Be Patient with Me (one shot)
Title: Be Patient with Me
Pairing/Focus: Ohmiya/Sakumoto (side pairing)
Rating: NC-17 (just a little bit)
Word count: 12540 words
Warning: Bear with Nino’s doubt
Disclaimer: I only borrow their name for this fic.
Summary: Meeting Ohno was a mere coincidence, but it led Nino to the things he never imagined before. He kept on denying his true feelings towards Ohno, only to find that he lied to himself…
Note: Written for Ninoexchange 2018, a gift fic for amh1988
The huge digital clock of the Ferris Wheel of the amusement park at Yokohama port terminal showed ten in the evening. The cold breeze swept Nino’s face as he collected the empty bottles from the outdoor tables of the café where he was working. The last customer was heavily drunk and shouting in a language that he couldn’t understand. His girlfriend had a hard time supporting him as they walked down towards the street to find a cab.
It wasn’t an unusual scene on a Friday night. The people who came for sightseeing were doubled in number, and there would be more lovey-dovey couples which sometimes made Nino sick to his stomach. He hated the night shift, but it was the only one left for him, and the pay wasn’t that bad, so he had no intention of looking for another job - at least for now.
Nino tossed the empty cans and bottles into a plastic bag and placed it in the trash bin before returning to the tables to wipe them clean. He still had an hour before closing time; the air turned colder, but Osanbashi Pier was still smeared with people. Nino never liked sightseeing. He was hardly moved by the beautiful night scene or anything similar, and he didn’t understand why people chose to come here on a cold windy night instead of staying inside their rooms, reading books or watching anime.
He walked inside as soon as he finished and found the other part-timer, Kamiki, almost asleep, using both of his hands as a pillow while leaning on the table. Nino sat down beside the man and looked outside through the glass door. He hoped there would be no more customers so they could close the café on time. Nino slid out his smartphone from his pocket and checked his messages; there was nothing important except the message from the internet provider he was using, a reminder that his data package would expire within three days.
He saw a man approach the café and sit down in one of the chairs, looking around for a waiter. Nino was so tempted to tell the man that they were closed, but the board in front of the café clearly stated that they were open until eleven in the evening. Kamiki stirred, but it seemed that he had no intention of moving from his seat, so it left no choice for Nino. He lazily stood up from his chair and walked outside towards the man.
“Welcome,” he said.
The man was still busy with the camera in his hands. He didn’t answer immediately, and Nino waited for him to finish while observing his appearance. This man probably was a cameraman (Nino met the same kind of men three times a day). Osanbashi Pier was a popular place for photo shoots, particularly for pre-wedding. The people outside of Yokohama also came there to take photos and Nino often listened to stories he didn’t really want to hear from the soon-to-get-married couples. He would offer his fake smile to them as if he was very interested in their talk.
The cameraman in front of him finally looked at Nino with a sleepy face; Nino couldn’t blame him, since the air was cold that night and the wind was rather strong.
“What can I get for you, Sir?” Nino asked.
“A bottle of beer,” he answered. “May I sit inside? My hands are freezing,” the man continued while shivering from the cold.
“Sure,” Nino said, guiding the man inside the café. He gestured for the man to take a seat and brought a bottle of beer for him. “Please enjoy,” he smiled.
“Thanks.” The man didn’t take the beer immediately. He was still busy with his camera. “I just took many pictures,” he mumbled. “Do you want to see them?”
Nino was taken aback. He had been working here for six months and for him, Osanbashi was just an ordinary place, nothing special about it. To be precise, he was sick of the same scene every day, but he couldn’t say it out loud to the eager cameraman who wanted to show him the photos he had taken. He leaned closer and took a look at the man’s camera.
On first look, Nino thought the place was somewhere else, but then he realized it was Osanbashi. He didn’t understand photography that much, but he had to admit that the photos this man had taken were high quality. He took the photos from perfect angles; the wooden floor of Osanbashi looked wonderful under the beautiful lights. There was also a picture which showed the reflection of the huge Ferris Wheel of the amusement park across Osanbashi with the high Landmark Tower beside it. Without him realizing it, Nino kept on pushing the ‘next’ button to see the other pictures.
“You took great photos, Sir,” he praised. The words were spoken automatically. Nino hardly admired something, but the pictures the man showed him had a different effect on him.
