「 go hard. 」

綺麗わ汚い、汚いわ綺麗。

[akuxn]

dinner for two || Kuon & Shuuji

[shuuxji-blog]

“Pepsi.” He repeated the word with a slight tilt of his head before going to retrieve the drink as he listened to Kuon speak, grabbing a couple of glasses to fill them up to have with dinner. “It might be weird, but every family has those things that they do that might be weird to others.” He shrugged as he went to put the drink back in the fridge.

A snort escaped when he felt the other wrap his arms around his waist–low on his waist, as Kuon was a fair bit shorter than Shuuji was. He wanted to laugh but it would have been mean to. Either way- he did laugh at the others words. “It’s not my fault I’m so tall.” He rolled his eyes, though he remained standing there and patting Kuon’s hand. They had moments like this a fair amount–especially now that they were living together.

“Inner Italian side though, that sounds lame. Just say Italian side.” He joked with another playful roll of his eyes. Kuon wasn’t the typical Japanese person, Shuuji knew that easily. Even upon meeting him, he knew there was something different about the other. It was what drew Shuuji to him, and probably part of why they became such good friends.

“I’ve known you for longer than Ame though, so it’s not fair to ask me to shrink and not him. Besides, it’s unfortunately impossible to shrink.” He stated lightly, tone amused. “But let’s eat, alright? I’m hungry, and we have some celebrating to do.”

[akuxn]

Kuon shook his head and then insisted with a nod, a joking tone in his voice. "It is your fault that you're so tall. You should have known you'd get a best friend who's shorter than you and you should have shrunk a little to match my height."

"But I'm not Italian so I can't say Italian side. Or can I? I don't really know if there are any rules about it," he pursed his upper lip and hummed in thought, mind drifting away to ponder further on the topic. He had the skill, as he calls it, of venturing into a different topic and getting distracted. He calls it the ability to explore different areas and expand his exposure to all sorts of knowledge, but really it's just his way of beautifying a bad habit, which was his occasional disconnectedness to those around him or those who are not him.

Kuon nuzzled his cheek against Shuuji's back affectionately and pouted slightly, whining. "But because I've known you longer than Ame, I'm comfortable to request for a favour from you. And besides, the height difference between Ame and I isn't as big as my height difference as you so I'm fine with Ame staying the way he is!"

At Shuuji's words, Kuon sighed dramatically and pulled away from their embrace. He stretched his arms up into the air and strolled back leisurely to the dining room, yawning softly and then singing out. "Okay, moooom~"

[sbtxmia-blog]

☆`ʟᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ᴀᴋᴀᴍɪɴᴇ ᴋᴜᴏɴ’

@sbtkuon​ + deluxe package

Mayu had always been a quiet and reserved girl. She kept within her circle and preferred not to socialize with others she was unfamiliar with. But then, in her first year of high school, she meets second year Kuon. ‘Meet’ wasn’t the right word because Kuon probably didn’t remember her name, but she could still remember the day Kuon accidentally walked in on her crying in a corner and how he had comforted her so tenderly and with so much warmth. Ever since then, she had been going to all of his performances and admired him from afar. Now, about a year after he had graduated from high school and moved onto university, she sees him on TV as a new member of BYS42. She just knew that she had to continue supporting him and so, when the opportunity arose, she saved up enough money to send a deluxe package of chocolates his way with a letter attached to it.

LETTER

赤嶺くんへ、

Hello. You might not remember me but I am currently a 3rd year student at the high school you graduated from and when I was at a low moment, you happened to be there and gave me some soothing words of encouragement. If not for you, I may not be who I am today and because of how indebted I felt towards you, I began to sneak into your performances and gave my small support ever since that day. Till this day, I remember your words and I feel incredibly grateful for the kindness you’ve shown me that day. And now, I’d like to return at least some of that kindness to you. At first when I heard that you were no longer going to perform at the bar, I was very sad. But when I saw you on TV and found out the reason behind that decision, a fire immediately lit up in me and I knew that I had to show my support in some form or another.

Here is a deluxe package of chocolates as a long needed thank you for your warmth. I also want you to know that no matter what happens, I will continue to support you as you supported me for those brief moments. They may not have meant much to you, but they meant a lot to me and I will forever be thankful by your care and empathy. Please do your best! I will be cheering and rooting for you! If it’s you, I know you can do it.

