[FANFIC] Ryo, The Latchkey Boy, Chapter 4: Reunion

[tiethel]

Title: Ryo, the Latchkey Boy

Characters: Kanjani8, News, Various other JE boys.

Main Focus: Ryo

Summary: An unexpected event rips the hearts of Kanjani8 and News members. They are left to attend their wound while looking after one of their own.

(side note: this is NOT a death fic, even though it looks like it.)

Format: Multi-Chapter Story

Warnings: This is set during spring 2010 while News was still a six-member group and *obviously* Subaru was still in the band.

Enjoy!

Edited on 18.02.2019

 

 

Chapter 4: Reunion

 

A dead tired Yokoyama Yuu was resting his head on a dead tired Shibutani Subaru’s shoulder.   They couldn’t find the energy to leave the hospital, so now they were sleeping soundly on the chairs in Ryo’s private hospital room.

Yamapi, who was in the same room with them, didn’t actually mind them. His eyes were locked on Ryo who was fast asleep as well. But Yamapi’s mind kept repeating a scene from earlier, making him feel restless.

 

 “Can you tell me your name?” The doctor asked Ryo

“Of course!” Ryo smiled. This should be an easy question for Ryo, Yamapi thought. “It is...” but it seemed like Ryo was struggling. He kept frowning, biting his lower lip and fidgeting in general.

The doctor took a note on his chart.

“Wait, I know my name!” Ryo objected.

The doctor smiled at him. “Let’s move to the next question.”

“But I know my name.”

“Okay, then you can tell me in five seconds. Otherwise we will be moving to the next question.”

“...”

“Can you tell me where were you born?”

Ryo bit his lips as he scowled. “Umm…”

 “You don’t know? I see…” the doctor noted down something on his chart. “Then what can you tell me about your family?”

“Ah, they...” Ryo stopped and looked around.

The doctor watched Ryo carefully before he wrote something else. Yamapi could see Ryo was getting more and more confused and lost. He was becoming more and more agitated.

“No wait! I know, I know. It’s just at the tip of...”

“...Your tongue?” the doctor completed for him. “You feel like you are about to remember?”

“Yes.” Ryo sighed. “I am sure I can answer the next question.”

“Then why don’t you tell me something you remember, memories before you woke up here.”

Ryo looked very uncomfortable; he chewed on his lower lip nervously.

 

Yamapi didn’t like how his friend looked so vulnerable, how he was trying hard to remember and how he failed. He really hated to watch Ryo in that state. And the worst of all was, he couldn’t do anything about it.

He and the two Kanjani8 members were watching it from the far corner of the room at the time. They were not allowed to interact in any way so they watched helplessly.

After the ‘interrogation’ as Yoko called it, the doctor invited them out to explain Ryo’s situation.

As far as Yamapi could remember he said that head injuries were actually very serious. Nobody could know exactly what would be the outcomes. In some cases there were unexpected deaths, some became sick after hitting their heads. Amnesia, of course, was one of the outcomes. His character may change as well. For amnesia they couldn’t be sure if Ryo would remember anything at all. He could remember everything in an instant, or it could come to him slowly. He could gain his memories tomorrow or twenty years later. There was nothing to do about that. He could only suggest that Ryo see a neurologist regularly. Tiny details or shocks or old memories could help him remember. But they should be careful not to agitate him too much. He might have nightmares as well, it was very common in amnesia cases.

Hearing those words Yamapi felt his world darken even more. These past few days were like a roller coaster to him. First the fight, then losing Ryo in a freak accident, then just after finding out Ryo was actually alive, losing him once more, metaphorically.   

He couldn’t bring himself to tell the others about this new turn of event. All he said was “Don’t come, its getting crowded over here. We will bring Ryo-chan home tomorrow.”

They didn’t like it surely. But they did decide to wait patiently. At least Ryo was alive, so they were happily waiting for him to come back to them.

Since he was deep in thought, Yamapi didn’t notice Ryo’s troubled sleep.

