[FANFIC] Ryo, The Latchkey Boy, Chapter 7: Latchkey Boy

[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 12.03.2019

 

 

Chapter 7: Latchkey Boy

 

“What are we doing?” Yassu whispered.

“Sneaking in Dokkun’s house.” Yoko whispered back.

“And why are we doing that?”

“Because we want to see what he is up to when he is lonely in his amnesiac state.”

Eito shared glances.

“Was he all alone?” Maru asked. “What about the manager?”

“He was all alone.” Subaru said leaning at the door. “We all had work remember?”

“Yeah that host was annoying.” Ohkura commented. “All they wanted to hear was how Ryo was slacking off.”

“That’s bad, Tatsuyoshi is mad.” Maru singed.

“Sshhh Maru!” other five turned to face the goofy guy.

“I thought Yamapi was over protective about Ryo these past days.” Hina said thinking. “I thought he would rush over and babysit Ryo.”

“Well News has work too, you know.” Yoko shrugged.

“Oh really? They do have work?” Maru’s eyes went wide. Subaru smacked his head.

“Idiot! Why do you think they kept snatching Ryo away from us?”

Maru smiled. “Wasn’t it because they were jealous of us?”

“Oi guys. Yeah, its Nice to make fun of other bands; I do agree. But are we going to continue chatting on the hallway?” Hina cut.

“Why not? It’s quite spacious.”

“First rule,” Yoko began suddenly. “No talking inside. Second; everyone stays separate. Third; check your phones; they should be on silent mood. No vibrations allowed…”

“Oi Yokocho!” Hina stopped him.

“We don’t need that many rules!” Maru complained.

“Okay, okay.” Yoko looked embraced for a second. “First just one of us will enter and check what Dokkun is doing, okay?”

“Okay!” Subaru rolled his eyes. “Just get on with it.”

“Who is going to check?” Yassu asked. They all turned to Ohkura.

Ohkura’s eyes were closed with one arching eyebrow.

“Oi.” Hina smacked his head. “Not in the hall way idiot!” Ohkura opened his eyes and rubbed his head while pouting.

“He can’t help it, sleep is his addiction.” Subaru teased.

“I wasn’t sleeping. I was just wondering where we could hide without Ryo realizing.”

“Ok, good for you. Now, Bonkura go and look what our latchkey boy is doing.” Yoko opened the door a bit and stepped aside.

“Probably playing with his letter blocks.” Maru teased with a grin on his face.

“Idiot. What is that?” Yassu asked, not missing the chance to hit the taller guy’s head.

“Ssh! Ohkura go on.”

“Okay okay.” Ohkura sighed.

Ohkura step inside and looked around him; the lights were all on, but the living room was void of any life. He couldn’t help but smile, Ryo really was afraid of the dark. But Ohkura was relieved, lights meant Ryo was still sleeping. Ryo still closed them whenever he was awake. It was when he went to bed that he made sure every room was illuminated.

Seeing the bedroom door wide open Ohkura slowly draw near it. He was right the poison tongue was really sleeping, but not very peacefully. Probably he was having another nightmare. For a minute Ohkura was torn between waking Ryo up or letting the other in. Curiosity helped him make his decision.

“Guys, get in and take your positions before he wakes up.” Ohkura peeked out of the front door.

The Kansai boys did as they were told; slowly removing their shoes, entering the living room one after another and finding themselves hiding places. None of them opened their mouth.

Subaru went directly to the kitchen and checked the cupboards. Kitchen was a good spot Subaru thought; he could watch Ryo when he was in the living room without getting noticed. God, he loved single guys, Ryo’s cupboards were mostly empty and clean thanks to the cleaner woman.

Yoko was thinking the same thing as Subaru when he entered the bathroom. But unlike Subaru, the condition was against him; besides the shower cabin, there wasn’t much place to hide. It didn’t help that the glass cabin wasn’t exactly hiding much either. Ryo would probably come to wash his face once he woke up, so he had to find a way to hide himself.

