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

Hisashiburi! It's been almost four months. I honestly missed writing. Thank goodness I found time to finally update. This one is still a bit lengthy, just the way I like it. Enjoy! 

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Arashi members were inside a very familiar room which they haven’t entered in a while. With black and white being its theme, the interior suggested a serious atmosphere. It was as if fear and anxiety were trapped within the walls and it definitely sent chills down the spine of Arashi. Though the couch was soft enough, the boys couldn’t help but be fidgety in their seats. After all they’ll be meeting the person who owns this office in a few minutes, Johnny Kitagawa himself.

Inevitably, the president and founder of Johnny and Associates made his grand entrance in the said posh office. After bows and greetings were exchanged, Kitagawa sat on his seemingly royal chair and positioned himself in front of Arashi. With arms folded on his chest, he started in a calm tone. “Do you know why I called all of you here in my office?”

Being the leader, Ohno was tasked to answer all of the president’s questions even back in their debut days, unless of course he specifically directs it to someone else. “No, sir.” All of the Johnny’s know that Kitagawa values brevity and it’s always safe to answer directly.

“Well then,” the old man’s vicious eyes darted on each member. “It involves a certain Inoue Mao. Does her name ring a bell?”

Even if they didn’t mutter a sound, shock and disbelief was painted amongst the boys’ faces. The extent of Kitagawa’s power and influence is really amazingly scary. Arashi members were petrified and their minds blank. Indeed they were caught off guard and cannot muster the right words to reply to question.

“I thought I’d made myself clear when I made ‘Dating and marriage can be only be officially made upon reaching 30’ a silent rule upon my company. How dare you break this golden rule when you’ve only just reached the top?”

“Anou… None of us is dating her, Kitagawa-san.” Ohno spoke softly.

“Of course you didn’t. Good for you!” It was as if an evil creature was spitting out poison, which in this case is in the form of sarcastic words. “But you guys know what you did? You got her pregnant!” Kitagawa shouted and slammed his fist unto the desk. This made the boys flinch a little.

“Well to be more precise, one of you got Inoue Mao pregnant.” The CEO viciously hissed. “What on earth were you thinking? Drinking out and partying with girls! After all these years being in my company, you should have known very well to exercise discretion when doing these things. Do you even know how I got this information? From her father himself, Inoue Seiichi!” Of course Arashi did not dare talk back. A Johnny knows that there’s nothing else to do but to take all of it in when executives decide to deliver a sermon.

“How dare you pull off a KimuTaku!?! Just because you’ve recently been the nation’s top idols doesn’t mean you can break my rules and get away with it. There will be consequences to your actions.” Kitagawa muttered the last line in a very stern manner.

“All of you will be under a stricter surveillance. I originally planned for this year’s live tour to be postponed and less projects to be given to your group. But when I discussed this with Inoue Seiichi-san, much to my surprise, he was strongly against this decision.” From his tone and actions, Kitagawa had finally calmed down. “The man even offered to invest in your group. Even I cannot comprehend his motives but as long as I can protect my agency and my talents, I shall oblige.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Bad news is you have to confront him with what you’ve done to his daughter. Inoue-san has requested for a meeting in his office next Wednesday at around 11am.” Kitagawa relaxed himself and leaned on his chair. “On a brighter side, Arashi is now the new face of Inoue Group’s new line of Android smartphones, the ‘A Plus’ phones. More details about this new project will be briefed by your managers.”

“Of course, our firm and the Inoue Group will prevent Inoue Mao’s situation from becoming the headlines of tabloids. You have nothing to worry about, well, except the fact that you’ll be facing the wrath of another great man.” A sinister smile escaped the old man’s lips. “From the mean time, you are all dismissed.”

Arashi excused themselves and exited the room. No one dared to speak up until they reached their vehicle.

“Man, that was intense!” Aiba finally broke the silence. “Surely, nothing ever escapes Kitagawa-san neh?” He let out muffled chuckle.

“Well, sooner or later he’s bound to know. He has eyes and ears everywhere.” Nino pointed out.

Sho crossed his arms. “What I don’t understand is the fact that Inoue-san helped us. I mean, any father would be fuming if he suddenly found out his daughter was impregnated by an unknown man.”

Jun nodded his head in agreement. “I was actually expecting for our activities to be put on hold. Who would have thought we’d gain another project with this?”

“I guess whatever is behind Inoue-san’s decision we’ll find out next week.” Ohno concluded and then closed his eyes to sleep.

Arashi’s day went normal as it should.