Ryo was sweating heavily. He turned from one side to the other and shoved the pillows away as he tried to breath. He jerked his eyes open and breathed heavily as he lay motionless. His body was all sore; his hands ached from where he gripped the sheets. Now that he saw the dream was not real, he calmed himself down slowly. Only after he had adjusted, he gazed around the dark room.

Yes the three men were still there. Two of them were sleeping but that one, who attacked him earlier, was awake and he was looking right in to his eyes.

Ryo felt a big lump of fear forming on his throat. The idiot was watching him. Why? Who was he? Why was he here?

But then he noticed the other one was not looking at him; he was just lost in his thoughts. Although this calmed him down, Ryo tried to stay still regardless. He didn’t want to alert the other and trigger another attack like earlier.

They told him they were close friends but Ryo was sure he didn’t like that sissy. No way could he be friends with him. At least that would prove he was not who they insisted to be. He didn’t trust them. He didn’t trust anyone. Ah how he wish he could remember.

Yamapi blinked his eyes and suddenly smiled. “Ryo-chan!” he exclaimed warmly.

Yoko jumped at the sound and looked around, and then he placed his head back on Subaru’s shoulders.

Ryo’s shoulders stiffened. Yamapi didn’t miss that one but he tried to smile happily as nothing happened. “I didn’t notice you were awake. Do you need something? I can get you water if you want. Your throat must be pretty sore.” Yamapi wondered if this was how Koyama usually felt, worrying so much about the other one, being an overprotective mother bear.

Ryo on the other hand didn’t like to be found out. He raised himself from the bed and cleared his throat as much as he could; it still hurt to swallow. “No.” He managed to say with a cracked voice. “I don’t want anything.” But when he realized Yamapi just gotten on his feet and was coming towards him, he held his breath in fear. His eyes went wide.

Yamapi saw how suddenly Ryo backed away to the edge of the bed. “I am not going to hurt you Ryo-chan.” he said as he sat on the bed. This was tough for him, how do you handle an amnesiac best friend who turned to a scaredy-cat?

Yamapi smiled bitterly. “You might not remember, but we are close friends. I will never ever hurt you.”

Ryo’s only response was blinking his eyes.

“I can imagine how hard it is to trust a complete stranger.” Yamapi’s voice cracked at the last two words, but he cleared his throat to continue. “But I am truly concerned about your wellbeing. I just want to help, that’s all.”

Ryo didn’t say anything so they remained silent for a while. Yamapi turned his gaze to the floor. He felt his strength leaving him.

Ryo himself was too scared to say anything.

“Ryo,” he began again, looking up at his friend. “I must apologize. I know you don’t remember this but the last night we saw each other, I was at fault. And before that too... I am sorry.” He bowed his head a bit.

Ryo looked at him in disbelief. “And you are saying this now, when I don’t have any clue what the hell you are talking about?”

Yamapi grinned. “But that’s because, when you gain your memories you’ll complain about it. You’ll say that I should have apologized earlier. And you’d probably add that amnesia isn’t an excuse.”

“You are an idiot.” Ryo rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. “I think saying it now is another excuse. I will probably say that you are trying to get over it while I don’t remember. Pretty pathetic attempt to run away from confrontation.” He cleared his throat again. “Now, if you excuse me, I want to sleep.”

“Okay.” Yamapi got up, he smiled down at Ryo. “I am glad to see our Ryo-chan is still there.”

Ryo looked up at Yamapi, confused. But he didn’t say anything further. He wasn’t sure what Yamapi just saw in him. And he didn’t want to know right now. He lay back on his bed and covered himself with sheets. He wished there was a familiar face beside him before closing his eyes. Everything was too strange.

 

The next morning came easily only for Ryo. Truth be told, he spent most of the day sleeping, that’s probably why.

For the other three who was accompanying him, it was like a whole month passed by. They sure did sleep too, if you would count two or three hours of sleep on a chair; no need to add that they were quiet anxious so they couldn’t rest properly; even if they had a nice and comfortable bed next to them.

For the rest of the members, however, it was a happy feeling. They only left Ryo’s apartment to get a proper sleep, to recharge before Ryo came back to them.

Early in the morning Ryo’s front door opened once again. Koyama, who beforehand borrowed Yamapi’s spare key, entered the messy home; it was much messier than Ryo had left it that awful morning.

