook it off. He’s been dizzy lately, but he convinced himself that it was because of the stress of work.
On his way to the kitchen, he felt a liquid substance flowing from his nose. He touched it. It was blood. He wiped it off. He continued his was to the kitchen. His dizziness is getting worse, and he’s seeing double. Once he reached the kitchen, he saw his mother, father, older sister and younger sister. On his way to the table, his pupil rolled up and he passed out.
When he woke up, his mother was right beside him. Touching his head, Yamada asked, “Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital,” his mother answered. “You passed out last night.”
“Oh,” Yamada said. He tried to sit up, and his mother helped him by putting the pillows behind his back.
“I’ve phoned your school and the Jimusho, so you don’t need to worry about skipping,” his mother told him. Yamada nodded his head. “Now, you rest and I’ll go and see your doctor.”
------------------------------
A few days later, Yamada and both his parents went to the hospital to see Sakura-sensei, Yamada’s doctor. She had called earlier, asking them to meet her at the hospital.
“This is Ryosuke-kun’s blood test,” she said, holding the results in her hands.
“So, is there anything wrong with Ryosuke?” Mr. Yamada asked.
“I’m sorry to give you this bad news but it seems like Ryosuke-kun has leukemia,” Sakura-sensei answered.
Mr. Yamada stopped in his tracks, and Mrs. Yamada hugged her son. Yamada’s eyes went wide.
“Is there any way to cure him?” his father asked.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t found a cure for leukemia yet but there’s a chance to be cured with a bone marrow transplant,” Sakura-sensei said, “That is the best method but it’s hard to find a suitable donor.”
“C-Can I be a donor?” his mother asked.
“Usually, the best choice for donors are siblings,” Sakura-sensei said. “Does Ryosuke-kun have any siblings?”
“Yes,” his father said. “An older sister and a younger sister.”
“You could take them here tomorrow or anytime this week to see if they are a suitable donor,” Sakura-sensei said. “If one of their bone marrow matches Ryosuke-kun’s, he could immediately do the operation.”
“If my sisters’ bone marrow doesn’t match, how long do I have to live?” Yamada asked out of the blue. Mr. and Mrs. Yamada, and Sakura-sensei looked at Yamada who’s been silent since the beginning.
“If there’s no suitable donor, you’ll be put in the waiting list,” Sakura-sensei said. “While waiting, you’ll be undergoing the chemotherapy. It will kill the cancer cells in your body, and it might give you hope to be cured.”
“I want to know how long I have left?!” Yamada said, louder than he intended.
“Two months the least,” Sakura-sensei answered.
When Yamada’s mother hugged him tighter, a tear slipped down Yamada’s cheek.
--------------------------------
Both Johnny-san and Yabu are looking at Yamada. Yamada had just told them about his condition. Yabu was looking at him with sad eyes; the eyes belong to a caring older brother.
“Yamada-kun, does this mean you’re quitting Jimusho?” Johnny asked.
“There…There may be times I won’t be able to dance or perform, b-but if it’s okay, I wish to continue performing,” Yamada said with determination. He bowed at Johnny and Yabu. “Onegaishimasu!”
Johnny looked at Yabu. “Yabu-kun, you’re the leader of Hey! Say! JUMP. I’ll let you make the decision.”
Yabu stared at Yamada for a short while. Then, he went beside the still-bowing Yamada. He bowed as well. “Johnny-san please let Yama-chan stay in the Jimusho. Hey! Say! JUMP won’t be the same without him.”
Johnny inwardly smiled at the two teens. “But if anything happens during concerts or such, Yabu-kun will be responsible.”
“Hai!” Yabu said. “Arigatougozaimasu.” Both him and Yamada stood up straight.
“Johnny-san, if it’s possible, could you keep my condition a secret from everyone?”
“Done,” Johnny said.
After giving their respect to Johnny, Yabu and Yamada left Johnny’s office. The BEST member and 7 member walked in silence.
----------------------------------
“How long have you known?” Yabu asked, breaking the silence.
Yamada was looking at the floor. “A few days ago.”
“Are you going to do a bone marrow transplant?”
Yamada shook his head. Yabu was surprised, but he refrained himself from saying it. “My sisters’ bone marrow isn’t suitable, and so was my parents’. So, I’ll have to do chemotherapy while I wait for a donor.”
Yabu just nodded his head. Not long after, they were finally in front of Hey! Say! JUMP’s room. Before they entered, Yabu said, “Yama-chan, if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I’m happy that you trust me enough to tell something this important.”
