************************************************Author's Note******************************************

Who wants MaoMiya? Well, I do. This part just so happened to kind of center around Mao and Nino. Before someone throws bricks on me, I want to let you know that this chapter has two parts. I'll post the next one in a bit. In the mean time, enjoy! Oh! I almost forgot. Belated Happy Birthday Inoue Mao! Glad to know you arrived today from Hawaii safely.

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Part 1

Nino was grinning like an idiot after reading the message he just got on his phone. He never thought the words, “Yes. I’m free today.” would make him so happy.

Curious enough, Aiba asked. “What’s the good news, Nino-chan?”

“Well. Since you asked…” Nino started with his smile turning into a smirk. In a sing-song tone, he replied. “Inoue Mao-chan just agreed to have lunch with me.”

“Eh? You lucky dog.” Sho couldn’t help but feel a little bit jealous of Nino.

“Next time, I’ll be the one treating Mao-chan.” Aiba’s words were filled with confidence.

Then out of the blue, Ohno spoke as if asking himself, “Should I ask Inoue-san out to go fishing? Will she like it?”

Jun just smiled upon hearing their leader’s innocent thoughts. With a friendly pat on the back he encouraged Oh-chan. “Whenever you get the chance riida, you should ask her. We may never know if Mao-chan indeed loves fishing too until you ask.”

Just after Jun’s statement, the crew members called out to them.

It was almost 11 o’ clock in the morning. The Arashi members were lucky enough to have an early shooting of a Himitsu no Arashi-chan episode. Since this was the only workload in their schedule, the rest of the day was given to the boys.

Nino was quick enough to think of having Inoue Mao as the person to be with after their shooting. It was a nice change after spending his previous free time on video games all day. A big smile was plastered on his face ever since he received Mao’s response to his date proposal.

To be honest, Jun was slightly irritated by his friend’s quick action on Mao. He would love to be with Mao also but he owes Nino this day. ‘Besides, a single date wouldn’t hurt.’ Jun thought.

*****

The second the Arashi boys bid their farewell to the crew, Nino’s phone started ringing. He fished out his phone from his pocket. The name Inoue Mao flashed on the screen. Wasting no time, he quickly answered the call.

“Moshi moshi. Ninomiya-san?” The sweet voice from the other line was heavenly to his ears.

“Hai. Ninomiya desu. What’s the matter, Mao-chan? Are you all set for lunch? Where should I pick you up?”

Being bombarded by questions, Mao was quite surprised. ‘This boy’s really eager for our lunch together.’ She couldn’t help but flash a smile on this thought.

“About that…” Mao started. “I would like to go there on my own. It’s okay for you not to fetch me.”

“For a second there, I thought you would bail on me.” Nino chuckled. “No worries, Mao-chan. See you at the Yakusoku restaurant. I’ll be there in 30 minutes.” Even if the other party cannot see it, the forever-seventeen guy flashed his sweetest smile.

“Okay. Ja ne!” With that, Mao ended the call. She then started dressing up for today’s lunch.

The whole conservation between the two was heard by the other Arashi members. It wasn’t Nino’s intention but somehow it irked them. Indeed their irritation was apparent when they responded with a united “Uh” to Nino’s goodbye. The guy was obviously too happy to even notice this.

The other members started packing up. Moments like this don’t come often so they don’t want to waste any second of their free time.  While they were being busy, an idea struck Aiba. Thinking that it wouldn’t be too fun if he did this idea alone, he decided to consult with the other members.

With the usual goofy smile Aiba has, he started. “Anou sa…”

Taking the bait, Jun indulged himself. “What is it this time, Aiba?”

“I just thought of something to spend our free time with together.” Aiba was sure enough to emphasize the last word.

Sho was quick to response. “Pass.” He even raised his arm to stress his point. “Gomen ne, Aiba-shi. As much as I want to bond with you, I still have News Zero early tomorrow. No one wants a shabby newscaster, right? Have fun you guys, on whatever it is you’re planning to do. Ja mata neh!” Sho bid them farewell and dashed towards the door.

Matsujun raised his eyebrows on Sho’s actions. “Someone’s in a hurry to leave eh?” Aiba just shook his head.

Ohno glanced on his wristwatch. He looked as if he forgot something.

“What’s the matter, Oh-chan?” Aiba inquired.

“I totally forgot that I have to go to the Northern Tokyo Bay today. I already set up a fishing appointment a few days ago. Sea bass fishing, here I go!” Without even bothering to say bye to his bandmate, Ohno marched towards the door.