                                                                                                                                            - 麻友より

[akuxn]

To Mayu,

Hello, Mayu-chan. I actually remember you and the time you're talking about. I'm happy to hear that I've helped you in some way and that you still remember what I've told you. I hope that you'll be able to remember those same words whenever you face a dark time or an obstacle in front of you, and that it will help you overcome that problem like you did that day.

You really didn't have to go through all this just for me! You even got the deluxe package for me! Now I feel indebted to you! (笑) I honestly feel grateful already that you sent me something because you can't imagine just how much your words has touched me. I know this is nothing compared to the deluxe package of chocolates you got for me, but I hope that this reply of mine will at least bring a small smile to your face.

Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words, and thank you as well for the support. I truly appreciate your letter and I think I'll never be able to forget what you've told me. Happy Valentine's Day.

- Kuon

[sbt-takahashian]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

@sbtkuon - regular package - 16yo soccer player girl

Kuru-kun,

Omedetou for passing the second gen audition !

I see we have a second soccer player here !

Since I’m a great soccer fan, and also Oomi’s fan, I should keep an eye on you :>

You make a great impression on BYshow, I hope you grew quickly as an idol ! I love your catchphrase by the way ! I can’t wait to see you perform.

I don’t think I will change of oshimen but there is enough place for you two !

You can count me as a fan from now on !

Do your best and Happy Valentine’s Day !

Haruka

[akuxn]

To Haruka,

Thank you for the congratulations~

So it seems! I've been playing soccer ever since I was in kindergarten, and it's a sport that will always have a special place in my heart.

Ah~ You're a fan of Sato-kun, ne? Though I'm happy that you've become a fan of mine and that you've placed me on the same ranks as Sato-kun, maybe one day you'll be my fan alone? www I'm kidding~

My catchphrase? Eeh, you're going to make me blush (笑) I'm happy you like it though! It took me quite some time to think of it so it seems my hard work paid off!

I will definitely do my best! Thank you for the chocolates and this letter! Happy Valentine's Day to you too!

- Kuon

[sbtaimi-deactivated20170228]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

To: @sbtkuon From: Rika, 15 y.o Package: Regular

Letter

Akamine-san, you are so cool!

I’m really glad that you made it into the group, I found my oshimen for sure. I barely know you but you have everything that I look for in an idol. Did you receive a lot of packages and letters? I hope so, because you deserve it a lot! I know you can become a very important member. You already mean the world to me and to a lot of other fans!

Is it hard being a BYS42 member? I hope you eat well and rest properly. As a fan, it’s my job to make sure that you stay happy. So please, don’t overwork yourself and make sure to keep your smile, ne? 

It was so great to see you on TV… I will try to attend every event you participate in. If my allowance is big enough… should I ask my parents for a small raise? It’s worth the scolding if it’s for you!

Akamine-san, please become an amazing person! I will always cheer for you!

Love,

Rika-chan.

[akuxn]

To Rika,

Thank you for such nice words. I honestly don't think I'm 'cool' or anything like that, but I definitely appreciate the compliment!

Aww, you're too sweet! You're going to make me blush, Rika-chan. However if you'd like to know, I've received quite the number of packages and I've taken it upon myself to read each and every letter word for word. Even if it might sound untrue, I treasure all of the letters I've received and I value them all very much.

Being a BYS42 member isn't an easy job, that much I can say, but I enjoy every second of it. For sure, I will try my very best to be healthy and rested. As for smiling, well... we'll see (笑)

If you're going to get scolded by your parents, then you should definitely not do it! Whenever I wanted to buy something I wanted, I would save up and ask my mother if she wanted to pay me to do more house chores than I was 'required' to do. Maybe you could do that as well? I'm sure your mother will be happy to hear that you'd like to help out around the house!

Thank you so much for the chocolates and this letter! I will do my best!

- Kuon

[sbtxseika-blog]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

@sbtkuon

Sender: Takekura Iori Package: Special

Good afternoon, Kuon-san!

How are you? We’ve been on holidays recently which means I’ve had lots of time to work at my part-time to save money! I’m saving up for your next event so I hope you’ll have one soon! And since I had a bit of extra, I managed to get the special package just for you! I hope you like it!