Yamada nodded his head. “Arigatou.”
------------------------------------
Two weeks later, they were having a dance practice for a concert. It was their break time; Yamada was sitting at a corner, alone, drinking his water.
“You know, Dai-chan,” Chinen, whose sitting on Daiki’s lap, said. “I’ve been watching Yama-chan lately, and he seems to be really tired.”
“I noticed it too, Chii,” Daiki said.
“He seems to be ignoring Yuyan as well,” Chinen said as he looked pointedly at Takaki, who’s currently talking to Keito about something.
Suddenly, Yamada stood up abruptly and ran off somewhere. Takaki saw it and so did Yabu. Takaki was going to follow his lover when Yabu grabbed the younger teen’s hand.
“What the-…” Takaki was about to say when Yabu cut in, saying, “I’ll deal with Yama-chan.”
Takaki just kept silence as he stared at Yabu running after his Yamada. Chinen and Daiki watched from afar. ‘Since when does Yabu and Yama-chan started getting close?’
------------------------------
Yabu found Yamada in the toilet not far from JUMP’s room. He was kneeling in front of the toilet.
“Yama-chan, are you alright?” Yabu said, running towards the younger member.
“Yabu-kun,” Yamada said, before he threw up again.
Yabu rubbed Yamada’s back. “You’re a mess. You have to go home and rest, Yama-chan.”
“But practice…”
“You’re in no condition to practice,” Yabu cut in. “Don’t worry about the others, I’ll explain it to them. Besides, I did tell Johnny-san that I’d take responsibility.” Yabu smiled at the younger teen.
Yamada’s shoulder shook as droplets of tears fell to the floor. “Gomen, Yabu-kun,” he said. “I’m bringing trouble too the group.”
“Don’t say that, Yama-chan,” Yabu said. “You’re like a brother to us, and a best friend.”
“A-Arigatou, Yabu-kun,” Yamada said. Yabu helped Yamada up. “Please don’t tell Yuya about this.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Yabu said. “Now let’s call your mother, ne?” Yamada nodded his head.
--------------------------------
Half an hour later, Yabu returned to Hey! Say! JUMP’s practice room. He told them that Yamada was sick and his mother had picked him up. Takaki went towards Yabu.
“We need to talk,” Takaki said.
“Practice is starting,” said Yabu. The older teen knew what Takaki wanted to talk about. “We’ll talk after practice.” Yabu was using his leader voice, so Takaki have to oblige.
-------------------------------------
Yabu and Takaki walked home together. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
“What is going on between you and Ryo-chan?” Takaki asked.
“Nothing,” Yabu said. “He’s like a brother to me, that’s it.”
“Then why did you stopped me earlier?” Takaki asked.
“Because I am responsible for all JUMP members,” Yabu answered. He stopped walking and looked at Takaki. “Look, Takaki, Yama-chan love you okay, and I love Shoon so there’s no romance between us. You need trust Yama-chan.”
For the rest of the journey, Yabu and Takaki walked in silence. After a few blocks, Yabu said, “Well, this is my destination. Remember Takaki, just trust Yama-chan. Give him his space and time.”
--------------------------------------
On Saturday morning, Takaki went to Yamada’s house. They had a date that day. Takaki pressed the doorbell.
“Takaki-kun?” It was Yamada’s older sister who answered the door.
“Uh, Ryo-chan no nee-san,” Takaki said. “Can I see Ryosuke?”
“Sure,” Yamada’s sister said. “Come inside.”
Yamada’s sister led Takaki to the kitchen where Yamada was currently eating breakfast.
“Yuya?” Yamada said, surprised, when he saw Takaki.
“What brings you here, Takaki-kun?” Mrs. Yamada asked.
“Uhm, I’m picking Ryo-chan for our date,” Takaki explained. Both their family knows about their relationship already. Of course, who wouldn’t notice if they almost made out in the hallway.
Yamada’s father looked at him. “Ryosuke, you haven’t told…”
“Ah, Yuya, let’s talk outside,” Yamada said, immediately standing up. On the porch, Takaki and Yamada talked.
“Ryo-chan, what did your father meant? What haven’t you told me?”
“I can’t go out with you today, Yuya,” Yamada said. He averted his eyes away from Takaki. “There’s somewhere else I need to go to.”
Takaki tried to hide his frown. “Oh, I see,” he said. “You made other plans even though you know we have a date?” Then, something caught his eyes. He grabbed Yamada’s right hand. “How did you get these bruises?”
Yamada yanked his hand from Takaki. “It’s nothing,” he answered.