Yoko got a towel hanging out of a basket; it was the towel Ohkura found wet on Ryo’s bed before. Yoko stared at it for a few seconds, that nights memories rushing to him. The way Ohkura complained about why the towel was wet…

Yoko shook his head and continued with his task, he hanged the towel over the glass. The towel was a bit short but thankfully he wore white jeans that day.  Great he thought, luck was on his side.

Yassu checked behind the TV. He wasn’t sure if the wide screen would be enough to cover him; and what if Ryo decided to watch television? Yassu couldn’t move in that case. He couldn’t watch Ryo but become a prisoner behind the television. Still, there wasn’t much places for him.

Behind Yassu, Hina was examining the bookshelves. They were full of books, encyclopaedias, DVDs. He didn’t realize Ryo was reading this much. At least he could tidy them a bit. He sighed and looked around; there was a little space between it and the wall.

Ohkura didn’t think twice, he just went to Ryo’s bedroom and entered the wardrobe where he could watch every move of Ryo.

Maru was crawling around and searching for a good place. Under the coach was a bit obvious he thought. He glanced under Ryo’s bed; that seemed okay. He entered the bedroom as silent as he could and slowly crawled under Ryo’s bed, unconsciously making his hair creep on Ryo’s arm, which was hanging down.

Ryo startled, pulled his arm and crashed the glass at the end table in the process. He opened his eyes immediately. He was happy to wake up before the dreadful end of his nightmare but something had woken him up, and that scared him much more. He rubbed his arm while searching the room with his eyes.

Unbeknown to Ryo, in the depths of the wardrobe Ohkura texted the others to inform Ryo was awake.

Ryo looked around again and remembered he was all alone in the house. The one who was watching over him that morning, the colourful gorilla, said that everyone had work so that he had to go. He apologized that they would leave Ryo alone for a while.

Ryo thought he would feel relieved but, somehow, he ended up feeling left out. Didn’t they say that they were close friends? Maybe they didn’t, maybe he just imagined it? Maybe friends meant different things than Ryo understood.

With a sudden impulse Ryo wanted to explore his own house. He had been put of the hospital for a few days now but he still was a stranger in his own life. He wanted to see what he read, what he watched, what was his possession. The sudden motive excited him. He got up with an energy boost.

He regretted it that second. The sudden movement caused a sharp pain on his back.

“Mmhm.” He moaned because of his aching bones. Ryo stood still for a couple of minutes; he waited for the pain to pass.

Under the bed Maru wondered what Ryo was doing. He wanted to see, so he did the next best thing; he pulled his phone out and texted Ohkura.

 

TO: Tatsuyoshi

Oi midori, what’s yellow doing?

 

The answer came after a minute. Maru looked down at the sudden light at his phone.

 

From: Tatsuyoshi

He is trying to relax because sudden movement caused him pain. Don’t make a move, he is easily scared.

 

TO: Tatsuyoshi

I know idiot.

 

Unaware of the text traffic under his bed Ryo let his legs hang down loosely. The pain was still there, but only to remind him to move slowly. Maru watched Ryo’s feet touch the floor and jerk up. He had stepped on the water puddle from knocking the glass. Maru held a hand to his mouth to prevent a chuckle. He watched Ryo slowly place his feet to the side of the wet surface and get up.

Ryo wasn’t sure where to begin his search, so he pulled the nearest drawer. It was actually very messy, many wires, some coins, one or two accessories like rings, pens rolling around, and under them music sheets.

Ryo found the sheets intriguing. He tried to pull the sheets from the bottom by pushing everything off. He was so hopeful that founding the sheets nearly empty raised his disappointment twice. He searched the empty pages one by one, still sitting at the edge of his bed. Most of them were empty, some had one or two note’s drawn and some had coffee stain.

A pile of pictures fell down to the floor, right in front of his feet.

He tried to pick them up but failed by causing himself fresh new pain. “Oh great! How am I supposed to pick them up?” he sighed. Being this limited was pissing him off. When was he going to get better?

