[Ohmiya] Their Story
Title: Their Story
Pairing: Ohmiya
Rating/Warnings: PG-13, fluff and slice of life
Summary: Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over.
Note: This is my very first Ohmiya one-shot, written for mikau_tan in the recently
wrapped up arashi_exchange. Though it was kinda nerve-wrecking,
I had so much fun. Enjoy~
It's pretty simple, pretty obvious:
that people's first impressions of people are really a big mistake.
~Vincent D'Onofrio
“He’s weird. Annoyingly weird” Nino crinkled his nose; eyes glued on the slouching guy sitting at the back of the dance studio, who seemed to be completely engrossed staring at his own two feet. Decked in matching slightly faded grey t-shirt and sweatpants, he looked out of place in the middle white and black uniforms the others were wearing. His expressionless mug made it even more obvious and obnoxious.
“Who?” Matsumoto asked nonchalantly, stretching his backs whilst staring at his own reflection in the mirrors, secretly admiring the new haircut his favorite stylist convinced him to try.
Snickered silently, Nino rolled his eyes, annoyed at the lack of attention he’s getting from the other “Can you stop staring at the mirror? It’s going to crack if you don’t.”
It worked charmingly as Matsumoto snapped and snarled at his friend “What’s wrong with you?”
Pouting in reply, Nino continued his stretching routine mumbling under his breath “It’s the new guy.”
“The guy from Kyoto?” Matsumoto raised his thick brows questioningly, eyes straining at the lonely figure at the back. Matsumoto shrugged, settling on the wooden floor as he extended his long limbs, showing off his flexibility. Seeing Nino’s quiet frown, he asked earnestly “What’s wrong with him?”
“He doesn’t fit in” shifting his weight on one leg while stretching the other, Nino wobbled slightly, he’s never good at balancing “Have you heard about him picking his nose in previous dance practice?”
Bending in to touch his pointing toes, Matsumoto answered in between breaths “Such a weird rumor” he shrugged in response. Effortlessly straightening his back again, his gaze fixed on Nino “Since when do you care about such trivial things?”
Nino paused a moment, another pout appeared “I don’t. But he’s…”
He was cut mid sentence when their dance instructor stepped into the studio, clapping his hands for attention. Everyone scattered into their position almost immediately at the sight of the tall man called Hiro-sensei; who’s known well for his quick temper and merciless sharp tongue.
“Why are you not in your uniform?” his voice echoed as he staring down at the clueless new guy.
The classroom went awfully quiet as everyone waited for the possible answer from the guy in question; knowing too well a wrong answer will definitely be regretted. Unexpectedly, not a single word came out.
“Are you trying to act tough?” Hiro-sensei challenged, clearly annoyed with the stubborn stare the guy was giving him “What’s your name?”
In a clear voice the other replied shortly “Ohno Satoshi.”
“Well, Ohno-kun, you can stand back at that corner till you learn your place” he answered behind greeted teeth, pointing at the far right corner. Not waiting for further response, the instructor turned towards the class and clapped his hands for some attention “Class, let’s show Ohno-kun how an idol should behave in a dance practice.”
Nino looked down; hated such situation the most, unexpectedly feeling bad for the stranger. Carefully turning towards Matsumoto, he saw him mouthed in silent “Let it go.”
Nino never really enjoyed dancing, stumbling and missing steps especially when a challenging combination required; making wrong turns and bumping into other classmates, suddenly cursed with two left feet.
“1, 2, 3, step back, half turn to your right, then another three steps to the front and finishes with two half turns. What’s so difficult about that?” hands on his waist, Hiro-sensei asked Nino, voice laced in annoyance. Then turning away, the guy announced loudly “Let’s end the class today. I’m in no mood to teach klutz. Just make sure everyone is flawless by tomorrow.”
Hiro-sensei left the studio in sour mood.
The rest slowly followed suit, leaving the studio one by one, looking tired of the ordeal.
Pulling his knees closer, Nino leaned his back on the glass mirror, trying to catch his breath and collecting his pride.
He looked up as his friend tired voice greeted him “Don’t take it personally” Matsumoto said, bending down to tap Nino on the shoulder.
“It was personal” Nino sighed in defeat.
“Just ignore him. He’s a bitter old man” a smaller guy named Toma suddenly joined their conversation, sneaking behind Matsumoto’s back “Let’s go out and bitch about him instead. I know a new ramen shop.”
“Nah, I’ll stay for awhile” Nino shook his head “I’ll join you guys later.”
“We can practice together” Toma offered, squatting down next to Nino, hands on his knees.
“It’s okay. I’ll be fine” he quickly dismissed the kind offer, swatted Toma’s hands away. He’s too proud to ask for help.
Knowing the stubborn tone when he hears one, Matsumoto quickly pulled Toma up and swung his arms around the smaller guy “Let’s go then”. The he quickly turned around and added “Call me if you’re coming later.”
