Title: A World of Secrecy

Author: Regina Wren

E-mail: wren13 @ gmail.com
Fandom & Pairing: Arashi and KAT-TUN; Jun x Ueda
Keywords: shounen ai, romance, fluff
Rating: Kids
Words: 686
Status: Complete

Disclaimer: I am not associated with Arashi, KAT-TUN, their record labels, or Johnny Kitagawa, and no infringement on any of their rights is intended. This is a work of fiction; so far as I know, none of this ever happened. I'm not making any profit from this, and I own nothing except the story itself.

Comments: Unusual pairing, I know. But I was inspired.



A World of Secrecy
by Regina Wren



Ueda was about to sit down to read some of his fan mail when Jun stuck his head around the door. The green room was crowded with staff, but it may as well have been empty for all Ueda noticed. Jun was dressed ready for the camera, business-like and handsome in a suit, as always.

"Hey, man," Koki waved to the Utawara host. "Have a seat."

"Actually I was just looking for Ueda."

Ueda dropped his fan mail onto the table beside him. A pink envelope with girlish writing lay on top, and he pretended to be very interested in the letter as his ears latched onto Koki's voice.

"Yeah, he's back there, in the corner."

"Thanks."

The noise of the room took over, and Ueda didn't need to look up to know Jun was heading towards him. Certain that someone would hear how loud his heart was beating, he took a deep breath to steady himself before he turned to face Jun.

"Hey," he said casually, leaning back against the table.

"Hey."

Jun really did have a nice smile, bright and charming. That included that lopsided, amused smile he slipped into so often. In fact, it gave him a quiet, roguish quality that Ueda found incredibly attractive.

His face grew warm at the thought and he shrugged, causing hair to fall forward over his face.

"Someone said you had a copy of the newest Myojo," Jun said.

Of course he did. Arashi was in it.

"Yeah. Why?"

Jun shook his head with a laugh. "This is going to sound weird, but can I borrow it? I'll bring it back at the end of the show."

"Uh, sure." Ueda had to force his gaze away from the man infront of him. If that was a weird request it didn't matter. It got Jun talking to him.

Ueda turned and stepped over to his bag. He was always very careful not to mention Jun Matsumoto in interviews, or around the rest of KAT-TUN. It would be mortifying if anyone knew or even suspected his crush. Better not to give anyone even the smallest suspicion. Least of all Jun himself. Safe in his quiet world of secrecy he was free to watch and observe as much as he wanted. Alone, but unashamed, and unafraid.

He rifled quickly through his bag.

A few moments later a shadow stepped up behind him. Dark, long-legged. Jun. Ueda let a small smile surface. No one knew how much Jun's closeness stirred his blood, made him warm, and thrilled him all over. He slowed down, drawing out the moment a little longer.

"Here," he said when he finally turned, holding out the magazine.

Jun reached out. For a second their fingertips touched.

Surprise and shock made Ueda recoil, but his fingers tingled. It was only accidental contact, it didn't mean anything. But at the same time it meant more to him than anyone could have guessed.

"Thanks a lot. Like I said, I'll bring it back after the show," Jun smiled.

"Sure. No problem."

It was pleasant though, this reaction the other man set off in him. Secret, embarrassing, but so wonderful.

Only after Jun had turned and walked away again did Ueda notice his stack of fan mail. On top of the letters and cards lay a single, red rose.

Half sentences of surprise tumbled through his head. How did...? Did he...?"

In two steps Ueda was beside the table again, picking up the flower. It had yet to open, and the thorns had been removed, and its strong, sweet scent set off a whirl of butterflies in his stomach.

Jun turned in the doorway to look back. His lips quirked into a crooked smile, and he raised an eyebrow in silent question. Then he was gone.

Ueda felt like his heart had just leaped ten metres into the air. He looked down at the rose between his fingers, elation and excitement burning through his veins. His smile felt like it was spreading through his whole body.

And the best part was that Jun intended to come back again after the show.

===

Date completed: 2006.08.10