It’s a bit embarrassing to say but you seem to be really fit and healthy, like those guys in the gym! (笑）Do you work out a lot?? Or are there any sports you do regularly? I’m part of the volleyball team at school and last year, we won the girls nationals!! We’re aiming for a win this year too! We will do our best so I hope at the same time, Kuon-san will too! Fighto!!!

From: Takekura Iori

[akuxn]

To Takekura,

Hello, Takekura-chan. I'm doing well and I hope you are as well. I also hope that you're not saving money just for us, but at the same time I hope you're doing what makes you happy!

Thank you so much for getting the special package for me! You really didn't have to, but it's definitely a nice feeling receiving chocolates from such a cute girl. I know this really isn't much, but I hope this letter will make you smile at least half as much as I did reading your letter

Eeh? I don't think I'm that fit or healthy, but thank you for the compliment! I can't speak for the other members but I work out every now and then, and I've been playing soccer since I was in kindergarten. Your team won nationals? This is really belated but congratulations!! It's honestly an honour having a supporter who's a champion. I wish your team all the best and I hope you win this year too!

I will definitely do my very best! Thank you again for the chocolates and this letter! I'll treasure it greatly!

- Kuon

[bys42]

February 26th, BYShow Studio

The recording started with the camera facing empty seats. The two MCs walked in and greeted everyone, with their usual spunky enthusiasm.

“I guess by now, our viewers realized that something is missing… as much as we like having the studio to ourselves, I’m sure there are some excited boys waiting to join us,” Saito said as Hora nodded vigorously. As soon as she said that, a staff member gave the signal to the second generation, allowing them to walk onto the set and stand between the two show hosts.

“Since the first generation isn’t here… how about you guys steal their seats! Come on, don’t be shy! You’re taking over the show so do it properly. We even did something for you guys,” Hora laughed as the camera focused on the seats where the second generation members’ names had been written.

They were asked to sit down as the MCs made their speech, wishing them the best of luck for their first official episode recording and how they were certain that the boys would do a great job. At some point, Hora left the set for a few seconds, coming back while rolling what seemed like a long table with a box covered in wrapping paper.

“We have a gift for you in order to celebrate your first recording… and also, let’s admit it, to celebrate these punks’ absence. What a vacation, right?” He grinned for a split second, after which he went back to his usual grumpy expression. “What a better way to party than with this!”

He lifted up the box with Saito’s help. Placed in the middle were a rectangular, delicious looking cream cake along with enough bottle of coca cola for everyone. They asked for all the boys to sit at the table and take a picture for memory’s sake, and then proceeded to divide the cake. When they all had a piece of it in front of them, the MCs included, the plan went into motion. “Let’s all try it at once, and thank our viewers for their support. 3, 2, 1… eat!” But the MCs only pretended to take a bite.

Iida Sasuke, the second generation and BYS42’s youngest member, was the very first to swallow his bite. And the taste of it was beyond terrible. It was so disgusting that he spit it out instinctively. It was unbearable. Salty enough that his mouth already felt dry. So spicy that his tongue and throat went numb. Was the cream wasabi? That’s what it felt like…

In order to get rid of the bad taste, and soothe the burning sensation, Sasuke grabbed a bottle of coca cola and gulped it down, only to spit the liquid. Vinegar. It was vinegar. Or something similar. He felt tears on the corner of his eyes. That’s how horrible it tasted. Is this how I die, he suddenly thought.

As the boys were reacting to this very special treat, Hora clapped his hands together, a look of pure joy on his face. “Smile for the camera! That’s a sight I want to keep forever.”

They also took another picture after, just for the fun of it. When the boys finally returned to their seats - after a sip of well-deserved water - the MCs were still laughing. “Let’s watch a clip of this beautiful moment together. We couldn’t let you join the BYShow family without some sacrifice. But you’re officially in now! Congratulations, boys!”

[akuxn]

When the box was lifted up, he gawked in slight awe at the delicious-looking cake and his sweet tooth practically screamed happily. There was truly almost nothing Kuon didn't love to eat if not for bitter food, though he firmly believes no one on the planet loves bitter food except for people from Okinawa. After they were each given a slice of cake and everything settled down, they took a bite from the cake on the count of three and Kuon's left eye immediately twitched on impulse as soon as it got in contact with his taste buds, a small shiver running up his spine at the odd combination of flavours. He was definitely shocked, tasting a mixture of salty and spicy when he was expecting something sweet, but his eyes didn't grow wide like some/most of the other members.

