The current & the ex

Part 6

"Arioka-san, we will be live in 15 minutes," an assistant director reminds Daiki before politely leaves the dressing room, allowing Daiki to do his final touch up.

Daiki, who was about to snooze off, awaken by the AD's voice. He looks at his watch. It is 4.40 am in the morning. Daiki tilts his head left and right, stretching his neck and shoulder muscles. Been replacing his boyfriend for the past 10 days, Daiki begins to wonder how Inoo managed his time.

Getting up early was never easy for Daiki. After Mezamashi ends Daiki still have to continue with location shooting for the program, going to multiple places to do coverage and interviews for next week's segment. Filming usually ends around 3pm. He only gets 1hour rest during transportation in between location in which he uses to nap. At 4pm recording for Itajan starts, and since Daiki is replacing Inoo for the next 1 month, his Itajan timetable is double packed than usual.

Reflecting on this, Daiki's heart becomes heavy. He complained how Inoo never make time for him, accusing his boyfriend of abandoning him and blamed Inoo for his loneliness. When Daiki himself never aware how crammed Inoo's work schedule was.

Gomen Kei... I should be more understanding of your situation. I'm sorry...

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The hotpot is boiling in front of them, looking grand and appetizing. Hikaru pours in all the meat inside and stir the hot soup a few times.

"Yosh... let's eat," says Hikaru with a wide smile. "Omedetou Kota, for completing your final exam!" he offers a toast.

Yabu smiles. "Celebrate when the results come out."

"You'll pass! I know you will!" Hikaru speaks confidently. "For your graduation I will throw a big surprise party with everyone in our company! I will rent Tokyo Dome just to celebrate it!"

Yabu laughs. "Like you have the money to do that!"

Inoo chuckles. It has been quite a while since he has the time to hang out with his two close friends like this. Watching Yabu and Hikaru being deeply in love even after all these years makes Inoo feels at ease. He envies them, really. He wishes he could have the same supportive and nurturing relationship with Daiki.

I guess I'm not good enough for him.

"Are you all right?" asks Hikaru, concern at Inoo's silence.

"I'm fine," the mushroom boy rubs his nose. "Having you guys here makes me feel... I don't know... nostalgic maybe..."

Hikaru scoops out some vegetables and pour them into Inoo's bowl. "They called us triplets, remember? Johnny-san keep confusing you and Kota, especially when you two wear the same costume on stage."

"And we purposely stand next to each other to tease him," Yabu laughs. "Johnny-san was so mad!"

"Remember when Kei used to call you every morning before he went to college?"

"How can I forget?! I yelled at him- 'You, go to college now and stop bugging me!'" Yabu imitates Mr. Johnny's voice out of the sudden.

Inoo and Hikaru burst into laughter. The memories of their childhood, growing up as a Johnny's talent starts flowing in his mind. For Inoo, JUMP activities were a place for him to recharge after long tiring day in school. He loves goofing around with his group members. He felt happy by just watching the younger boys playing tag during PV shooting.

How come we ended up like this? Why do we always fight these days?

"I'm sorry," Inoo suddenly apologize.