Tegoshi let out a tired sigh after entering the flat. Massu, who was behind him, looked around with a happy grin on his face.

“Oi don’t sigh Tegoshi. It’s not that messy. We can clean up pretty quick.”

Tegoshi sighed again. “How do you expect me to know how to clean up? You know I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Don’t be a spoiled brat.” Koyama laughed. “There is no need for experience to tidy up or clean up.”

“But... Why isn’t Shige here?”

“He is busy, you know, for the drama-” Koyama suddenly stopped as he looked in the bathroom. “Aie! There is a corpse here! Oh my god!” He jumped back and hid behind Tegoshi.

Tegoshi rolled his eyes. “Don’t be stupid Kei-chan.” He went to check the bathroom as Masuda watched them with curious eyes.

“Oi! It’s not a corpse Kei-chan!’ came Tegoshi’s muffled voice from inside the bathroom. ‘It’s just Ohkura-kun sleeping.” He peeked out of the door to look at the oldest member.

“Sorry! I am sorry. Sorry Tegoshi. But he really looked dead.”

“Shouldn’t we wake him up?” asked Massu as he looked over Tegoshi’s shoulder. “That must be very uncomfortable.”

“Mmh.”

Both of them looked down at Ohkura.

“You are too noisy.” Ohkura mumbled, his eyes still closed. He rolled to his side and scratched his head.

“Err... Ohkura-kun,” Masu began. “You might catch a cold sleeping like that.

“M-hm.”

“Ohkura-kun?” It was Tegoshi this time. “What were you doing here?”

“...andi...”

“Eh?” Both News members looked at each other.

“Mmm... Laundi...”

“Maybe he is trying to say ‘laundry’?” suggested Koyama.

“Oh you are right Kei-chan.” Tegoshi was looking at the washing machine.

“...Ryo’s clothes were dirty...” Ohkura mumbled.

“Err... Okay but you should hang them to dry too.”

“M-hm....” Ohkura suddenly opened his eyes. “Ah damn it, I fell asleep.” He rubbed his eyes. “What time is it?”

Massu looked down at his watch. “Around twelve.” he answered.

“Great! Is it that late! I have to clean everything before Ryo comes.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Koyama said cheerfully behind his bandmates. “We are here for the same reason.”

Ohkura raised his head to look at them. “Then why are you just standing there? Get your lazy asses to work.” He clapped his hands.

“Ah, yes!” answered all News members. Ohkura could be quiet scary if he wanted.

They all rushed around and started to clean up like busy ants. Tegoshi grabbed a bag and started to collect the trash all over the place; beer cans empty snack packs, full ashtrays. Massu got the vacuum and started to clean the entire place; cleaning after Tegoshi twice coz the baby faced guy was very clumsy. Koyama was busy at the kitchen. There was quiet a mess there. They didn’t realize how they messed the place while they were in sorrow. When did they use these plates or those glasses, he really didn’t know. Looking at one of the glasses, he saw a cigarette swimming in the beer, it was disgusting. Koyama grimaced.

Ohkura on the other hand was doing laundry and tiding up Ryo’s bedroom. He was sure Ryo would feel dead tired and, well, he loved clean sheets. While he was hanging the clothes the bell ringed. He passed the living room; Massu was yelling at Tegoshi because the other had dropped the ash tray. Apparently it wasn’t the first time.

“Good morning!” yelled Yassu with a very energetic voice when Ohkura opened the door. He had bags on his hands. “I brought food!”

“Ah lovely, I was so hungry.” Ohkura grabbed the bags and searched what was inside.

“They are not for you idiot.” Yassu snatched them away. “They are for Ryo.”

Ohkura snorted as he let the guitarist in. “We were very busy cleaning up, you know. Soo tired and hungry! Can’t you-“

“No! Tachhon Never! Wait patiently for the others, especially Ryo.”

“You are unusually ruthless today.” mumbled Ohkura.

Yassu shrugged. “Oh! The house looks great. Last time I saw, it was like a war field.”

“Yeah.”

“Food!” Massu yelled.