Kuon loves spicy food; his spicy tolerance is rather high and though he had to admit that the spiciness was tickling his mouth a little, it wasn't as unbearable as some/most of the other members were expressing. He also has a good relationship with salty food. Though his tolerance for saltiness may not be as high as his spicy tolerance, there have been plenty of times where his friends would say something was salty but to him it was nothing out of the ordinary. When people realize his high tolerance for spicy and salty food, they accuse him of having dead tastebuds, but that is far from the truth. Kuon loves eating and he's able to savour flavours normally -- he may even argue that his tastebuds are more sensitive than others; he just simply has a high tolerance for certain tastes.

Even for him however, the 'cake' was a little salty and he felt a small need to quench his slight thirst. He reached out for the coca cola, about to grab hold of it when he saw Iida's reaction to the drink. He winced slightly as he watched the younger member tear up and, curiosity taking over him, he opened the bottle and took a sniff, immediately regretting his decision and putting the cap back on. Though he loved vinegar in his food, one must admit that its stench could probably kill small animals, and Kuon was completely against animal cruelty.

He heard one of the MCs speak and he groaned softly. They obviously knew of the plans to torment the members, those sadists. He didn't want to give them the satisfaction that they won, yet at the same time he didn't want to smile for the camera either. So instead, he just stared straight into the camera and cut out another bite of the cake, placing it into his mouth and showing as little of a reaction as he could.

[sbtsuzuran]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

@sbtkuon

Package type: Regular Sender: Reiko, 33 years old

Kuon-kun,

My name is Reiko, I’m a mother of two little boys full of energy and I recharge my own energy by watching BYShow. I think to myself that I would really like my boys to grow up beautifully like you! My favorites are in the first generation, but I had an extra package and decided to send it to a second generation member. You are the one who caught my attention the most. I will try to visit at the next handshake event! It should be soon since BYS42 is debuting soon. I’m really nervous and excited. I’ll try to support the group the best way I can! Even if it means buying 50 copies!

Have a good day,

Mama Reiko

[akuxn]

To Reiko,

You flatter me too much, Reiko-san. You're going to make me blush!

I'm really happy that out of the other second generation members, you chose me to send your extra package to. To be honest because I've just recently become a member of BYS, I've been a little insecure about a few aspects but receiving so much support from everyone has really boosted my spirits!

Please help me say hello to your young boys and relay the message that though we think mothers can be very strict or are intentionally preventing you from having fun, they do the things that they do because they love you and they do it with your best interest at heart.

Please do come for the next handshake event! I hope you'll be able to bring your boys with you because I'd love to meet them! Thank you so much for these chocolates and also for your support! I appreciate it greatly!

- Kuon

[sbtjun]

@sbtkuon

Package type: Special Sender: Reika

Sir, you are under arrest! 

Why? Because you are too good looking! From the moment I saw you, you shot my heart and there was no going back. Are you going to take responsibility for it?

Am I being too forward? hahaha

What I’m trying to say is that I watched BYShow and fell for you from the first moment. You aren’t my favorite in the group yet (who it is, I keep it a secret~) but I wanted to show you support! Good luck second generation! Good luck Akamine-san!!

Reika

[akuxn]

To Reika

I'm under arrest? Eh?! What should I do?! I need to tell my mom!

(笑) I don't think you're being too forward! I think you're just confident, which is something I actually find rather attractive. I'm personally still not very confident in front of the camera, but I'm definitely working on it. Let's hope I become confident enough to soon be your favourite, ne?

I'm happy that you at least like me enough to get the special package for me! I know that people shouldn't be materialistic, but the fact that you spent more money than the minimum requirement just for someone like me is very touching. If ever we run into each other, do approach me okay? I'll remember your name and hopefully by then, I've become your favourite! Thank you for the support! I'll do my very best!

- Kuon

[taiyousbt-deactivated20160310]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

@sbtkuon

Saito Miku + Special Package

Dear Kuon,

You might remember me, do you? You better! Saito Miku, we did a project together in high school and you broke my heart….

