Snapshot: Chapter 02

“And TAKE!”

At the very words, the people inside TBS studio clapped and congratulated Arashi for a job well done on their newest music video. Arashi, who’s quite used to this set up, was able to give pleasant smiles to those around them. Though tired and a wee bit irritated due to the fact that they lack rest, they were still able to keep their cool.

It was all part of their job.. Singing, dancing, hosting, modeling, acting. Idols as fans and media would call them. That’s what the members of Johnny Entertainment does. They can’t complain though. If it’s wasn’t for the company, they won’t be where they are now.

“Finally!” Nino commented as soon as they entered their green room. Aiba and Sho sat on the couch while Jun and Ohno grabbed several bottles of water, throwing the remaining ones to their friends. “But that was fun.” He added.

Ohno smiled at this fact. “Well, it wasn’t as colorful as our previous music videos but I’m exhausted. I mean, jumping all around while singing..” He laughed at this. “It’s difficult to kept jumping and turning around in different forms.”

Aiba nodded eagerly at this. “I’m still dizzy… Especially after that back flip thing I did... They made me do it about.. What? Five times?!” He complained as he gulped the water down. He quickly turned to Ohno. “You stepped on my foot after you landed from that jump.. It hurts a lot!” He added and sighed “And I really wanna sleep..” Stressing on the last word as he laid his head on the couch.

The group was fooling around when the agency’s big boss arrived. They all stood up to greeted him. It doesn’t matter how famous a talent is. This person can make OR break them anytime he wants to. No sense in going against him. Besides, he’s not a bad person. A bit moody but definitely not bad.

“It’s our break, President” Aiba complained, bringing on his already-irritated-wanna-complain-everything attitude. “We worked for three days straight with only 3 hours of sleep each day and you did promised us that today’s our break…” He mumbled as he took the pillow beside him and placed it at the back of his head, closing his eyes for a bit.

“Ok.. Ok.. I get it already, Aiba..” the gray-haired man answered and looked at the other members of Arashi. “I know you guys are looking forward on today’s day off and I’m really sorry for this..” He started and that introduction gained a much-expected groans from the five. “We have a very important business meeting to attend..” Sho sat on the couch beside Aiba, looking anything but happy. They appreciate the things Johnny do for them but he should at least try to give them some time to relax. “I promised.. I know..” He started as he took in their expressions. “But this one’s very sudden and the only available schedule wherein we can talk with the photographer is today..” At this point, Johnny placed a folder over the coffee table in front of them and extracted a contract which he signed.

Arashi looked at him weirdly. And Jun took the contract, scanned it and his eyes widened. “Sakura Magazine?” He asked, his face wearing a ghastly mask. “But I thought you said we were not to do any transaction with that magazine..”

“Yeah.. Something about the editor in chief being an ass or something like that..” Sho supplied, taking the contract from Jun and scanning it. Nino and Ohno were peering at the back while Aiba walked towards them and scanned the contract.

Johnny nodded and smiled at this. “I know.. But this time, it’s different.. The editor in chief quit for some brainless reason and now, the magazine’s editor happened to be a very close friend of mine.” He put in and took the contract from them, pointing on the name at the bottom on the contract. “Haruka Charles is a long time friend. She seldom asks me for favors and so, since the demands are small and they pay is well, I accepted it.” He finished.

Sho looked at the president then gave a smirk. “There’s something into it.. You won’t simply accept a term, even if she is from a close friend, unless there’s an added plus into the deal.” Johnny gave Sho a knowing smile and in return, the younger man sighed. “I knew it..” He sighed as he sat beside Ohno.

“Smart one, Keio Boy..” Johnny complimented as he took a book inside the folder. It was a paperback issue of some sort. It was entitled ‘Chocolat’ and he smiled more as Arashi scanned the paperback. It was a photobook that Haruka gave Johnny. The same photobook which made him agree to sign the contract.