“Thank you.” The man smiled. “I’ll show them to the couple who want me to take their pictures here in Osanbashi,” he explained.
“They would be happy,” Nino replied while giving the camera back to the man.
“I hope so,” the cameraman answered.
The man stayed for another fifteen minutes, and then he paid for his drink and thanked Nino.
“Please come again.” Nino bowed. He watched the man until he disappeared beyond the darkness. His eyes caught the Ferris Wheel across the bay; he felt something warm slip into his chest. Nino shook his head. It was a weird night, and there was no way he was touched by the night scene of Yokohama which he had seen a hundred times.
***
The spring was almost over, but the cameraman hadn’t shown up to take the pre-wedding pictures like he had told Nino on his visit. It wasn’t that he was interested. Perhaps it was curiosity, but he wanted to see the photos again. Maybe the pictures were taken at another place.
He collected the empty bottles from the tables while enjoying the breeze. The air was getting warmer, the smell of early summer had reached everyone. The coats were gone, replaced by light cardigans, and Nino himself hadn’t put on a jacket for the past week.
Nino was staring at the Ferris Wheel that night after finishing his task cleaning all the tables, when someone touched his shoulder lightly. He turned his head and met a face he knew very well.
“Sho-chan!”
“Yo!” Sho smiled at him.
“What brings you here?” Nino asked. He couldn’t hide his surprise as he saw the man. It had been three years since the last time he met Sho. It had been four years since they broke up, and so many days had passed without hearing anything from him.
Sho seemed to have gained some weight, but it didn’t make him less handsome; he wore a nice suit (he always wore good clothes), and his smile was so broad which showed his nice-shaped teeth. Nino wished he were not here at the moment; he felt too much ugly compared to this good-looking guy in front of him (a guy who used to be his boyfriend a long time ago).
“I’m doing a pre-wedding photo shoot,” Sho answered lightly.
“You what?” Nino said rather loudly. “Oh…congratulations,” he continued with softer tone. Now he understood why Sho came here with an expensive suit. “And where is your…” Nino looked around, realizing that he couldn’t say ‘your soon to be wife/husband’.
“He’ll come here any minutes. He has just arrived from Seoul,” Sho replied.
So it was a ‘he’, Nino thought. “Is he a foreigner?” Nino asked.
“No, he’s Japanese,” Sho replied. “He goes back and forth to Korea for work.”
Sho’s way of talking was relaxed, and Nino could tell that he was so happy right now. He glanced briefly at his left wrist, to a watch which seemed expensive - as if wondering why his fiancé was so late.
“I’m happy for you, Sho-chan,” Nino said, trying to smile sincerely at the man.
“Thank you,” Sho answered. “Oh, my cameraman has come,” he gestured towards the man whom Nino recognized as the same man who showed him the beautiful pictures.
“Ohno-san,” Sho waved at the cameraman.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Ohno said while approaching them. “Where is Matsujun?”
“On the way here from the airport,” Sho said. “Oh, please meet my friend, Ninomiya-kun,” Sho introduced them.
Nino was too busy digesting the situation; the world seemed to have become smaller all of a sudden. Sho was here to have a wedding photo shoot and his cameraman was Ohno, the man whom Nino met a few weeks ago.
“How are you, Ninomiya-kun?” Ohno extended his hand to shake Nino’s, who welcomed it with a rather confused expression.
“I’m great, thank you. It seems that our world is so small.” Nino said what was on his mind, glancing at Sho. “I should have guessed it earlier that it was you who would be taking Sho-chan’s pre-wedding photos.”
“He’s the best cameraman in Japan,” Sho said. “We needed to wait for six months to match his schedule; Matsujun refused to ask for another cameraman, anyway…”
Nino turned at Ohno; he had a feeling that he had seen this man’s name somewhere, perhaps in a magazine or something, but he wasn’t sure it was Ohno or Kono. He didn’t take a proper look when he saw Ohno for the first time, he had just realized that the cameraman had nice features. He wasn’t as tall as Sho, but he was proportional. He was rather suntanned, his hair was sticking out everywhere, and he had a nice shaped nose. In other words, this man was handsome. Not the same handsomeness type like Sho, but he had some kind of aura which made people remember him and want to see him again.