Anyway! I still haven’t given up on you and I believe we will be together one of these days!!! These chocolates are proof that I haven’t given up on our love, and I hope you will enjoy them. Don’t throw them away!

To think that my future husband is an idol, it makes me so happy and proud! Please do your best and make as much money as possible so we can support our future children, ne?

Miku

[akuxn]

To Saito,

Ah... I'm sorry about that. Really. It wasn't my intention to lead you on the way I did, but that doesn't change the fact that it happened and I ended up hurting you. I'm sorry.

I definitely won't throw away these chocolates, but I can't say with as much certainty that we'll end up together one day. You now have competition, after all (笑) Of course, I'm not asking you to give up! I actually respect your determination, and I hope you're able to have the same determination for everything else that comes your way. If I remember correctly, you continued on to university too, right? Let's both study hard together until our brain's explode! Not literally, but I hope you get what I mean.

Are you still in touch with your friends from high school? If so, let's organize a little high school reunion! I'll invite my friends along and you can invite yours! I know that it's bad to always look back, but reminiscing from time to time and rekindling old friendships isn't so bad right?

Thank you for these. You even got me the special package! I truly appreciate your support. Happy Valentine's Day.

- Kuon

[lnxqi]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

@sbtkuon + Regular Package

The girl made a beeline to the counter without casting a glance at the CDs. She just wanted to send him a gift and that’s all she’s there for. Scraping out a couple of crumpled bills, she bored her eyes into the staff as she spoke with a soft, high-pitched voice. The straight bangs only made her looked more like a Japanese doll, but her flat nose and thick lips landed awkwardly on her face, her small eyes looked as if it’s in a permanent squint, pushed up by the full cheeks on a bloated face. The 22-year-old scratched at the back of her neck as she waited, shifting her backpack uncomfortable manner every now and then out of habit.

LETTER

Dearest Kuon. Do you remember me? I once sent a male to your 755 before, but you didn’t sound too happy to hear from me…It’s okay, we can always get to know each other anew. I saw you in person before, by chance occurance of course, near the Sony Building. You looked much better in real life, you know?^^ I mean, you always looked great on TV with your sharp features. Those looks, it’s almost as if I have fallen in love at first sight! How absurd is that, right? (laughs) I’ve bought these chocolates for you just hoping that you’d read my message…if only I could buy the deluxe box for you. But one day I will, when I earn enough! Will you wait for me? Or let me be your valentines, maybe? Haha…joking. 

Happy Valentines, love ♥

P.S: I think you looked most flattering in that red shirt.

Love from your no.1 admirer, Sana

[akuxn]

To Sana,

I'm sorry to say this but I want to be completely honest with you: I've received a few messages on 755 so I don't think I remember who you are exactly. I sound like a bad guy, don't I? I'm sorry, but I'd rather be truthful than lie. However! I think that'll help your wish of starting anew so let's do that.

You saw me in person? You should have come up to me! That is, if you don't cause a big scene because I don't do too well in those kinds of situations; I'm still new to the idea of having people besides family and friends supporting me, but I will work hard and do my best for everyone.

(笑) You're going to make me blush, but thank you for your nice words. I'm happy you like me in red because red is one of my favourite colours. Who would have guessed, huh?

Thank you for the chocolates. Happy Valentine's Day to you too.

- Kuon

[sbtxainomaki]

Letter to Akamine Kuon

To: @sbtkuon From: Disguised as fancily written letter from a girl who likes to scribble stars and sparkles. Switches to relaxed hurried writing in the end. Old school mate. Regular package.

Happy happy Valentine’s day dearie!

I’m so glad you opened my letter! I hope this sends my love to you in full star power! Please notice me someday, okay? I love watching your cute round face on TV- I mean what the hell man, I can’t write stuff like that even if I tried. Sorry that I haven’t kept in touch, hopefully this letter will reach you. Like, how many letters will you get? Ten? Ten hundred? Man, I’m jealous, but then again, the last thing I’d want to do would be to perform in front of.. anyone really. Even if it meant hundreds of letters from cute girls! 

It’s nice to be able to say I know an idol though! If you have any of the extra charm, please send it this way, I need it, or I’ll be lonely this Valentine’s day :( Help a guy out will ya? No? :( Pleeeaassseee? Okay thanks! Happy Valentine’s day, don’t let the chocolate rot your teeth!