Sho took the book and start scanning it. Ohno’s eyes were literally huge as he scanned the pages. There are times when he would stop Sho from turning the pages, as if analyzing the photos inside the book.

‘Chocolat’ happened to be a photo collection of this Jo-person. The book contained numerous photos about the ways of how people would eat chocolates. A paperback photobook published in France. A silly matter to think of but once the photos are seen, there’s a certain effect within the pictures which made the readers stop for a while and stare at the pictures.

Variety of images can be seen inside the book. An image of a woman eating a chocolate parfait while looking outside the store window; a middle school student drinking a pack of chocolate drink as she walked towards her school; a child eating chocolates with messy hands and choco-smeared mouth; lovers sharing a piece of chocolate shake and a lot more. “The techniques are great..”

Aiba, who had no idea on photography, was able to comment on something Ohno earlier noticed. “Yeah.. Most of the pictures taken are candid.. The subjects didn’t have any idea that they are used as models.. It gave the photos a special effect since the expressions of the people are.. Well, natural..”

Jun laughed slightly at this. “If Aiba noticed such details, this photographer must be really good.” The rest laughed as Aiba simply pouted and crossed his arms over his chest.

Nino looked at the last page of the paperback then narrowed his eyes. He then took the book from Sho and peered into the first page, the front cover then the back cover. “Jo Sashika...” He blurted out then looked all over the book again. “Only the name’s written here.. No picture, no biography, no nothing..” He observed as he placed the book back on the table.

Johnny nodded at this. “Which made Jo mysterious to people. The only things I know about him are all from Haruka. If one wanted to appoint him as their personal photographer for an event or shoot, they have to talk to his secretary.” He tried to remember the information Haruka gave him. “Jo Sashika” He sighed as leaned back on his seat. “A very well trained photographer. Graduated from France with honors and at the age of 23, was able to put up his own studio here in Japan. ‘Liason’.”

“And you are telling us these because.." Jun asked as he tried to fish more information from Johnny.

“Because for your next photo shoot project, Arashi will be working with him. Sakura Magazine’s Valentines Edition. They were able to cut a deal with Liason and he agreed to be their photographer. They really went all out for this edition..” He pointed out as he started to count off the reason on how he came up with that conclusion. “First, your talent fees are not something a simple magazine company can afford. Second, Liason’s photography fee is also not something a small magazine company can afford.”

“And you did this only for the money?!” Nino asked, flabbergasted.

“Idiot... I accepted because it can serve as a good training ground on modeling..” He explained. “You guys have been in this industry for almost nine years and I think you excelled in most areas but personally, there are still things which needs improvements.. This time, we’ll try modeling.”

“Jo is known for his stern attitude. Very frank and straightforward. Most models backed out on their photo shoot because of this reason but those who survived became better models and their photos came out really great.”

Arashi listened to this and smiled. “We get paid to do training.. Cool..” Sho said and looked at Aiba, who was nodding in agreement. He then shrugged and smiled. “It’ll be a good opportunity for us..”

Ohno nodded in agreement and looked at Johnny. “You said before that we have to meet this.. Jo-person.. What for?”

At this Johnny shrugged. “I don’t even have any idea. It’s the first time I’ve heard of a photographer doing a small interview with his models before the actual shoot.. Maybe it’s something only photographers understand..” He explained then shrugged.

Arashi looked at each other then gave a small laugh. They all find this situation interesting and beneficial for the group. Jun then looked at the time. “It’s 3:00 in the afternoon. Where will be going and when’s the meeting?”

“8PM and we’ll be heading to Osaka. Freshen up, pack up and do whatever you guys need to do. We can’t let him wait for too long.. From what I’ve heard, one of the things he really hates is tardiness.. Now.. Move your asses and I’ll meet you at the parking lot in 10 minutes.” With that, Johnny left the room, leaving Arashi to do what he instructed them to do.

“MatsuJun, do remind me to scan these photos.. They’re really good..” Ohno asked Jun as he packed the photo book and the youngest Arashi member simply nodded in reply.