The scent of you

Untitled Part 1

  It all started that night. After taping a news segment for Zero, Sakurai Sho was approached by their manager.

He bowed to the Zero staff as he passed them on his way out. His manager held unto his arm and led him to a corner.

"Otsukare-sama, Sho-san."

"Otsukare-sama, manager-san. Was there something you wanted to talk about?" He feared that he wasn't doing as well. There was always a lot of stuff that needs to be done. Taiping's and recordings but somehow Sho lakced his usual enthusiasm. All he was worried was that it finally showed through.

"Well, we just received a project proposal from IN Corp." IN Corp was currently the largest conglomerate that focused solely on the beauty industry. Besides the entertainment, it was beauty and health that was big in Japan. IN Corp is a major shareholder.

Which meant that this might be one project that the manager would probably say yes to. Not that Sho was picky. Any job that promoted him and ARASHI was always good. His manager handed him a folder with documents inside.

"I've read through it and it seems pretty simple enough for a one year contract. All you're going to do is promote one of their products. If the promotion takes off, it might be something that ARASHI might be doing full time in the future." Look at just how successful they've become for Nintendo, beer promotions, cellphone companies. Even Jun had his own commercial featuring a woman's mascara! It shouldn't be too hard, should it?

Sho just nodded while his manager did all the talking. He was explaining the details as he perused the staff that they would be in touch with for the proposal. His eyes widened when he spotted a certain name.

Could it be...?
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It was a warm night. People are on their way home or maybe a simple detour with friends to bars or karaoke. The other members wanted to have dinner together but he had to politely decline. Sho already planned this for months. Hopefully, it would all pull through.

The soft sounds of her foot steps alerted him to her presence. Sho leaned away from his bike to give her a proper look.

Ayaka Niji.

Her black hair had grown out from the old bob. It was properly tied into a braid. A suit with a white shirt underneath replaced the white shirt and denim overalls. On her feet were modest pumps rather than the usual tennis shoes. She was simply unadorned except for the watch on her wrist. Thank God, she wasn't carrying the usual big bag that was so in fashion right now. They might have to leave it in her office.

"Are you done staring for now? Take a picture. Probably last longer." He gave her a smile.

Which irritated her more.

Sho Sakurai.

The easy-going boy. The one who everybody knew and a celebrity in college. Belonged to a boy band called Ara-whatever. Ayaka was too busy trying to survive in school to even remember those simple details. But some things she would not forget.

Like how he gives off the feeling of having a carefree life. His hair had grown out a bit. The smile that used to make college girls scream is now directed towards a more mature target. That same smile that he languished on her now.

She tapped her heel as she looked in disdain at their mode of transportation. Not a limo(considering he is such a celebrity), or a sports car or even just a car! It was a bike!

Sho took a step towards her to give her her helmet. A sudden breeze carried the aroma of something sweet and mysterious. He gave her a puzzled look, trying to guess what it was. Ayaka gave him a puzzled look back and then snickered. Sakurai still looked as clueless as he was before.

"You ready?" he asked.

Ayaka just nodded. Both of them walked toward his bike and wore their own helmets. She made sure that her messenger bag was secure. Sho held out his hand so she could climb on. Ayaka placed her hand on his as she swung her legs over to sit behind him. His bike wasn't a very big one and that meant she would need to be pressed against him.

"Are you having second thoughts, Niji-san?" he teased her.

Ayaka stuck out her tongue, confident he wouldn't see through the black glass of her helmet. "Just make sure we get there alive, Sakurai."

He smiled and grabbed both of her arms to secure them around his torso. "Hold on tight then."

There it was again. The breeze. That sweet scent of plum, perhaps? And something deeper...

As the wind rushed around them, neither said a word. Her warmth permeated through his leather jacket. Sho cannot even believe that after all these years, that they could still meet again like this. He revved up the bike that made Ayaka involuntarily tighten her hold on him.