Most affectionately,

Kadota

[akuxn]

To Kadota,

As soon as you revealed who you were, I immediately gagged. What the hell, man?! Don't torment me like that!

Well, I guess you can say it's punishment for all the letters I'll receive from cute girls? It's not even my fault if people send me chocolates so I don't even know why the heck I should even be punished.

What did you mean by cute, round face? Are you trying to call me pudgy?! Maa, pushing that aside, we should totally hang out some time like back in the day! Not because I want to kill you for implying I'm pudgy, of course www I haven't changed my email address since we graduated high school so you know how to contact me! I'm currently rooming with Shuuji so I can definitely drag him along and we can have a little high school reunion! I recommend our place because you know we're gonna be loud as heck and be a nuisance if we were out in public www

If we meet up, maybe I'll share some of my chocolates with you so you better message me! Until then!

- Kuon

[akuxn]

—» boys, be cautious || Kuon & Mitsuru

[princehuixandco-deactivated2017]

“Do you guys really have to go now? You guys suck.” Mitsuru pursed his lips at his two friends Mamoru and Haru. They new he didn’t actually mean it so with that that comment they just laughed at him, and after Haru gave him a pat on his shoulder they were off and Mitsuru was alone.

When his stomach growled  the brunet looked down to speak to it. “I know, seems like we will be eating alone today buddy.” He gave it a pat and began walking in the opposite direction of his friends.

Honestly Mitsuru could ask anyone to go with him since he was practically friends with the whole school, or the guys at school at least. He had a good amount of female friends too but girls had a habit of avoiding him because they new of his perverted personality. Sadly though the girls at the school just assumed he was a creep because of the magazines he would sneak into class. If they actually got to know him he was very polite and nice to women, he was just kind of an idiot when it came to talking to them sometimes.

As he turned the corner he noticed someone running towards him, and when he thought a bit to himself he realized it was Shuuji’s friend Kuon. “Yo!” He waved and smiled towards him, something seemed off though, the other looked like he was running from something or someone. He then remembered hearing from others Kuon’s habit.

“Who did you anger this time?” Mitsuru asked as Kuon ran past him, and when he was out of his sight he looked over to see young girl running with great determination towards them, and she looked pretty angry. “Girls look cute when they’re angry.” He accidentally said out loud, the masochist in him slighting showing itself now that he was watching what was happening.

[akuxn]

Kuon knew that his time on Earth would come to an end soon. Though he was for sure athletic, he knew at some point that his stamina would run out and it would only be a matter of time before she caught up to him. At all costs, he didn't want her to catch up to him, or at least while he was still on her bad side. With that thought in mind, he took a deep breath and looked back straight at her, begging for forgiveness. "Nakagawa-chan, I'm sorry! We don't have to be friends if you want to stay away from me but please, just forgive me!"

To his dismay, his words only angered the girl further and she roared back. "Forgive you? Forgive you? Screw you! After everything, you think we could still be friends or that I could forgive you? Fuck you, you piece of shit!"

Oh, boy. You really did it this time, Kuon.

Her glare intensified and Kuon stiffened in fear, speeding up and trying to grow the distance between them again. He then heard a familiar voice and he looked up to see it was one of Shuuji's friends. Though they haven't really gotten the opportunity to speak, the other male seemed friendly enough and Kuon had a good impression of him. That is, until he spoke again. "Shut up!" Kuon whined as he made a sharp turn.

Lucky for him (but not for Mitsuru), the exact moment Kuon turned around the corner was exactly when Nakagawa chose to jump up and throw a flying kick at Kuon with a loud cry. But what her foot landed on was not Kuon's chest, but Mitsuru's. She issued a hard blow to Mitsuru instead and she felt victorious for catching up to "Kuon", only to find that her victim was an innocent bystander and the triumphant grin on her face immediately replacing with a frown. She knelt down in front of Mitsuru and began fussing over him, genuinely worried. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to kick you, I was chasing after-- You know what, that doesn't matter right now. Do you need help? Let's go to the infirmary!"