He slowly let his body slide down on the floor, carefully avoiding the puddle and picking up the scattered pictures.

The first picture he picked up had him and that creepy flashy guy. They were both grinning at each other on a street. Lights were shining. Behind them was a man looking at Ryo; he was laughing too.

Okay so that creep and he might be friends after all.

The second picture was showing a bar. A very crowded group of men were drinking and laughing. He could recognize the faces they introduced earlier, it was of the other group he was in. He searched for himself; there, whispering something to ‘scary guy number two’s ear while holding on to his glass.

He passed to the next picture. This one had six guys posing in front of a giant snake statue (and a coffee stain in the middle). Ryo recognized all of them. The one in the middle, who was yelling and jumping, was one of the guys at the hospital. What was his name? Yo- hmm… well it was something like that. Or was it ‘ya’?

“ya… yo… yu…” Ryo couldn’t remember. He shrugged and looked at the other guy.

 

FROM: Yokocho

What’s Dokkun doing?

 

TO: Yokocho

He found some pictures

Looking at them

And singing something I don’t get at all

 

The one next to him was showing his sharp molar tooth with a huge grin. Next to him was that goofy guy smiling with a silly pose. The colourful gorilla was next to the middle, nearly squished between the two who were in the hospital; well one was practically on him. Gorilla kid was trying to smile while the one on top of him made a peace sign, grinning evilly. And the last one, creepy guy number two, was distracted by a snack van passing by (or that’s what they scribbled under him).

Suddenly Ryo startled with a thought; wasn’t he a member of this band? Didn’t they tell him that? So, where was he? Ryo examined the picture again closely, he tried to find himself hiding behind the statue or peeking behind someone, but nope, he wasn’t there.

Why wasn’t he in the picture?

Why was he left out?

Ryo Throw the pictures across the room without noticing the message scribbled behind the one he was looking at last. He rubbed a hand over his right eye in frustration.

… the hell was he?

He helped himself up with the bed’s support. And glared at the pictures like it was their fault.

 

TO: Yokocho, Maru-chan, Baru, Yassu, Hina

He is getting up.

Be alerted he is probably going to the living room.

P.S: he just threw the pictures,

I don’t know what pissed him though.

 

To Ohkura’s surprise however, Ryo slowly went to pick up one of the pictures. He stared at the back of the photo and read what was written.

 

Daiseko!

We just found a Doku-kun, while you are working for Taiwan concert. Don’t worry about us, we are thinking about using him at the shows to replace you; so, take your time and rest. Maybe we will dye it to yellow.

From: Cute-chan, Little Ossan, Hoteru-kun, Moshimo-kun, Maruo-kun, Shuutto Shita Ko

 

Ryo turned the picture to look at it again. “hmm…” he mumbled and got up. A smile was trying to creep up his face, but he didn’t let it. He gently placed the picture back on the end table and went on to find more treasures.

Entering the living room, Ryo looked around. His eyes stopped at the bathroom door. He wanted to wash his face but… the suffocating feeling still haunted him. He shook the feeling off and dragged his feet to bathroom. He had to overcome it at one point.

Yassu could only take a peak but he saw haw Ryo hesitate. Hina texted Yoko as fast as he could.

 

TO: Peter Pan

Dokkun on his way to bathroom  

 

From: Peter Pan

Yosh! Understood.

 

Yoko could see Ryo enter the bathroom from the small gap he left. He watched the younger open the faucet and stare at the flowing water.

Ryo let out a heavy sigh. He slowly reached for the water with his left hand and wetted his fingers. After a minute or so he tried to splash water on his face. Although the amount of water was very little, it was refreshing. He felt the urgent need to be clean and glanced to the shower. Was it worth to risk it?

Yoko froze, but Ryo didn’t actually see him. He was more likely lost in thought.

 

FROM: Ossan

What’s going on Yokocho?

 

TO: Ossan

Dokkun is flirting with water.