“You’re exaggerating, Sho-kun,” Ohno said with a smile on his lips. “Should we drink something while waiting for Matsujun?”
“What can I get for you?” Nino asked.
“A cup of coffee will be nice,” Sho answered.
“Same for me,” Ohno said.
Both of them took a seat while Nino walked inside the café to prepare the order. He felt like an outsider, a failure, when he watched Sho and Ohno. Sho worked as a permanent newscaster at a main television network in Japan, Ohno was a success cameraman, and Sho’s fiancé was a man who traveled back and forth from Tokyo to Seoul for work. Nino, on the other hand, was only a part-timer who spent most of his time staring outside at the boring scenery. No one would praise his job or even talk about it. He couldn’t imagine how Sho would have introduced him if he was the one who marrying him.
‘His name is Nino, he’s a part-timer at Osanbashi Pier Café’
Nino heaved deeply. He didn’t want to return to formal work. He had experienced it for almost five years, working as a journalist for the main news agency in Japan. He was good - too good even, until he got promoted earlier than his seniors. It was the opposite of the traditional working system in Japan where the seniority held an important role. Everyone got jealous of Nino, and the working environment turned unbearable for him. A few months later, Nino quit his job.
It was five years ago, Nino thought bitterly. Nobody would have remembered him, but nonetheless, he didn’t regret his decision. But now, when he saw Sho and Ohno in an equal position, praising each other for their significant careers, something prickled in his stomach.
“Please enjoy while it’s hot.” Nino put down the coffee cups on the table and gestured for the two men to enjoy it.
“Thank you,” Sho said. “I think Matsujun will be here in a moment, can I request another cup?”
“Sure,” Nino said. He pushed away the uninvited thoughts which involved poisoning this Matsujun for becoming Sho’s fiancé and for making his ex this happy. He returned inside to make another cup of coffee, and when he carried it outside, he saw a gorgeous man sitting beside Sho.
He must be Matsujun (nobody would have suited the name except this man); he had a beautiful face and a nice hairstyle. He wore glasses and they fit his face perfectly, as if he was born to wear them. His hair was light brown and he let his bangs cover half of his forehead. Nino understood why Sho chose him, and he was sure every normal person would do that. Nobody would lay an eye on Nino if this stunning man was around.
“Hi, I’m Jun,” he introduced himself as Nino approached. Sho must have told him about Nino - Jun’s smile was sincere and it erased the slight pain in Nino’s chest. He wasn’t particularly jealous since he didn’t think of Sho anymore; but seeing him this happy and soon getting married left a sting in his stomach.
“The coffee is delicious,” Jun said as he sipped the hot coffee carefully.
“Thank you, please enjoy,” Nino said, leaving the table.
He was glad that Sho found a perfect match. Jun seemed kind and sincere. He watched from afar as the three of them got ready to take pictures. Jun was taller than Sho, and they walked hand in hand towards the location Ohno decided for them.
Nino couldn’t see their photoshoot since they did that below the walking area of Osanbashi Pier. He collected their empty glasses and took a long time to wash them.
It had been two hours by the time they came back. Jun and Sho left after thanking Ohno. Meanwhile the cameraman stayed behind. Sho came to Nino and thanked him for the coffee, and he told Nino that he would deliver the wedding invitation as soon as they were printed. He wished Nino a good day and left with Jun.
Ohno entered the café and sat down in the same chair as when he came here for the first time. He smiled when Nino approached him.
“A can of beer,” Nino said, putting down the can in front of the cameraman. “We’re about to close,” he continued.
“Oh no,” he said. “Can I ask you to accompany me drinking?” he asked all of a sudden.
“Why would I agree to go with you?” Nino said, sitting down in front of the man.
“Because you will close this café,” Ohno answered simply. “And I’ve finished my job, so I want to treat you to a drink.”
“You can invite anyone besides me,” Nino said.
“Well, let’s say I have no one to go together with.” Ohno smiled at him.
Nino looked at the cameraman and considered his invitation; he hadn’t drunk for a while and maybe it would be nice if he agreed. He had no particular plans, and the next day was the night shift so he could drink all he wanted and sleep until midday.
“Not bad,” Nino said. “You said you would treat me.”
“Yes,” Ohno replied.
“No matter how much I drink?”
“Sure.”