Days had passed since that fateful talk between Mao and her father. Things between them went back to normal ever since that day. Mao’s father even became more attentive to her, often checking up on Mao and making sure she is okay.

Her mother on the other hand had been occupied with all the baby stuff. She took over the task of baby shopping. From the moment she knew of Mao’s condition, the mother had been spoiling Mao and her soon-to-be children. The books and toys bought by her filled Mao’s room. She already enrolled her daughter in pregnancy and birthing classes. Aside from these Mao also had no choice but to undergo cooking classes. Inoue Yukie made sure Mao was well equipped to be a mother.

Mao managed to escape from her mother. Waking up early in the morning had been tough ever since she entered the second trimester but today she did. She immediately went to Hime’s Kiss before her mother could trap her again for another shopping galore. Not that she hated spending time with her mother, Mao only missed being the first one in her shop. Besides she had a plan to surprise her father later so she had to finish work early.

No one in her workplace knows of Mao condition. Of course some of her people were bewildered since Mao had been coming in late these past few days. However they decided to shrug it off. After all Mao was still an excellent boss.

Mao planned to have lunch together with her father. She even brought the bento she made earlier this morning. She drove off to Inoue Group’s Main Office.

Today was the dreaded day of Arashi. They’ll finally meet Inoue Mao’s father. Not a word was spoken during their trip to the Inoue Group Building. Being professionals in the field, Arashi masked their fear and anxiety beneath their smiles as they entered the said premises.

Fans among the employees of the company were thrilled upon knowing Arashi will visit today. It was a normal work day so fans weren’t lined up at the entrance, screaming their names. If only they didn’t have work to do, they would probably do so and even follow the boys.
Arashi and their road managers went up to the top floor of the building. This is where the CEO’s office is at.

The secretary received them. “Good morning, Arashi-san. Inoue-san has been expecting you. He will attend to you shortly.” She smiled at the boys. “In the mean time, please take a seat over there.” She motioned them to the sofas.

 “Sure.” Nino did his signature wink and this made the secretary’s heart skip a beat.

The lady had been blushing at the sight of Arashi. She wasn’t a fan but seeing them in flesh might have changed that. Next thing on her to do list was to join the official Arashi fan club.

The phone rang on the secretary’s desk which made the boys quite jumpy. She answered it and from the nods and her polite way of speaking, Arashi guessed it might have been Inoue-san on the other line.

The conversation ended and the lady put down the phone. “Inoue-san has requested for you. You may now enter his office.” She ended with another smile. “Only Arashi members were asked by the president. The managers can stay here. Sorry, the president’s orders.” She did an apologetic bow and then led the way.

Arashi entered the room behind the big steel door. What greeted them was another anxiety-inducing atmosphere. The said room was big enough for a Japanese family of four to live in. Numerous hard-bound and technical books filled the humongous wooden bookshelves. The two sofas were at the middle of the room. But what immediately caught their eyes was the fact that a man was standing behind a large desk. He had his back on them and seemed to be looking through the large window.

The man turned around and shot a glance at the five. “Ah.. Arashi?”

“Hai. Arashi desu.” Like a practiced choreography, the boys were synchronized in greeting and bowing down.

 “Inoue Seiichi.” He curtly bowed in greeting as well. The man was in his mid 50s. He was of medium build and stature. Beneath the crest-shaped spectacles were eyes huge as almonds. Even if the old man’s face was laden with wrinkles, Jun noticed that he had a familiar set of eyes. So Mao inherited them from his father huh…

The head of Inoue Group of Companies approach the five idols. Like a sergeant inspecting soldiers in a line, Inoue Seiichi eyed them from head to toe.

“Ohno Satoshi. The leader of Arashi. An artist who’s had the privilege of having his own exhibit. A singer with an angelic voice. A dancer with God-like moves. Hobbies would include fishing. Am I right?” He stood in front of Ohno. Riida could only nod as a response.

The old man stepped towards Sho. “Sakurai Sho. The newscaster known for his signature Sakurap. Finished his studies in Keio University.” He pointed at him. Sho also did not know what to do so he opted to flash a smile. Sadly though, Inoue-san wrinkled his forehead at this and then moved to the next Arashi member in line.

“Aiba Masaki. The ‘Miracle Boy’, right? Known for his baka antics and sunny smile. The animal leader in Arashi.” Aiba let out a nervous “Hai”.