 

FROM: Ossan

What?

 

TO: Ossan

He is taking his time washing his hands.

Does he have some issues with water?

 

FROM: Ossan

Dunno, ask Yasu or Ohkura.

 

TO: Hoteru-kun

What’s the problem with water?

 

FROM: Hoteru-kun

Ryo is afraid of it

I don’t know why

 

Oblivious what was going on behind him, Ryo dried his hands and stepped out.

Now what was he going to do?

He explored the living room with his eyes again. one corner harboured a few guitars, cables lying in a tangled mess beneath them. Since he didn’t remember how he played he turned his gaze to the bookshelves. Apparently, he possessed lots of books and DVDs. Why did he need that much, he wondered; was he an avid reader?

He grabbed a DVD from the shelf and stared at the cover.

“Puzzle.” He read out. Kanjani8 was written right under the title. So this was his bands – one of his bands – DVD. Interesting. He opened the tv, startling Yassu behind it without realizing, and placed the DVD in, excited to see what would greet him. He crouched down on the floor and got the controller. His eyes shone with anticipation while he bit his lips nervously.

 

Yassu typed furiously from behind the TV.

 

TO: Tacchon

What is he doing?

Should I move or wait?

 

FROM: Tacchon

Don’t move

He will notice you immediately

He is watching our puzzle concert

 

Subaru peeked in from the kitchen door. Maru and Ohkura was already at the bedroom door. Yoko could see everything from the gap of the bathroom door.

Ryo pressed the play button and fast forwarded it a bit. The song and the cheers filled the room. The performers, probably them, were floating up and down. Ryo looked shocked, wasn’t that scary? Did anyone fall from there? He searched for himself but failed. It was hard to tell.

He fast forwarded once more. When he stopped the song changed and everyone was on the ground now. With all the dancing and hyper moves Ryo couldn’t find himself. again Getting frustrated, he fast forwarded again, this time with 2x speed. The next stop showed him some of the members introducing themselves. No sign of him again.

Fast forward; 3x.

Two members were singing an energetic song. One was wearing a silly green tuxedo with a hat; the other was wearing a pink shirt. Ryo stared at them for a while.

He let out a frustrated sigh.

He wanted to be there, he needed to see himself. He needed proof that at least one thing was true. Not remembering anything and finding himself all alone made him feel miserable. He felt extremely lost.

Irritated, he threw the remote and wrapped his arms around his knees, hiding his face effectively. Before he could stop himself, he had started sobbing.

Yassu didn’t hear him but saw Subaru’s jaw clenching.

 

TO: Baru-chan

What’s going on?

 

FROM: Baru-chan

He is crying.

 

TO: Baru-chan

Eh? Why?

What did he see?

 

FROM: Baru-chan

Nothing, just the concert.

I am not sure what’s on his mind.

 

Yassu could see Subaru chewing his lips, deep in thought.

 

TO: Baru-chan

Maybe we should comfort him

Should I just go?

 

FROM: Baru-chan

No don’t!

It will make scare him more

Let’s gather at the front door

Like we just arrived

 

Yassu watched as the other members read Subaru’s text and gathered in front of the door one by one. He only crawled out of his hiding place once everyone settled. He eyed Ryo warily, but the latter was too immersed in his self-pity he wasn’t aware of the world around him. Yassu watched Ryo’s shaking shoulders for a moment and got up quickly to join the others.

“What now?” he whispered. The others looked as worried as he felt. Yoko scratched his head. Maru had a serious expression on his face. Hina pursed his mouth in worry.

Ryo raised his head and wiped one of his eyes; and froze. He spotter the others lingering near the entrance. What were they doing? It seemed like they were having a discussion. But why in front of the door? When did they even come?

Yoko noticed Ryo’s stare. He put a cheerful smile on his face “Good night Nishikido.”

The others turned to look at Ryo, who started to wipe away his tears franticly.

“Why are you here?” Ryo asked with a cracked voice. He cleared his throat.