“Ohno seems to have drifted off to his fishing world. That leaves us with me and you Matsujun!” Aiba had this certain spark in his eyes that would definitely make his fangirls scream their lungs out. “They didn’t even get to hear what my idea was…”

“Quit whining and up with whatever it is you want to say already. Geez!” DoS Jun is back.

“Fine. What if we trail Nino and Mao-chan on their date? Sounds good eh?” Aiba was definitely confident on this silly scheme.

If Jun was drinking on this moment, he would have choked due to his surprise. “Sounds good? I really am hats off to you, Aiba. When it comes to dreaming up crazy ideas, you never fail to disappoint me.”

“I know it’s kinda crazy but don’t want to see their date, Jun-kun?”

“Why on earth would I want to see Inoue Mao-chan on a date with another man, when I can get her to date me instead?” Matsujun said this with conviction.

“You do have a point there but don’t you want to know what kinds of tricks Nino will show to her? Besides, you have nothing better to do. Unlike Sho-chan who’s preparing for tomorrow’s shooting and Oh-chan who is busy fishing, Jun-kun you have no excuse.” Aiba pointed out.

“And what’s in it for me if I accompany you on this ridiculous plan of yours?”

“Just the fact that you get to see our beloved Mao-chan all dressed up for a date.” This was the final card of Aiba. ‘If Jun still won’t bulge, guess I’m on my own.’

“Fine. I must also be really crazy to agree with this but what the heck!” Jun grabbed Aiba’s shoulders and had, what fangirls would say, a Junba moment.

Aiba struck his fist on air. “Yosh! Now, let’s go find disguises for ourselves.”

“Wait. What disguises?”

Everything’s all set for Ninomiya Kazunari. He’s dressed in clothes that could definitely win in Mannequin Five. A table reservation has been made for them at the Yakusoku restaurant. He even has his disguise on to shield himself from fangirls inside the said restaurant. The only thing, rather, the only one missing is the beauty that sent the message he just read on his phone a while ago. Inoue Mao was running a bit late but Nino didn’t mind. ‘She’s worth the wait…’

Three tables away from where Nino was waiting, sat Jun and Aiba with their disguises on. Aiba originally wanted to go for the “geeky and gay” look that would definitely turn-off their fangirls. Good thing, Jun pointed out that it would definitely attract people still. In the end, they opted for subtle disguises that concealed their faces.

 Nino was just about to drink from his glass but a sight stopped him from doing so. When Inoue Mao stepped inside the restaurant, silence filled the room. It was as if an angel so beautiful entered the area that everyone became so speechless. Mao was wearing a sky blue paneled lace dress. The chic and elegant dress has sleek lines and a simple cut. It is window lace panel around the collar and sheer beneath the arms, with delicate polka pattern and embroidery below the neck. Mao was just spellbindingly beautiful.

Inoue Mao’s eyes searched for Nino in the premises. When her gaze finally met Nino’s, she flashed him a familiar sunny smile. As Mao went towards Nino, the eerie silence inside the room subsided and things went on as usual.

Jun admitted that he could feel slight jealousy of his bandmate. ‘I hope her smile was for me.’ He silently wished for this thought.

Aiba and Jun continued to spy on the two. Aiba was the one literally spying on them as he rolled the restaurant’s menu and turned it into binoculars.

“Are you trying to do a skit? Stop the comedic act, Aiba. We’re not on film anymore.” Jun snatched the rolled-up menu and smacked his co-member on the head.

Aiba uttered “gomen” but was cut off by Jun. “Shh! Aiba lower down your head.” He ordered.

Nino was getting a bit paranoid. Earlier he felt as if someone was watching his every move. He just regarded the feeling as fangirls recognizing him beneath his disguise. ‘Maybe fans are just staring at me.’

Now he thought he heard Jun’s voice a minute ago. Just to be sure, he glanced at different directions. His actions were stopped by an angelic voice.

“Daijoubu, Ninomiya-san? Are you looking for someone else?”

Nino could only gulp hard as an initial response. When he finally found his voice, he replied. “No. No. You’re mistaken. I was just trying to look out for other guys who are eyeing you. By the way Inoue-san, you look gorgeous.” Leave it to Nino for a swift clean-up.

“Arigato, NInomiya-san. You look pleasing as well. If I were a fangirl, I would have flailed over you right now.” Mao chuckled as she took her seat.

“Speaking of fans, are you sure it’s alright for me to have lunch with you? I don’t think I can handle paparazzis at this instant.”

“No need to be afraid Mao-chan.” Nino’s tone became serious. “Johnny-san has a hold in the media. If this simple lunch between us leaks, I’ll be the one to handle it. Not to mention, I’m also ready to protect you in case fans try to attack you.”