Nino grinned. He closed the café and followed Ohno’s steps towards the street where he stopped a cab. Ohno brought him to Ginza - a place Nino would never step into on his own. The street was smeared with expensive pubs and shops, and top world branded clothes decorated the display windows (which Nino guessed were full of customers at their opening time). Girls with their summer fashion laughed loudly as they passed by them.
“Here.” Ohno entered a night bar beside a yakiniku restaurant.
The bar was crowded; there were only three empty seats left in the middle. As soon as Ohno and Nino sat, a waiter approached them.
“Ohno-san, long time no see, how are you?”
“Great, how are you, Aiba-kun?” Ohno greeted the waiter.
This Aiba was tall and good looking. He wore a white shirt and a gray vest which fit his slim figure perfectly. He shifted his gaze to Nino and smiled at him.
“Welcome to our humble bar,” he said.
Nino said nothing, just nodding slightly at the handsome waiter and moving his gaze around the bar. Ohno asked for his order and Nino’s (who chose the same drink as Ohno), and they watched Aiba as the man disappeared towards the bar counter.
“Are you a regular customer in this expensive bar?” Nino asked. He had glanced at the pricelist for beverages, and he swore he would never come here of his own accord.
“Not really,” Ohno shrugged. “Only when I have enough time.”
Nino recalled what Sho said about Ohno’s tight schedule, that he had to wait for six months to meet the cameraman. Perhaps, this Ohno was more important than Nino thought he was. However, he couldn’t bring himself to ask Ohno about his profession any further and they ended up talking about random topics. Nino didn’t drink as much as Ohno did because he didn’t want to get drunk and put a burden on Ohno, whom he had just met twice.
Ohno showed him more pictures which he took abroad (thank God it wasn’t Sho and Jun’s photos). He had travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia for work. which explained his absence for a couple of weeks. When they finished drinking, the clock was pointing to two in the morning. To Nino’s surprise, Ohno still managed to get a hold on himself after drinking countless glasses of martinis. He paid for their drinks and offered to take Nino home.
“I’m fine, Ohno-san,” Nino said, trying to balance his steps as he suffered through a light headache. He cursed himself for being a weak drinker. Martinis were definitely too strong for his body system.
“You’re not that fine,” Ohno said, catching Nino as he was about to fall down.
“Sorry.” Nino clutched the man’s elbow tightly; Ohno’s arm was surprisingly muscular and strong. He gently supported Nino, taking him towards a cab and mentioning his address to the driver.
“Let’s go to my place, it’s nearby,” he said.
“But…”
“I’ll take you home tomorrow morning if that concerns you,” Ohno grinned at him.
“No, it’s just…thanks so much Ohno-san, I’m sorry for being such baggage,” Nino muttered shyly.
Ohno smiled at him but said nothing further. Nino vividly remembered that they entered a luxury apartment; Ohno guided him to a huge king-sized bed and told him to sleep, and he felt soft sheet underneath his skin and a warm blanked covered him. Nino closed his eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
***
The strong sunshine hit Nino’s face as he opened his eyes; he needed a couple of seconds to analyze where he was before he realized that he was in someone else’s room. The room was probably on the 20th floor. It was large and looked like a suite of a five-star hotel. Nino slowly climbed down from the bed and walked to the other part of the room; he found Ohno sitting on the couch. A laptop was in his lap and he was busily sorting the images he had taken the day before.
“Morning,” Ohno greeted him. “Or good afternoon since it’s close to lunch already.”
“I over slept, sorry,” Nino muttered.
“You apologize too much,” Ohno smiled at him. “I’ve already ordered food for us, so don’t worry.”
“Thanks,” Nino replied. “May I use your bathroom?”
“Sure, what time do you need to go for work?” Ohno asked.
“At three,” Nino answered.
Ohno nodded and returned his attention to his computer. Nino washed up and tried to comb his hair as best as he could since it always looked horrible when he woke up from his sleep. When he came back to the living room, Ohno had already prepared their lunch.
“Are you going somewhere far?” Nino asked as he saw the luggage beside the couch that hadn’t been there before.
“Just a little trip to Okinawa this time, for three days,” Ohno shrugged.
“It must be exciting,” Nino mumbled.
“Not really, if you do it too often,” Ohno said while handing him chopsticks. “Sho-kun said that you had worked as a journalist before,” Ohno continued.