“Not for you.” Said Yassu, rolling his eyes.

Massu didn’t like the reply but he didn’t say anything and turned back to what he was doing. Tegoshi looked at them with disappointment for a second then he too turned back to what he was doing. Koyama who was wiping the sticky floor of the kitchen looked at them through the door.

“Yasuda-kun, isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“Eh?” Yassu’s eyes widened.

“I think they misunderstood you.” commented Ohkura. “It’s for Ryo-chan, he doesn’t let even me grab a piece.” Ohkura waved at them in reassurance.

“Sorry. Sorry I didn’t mean to be rude.” Yassu apologized with a worried face. The ringing bell interrupted them once more. “Ah, it must be Maru-chan and Shin-chan.”

Ohkura smiled. “Ryo will be angry at us. ‘I need rest you idiots, go back home!’” Ohkura mimicked Ryo’s voice as Yassu opened the door. He was correct; Maru and Hina just arrived with bags on their hands.

“We bought food!” Maru smiled energetically.

“Eh? You too?”

“Eh? Yassu bought too?”

“Great!” Ohkura clapped his hands. “Now I can grab a piece!”

“Wait for Ryo idiot Tatsuyoshi.” Hina smacked Ohkura’s head.

“Wow! This place looks very clean.” Maru changed the subject.

“Of course it does, we have been working on it since...”

“Just one hour.” said Koyama checking his watch.

“Eh? But I am so tired.” Tegoshi complained.

“Really? Me too! It’s incredible how house work can be very tiring. Just one piece Maru-chan?” Ohkura tried to be cute. Actually he could be cute if he wanted to be, and he knew how to use it. It usually worked; but not today.

“Wait for Ryo-chan Tatsuyoshi!” said Maru sternly.

“Okay!” Ohkura solemnly sat on the couch accepting defeat.

“That won’t work either.” Hina laughed. “When are they coming anyway? Anybody called them.”

“Well Kei-chan has been calling Yamapi every ten minutes.” Tegoshi turned to look at Koyama expectantly, so did the others.

Koyama was taken aback because of the sudden attention. “Well... um...” he started to play with the fabric in his hand. “They need to check up something, waiting for some results. So it may take some time. They hope to be here before evening.”

“Ah...” Maru sat next to Ohkura and Hina after placing the bags on the coffee table. “There is still hours, how is it supposed to pass?”

“Try to help us by cleaning.” Ohkura suggested with an evil smile.

“But it’s all clean.” complained Maru.

“You lazy ass.”

“Hey, wasn’t it very crowded out there?” Shingo cut them.

“Out? You mean front of the building?” asked Ohkura.

“Yup. I wonder if they are going to be okay.”

“We didn’t see anyone.” said Massu in a low voice. News members were extra careful each time they said something to the Kansai guys.

“We used the parking lot, that’s why.” explained Koyama. “They will be okay. Yamapi has his car with him.” He fished his phone out of his pocket. ‘I’ll send a text just in case.”

“Aah. I forgot the parking lot. Why didn’t anyone tell me?!”

“Oi, Oi! There’s no need for the b-gatan!” Yassu tried to calm Shingo. “You should have thought about it yourself.”

 

 

Just a few hours later, Yamapi had arrived at the parking lot under the building just as Koyama had guessed. He stopped the engine and turned to look at the man sitting next to him.

Subaru looked in front of him with blank eyes.

“Shibutani-san?” Subaru looked at Yamapi for a second, making the other shiver. What cold eyes. Yamapi wondered if he looked the same.

“Right.” The tiny old man blinked and forced a smile at Yamapi.

Yoko was already off the car. He crossed the other side and opened the door to help Ryo. Subaru jumped down to help him as Yamapi checked the car one last time and got off.

Ryo didn’t like strangers. He had always been shy around them, but with his new condition, it became clearer to all three of them.  Apart from disliking strangers contact, he was also not very energetic, and could barely stand on his own. All he could dream of at that moment was a comfortable bed, no matter how he got to it. So, for the time being, he didn’t complain or back away from the strangers, he was actually very grateful towards them.