With her helmet on, it would be useless to berate him. He wouldn't hear her anyways. Instead, she wrapped her arms closer to him. Bringing her back to the first day they met.
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Coast was clear at the rooftop. No one here but him. He had a bad day. Started a bad habit too. Sho took out a cigarette and lit it up. College was sure hard. As he blew smoke, he heard coughing coming from somewhere.

"That's a nasty habit. You should quit while you're ahead," said a female voice.

It was coming from the roof above the entrance to the rooftop. Sho walked closer and saw a pair of legs in jeans and white rubber shoes.

Ayaka peeked at the person she was talking to. Ah, him. The local heart throb. She shouldn't have said something. She didn't want the extra attention nor did she want to be bothered. Just that he was polluting the air with all that smoke. Oh well, maybe she should get going anyway. Ayaka jumped down beside Sho.

He took a step back, puzzled at this female. She looked like a normal girl, maybe even tomboyish. With that short hair, she could be mistaken for a boy. Oddly, it suited her. Everybody knew who he was and mostly, he had to fight girls off of him. Either she wasn't aware who he was or she's a hermit.

"Why do you care?" he rebutted.

She shrugged. "I shouldn't. But since you're polluting my air and we share that, I better say something." She took the cigarette from his lips and put it under her shoe to extinguish the flame.

"Hey!"

She walked away before he could even ask her her name.
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It wasn't difficult to find her. They did share some classes together namely economics and business class. He didn't pay attention to her before because she really never stood out. Sho was always either too busy with work or with friends.

Sho found her alone inside the chemistry lab. Notes were laid in front of her. Apparently she was too immersed in it to even notice him. Only when he stood beside her and mentioned her name that she looked at him.

"A-ya-ka-chaaannn~~~~."

She actually knew the moment he stepped into the room. Yes, she was aware. Ever since that day that she told him not to smoke in her presence. She heard them talking, talking about him looking for her, asking questions about her. She wished he would leave her alone. She already had much to worry about.

"I'm busy. What do you want?" she muttered. "And don't say my name so casually. I don't know you."

Sho plopped down on the empty chair beside her. "True and I see how busy you are." This was not going too well. Maybe try another tactic?

"I quit smoking." He hasn't really started.

"Good for you. The rest of humanity thanks you." All this she said while she took down some notes.

Ok, he wasn't going to get her attention this way. Sho decided to lean over to try and see what was keeping her busy.

Ayaka closed her notes and looked at him. "Ok. It looks like you won't let me work in peace. So what do you want, Sakurai?"

He actually smiled. Ah, so she does know me. Good. That's a start! "Ne, I heard you want to be a chemist. Was that true?" Sho was really interested. It was not a popular field, unlike business or marketing. And on the personal note that she wasn't at all fawning over him. A hit to his ego.

His smile completely threw her off. For a second. Just for a second forgetting who she was talking to. The urge to return the smile vanished just as quickly. The question was more disconcerting. What was he up to?

"Um. I want to help my family." Simple answer. Nothing too complicated. Hoping that he wouldn't press for more.

"Sou ka." It was certainly a difficult course. It might not earn as much as the other degrees but who was he to judge? He worked hard for his money too. "Ne, maybe you can help me?" Ayaka gave him an inquiring look. "Well, I heard something else." He paused. "I heard that you're good with fragrances. So...I am looking to impress a certain girl (there was none) and...I was wondering what you would recommend for me?"

Really? The great Sho Sakurai was asking her to give him cologne advice? Surely he had his own stylist for that! "Ano...what kind of girl is she?"

Sho looked stumped! The whole trying to befriend her deal is getting out of control! Think, Sho! Think! He wrinkled his forehead, as if lost in thought. "She's really flamboyant with her style! Lots of color and high on energy!" Suddenly, Aiba's face came into mind, wearing a skirt, beckoning him. Sho shook his head clear of that mental image!