Nino paused in his movements; Sho had no right to share his personal matters with everybody, but his life wasn’t a big deal and it would cause no harm if Ohno knew he was a failed journalist.
“Sort of,” Nino replied briefly.
“He said that you were dating back then,” Ohno continued, looking at Nino with a meaningful gaze.
“I don’t want to talk about it, sorry,” Nino said, slowly eating his food, even though he had no appetite left.
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” Ohno said with an apologetic expression.
They were silent for the rest of lunch, which made Nino feel bad about everything. He didn’t want to give Ohno a negative impression, but he couldn’t help it when Ohno mentioned his past life as if it was nothing. Indeed, he was nothing compared to Ohno himself, who lived in a luxury apartment with a dream job.
“Thanks for the food, Ohno-san, and thanks for letting me stay last night,” Nino said as they finished their lunch. He quickly took his bag from Ohno’s couch and headed to the door.
“Nino!” Ohno caught his elbow. “I’m sorry.”
Nino looked at Ohno’s veined arm and shook his head. He smiled at the cameraman. “Take care on your trip to Okinawa.”
“I will,” Ohno said, releasing his hand from Nino’s elbow. “I’ll visit you as soon as I come back.”
“Can’t wait for that,” Nino said.
***
It had been a week and Ohno didn’t come (just as Nino predicted). He didn’t particularly expect the man to come. They didn’t know each other’s phone numbers, and they were two people who were not likely to become friends.
Nino had looked Ohno up online and found out that he was the most talented and the most expensive cameraman in Japan at the moment. It would be weird if he kept his promise for a nobody like Nino; besides, Nino didn’t want to get his hopes up too high. He had gotten used to being alone, and having friends was never on the top of his list.
Summer enthusiasm had already floated in the air. Everyone got suntanned and the streets were smeared with more people. The annual fireworks festival would be held in Yokohama and it meant there would be more customers to the café, and more work for Nino to do, which was good since he didn’t need to think of unimportant things.
Two weeks passed and Nino had pushed Ohno out of his head. He decided that Ohno had forgotten him, that his kindness to Nino that night was just fake and probably just pity towards a poor man like him. The café’s business hours extended during summer, and it was past midnight when Nino started preparations for closing.
The next day would be the first day of the fireworks festival, an event that Nino never looked forward to; he liked it more when the place was quiet and cold. Nino pedaled his bicycle towards his apartment, which was located half an hour from Osanbashi Pier. The warm air of summer swept against his face, reminding him of the last summer he enjoyed with Sho. It wasn’t a romantic memory, but it left a deep impression in his heart.
He and Sho had gone for midnight walk to the beach with cans of beer in their hands. They talked of Hawaii, how Sho wanted to go there and invited Nino to travel together with him. The trip never happened since they broke up as the summer ended. Perhaps, Sho had travelled there with Jun. Snorkeling and surfing together - something that Nino would never do.
***
part 2
Pairing/Focus: Ohmiya/Sakumoto (side pairing)
Rating: NC-17 (just a little bit)
Word count: 12540 words
Warning: Bear with Nino’s doubt
Disclaimer: I only borrow their name for this fic.
Summary: Meeting Ohno was a mere coincidence, but it led Nino to the things he never imagined before. He kept on denying his true feelings towards Ohno, only to find that he lied to himself…
Note: Written for Ninoexchange 2018, a gift fic for amh1988
The huge digital clock of the Ferris Wheel of the amusement park at Yokohama port terminal showed ten in the evening. The cold breeze swept Nino’s face as he collected the empty bottles from the outdoor tables of the café where he was working. The last customer was heavily drunk and shouting in a language that he couldn’t understand. His girlfriend had a hard time supporting him as they walked down towards the street to find a cab.
It wasn’t an unusual scene on a Friday night. The people who came for sightseeing were doubled in number, and there would be more lovey-dovey couples which sometimes made Nino sick to his stomach. He hated the night shift, but it was the only one left for him, and the pay wasn’t that bad, so he had no intention of looking for another job - at least for now.
Nino tossed the empty cans and bottles into a plastic bag and placed it in the trash bin before returning to the tables to wipe them clean. He still had an hour before closing time; the air turned colder, but Osanbashi Pier was still smeared with people. Nino never liked sightseeing. He was hardly moved by the beautiful night scene or anything similar, and he didn’t understand why people chose to come here on a cold windy night instead of staying inside their rooms, reading books or watching anime.