He let one of his legs swing down and put his hand on Yoko’s shoulder, who also had his other arm around Ryo’s waist to support him.

It hurt. It really hurt. Ryo felt pain tingling all over his body but he didn’t say anything. Instead he pressed his lips together tightly to prevent any whimper escaping his lips. The other two noticed but kept their mouths shut as well. Instead they took extra care of Ryo.

When Ryo swung his other leg down, Subaru caught his arm to help him. Yamapi stared at them with guilt. Why the hell did he have to buy a high based car?

Ryo, on the other hand, oblivious to the inner struggles of all three men around him, decided it was a good idea to slide his body down, so it wouldn’t be too much of a burden on the ones holding him. But soon after he noticed this was a wrong decision. His strained back  tingled with pain up his spine. The sudden sensation made Ryo topple over, and he nearly took the two men down with him too. But’ with great effort, they managed to stay still and pull Ryo to a standing position.

“Here. Let me help.” Said Yamapi, taking Subaru’s place. The older man looked exhausted already. Not to mention, he was actually smaller than Ryo. “You are already very tired Shibutani-kun.”

Yamapi placed his arm around Ryo’s waist and looked up at his friend. Judging from the sour expression, Ryo didn’t like the change. But, thankfully, the latter didn’t say anything.

“Thank you.” Subaru mumbled. He didn’t have the energy to prove Yamapi wrong. Instead, Subaru picked the tiny bag which contained Ryo’s belongings. And they slowly started to walk.

Ryo was in pain and he felt like he didn’t have any energy, even to breath, so they took their time and didn’t rush Ryo. It took couple of minutes to get on the elevator only, but nobody complained.

When Yamapi glanced at Yoko, he found the elder with a calm and strong expression, like a determined big brother, helping his youngster.

“How are we going to explain?” asked Yoko, oblivious to the thoughts crossing the other’s mind. His expression quickly turned to a lost child when he turned his gaze to Subaru. Subaru was leaning on the wall. He rested his head on the back and casted his eyes on the floor.

“I don’t know Yoko. I wish I knew.”

Ryo rested his head on Yoko’s shoulder. The position felt comfortable and reminiscent of things he couldn’t remember. He wanted to ask many questions, who was the others? How many more strangers should he endure? They told him he was going home, his own home. But they didn’t tell him about any other people. Maybe he had housemates? But forming a word seemed impossible after his exhausting little trip to the elevator.

The bell of the elevator ringed to announce they arrived to the requested floor. It caused Ryo to startle. He raised his head in alarm. Now he had to walk again. All this helplessness was getting under his skin already. He pushed himself to endure the pain and walk with the least help from the others. And knowing it was for a short distance made him feel more confident. Though in the end, the two men on either side of him had practically carried him to his front door.

Ding Dong

Subaru ringed the bell without hesitation. He wanted to get over with it already.

The door quickly opened as expected. Everyone was hyper to welcome their friend back from the dead.

“Yaayy! Ryo-chan is home!”

“Oh god! Ryo-chan!”

“I can’t see him!”

“Move, move!”

“Stop pushing’ idiot!”

There were so much noise that nobody could figure out who said what.

“Guys.” Subaru raised both his hands to stop the commotion. His voice sounded far away, as if it came from under the ground. “Make some space. And be quiet. Ryo needs rest, and so do we.”

Now the air was filled with many different versions of the word ‘sorry’. The crowd in front of the door quickly stepped aside and observed Yoko and Yamapi help Ryo come in.

Subaru closed the door behind them when they were all finally inside and rested his head on the back of the door. Now comes the hard part, he reminded himself.

The two bands were now lined up like school kids, waiting for permission to move. They all watched Ryo sat on the couch with help from Yoko and Yamapi. It wasn’t a very nice thing to watch. All those years they knew Ryo, he never was this helpless. But, still, they weren’t feeling so down. Actually they were quite excited to see Ryo alive and breathing. Yeah he had bruises and bandages, he might have lost weight in two days too but who cared. They had him back alive!

Maru couldn’t help himself. “Ryo-chan! You lost all the weight you gained. How sad, you tried so hard to gain it.” He grinned at the younger.