“Ninomiya Kazunari. The one with a Hollywood debut. A mischievous member of the group. Self-made gamer who couldn’t live without a gaming console. A singer-songwriter who’s also capable of being a one-man band.” Nino couldn’t help but wink at the man. This earned him a raised eyebrow.

Inoue-san finally reached the end of this Arashi line. “Ah… Matsumoto Jun. The youngest of this idol group. The one famous for being a DoS. But this didn’t prevent you from being popular among the ladies neh? I also heard that you’re in charge in most of your group’s concerts.” Jun bowed and answered ‘Hai’.

“Do you boys know what grave offense you’ve done to my daughter and family!?!” Inoue Seiichi finally burst out.

Inoue Mao had reached her father’s office. “Good morning Michiko. Having a great day?” She greeted the secretary.

“Ah. Inoue-san! Good morning to you too. Oh yes. So far everything’s good here.” She flashed a smile to the heiress.

“Good for you! Anou.. Is my father at his office? Has he eaten lunch yet? I’ve brought him a special bento.”

“Inoue-san is currently meeting our new client.”

“Ah.. Souka…” Mao replied with a hint of disappointment. “Who’s our new client?”

“You don’t know yet? It’s Arashi-san! They’ll be the new endorsers our latest smartphone line.”

“Arashi? The idol group Arashi?”

“Hai! Is there anything wrong, Inoue-san?”

Without warning Mao barged inside her father’s office. “Otousan!”

“Mao-chan! What on earth are you doing here?!” Inoue Seiichi bellowed.

Mao ran towards the boys and positioned herself between them and her father. She seemed to be protecting Arashi. “If you’re planning to punish them, don’t! Otousan, I already told you. They did me no harm. What we did was something mutual. If you’re going to punish them, might as well do it to me.”

A mortifying chuckle escaped from the president’s lips. “Punish, you say? Mao dear, if I really wanted to punish them, I would have crushed their careers right at that moment when you told me you’re pregnant with one of these boys child.” He returned to his desk and faced them all. “As I was explaining awhile ago before my daughter came barging in, I want to test if all of you are capable of being a father to my grandchildren. And since my loving daughter here said she also deserved the ‘punishment’ I’ll be giving you, well, she’ll be involved in this as well.”

Arashi and Mao had no idea what’s on Inoue Seiichi’s mind and they braced themselves for it.

“Here’s what I want you all to do. All of you need to live in one house.”

“What?” Mao exclaimed.

“You heard me right, Mao-chan. You and your idol friends have to share the same roof. Since we have to wait for the babies to come out before we identify who’s the father and I let him marry you, might as well let them practice for it while waiting.”

“I don’t understand.” Mao was bewildered. So were the boys.

“It’s pretty simple actually. I already researched about these boys and I found out they’re living in one house as Kitagawa-san ordered them to do so. The more time you get to spend with them, the more beneficial it would be for my grandchildren. You’ll get to know them more and they’ll be knowing a bit more about you, dearie. You’ll even get the chance to practice your skills as a soon-to-be-housewife.”

“What?” Clearly, Mao was not up for this.

Inoue-papa was now directed to Arashi. “From the time my daughter steps into your house, she’ll be your obligation. I trust you’ll take good care of her and her babies?”

“Hai.” Arashi answered in unison.

“Well then, everything’s settled. Mao-chan, as of now your things should have arrived at their house. You are banned from using your car. Also, you are temporarily relieved from your duties in Hime’s Kiss.”

“Oy chotto chotto! Otousan, what do you mean by relieved from my duties in Hime’s Kiss? I’m not allowed to work in my own shop?”

“Exactly, my dearie. This is best for your situation. Arashi will do the money earning while you take care of yourself and their house, just like a normal family. Only in your case, it’s not very much normal.” Another sinister smile flashed on the father’s face.  “Don’t worry; the head manager of your shop will take over. Since you’re the one who personally appointed her as the head, I guess there’s nothing to be worried about, Mao-chan.” Inoue Seiichi assured his daughter with a smile.

“If you have no more to complain about, well then, you may now leave my office. And Mao-chan,” He called upon his daughter. “you’ll be staying with them from tonight until I myself fetch you from them. Until then, enjoy your this new experience.” Her father personally led them the way out.

The Arashi and Inoue Mao silently exited the building. The men led Mao inside their vehicle. No one uttered a sound. All seemed to be still comprehending what the Inoue Group president ordered them to do so.

Mao was still bewildered with what’s going to happen.

Me and Arashi under the same roof? I’ll be living with those boys? All by myself? Arienaitsuno!