“We wanted to visit our favourite amnesiac.” Subaru mocked with a grin.

The others draw near to Ryo. Ryo watched them with wide eyes.

An awkward, suffocating silence fell. They weren’t sure how to handle the situation. How do you comfort and amnesiac?

The first one to give in was Yassu. “Oh, you are watching our Kicyu performance.” He smiled happily. “Aaah we really worked hard for that one, right Yokocho?”

Ryo looked up at them, his arms were still around his knees, the tears trace was still visible on his cheeks.

“Right.” Yoko answered Yassu. He let his body fall on the couch behind Ryo. “But we enjoyed it very much. At the end of the concert Nishikido stole your hat and performed the last songs with that thing on his head.” He laughed while gesturing for an invisible hat on his head.

Ryo turned to look at Yoko. “Eh did I?”

“Oh right!” Hina butt in from the other couch. His laugh was exposing his molar teeth. “Yasuda was like ‘wait, that’s my costume!’”

“No I wasn’t!”

Ryo’s eyes were turning to the person who was talking. As they chatted happily of their concert memories, Ryo’s gaze fell on the floor.

“I have no clue about it.” he let out in a low voice.

“Of course, you don’t idiot.” Hina laughed. He was about to smack Ryo’s head but stopped himself just in time. “You have amnesia remember?”

Ryo sobbed. “I do.”

Subaru frowned at Hina. “Now that was not very wise was it?”

“I am sorry.” Ryo said instead of Hina.

“Eh?” Hina, who was about to apologize, exclaimed in surprise.

“There’s no need to be sorry.” Ohkura kneeled in front of Ryo. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” He smiled reassuringly at his friend.

Yassu crouched next to Ohkura. “Ryo-chan, I know, it is hard, but it will be over. You just need time.”

“How much? Till when am I going to wait? I don’t remember a thing!” Ryo sobbed again. Ohkura grabbed Ryo’s shoulder, startling the other.

“Ryo, didn’t you remember an incident with your mother?”

Ryo tried to shrug but Ohkura’s pressure on his shoulders prevented him.

“Ryo look at me. Raise your head and look at me.” Ohkura shake Ryo a bit, which alarmed the other.

Ryo did look at him, but with anger filled eyes. “The hell!”

“The most important thing is, you still have your friends next to you. We will always support you. It doesn’t matter what you forgot, you should always remember this.”

Ryo didn’t say anything. His mouth clamped shut and his eyes grew wider.

“You understand that don’t you.” Ohkura shook his shoulders again, this time gentler. “We will be here and help you no matter what it is. Okay?” Ohkura lowered his head to catch Ryo’s gaze, which was on the floor again.

They stayed like that for a while. The others patiently waited Ryo to settle things in his mind.

When Ryo finally raised his head there was a weak smile on his trembling lips.

“You know… my only problem is taking a shower... Since you said you’d help me…” he looked away shyly.

“Idiot.” Yoko and Hina laughed.

“Yosh!” Maru raised his fist. “First quest is shower!”

Ryo rolled his eyes. “What’s there to get excited about a shower. You’re really silly.”

“Paaaaaan!” Maru yelled energetically. The other laughed but Ryo’s smile faded.

Suddenly a scene started to play in Ryo’s head. They were on stage, Yoko and Maru was forcing Ryo to do the famous ‘paaan’. Ryo denied at first but the two were so insistent that he had to do it at the end. He remembered yelling ‘paaan!’ at the audience and falling down on his knees out of embarrassment.

Ryo blinked to see everyone staring at his paled face.

“Did I-“ he cleared his throat. “Did I ever do that? On – on stage.”

Yoko’s eyes widened. “I made you do that!” he screamed excitedly. “And that was years ago!”

“See. Told you so. You are going to remember. Just be patient.” Maru messed Ryo’s hair.

“Stop treating me like a kid!” Ryo pouted.

“Stop behaving like a kid.” Subaru grinned.

Yeah, the only thing they needed was patience.

 

To be continued…