Now, it was her turn to think. She placed both of her hands underneath her chin. After a moment's pause, she asked him another question. "So she sounds like when she wears a perfume on your date, I would guess its sometimes too overpowering,ne?" Sho was amazed. She sounded like a professional. "So, if you want to give her a perfume, try for something that has tones of vanilla and lilac. It would tone down the strength but still smell just as nice." She re-opened her notes and decided to ignore him once more. "With that, you can go Sakurai."

"Chotto." He placed a hand on her arm which earned him a glare. He released his hold. "You didn't answer the question. I wasn't going to give her a gift. I was going to impress her by smelling good. So you still have to let me know, what smells good on me?"

Ayaka turned from her stool to properly face him. This guy wasn't going to completely leave her alone until he was satisfied. She sighed. It was going to be awkward but it has to be done. "Alright. After this, would you go? My homework won't finish itself." Sho nodded like an excited puppy. "Ok, this might be a little weird but I want you to follow my instructions. Anything extra that you do, I won't ever help you again. Got that?" Another nod. "Oh, and no touching. Or else. I might have to hurt you." She gave him a wicked grin.

Sho did not expect that grin nor the instructions that followed. He thought that like his earlier question, she would just ask stuff about him. Maybe he was a special case?

Ayaka nervously swallowed. She could have just asked his preferences and then suggested whatever scent that suited him. But for once, she wanted to know if she still had the gift. And since he was a willing participant..

She reminded him not to open his eyes. Sho wore a button down shirt today which helped her a lot A tshirt would be more tricky. With steady hands, she unbuttoned the two top ones.

Sho took a startled breath. Was she going to undress him here? Was he going to get attacked for being too nosy?

Ayaka paid no heed to Sho's nervousness and rather concentrated on the task at hand. She leaned in slowly and closed her eyes. She let her nose do its work.

Her warm breath fanned his neck, a sign that she was close to him. His own breath stilled. Sho decided to cheat and took a peek at what Ayaka was doing. She was indeed close to him, her own eyes closed. Her head tilted to one side to allow better access to his neck. He noticed her lashes fanning across her white cheeks. A sight that Sho got transfixed on.

Sho Sakurai's smell was intoxicating. There was the musk of the man. But in addition, Ayaka guessed that he had been under the sun recently. Although it was weird to think that being in the sun had a certain smell, there is just some certain quality of human sweat mixed in with the warming rays from the sun. There was some lingering traces of smoke but it was more of the city than of cigarettes. The freshly cut grass and notes of spring clung to him as well. With all of these scents, she can imagine where Sho had been around this morning. Although his scent was varied, it suited him perfectly. Now, if she could only bottle that up, she would be set for life.

Sho couldn't help himself any longer. He wasn't much of a person who stood still. So he knew he was implicitly disobeying her orders when one of his hands hovered around her neck. He wanted her closer, wanted her entire being closer. Sho tilted his neck a bit so she could gain more access. Unconsciously, Ayaka inched closer to him, her breathing inches away from his skin. His hands found her hair and cupped the back of her neck.

Startled, Ayaka opened her eyes and met his gaze on her. Sho titled his head, inching towards her.

She did the only thing that was second nature to her. She pushed him away.

The clanging of chair and the grunting sound of Sho hitting his bottom on the hard floor broke the spell.

"You broke the rules!" she shouted at him. Ayaka gathered her notes and left a befuddled Sho on the floor.
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The scenery changed from the skyscrapers to open fields. They were out of the city now, heading towards the outskirts. Ayaka had an idea where he might be taking her but with Sakurai, nothing is for sure. For now, she was content to press herself unto his back and follow where he was leading her to.

Sho felt the slight movement behind him and smiled. Finally, she started to relax against him. Ayaka had been defensive ever since he picked her up. But now that they are going away from the city, he understood that it felt like they were leaving their cares behind. This felt more natural for them.

An hour later, they've finally reached their destination. Sho cut off the engine as Ayaka alighted herself from the back. He heard her stretching her muscles as he removed the helmet. She had removed her own and was looking at the rows of grapes.