Nino’s eyes stayed on the back of his two friends until they disappeared from the room. Sighing to himself, Nino gripped on the balance bar hanging above his head, pulling himself up, tired eyes on his listless reflection as he said quietly “You can do this.”
Without any help of music, he got back into his position, carefully retraced the routine, remembering the tempo by heart. He was doing well for the first half, conscious of every single movement. But then he missed a step and stumbled onto the floor with a painful thud. He whined helplessly “Urgh. Why can’t I get it right?”
His small figure was still sprawling on the floor, sulking, when smooth steps tapping on the wooden floor echoed in the studio. Nino abruptly turned around and saw the new guy dance the earlier routine flawlessly. The movements were sharp and precise, as each step was done in grace, showing his strength effortlessly.
Nino stared in awe, swallowing hard; realizing that the guy didn’t even joined the practice earlier.
After the routine ended, the guy repeated it again and again while Nino remained still on the floor, eyes glazed in admiration. Then at one point, the guy tilted his head towards Nino and gave a small wink.
Only then Nino realized that the guy was showing the steps for him to follow. Putting his pride aside, Nino got back on his feet and moved closer, eyes fixed on the light feet swiftly glided on the floor. Counting the tempo silently and noting the newly slower pace, Nino followed each movement in unexpected sync. A soft curve curled at the corner of his lips.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
For them, it started with three backward steps, half turn to the right, followed by three forward steps, and two half turns.
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The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.
~Paul Valery
“Surprise awakening!” Matsumoto voice echoed in the quiet long corridor, hands rose in the air as he announced in front of the blinking camera.
“A big success” the other Arashi’s members chirped in as much as enthusiastic they can mustered, which is not much compared to their usual energetic self. Well, it was 6.25 in the morning after all. Matsumoto was the only one looking lively, ready for the world.
Ohno ended the shoot with random spazzing before he slipped behind the camera as soon as the word ‘cut’ came out from the AD’s lips. Leaning his back on the cold covered wall, he stretched his hands, covering a big yawn. His warm bed was the only thing he can think off at that very moment.
Tugging his pink pajamas, Nino squeezed himself next to the older guy, stealing heat without guilt.
“Thanks for the hard work” the AD announced and bowed to all, rushing the other staffs to pack up the equipments “It’s almost 6.30am. Let’s meet up in the lobby by 8.00am and we’ll have a short briefing on today’s activities.”
“Haik” Aiba and Sakurai replied in low tone, head hanging low dragging their feet towards the opposite directions.
Matsumoto who was standing in the middle of the small pathway suddenly turned towards the remaining members and eyed them accusingly “Don’t be late” he reminded Ohno and Nino before quietly returning to his own room, leaving the two behind.
The two stayed side by side in complete silence.
“Aren’t you going back to your room?” Nino snuggled closer, his arms entangled with Ohno’s, leaning his weight on the guy.
“I am, but you’re too heavy” Ohno replied, shifting his weight slightly.
Nino pouted, pulling Ohno away from the wall and stretched his neck slightly to put his chin on Ohno’s shoulder whilst hugging his back “Let’s go” he ordered and gave the other a little push.
Without a single protest, Ohno carried the extra weight, looking determined to get under the thick warm cover as soon as possible. They almost stumbled to the floor when Nino’s leg accidently stepped on Ohno’s slippers, but Nino still refused to let go the other’s warm back just yet.
After many clumsy strides, they reached the lightly dimmed room. Ohno wiggled himself free almost immediately; jumped onto his bed and pulled the blanket in one swift, covering his whole self under it. No sounds came from Ohno except the rustling sounds of the cover.
“Hey, we’re supposed to get ready for breakfast” hands folded across his chest, missing the heat that engulfed him a moment ago.
Yet, no single words came in reply as the human form covered under the blanket went complete still.
“Riida” Nino whined, cautiously stepping on the messy floor towards the other.
Instead of replying, Ohno’s hands traveled at the edge of the thick cover and flipped it slightly.
Nino stood in silent pout, contemplating. Matsumoto’s face popped on his mind. The guy will definitely be pissed if the two of them fall asleep again after all his trouble arranging the waking up session. But the thought of cuddling under the warm cover won over.
“Just for awhile” Nino said to no one as he crawled next to Ohno, switching off the bed side light before pulling the cover gingerly, feeling the warm slowly creeping in. He inched closer to Ohno, wanting to feel his warm back once again.
Without a word, Ohno shifted closer, laying flat on his back allowing Nino to sneak his arms around his chess. They stayed in absolute silence, enjoying each other warmth.
Nino was the first to break the silence, words almost in whisper “Are you asleep?”
“Hmm” Ohno hummed quietly.
Nino snuggled even closer, wrapping his legs onto Ohno’s “This reminded me of our first Hawaii trip.”