[akuxn]

—» 英語の本 || Kuon & Masaaki

[yumexsaaki-blog]

If being on stage and singing was close to being fish in water for Masaaki, then the one other oasis on land had to be book stores. Wandering in Kinokuniya on one of the rare breaks instead of heading for extra training, Masaaki thought he’d reward himself with a couple of new reads for the year, a motivator for him to complete one final examination in the following week before he could commit fully to BYS42 training. The smell of paper was all to familiar to him, previously a book assistant in a smaller indie store near his school, and instantly eased the knots of his shoulders into a slight slouch.

Kinokuniya bookstores always had one of the most complete collections throughout Japan, despite being a ‘branded’ bookstore, and the variety of things that he could read spoiled him to no end. Wide eyes roamed the shelves as he moved slowly, pulling out books at random whenever he found something interesting; by the end of the first hour, he found himself holding two novels in his arms, and the search for new material goes on.

An abrupt turn of his heels to the opposite direction, he bumped right into another patron in the cramp aisle. “Ah! I’m sorry,” he uttered from instinct, before eyes fell on a familiar face. Masaaki’s chocolate orbs flickered to the book on the floor, before bending down to pick it up. The small font of foreign characters - English - had him blinking as he handed the book back to his member (that thought felt strange, but he’d get used to it sooner if he kept using it, he suppose).

“You read, Akamine-san?” he started, mostly because he would never have associated 'bookish’ to his outgoing image, and the imagination of Kuon with a pair of thick frames seemed funny instead of serious. “I mean, you understand English well?” he added, noting how his first sentence probably didn’t come out well. In fact, it bordered on being rude, and that’s not what he’s aiming at. Books and Kuon. Who would have known, really? “What are the odds of meeting in a bookstore,” he chuckled, dropping his hands, “you liked that series? Ah gamuofuterronesu?”

[akuxn]

"Shit, I'm sorry," Kuon immediately apologized almost in sync with the younger gentleman and he took the book from him gratefully, eyes widening when he realized who the person was and freezing a bit.

He identifies Tezuka as one of the first generation members of BYS42. He knew of him vaguely from small mentions of the male every now and then from his best friend Shuuji, and then more officially when he became a member of BYS42 himself. Now here he was, standing in front of him and witnessing Kuon's first ever experience at a book store.

Great, he groaned in his mind. Just what he needed to make his trip an officially traumatic experience.

Of course he doesn't hate Tezuka -- he's known the guy for far too short to have a bad impression or opinion on him. It's just that he had already felt embarrassed planning a day to go to the book store and being caught in the act made it all the more worse. It could have been his parents or his friends or his previous boss; whoever it was would have made Kuon as flabbergasted as he was now and it just coincidentally happened to be Tezuka.

Though on the inside he was practically in a state of panic, he still managed to appear calm and collected on the outside. It's a great skill of his, definitely, being able to put on a face despite the raging thunderstorm within, and it was definitely a useful skill to have because without it, Kuon would have felt even more abashed than he already was, surprisingly enough.

Because his mind was all over the place, his mouth was confused and began to move on its own, words falling out without any planning and just trying to form sentences. "Well, not really. I read from time to time but that's about it." Liar, you haven't read anything that wasn't a textbook or school-related since you were a kid.

"I guess you could say that! Or at least I understand English well enough to get by. But yea, I do quite like Game of Thrones. I've started watching the TV series and I heard the books were better, so I'm trying to give it a shot," he ended off with a grin, trying to appear as confident as he sounded.

[akuxn]

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[akuxn]

—» advice necessary || Kuon & Junji

@sbtxjunji

Because of Kuon's outgoing and friendly nature, he was in at least talking terms with all the second generation members of BYS42. Of course there were some who he was closer to than the others, but one of the ones he was fairly good friends with happened to be Desrosiers Junji. The older gentlemen differed from Kuon rather greatly, or at least in terms of outward appearance and behaviour. Specifically, in front of an audience or the camera.

You'd think that growing up in Italy would do him some good but Kuon was definitely camera shy. However, it somehow worked out for him. Without any effort, whenever he's in front of an audience or a camera he's able to pull out from within him a cool and almost dark persona. It's automatic, really, and though it sounds good in theory, it's all possible because of how shy he is when not specifically wanted eyes are on him.