“Ryo-chan…”
“I told you it’s nothing!” Yamada yelled. He ran into the house.
Takaki stood outside alone, the words Yabu told him replaying in his mind.
“Trust Yama-chan. Give him his space and time.”
---------------------------------------
Yabu cornered Takaki as soon as he saw the younger member when he arrived at JUMP’s room.
“I told you not to push Yama-chan,” Yabu hissed.
Keito, who was reading a book, and Inoo, who was practicing his lines, could feel the tensed atmosphere. Inoo dragged Hikaru out of the room, and Keito dragged Ryutaro.
-------------------------------------
“Keito-kun, what are you doing?” Ryutaro asked.
“Uhm, taking you to…. to Chinen,” Keito lied. “H-He is going to stalk Ohno-kun again.”
Ryutaro clenched his fists. “Oh, he is going to get it,” the youngest member of JUMP said as he stomped off in search for his lover. Keito was left alone in the hallway.
--------------------------------------
“Kei-chan, what are you doing? Why’d you drag me out?” Hikaru asked his boyfriend. He was in the midst of playing his Nintendo, and was about to defeat the master when Inoo dragged him out. “I was so close in winning.”
“Can’t you feel the tense atmosphere in there?” Inoo asked.
Hikaru looked at him blankly. “Huh?”
-----------------------------------------
“I didn’t push him,” Takaki retort.
“Then why did he cried to me yesterday?!” Yabu yelled. He knew he shouldn’t mention his conversation with Yamada, but he just thought it was unfair.
Takaki let out a dry chuckle. “So, he went to you for comfort, huh?”
“I told you, Takaki, he’s just like a little brother to me,” Yabu said. “Just like Jin and I.”
“I’ve been observing you and Ryo-chan since a few weeks ago,” Takaki said. “He always went to you for everything. I AM supposed to be his lover.”
“Takaki, you have to trust Yama-chan,” Yabu said.
“How could I trust him when he won’t tell me anything?!” Takaki snapped. He just couldn’t keep it to himself anymore. He hated it, being left out in the dark, not being able to help the one he loves.
The sound of something dropped to the ground made both BEST members of their surrounding. Yabu was the first one to see him.
“Yama-chan,” JUMP’s leader said. Takaki immediately averted his gaze to the doorway.
“G-Gomen,” Yamada said. “I-I just- I just want to keep my bag.” He walked inside the room silently, not making eye contacts with either Takaki or Yabu. After he put it on a chair, beside Yuto’s and Chinen’s things, he ran out of the room before anyone could say anything.
‘Ryo-chan,’ Takaki thought.
“Go,” Yabu said. “This time you are the one who have to fix it.”
Yabu needn’t have to tell him twice. Takaki immediately ran after his lover. He accidentally bumped into Yuto in the hallway.
“No, my science project,” Yuto cried in despair, looking at cracked eggs on the floor.
Daiki patted his back sympathetically. “You could always do extra credit.”
“This IS my extra credit,” Yuto said, looking at the BEST member with teary eyes.
----------------------------------
Yamada sat on the swing, swinging it slowly with his legs. He was at the park, not far from the Jimusho. ‘I shouldn’t be surprised,’ Yamada thought. ‘I’m at fault too, for keeping him in the dark.’ Yamada looked at the sky. The sun is hiding behind the cloud. ‘What will happen if I can’t be saved?’ Yamada could feel the hot tears running down his cheeks.
“Ryo-chan,” he heard Takaki’s voice from behind. Yamada quickly wiped his tears and stood up. He stood facing Takaki. “Ryo-chan, I’m sorry,” he said.
“No, Yuya,” Yamada said. “You were right. How could you trust me if I didn’t tell you anything?” ‘This is for the best.’
“Ryo-chan, please forget everything I just said,” Takaki begged. “I didn’t mean anything. I-…”
“I think it’s best if we keep our distance for awhile, Yuya,” Yamada said. Every word made his heart crush little by little.
Takaki pulled Yamada in a tight embrace. “Ryo-chan, please don’t do this.”
Yamada blinked away the tears forming in his eyes. ‘I’m sorry, Yuya.’ He pulled away. “I really think we need this alone time.” Takaki didn’t say anything. He just stood there motionlessly. “I’m going back to the Jimusho, Yu- I mean, Takaki-kun.” As he walked away, he thought, ‘If I really can’t be saved, this way you won’t be hurt too much, Yuya.’
---------------------------------
END OF PART 1
♠ ♠ ♠
Comments are appreciated...:3