“Our debut?” Ohno asked; the pillow covers rustled slightly as he moved his head closer to Nino’s.
“Yeah” he replied, tugging Ohno’s cotton t-shirt, feeling the tickling sensation prickling his ears as the guy leaned closer “It feels like yesterday.”
“Uhm” another sleepy reply came from Ohno.
“Well, I’m glad we didn’t let go of this dream” Nino answered thoughtfully, letting his legs tangled with Ohno’s “We almost did.”
“We were kinda anxious, weren’t we?” Ohno responded quietly, feeling Nino’s fingers circling playfully on his arms.
“I still remember how troubled you look when Johnny-san refused to let you quit. You were really into arts back then” recalling the vivid piece of memory “And I wanted so much to rebel against him and go to acting school instead. Full of myself; believing I can make it big on my own.”
“Hmm” Ohno replied. His voice was almost inaudible when he whispered “I’m glad you stay.”
Feeling his own eye lids getting heavier, Nino mumbled to himself “Me too.”
***************************
Confession is always weakness.
The grave soul keeps its own secrets, and takes its own punishment in silence.
~Dorothy Dix
“Oh, oh someone is in love” the earlier quiet room erupted with high pitch incoherent squeals as Aiba and Sho stormed in, skipping hand in hand in their flashy costume.
The same cannot be said for Matsumoto who entered a moment later; his pale complexion was horribly flushed “Oh shut up.”
Nino’s ears perked instantly, eyeing the trio suspiciously “With whom?”
Ohno who was resting next to him did not even move a muscle, completely oblivious to the noise around him.
“No one” Matsumoto snarled at Nino, warning him with his icy glare that read ‘stay out of it’.
Fortunately for Nino, Aiba and Sho happily filled in the gap for him, chanting in unison “Jun and Mao, sitting on a tree K.I.S.S.I…”
The last two alphabets were left unspoken as the two were chased out of the room, screaming for their dear lives as Matsumoto lashed his wrath; leaving Ohno and Nino in peace and quiet once again.
Shifting in the seat, Nino elbowed Ohno for some attention. The guy remained completely still.
“What is love?” Nino pulled Ohno’s sleeves, trying to get the older guy to sit up straight, squeezing himself next to him.
Their glittering costume with the bright ‘S’ and ‘K’ alphabets were uncomfortably clinging to their listless body, but both were too tired to move.
Ohno pressed his lips tight, pretending to think.
Without waiting for an answer, Nino asked further with a much lower tone “Have you ever been in love?”
The room fell into complete silence.
“I love fishing” Ohno replied, breaking the awkward silence as he picked up the small checkered cushion lying on the bright colored carpet.
Nino sighed in defeat, too tired to argue as he realized that he was holding his breath a moment ago, anticipating for a different answer “Of course.”
Few seconds later, much to Nino’s surprise; Ohno added almost in whisper “I do have someone dear.”
Taken back by the sheepish smile, slightly blushed cheeks on the usual expressionless guy, Nino blinked hard, biting his lips, unsure whether he wants to know the answer. Then, with a bit of hesitation he asked “Who?”
The dramatic pause followed was a bit too much for Nino’s faint heart.
But his lips curved instantly when Ohno replied with a quiet confident smile “My best friend”
Nino did not ask further, leaning closer as he rested his head on Ohno’s small but sturdy shoulder. It’s clear that friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest but it's about who came, and never left your side.
********************************
Beware the man who doesn't ask you any questions
about yourself on your first date.
~ Merrill Markoe
“You should really change your curtain” Nino said, his gaze roamed around the small living room, squinting his eyes at the afternoon sun sneaking into the cozy apartment “You’ve been using the blue and white checkered curtains like forever.”
Ohno did not respond, staring at his off-white canvass whilst his delicate fingers moved in rhythmic strokes, lips posed in his infamous concentration pout.
“And I really think it’s about time you get yourself a home theater” Nino added, fidgeting in his seat, starting to look bored “I know you don’t watch any show, but at least there’s some entertainment for your guests.”
“Don’t move” Ohno ordered sternly. A side no one else knows existed except Nino.
“I’m tired” Nino whined, shifting uncomfortably under Ohno’s gazed, rubbing his nape and shoulders “My neck getting stiff.”
“We had a short break 15 minutes ago” Ohno peaked from behind the canvass, staring at the guy in pout.
“But it’s such a beautiful day. What a waste to be stuck in here” Nino playfully kicked the corner of the carpet, twirling his toes around the Persian rug. He then looked up towards Ohno, pulling his puppy eyes act.
“You were the one suggested ‘this’ in the first place” Ohno said flatly with a hint of annoyance, refusing to give in like he normally does.
Nino nodded in feigned guilt “But I didn’t expect it will be like this. I just thought it would be a cool idea to hang out together since it’s our off day. I miss…” he trailed, his tone taking on a nervous tinge.