Yoko looked at them, didn’t say anything and went to kitchen to get a glass of water. Subaru walked silently towards the couch and sat down, resting his head on the soft pillows. Yamapi was still holding on to Ryo as they sat next to each other. He was afraid the other would vanish if he loosened his grip.

“You guys look like hell. You and Yokocho should go and rest, we will take care of Ryo.” Hina smiled at them.

“Yeah right!” Subaru snapped. His eyes were closed. “I am sure you would. You would probably ditch him to play a stupid game as soon as possible.”

Hina’s eyes widened with shock and hurt.

Ohkura stared at them, suspicious. “Is there something wrong?” the drummer asked. “Or is it only your fatigue?”

Ryo, who was examining every new person, opened his mouth. He felt like he was the responsible one, so he should be announcing the new reality of their lives. “There is this thing. I think they didn’t tell you yet.” His throat was tickling. He swallowed down to ease the itching sensation.

Kanjani8 members were silent but News stared at Ryo with curiosity. “What is it?” asked Tegoshi.

Ryo sighed. Nobody stopped him. Somebody should explain and they felt so drained to say something like that. So, they let the amnesiac explain it himself. “I lost my memories, I have amnesia.” Even Ryo didn’t believe the words just came out of his mouth. It felt like he was reciting a movie line.

“Ha?” Maru looked at him in shock and disbelief.

“What does he mean? What does amnesia mean?” asked Koyama. Massu looked at him. “It must have some other meaning than the one I know.”

Ohkura seemed a bit angry. “If this is your get back for the last incident it is not funny Ryo!” he took a step ahead causing Ryo to shrink. With his height towering over Ryo, he looked quite menacing.  

“Ohkura don’t” Subaru jumped up as a protective barrier in front of Ryo. “It’s the truth. Besides he is afraid of people; don’t make a sudden move like that!”

Ohkura suddenly lost his voice. Yassu’s jaw dropped.

“Here.” Yoko offered Ryo water. Ryo gladly took it. He added that tall man to the creepy list. There were two members; number one – the sissy guy sitting next to him, number two – that tall man who just yelled.

“He needs rest. So do we.” Yoko copied Subarus earlier words. “But he also needs somebody besides him. So we should arrange someone.”

“Wait!” Ohkura cut in. “Isn’t someone going to explain everything clearly?”

“I am sure Yamashita-kun can do that.” Yoko yawned. “I didn’t have a proper rest last two days.”

“Maybe we should introduce everyone to Ryo first.” Said Subaru.

“First af alll. Ryo, you should know you were a member of two bands.” Yoko started, his eyes were closed closed with exhaustion. He moved his head to make it more comfortable on the pillow. “People here are the members of both. One named Kanjani8, other is News.”

“So I was... a musician?” said Ryo slowly, more to himself.

“Yes, a good one.” answered Yoko. A sad smile crept up on his tired features. “Also, a pretty good actor with awards.”

Ryo’s eyes shot up in disbelief. A musician and an actor? An award winning actor? Wait, he is in two bands?

“Whatever.” Subaru cut in. “I would like to tell you who you really are completely. But I am too tired to do so. Sorry Ryo.” He pointed at Hina. “That man over there is named Murakami Shingo; you can’t miss him or his molar tooth. He, Yoko and I are the three elders of our group.

“The one next to him is Maruyama Ryuhei. He is a goofball, filled with happiness and smiles twenty four hours a day. The one next to them, the short guy, is Yasuda Shota. And that idiot who just scared you is Ohkura Tadayoshi, our drummer. All together, we are members of kanjani8...”

So the scary tall guy was named Ohkura Tadayoshi. Ryo made a note on his head.

 “So, on to the second group you are in; that short guy with a bad haircut is-“

“Hey, I like my haircut. Even though Nishikido-kun seemed to dislike it...” Massu patted his own head with affection.

“Whatever, he is Masuda Takahisa. And the guy next to him is Tegoshi Yuya. They even have their own duo within the group. Don’t know much about them though.” This earned a glare from both Tegoshi and Massu but Subaru couldn’t care less. “And the last one, that tall guy who looks at you like he is your mama or something, is Koyama Keichiro. With Yamashita next to you and Kato who is apparently absent, together they form the News.”