Junji was different. Junji was confidence and passion rolled into one, and Kuon greatly admired him for it. Which is why during a short break in the middle of practice for their comedy segment in BYS4's Talent Club, he sat down beside the male and spoke earnestly. "Des-san is so cool. It's amazing how you can be so self-assured in front of the camera. I can't do that, I just get all shy and then somehow I 'pretend' to be someone else. Ne... do you by any chance have any tips you could share with me? Anything is fine! And I'm not trying to be as good or better than you, of course. I just want to improve myself, even if it's just by a bit."

[akuxn]

—» (not) comedy relief

"Why" was the word that kept on repeating itself in Kuon's mind. He considered himself to be a funny guy. Or at least that's what he's gathered from the laughter and grins he earns from friends whenever he cracks a joke or does something humorous. Though at times his sense of humor may not appeal to everyone's taste, he was in general a comedic guy. But being forced to be funny in front of a camera? That's a completely different ball game. See, cameras and him don't get along well. Taking pictures with friends or family was completely fine, but whenever he's forced to be in front of a camera he changes completely against his will. His inability to act or be funny in front of the camera is already worse enough, but what adds to the problem is his amazing 'knack' for memorizing things he wasn't very passionate about, and sometimes even when he was passionate about something. The entire time as they practiced, Kuon would bow his head slightly and mumble a soft sorry. At first he was very solemn with his apologies but as time went on, he just got more and more frustrated with himself and he was sure the members were starting to get agitated with him as well, even if they say otherwise as a polite gesture and they may not feel the same level of anger as he does. When they were given a small break, Kuon dragged himself over to his bag and grabbed his water bottle, chugging down the remaining contents of it. He was going to get this right, he promised to himself. Not just for his sake, but for the members and for the viewers as well.

[akuxn]

dinner for two || Kuon & Shuuji

[shuuxji-blog]

Shuuji seriously couldn’t believe it when he heard the announcement–the second gen held a couple of people that were already familiar to him. His high school friend Mitsuru–and the one that really stunned him was his best friend Kuon. Of course he knew that his friend had a major interest in the industry, but Shuuji was beyond shocked to know that he was now in the second gen of BYS42. He felt thrilled that Kuon made it, and that they could now be in the same group together, but he also felt a small sting of hurt from not having been told about it before the announcement. He figured that Kuon just wanted to surprise him. 

Regardless, he was happy to celebrate. Shuuji wanted to pick out the cake–Kuon’s favorite, as the other had already decided that he wanted to make them dinner once they got back to the apartment. He spent a while sending teasing comments towards his friend, because it was rare for the other to step in the kitchen to actually do some cooking. He had teased the other before he left for tour about how he would be eating cup noodles every day, but Kuon really was quite the decent cook when he actually tried.

“It smells good.” Shuuji stated as he came to the kitchen, inhaling the smell of the lasagne that his friend had made. “I tease you a lot, but you’re actually pretty good at this, huh? What do you want to drink?” He asked, going to the fridge and peering in. Despite his earlier thoughts, Shuuji really was happy and excited for his friend. 

[akuxn]

"Pepsi!" Kuon replied back almost immediately, feeling the need to explain himself for his quick answer and continuing. "Ever since I can remember, whenever my family ate dishes with marinara or tomato sauce like pizza or spaghetti, we would accompany it with a carbonated drink, more specifically Pepsi. I never really questioned it but I don't know, is it weird?" After adjusting the plates and cutlery more neatly than it already was, he walked back into the kitchen and spotted Shuuji filling up a glass with Pepsi for him. He moved around to position himself behind the taller male and he wrapped his arms around his waist, snuggling against his back and whining. "Why must you be so taaaall? You're hurting my inner Italian side, I need 'ta cuddle ya without feeling like m'hurting myself!" Just by knowing Kuon for a few minutes, people could tell he hadn't grown up in Japan, a place that was stereotypically less touchy-feely than where he did grow up. People said that southern Italians were more affectionate than their northern counterparts, and for Kuon who grew up in the south of Italy that theory may just be right. At first, out of fear that he would chase Shuuji away, he kept himself in check and kept his hands to himself. But after a month or so, Kuon couldn't contain his love for his new found friend any longer and he found himself clinging onto Shuuji rather frequently. Kuon let out a grumble and he buried his face into Shuuji's back, mumbling stubbornly. "Shrink, please. Ame's already a bit taller than me, I don't want my best friend towering over me any longer too."