Then in front of his eyes, Ohno’s lips twitched upward forming a small smile “Let’s take another 5 minutes break then.”
Before Nino could reply, Ohno left the room in a quiet stride, leaving the confused Nino all by himself.
Nino then cleared his throat and loudly announced to the empty hall “I’m going to check your bedroom.”
As soon as he stepped into the familiar room, Nino smiled to himself, noting that nothing has change; the bed was left undone just the way he remembered, thick quilt haphazardly lying on the floor and clutters of drawing can be found at each corner.
The black framed bed was still at the same position, covered in plain cotton sheet and stack of fluffy pillows were all over the place. His smile widen when his line of sight caught a small white frame of him and Ohno making funny faces at the bedside table.
He bounced slightly on the springy bed as he plopped himself on it, freely kicking his legs, staring at the dedicated corner of the wall, covered with their concerts snapshots. Nino chuckled, realizing that even stacking pictures looked ridiculously artistic at the touch of Ohno’s magical hands.
“Sorry for the mess” Ohno interrupted his wandering thoughts, walking in with two steaming mugs in his hands. The bed dipped slightly at the added weight as he sat next to Nino, handling him the hot coffee.
“What mess?” Nino giggled, cupping the mug with both hands, sipping his drink slowly, enjoying the warm liquid seeping in.
They stayed in bed, completely at eased with each other presence. The sheet rustled slightly when they started laughing at the colorful pictures; reminiscing their journey to stardom, recalling all the silly things they did along the way.
The sun was almost set when Nino finally pushed himself off the bed, smiling teasingly at the other “Let’s continue working on your masterpiece. I want you to draw me like one of your French girls.”
**************************
We are all mortal until the first kiss and the second glass of wine.
~Eduardo Galeano
“I need some cool pick-up lines” Aiba suddenly announced in the middle of their Karaoke session.
“Why?” Sho asked nonchalantly, more interested in checking the songs selection, tapping his feet on the carpeted floor, following the familiar music.
“Becky already rejected you. I doubt any pick up line would change her mind” Nino chuckled to himself, dodging a flying cushion thrown his way.
“It’s for my new drama. I want to improvise the script a bit” slightly flustered at the mentioned of his all time crush. He emptied his glass of wine in one gulp, trying to hide his embarrassment.
Matsumoto halted in the middle of a song and joined in, announced through the mic “I have one ‘Do you work for NASA? Because you’re outta this world’”
“Lame” everyone shouted in unison, giggling like high school girls. Almost…Ohno was caught in his own world, seemed to be in deep thought.
“How about this one ‘People call me Aiba, but you can call me Tonight!’” Nino said, sipping his colorful cocktail careful.
The small room burst in another uproar.
“One more, one more” Sho excitedly raising his hand, hopping on his feet “’Do you have a Bandaid? Coz I just scraped my knee falling for you.”
The boys continued exchanging distasteful pick up lines, merry laughter mixed with the loud music; absolute chaos.
Then suddenly Ohno moved next to Nino and said out aloud “I have one.”
“You do?” Nino was taken aback, blinking curiously at the guy. Everyone else seemed to be sharing the same prying look, surprised.
“Do you know why there are wars?” Ohno calmly asked, eyes pouring into Nino’s brown orbs.
Nino pressed his lips, brain storming for a possible answer. Then, with a tilt to the side, he cutely asked “Why?”
In split seconds, Nino’s curious face went from blank to flaming red as Ohno leaned in and planted a surprise kiss on his lips, tasting the unsuspected pout.
The room roared with insufferable gag sounds from the others, all grasped their throats dramatically, shouting ‘get a room’, forgetting about the second half of Ohno’s pick-up line.
Nino’s eyes widened as his mouth fell agape. The usual mischievous and witty Nino was at lost.
“Because you let your guard down” Ohno replied with a wink.
********************************
I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.
~David Bowie
They five of them formed a perfect line, hands clasped tightly as they bowed to the cheering crowd; engulfed in their own emotions, grateful for another great year, chance to do what they were born to do. They were drenched in sweat, slight out of breath after the last song, but they were simply glowing in happiness, thanking their fans earnestly.
As the five of them retreated into their dressing room, changing into the last piece of costume, Tokyo Dome echoed as the crowd continued chanting ‘encore, encore’, refusing to end the wonderful night yet. The wardrobe department rushed to their feet, aiding the idols into their final gear.
Sho was busy practicing his rap for the last song… Aiba trying to fold his three quarter pants in place… Matsumoto whined about the few high notes he missed.
At the far corner of the room, standing side by side staring at the full length mirror, Nino asked in a quiet voice, eyes lingered on his beloved Riida “Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?”
Ohno looked straight into the mirror, a beautiful smile dressed his lips “Right here, beside you.”
Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.