"It feels like nothing has changed," she remarked.

And yet, they both knew that time has indeed passed. Even if the fields appeared to have not changed.

This used to belong to Ayaka's family. And used to be their haven. As the sun started to ascend, he let himself be taken back to the day she brought him here.
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They had not met each other after that incident in the lab. He felt bad about it but was confused at the same time. He was not a man who hesitated. But when it came to her, he was like a school boy who was almost afraid to touch his new toy. Not that Ayaka was a toy. Sho realized at that point, she was someone special. To him? He wasn't sure. So he went searching for her.

She wasn't too happy to see him.

"Come on. I'm trying to apologize here. Let me make up for it!"

Ayaka could almost imagine him stomping his feet. She almost smiled. He can be charming sometimes but she couldn't understand why he kept bothering her. Where was the legion of his adoring fans when she needed saving from him?

"You falling on your bum made up for it. So you don't need to do this," she replied impatiently.

"My bum isn't happy but its going to be ok. What is not OK is that I still feel guilty about..." Sho couldn't say it. Feeling guilty about what? That he broke the moment? That he acted rashly? Or maybe that he didn't have a chance to...to what? He shook his head and pouted. "Come on. There must be someway I could repay you. Lunch? Dinner? Manual labor?"

That sounded like those three shouldn't be in the same sentence, she thought. Wait, did he say manual labor? Ayaka gave him a smile. She had an idea. "Well...you see, I do need help with something." She paused. He was still there, waiting. "You see, my family owns a field and I usually go home couple of weekends to help out with the harvesting. Its hard work." She hoped that mentioning work would send him off running or making excuses.

"I'll be there. Just tell me when and I'll make sure that my schedule is clear."

She couldn't believe it. Really? Oh well. He would have plenty enough time to get out of it. Not that she was sure he wouldn't show up. She barely knew him. But Ayaka rarely depends on other people to be true to their word. She gave him directions and the days he needed to show up.

"Thanks. I won't let you down Ayaka!" he shouted back.

She shook her head. "That's Niji-san to you!"

Next Saturday, the shinning was already high and still no sign of Sakurai. Ayaka was wearing her usual denim overalls with a sleeveless orange shirt underneath. Her father looked over her from a few rows away. They were picking the grapes today to make wine.

"Ayaka, what are you waiting for? These grapes won't pick themselves! Get a move on!" She sighed. So much for giving him the benefit of the doubt! As soon as she started to bend over to pick the first branch, they heard someone running.

"Ayaka-chan! Gomen!" Sakurai stopped near her, bending over and puffing. She put her hands on her hips. Here comes the excuse.

Sho was still trying to catch his breath. "Sorry. I did wake up early but my car broke down so I had to ride my bike." Breathe. "And then when I was half way, I forgot your map at home. So I had to come back and get it. Then when I had it, I got lost." He stood up and looked around. "Wow. You have a huuuuge vineyard!" He put up a hand to shield his eyes.

"Ayaka, what the hell are you..." his father's voice trailed off as he saw the young man standing near his daughter. He frowned. "I'll explain later, tousan! He's here to help!" she shouted. "I'm not paying any extra workers today!" her father replied. Ayaka smiled as she looked at a confused Sho. "Don't worry! He's working for free!"

"Eh???" was the only thing Sho could say. She handed him a big basket to put the grapes in and patted his back. "The faster you do this, the faster the day would go by."

So that entire day, Ayaka and Sho worked side by side harvesting the grapes. While working, Sho learned that Ayaka's family actually owned just partial of the land but harvested everything for the main owner. The grapes are then transported to a winery where they would be processed and made into wine. Sometimes, they get a chance to squish the grapes underneath their feet. Although the work was hard, Sho didn't even notice the time passing. He was actually having fun. And the passion and knowledge that Ayaka had about the grapes was phenomenal. She actually really cared and is interested in them. It has been awhile since Sho saw anyone with that much dedication, much less having fun at it.