Nino seemed so cool while saying these words. Mao couldn’t help but be touched with it.

“I wouldn’t be able to protect you though, in case fangirls try to attack you instead.” Mao tried to break the ice.

“Oh my. My stomach’s already grumbling. Can I place my order now, Ninomiya-san?”

“Sure, go ahead.” Nino signaled to the waiter.

The waiter nearest them approached their table. “May I take your orders, Ma’am? Sir?”

“I’ll take the Tempura bento set. How about you, Mao-chan?”

Mao took a last look at the menu and then blurted out her order. “Teriyaki Beef Bowl please.”

After the waiter received their orders along with their smiles, he left the pair’s table.

“So…” Nino started as he rested his chin on his right hand on the table. “How are things, Mao-chan? You seem to be glowing.”

“Life’s been good for me.” Mao beamed. “I haven’t been stressed these past weeks. I’ve been really taking good care of my health right now—getting enough sleep and the right nutrition. ‘Refreshed’ might be a good word to describe me right now.”

“Oh wow. So that explain’s the glow. Good for you, Mao-chan. Getting healthy’s the right thing to do.”

“How about you, Ninomiya-san? Everything fine at work?”

“Didn’t I say to just call me Nino? Friends drop formalities whenever they’re together, am I correct?”

“Hai. Hai. Let me do that again. Nino-kun, how’s work?”

“That’s better.” Nino flashed a sweet smile. “Well, you see. Life as entertainer isn’t easy as it seems…”

The conversation and flirtation between the two continued as their orders arrived. While they were eating, Nino and Mao exchanged questions about themselves, knowing each other a bit more in the process.

Whilst this was happening, someone was being bitter. “They’re obviously having a great time. Shouldn’t we stop with this already, Aiba?” Every smiling moment between the two, Jun wished that it was him who’s with Mao-chan instead of his friend.

“Just bear with it a little bit more, Matsujun.” Aiba pleaded for his friend to stay. True, they should be going home already but he wants to Mao’s face a bit more. He doesn’t have her phone number or address unlike Nino. He wants to at least know some details about Mao and for him, the only way to this was to continue spying on the two.

Upon dessert being served, Mao decided to change the topic of their conversation.

“Anou… How are the other members of Arashi?”

“They’re fine, I guess.”

“Where are they at this moment?” Mao was clearly enjoying her dessert which was Strawberries and Cream.

“Oh I don’t know. I didn’t even bother asking them. Almost every day, we’re together for rehearsals, photoshoots, filming and interviews. I guess I owe them some privacy during their free time.”

“I see. By the way, is there any chance for me to meet up with them too? I’d like to catch up on them also. It would be nice for me to know all of you better.” Mao asked as she dipped a large strawberry into a bowl of sweetened cream.

“You can come to the studio if you want. I can get you tickets…” Nino was distracted by the way Mao was enjoying her dessert.

She would the cream off the strawberry first. Then she would dip it in cream once more. This time Mao would take a small bit out of it, kissing the fruit in the process. Then her tongue would slightly circle , wanting to off any excess cream on her lips. Finally she would pop the strawberry completely into to taste its sweetness. She would then smile and look extremely satisfied. All of this, Nino witnessed and he couldn’t help but be amazed by the pretty girl in front of him.

“Why are you staring at me like that Nino? Is there something wrong with my face?” Mao innocently asked.

Nino shook her head and smiled. “You just have a small dab of cream still in your mouth. Here, let me help you.”

In a swift motion, Nino leaned across the table towards Mao. He kissed the corner of her lips, cleaning off the cream in the process.

“There. All clean.” The forever seventeen-looking Arashi member winked and flashed his famous mischievous smile.

“Eh.” Mao unconsciously touched her lips. “You sly dog, Ninomiya-kun.” She accused him but with a smile still.

The other Arashi members seated far away couldn’t help but do the comedic act of bursting out whatever they just drank the moment they saw Nino kiss Mao.

“The nerve of that brat.” Jun gritted his teeth and clenched his fist.

“Oy. Oy. Calm down, Matsujun.” Aiba wiped off his mouth his then asked Jun to sit down. “We don’t want people to recognize us, remember?”

“Fine. I’ll just have to get back at that brat some other time.”

“We didn’t even do anything when you kissed Mao.” Aiba muttered under his breath.

“You were saying, Aiba?” No one would have thought that the DoS Matsujun would come out again.

“Nothing. Oy look, they’re going out already.” Aiba pointed towards Nino and Mao’s direction. The two were already nearing the exit door.

As soon as they paid their bill, Aiba and Jun were already off their feet. They went on with their spying.