“Where is Shige?” asked Yamapi.

“Work.” shrugged Tegoshi.

Ryo waited for them to continue the introduction but they didn’t. “You didn’t tell me your names yet.” He said to Subaru.

“We didn’t? Oh okay.” Subaru rubbed his face. “I am Shibutani Subaru and that one sleeping next to you-“

“Hey I am not sleeping.” Yoko said lazyly.

“Is Yokoyama Yuu. The one sitting on the other side is Yamashita Tomohisa, also the leader of News.”

“Leader… who is the leader of Kanjani eight then?”

Yoko opened one eye to glare at Ryo. “There’s no leader of Eito. We are a bunch of crazy old guys who prefer to be leaderless.”

Ryo nodded at that secretive comeback. He felt there was more to the story but he wasn’t in the mood to press on the matter. “And what was my name again?” he asked instead.

“Nishikido Ryo, member of both News and Kanjani8. Don’t forget that. Any part of it.”

Ryo nodded. Even he had many questions he didn’t ask any. All he wanted from life at that moment was to sleep.

“So Ryo, do you prefer one of us to stay with you? Me and Yoko need rest. So you need someone else to take care of you.”

“Well...” Ryo looked up with a scared expression. “I don’t want him and him.” He pointed to Ohkura and Yamapi. “They... seem... seem to be creepy.”

“Creepy?” Tegoshi seemed confused. “But Ryo-chan, Yamapi is one of your closest friends, you always say that.”

Ryo didn’t say anything else. Closest friend? Maybe he shouldn’t have opened his mouth at the first place.

“Sorry for making you feel that way Ryo-chan.” Ohkura smiled at him. “I will be more careful in the future.”

Yamapi didn’t say anything, he was very hurt. This was a cruel joke on him.

“This is Ironic.” Said Yassu, who was silent during the whole introduction. “The two, who might be the closest ones to Ryo, are now the distant ones.”

So they were close? What kind of freak Ryo was to hang out with those creepy guys. He closed his eyes “Where is the bedroom?”

“I’ll help you.” Ohkura said as he went to the couch. “I apologize for earlier.” His smile was genuine but still Ryo couldn’t help the sudden fear straddling his heart.

Ryo tried to swallow down his fear. He knew he needed the others help as he was pretty much unable to move by himself. But, in a world of complete strangers he didn’t know who to ask for help in the first place.

He unconsciously clinged at Yoko’s arm and made the other jump up. The Peter Pan of Kansai looked at them with a long face and sleep filled eyes. He let out a sigh. “Alright. I’ll help you too Ohkura.”

Yamapi watched them with sad eyes.

 

 

Kato Shigeaki was finished for the day and now he was heading towards Ryo’s house. There weren’t any words to explain how relieved and happy he felt. The last few days had been hell and back for every one of them. Truth be told, he didn’t get along with the other, but learning his death sent Shige into a spiral of emotions he couldn’t quite understand yet.

When he stopped at the red light he saw a little ramen shop at the corner. He remembered eating there with Ryo once. That time Ryo had said he really loved the taste of the place.

When the light turned to green he got the car parked in front of the shop, and got in. He wanted to buy ramen only for Ryo. Probably that Osaka man should be very hungry. Even though he was a skinny monkey, like Akanishi loved to call him, he loved to eat. Too bad all that food didn’t help him much to gain weight.

Then he remembered his bandmates. He couldn’t just go and ignore them, could he? Six servings then, he thought; but, then again, he remembered the other band, kanjani8.

“How many servings?” asked the manager.

Shige sighed. “Twelve please.”

Of course Shige respected Kanjani8 as a group but he was not very happy to share one member with them.

“Here.” The manager handed the package to Shige. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

“No I don’t think so.” Shige smiled. He paid for the ramens and rushed out to his car.

Even though he was not very happy to share Ryo with another band he didn’t care much at that moment. Ryo was alive, and he was going to see his friend. World seemed brighter. There were nothing much to worry, he decided, it was a happy day.

 

To be continued…