He was beginning to admire her.

The schedule was like that for the next couple of weekends. If his schedule permitted, he spent it working (for free!) in Ayaka's farm. He was paid in meals and one weekend, given a bottle of wine. The same wine that came from the grapes they both harvested. A real manifestation of the "fruits" of your labor.

She was beginning to look at him. Really look AT him. Not seeing him as someone different from her world. Sakurai was surprisingly easy to work with. Although she can see that he wasn't used to this kind of work, never did he complain. Whether it was hot or windy, he worked on. He often asked questions which irritated her initially. Ayaka thought he was just being polite or avoiding the work. But the more he inquired, the more that she believed that he was genuinely interested. Sakurai was easy to laugh and really listened when she talked. He was modest and rarely talked about his own work unless asked. People stared for the first days. Why would a celebrity doing this kind of work for free? But then Sakurai proved them wrong. He worked hard like the rest of them. He never asked for any extra break and sometimes he was the last to leave. Ayaka believed that he actually likes what he is doing.

It was the last day of harvest. There was always some celebration afterwards to thank everyone for their efforts. By this time, everybody has accepted Sho as a regular worker that he was naturally invited. Ayaka didn't mind at all. He had proved himself and he did help. The party was winding down and she needed time to be alone. Her father made her change into a white dress that bared her neck and shoulders. The rubber shoes had to stay on. The music and rambunctious voices of people doing karaoke was carried by the wind. Ayaka laughed softly. She would definitely have to take care of her father and maybe some of her uncles to their beds. Their wine was that good. The sun was already setting down, casting a soft glow over the fields. The plating season would start in a couple months and then they would start the whole process again. This was her way of life. Then in a year, she might be doing this full time. She tilted her face up towards the sun, wanting to receive its last warming rays.

She had disappeared from the party several minutes ago. Her father definitely, at least tolerated his presence now. Her uncles, definitely loved him. They constantly refilled his glass and asked him to sing to them. It was after the third song that Ayaka quietly slipped from the room. Working so close to her had made him aware of her every move. The way she laughed, the way she crinkled her forehead and when to run for it when she's pissed at something or someone. Sho immediately noticed her missing presence from the room. He made an excuse to go the bathroom and found her sitting on a hill overlooking the fields. She looked so content. It made him envious. Trying not to make a sound, he made his way behind where she was sitting.

"I better go before..." Ayaka stood up and lost her balance. Before she could take a step back, a pair of arms engulfed her own to steady her.

"Are you always this clumsy?" His voice soft and teasing. She was pliant against him. Her skin was smooth although a little bit chilled by the oncoming nightfall. He smiled as he had the perfect remedy for that.

She blamed the sunset but Ayaka just couldn't get irritated with him anymore. She laughed softly. "Silly! YOU make ME clumsy! You're bad luck that keeps following me around!" She didn't mind either that he hadn't released his hold on her. Well, maybe just for a couple more minutes.

"How bad could I get?"

With those words, the atmosphere changed. He wasn't teasing anymore. He wanted her to see him as something different. Not the Sho that annoyed her constantly. Or the Sho that is the popular boy from school. And certainly not the the Sho from ARASHI.

Only the Sho who had come to like her. The Sho who worked hard with her.

The Sho Sakurai who was falling in love with Ayaka Niji.

Sho pulled her closer to his warmth. Both of his arms fully engulfed her. He needed to be close to her, imprint his scent unto her as what she did to him. Make her see that what he wanted to be in her life.

Before she could reply, he had already pulled her close. Pulled her in. Without her realizing that everything has changed the moment he asked her to recommend a scent for him. That maybe letting him come to the farm would inevitably lead to this. She was confused about her feelings and the sudden change. But more so, she was afraid. Afraid that like the fruits they grow, that she'd be like a passing season. With that, Ayaka started to pull away.

