Different content than what I've posted in the past few years, but this is me going back to my roots.
--
I first found Arashi when I was 15 years old. In 2010, I was the weird chubby kid who was into anime and writing poems in my notebook, which translated into me having no friends and plenty of kids eager to bully anything about me. The year before, the kids that I thought were my friends ended up turning on me a few months before school ended, and I felt so isolated and alone with no one to talk to except my sister half a country away and my parents who weren't around or welcome to talking anyway.
After I found them, I became completely obsessed with Arashi. I painted my nails in their member colors, all my poems and art now centered around motifs of them, but most importantly they got me interested in learning more about the country they came from and the language they spoke. I started learning Japanese, I began to watch their TV shows and dramas, and I made hypothetical trips to visit Japan to see their concerts.
But the most important thing that Arashi did was they gave me a community. I found an entire group of friends on LiveJournal who I could talk to and read fanfictions my friends wrote. This was how I learned that I had a talent and a love for writing stories, and it's the reason why I still write today (even though its for a completely different fandom now).
It's too late for me to go to their concert (something I'll always regret). But I'll forever have the memories and the love that they gave me. When my teenage life was dark, I'll always remember I had five friends cheering for me and helping me to see the rainbow beyond the storm.
Dear Arashi, I've already said my goodbyes at your hiatus announcement five years ago. You've been a big part of my life for 16 years, and you deserve your rest after performing and working hard for 26 years. You'll always have a place reserved in my heart, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best in your futures.
Thank you for saving me, and thank you for all of your hard work!
--
Smile again, thank you Smile again, any number of times I felt like getting back up My courage was a fountain Smile again, being alone Smile again, I won't be anymore Earnestly wishing so hard for love that you become confused is like a storm
これからも、ありがとう <3 Love, Bree aka smile-arigatou