His arms stopped her. In a matter of seconds, something had changed. Something that made her think to distance herself from him. Not this time. Time to change tactics.

Stll in his arms, Sho lowered his head and started nuzzling her neck. Inhaling the scent that left him awake for nights on end. She smelled like sunny days and sultry nights. Just thinking of the nights ahead made him almost loose his focus. Specially that Ayaka started to struggle.

Ayaka didn't expect the nuzzling. Not at all. She didn't expect him to be this physically affectionate. Then again, who wouldn't like to be in this situation she is in right now? She had to admit there were times she wondered what it felt like to be in his arms. Now she knows. It felt good. And unsettling. Anything further would mean tumbling down that rabbit hole with him.

"Sho..."she started.

"Say it again," he demanded.

"Sho."

"Again."

"Sho."

"Again."

She pinched him. "You're pushing it, baka!", she replied affectionately.

He smiled. His name sounded like honey on her lips. Even her calling him baka was sweet.

"Sakurai..." she started with his last name.

He heard the hesitancy in her voice. He had an idea why she called him by his last name once more. "No. I won't. Whatever you were going to tell me, it is not going to happen. I am not going to let go now that I have you here. Now." He paused, his voice serious. "I want to be with you Ayaka. To be around you. All the time. Here and now. Tomorrow and the tomorrow's after that. Whether we are picking grapes, planting seeds or watching the sun rise from our bed." He can't believe he just said. But he meant every word.

"But..."

There was only one way to shut her up. And maybe silence her fears as well. He tilted her chin to the side as he slowly bent his head to hers. He wanted to taste her lips.

"Ayaka! Where are you? Your mom just finished wrapping your blueberry muffins to take back to your dorm! Ayaka! Ayaka!"

She turned her head away and finally was able to step away from him. That was too close. Much too close. This was going nowhere and it was up to her to keep a good head on her shoulders. She faced him with a too bright of a smile on her lips. "Domo arigatou, Sakurai-san. You were such a big help and my parents send their thanks as well." Ayaka was careful to take a step back and away from a disappointed Sho. It reflected on his face and perhaps, a trace of sadness as well?

"This is not over, Ayaka," was all she heard as she turned away from him.
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They left it at that. They rarely saw each other as their last semester in school started. They both had become busy with their own lives. Sho always hoped for a glimpse of her. Her scent haunted him more. When he thought that she was in the same room, he' be disappointed that she had already gone. She wasn't even present in their own graduation ceremony. He heard something happened and that she just took her certificate and never came back to school after.

He became busy as ARASHI became more popular. He started airing in dramas and then becoming a newscaster. On top of concerts, recordings, guest appearance and tapings, there was just no time. Or maybe he just had to make time. So when that project offer came in, it was too much of an opportunity to let slip.

"So you wanted to take me back here and you would do the promotion?" Ayaka intended to make this all business. Although she appreciated getting out of the office for awhile, she knew she had to go back. On top of managing this project, she was finally close to getting the right mixture to capture that elusive scent she encountered before.

Sho stood beside her. He understood that this was all part of the business. What he wanted to know was what happened to her. When did she decide to grow out her hair? Where does she live now? Is she happy at work? Are her parents ok? Did she watch any of his shows, listened to any of his music? Did she miss him?

"We missed you on graduation day,". he started. "I missed you," was what he wanted to say.

She nodded. "There were some stuff going at the farm. I talked to the Dean and he told me that as long I passed all my subjects, I can get my diploma without having to attend the ceremony." Ayaka did not regret being there. She had...other regrets. "Father eventually transferred his rights to the land to his co-owner. Although he knew I loved working in the fields, he also understood that I had different interests."

"Did that include me?" He had to ask. Sho was getting impatient with this stoic attitude of hers.

Ayaka looked at him, laughing softly. His intensity always frightened her so she resorted to lightening the mood. "Maybe. I can't tell you, Sakurai-san. I don't particularly liked flaming your ego."

He smiled at her. "You never did, Niji-san. Out of all the girls I knew, you are the only one who's honest enough to tell me differently. But," he paused as he faced her. "right now, you're lying to me." Gone was that brief smile.

Nobody liked being called a liar. Specially coming from him. "I am not lying to you. I just don't want to answer something that might be misunderstood." The truth was there was a deeper underlying fear.

"Then just tell me! Tell me as plain and as clear as you can! So I can understand." Both of hands came up, holding her at arm's length.

She did not move away. "What do you want, Sakurai? Ask and I will tell."

There was no time to rehearse or even think of how to say the words that have been left unsaid for years. "I wanted to know what happened. I want to know why we let time fly by, why we left it like that. Why, when I thought, that there could be something, you pulled back?" The pressure on her arms slightly increased but not to the point of bruising. "Was it all an illusion? Did you not feel it too?"

He demanded answers. Answers that only she could answer. "I was afraid." His gaze softened as she started to speak. "Everybody knew Sakurai Sho. Everybody wanted to be your friend and of course, the girls wanted more. I was content in my own world. Until that time I had to tell you no." She paused as they both remembered that day. "If I hadn't put attention to myself, we could have peacefully gone our separate paths. But then you returned, mentioning that silly excuse." Ayaka momentarily got distracted as a smug grin appeared on his face. "You just had to do that and at that time, I was happy. Happy that even as annoyed I appeared to be, I appreciated your company. That somehow you decided to spend time with me. Then that summer break that we worked at the farm, by then I knew it was too late. Too late to go back." Ayaka sadly smiled. "Maybe I didn't want to go back to being that stranger. And yet, I was too much of a coward to move forward. So...I ran."

He couldn't help it anymore. "Baka." Sho pulled her into his arms, making sure that he was holding her tight. She just confirmed what he thought all along. He should have realized it sooner. This time, he wasn't going to make the same mistake. "I thought you were too strong for me. That maybe you really didn't feel anything towards me. I even tried to forget." Sho buried his nose in her hair. "I cannot. My mind will not. My eyes will not. My arms will not Your scent will not. I tried comparing you to food, to the flowers, to the rain. It is just not you."

Slowly, her arms encircled him, almost reaching his entire back. Sho smiled. Ayaka raised her blushing face to his. "So does that mean I stink?" He laughed and she joined him.After a few minutes of laughter, he bent his head to nuzzle under her ear.

"You're like a dog. A cute one but nonetheless a dog.", she teased.

"There's one more thing I need to complete the memory of you. Just one more piece missing."

"What's that?"

"This." Sho Sakurai finally tasted Ayaka Niji's lips.
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"Ne, I can't believe you convinced me to do that photoshoot!" Sakurai embarrassingly commented. He was standing at the busy Shibuya intersection. They had just unveiled a huge poster at the popular crossing. He wore a cap low with shades to complete his disguise. He wanted to be with her but both of them had busy schedules ever since the campaign's launch of Ayaka's new fragrance line for men. There would be time since they had dinner later. But it would have been better to tease her now.

"I think you look sexy like that. Besides, your An-An shoot last year did very well for the magazine so why shouldn't I use the same tactic?" Ayaka replied on the other end of the cellphone.

The poster was labeled "H". It meant himitsu (secret). Sho was posed casually over a lounge chair. He was wearing a white shirt, partially open with his bow tie undone. A model was half on top of him, wearing a corset. The ties for her corset was in one of his hands, almost ready to untie her while the other possessively held to the model's waist. She was leaning over him, perhaps whispering something wicked.

The other members of ARASHI had been teasing him about it. They said the H stood for "Hentai" (pervert!)

Ayaka just openely laughed when he told her about that. "Let people talk about it! This would really help in the sales." Papers being shuffled was heard in the background. "Ne, Sho, about that new fragrance..."

Sho smiled. He was looking forward to tonight. "Don't worry. I'll help you with it."