He walked inside as soon as he finished and found the other part-timer, Kamiki, almost asleep, using both of his hands as a pillow while leaning on the table. Nino sat down beside the man and looked outside through the glass door. He hoped there would be no more customers so they could close the café on time. Nino slid out his smartphone from his pocket and checked his messages; there was nothing important except the message from the internet provider he was using, a reminder that his data package would expire within three days.
He saw a man approach the café and sit down in one of the chairs, looking around for a waiter. Nino was so tempted to tell the man that they were closed, but the board in front of the café clearly stated that they were open until eleven in the evening. Kamiki stirred, but it seemed that he had no intention of moving from his seat, so it left no choice for Nino. He lazily stood up from his chair and walked outside towards the man.
“Welcome,” he said.
The man was still busy with the camera in his hands. He didn’t answer immediately, and Nino waited for him to finish while observing his appearance. This man probably was a cameraman (Nino met the same kind of men three times a day). Osanbashi Pier was a popular place for photo shoots, particularly for pre-wedding. The people outside of Yokohama also came there to take photos and Nino often listened to stories he didn’t really want to hear from the soon-to-get-married couples. He would offer his fake smile to them as if he was very interested in their talk.
The cameraman in front of him finally looked at Nino with a sleepy face; Nino couldn’t blame him, since the air was cold that night and the wind was rather strong.
“What can I get for you, Sir?” Nino asked.
“A bottle of beer,” he answered. “May I sit inside? My hands are freezing,” the man continued while shivering from the cold.
“Sure,” Nino said, guiding the man inside the café. He gestured for the man to take a seat and brought a bottle of beer for him. “Please enjoy,” he smiled.
“Thanks.” The man didn’t take the beer immediately. He was still busy with his camera. “I just took many pictures,” he mumbled. “Do you want to see them?”
Nino was taken aback. He had been working here for six months and for him, Osanbashi was just an ordinary place, nothing special about it. To be precise, he was sick of the same scene every day, but he couldn’t say it out loud to the eager cameraman who wanted to show him the photos he had taken. He leaned closer and took a look at the man’s camera.
On first look, Nino thought the place was somewhere else, but then he realized it was Osanbashi. He didn’t understand photography that much, but he had to admit that the photos this man had taken were high quality. He took the photos from perfect angles; the wooden floor of Osanbashi looked wonderful under the beautiful lights. There was also a picture which showed the reflection of the huge Ferris Wheel of the amusement park across Osanbashi with the high Landmark Tower beside it. Without him realizing it, Nino kept on pushing the ‘next’ button to see the other pictures.
“You took great photos, Sir,” he praised. The words were spoken automatically. Nino hardly admired something, but the pictures the man showed him had a different effect on him.
“Thank you.” The man smiled. “I’ll show them to the couple who want me to take their pictures here in Osanbashi,” he explained.
“They would be happy,” Nino replied while giving the camera back to the man.
“I hope so,” the cameraman answered.
The man stayed for another fifteen minutes, and then he paid for his drink and thanked Nino.
“Please come again.” Nino bowed. He watched the man until he disappeared beyond the darkness. His eyes caught the Ferris Wheel across the bay; he felt something warm slip into his chest. Nino shook his head. It was a weird night, and there was no way he was touched by the night scene of Yokohama which he had seen a hundred times.
***
The spring was almost over, but the cameraman hadn’t shown up to take the pre-wedding pictures like he had told Nino on his visit. It wasn’t that he was interested. Perhaps it was curiosity, but he wanted to see the photos again. Maybe the pictures were taken at another place.
He collected the empty bottles from the tables while enjoying the breeze. The air was getting warmer, the smell of early summer had reached everyone. The coats were gone, replaced by light cardigans, and Nino himself hadn’t put on a jacket for the past week.
Nino was staring at the Ferris Wheel that night after finishing his task cleaning all the tables, when someone touched his shoulder lightly. He turned his head and met a face he knew very well.
“Sho-chan!”
“Yo!” Sho smiled at him.
“What brings you here?” Nino asked. He couldn’t hide his surprise as he saw the man. It had been three years since the last time he met Sho. It had been four years since they broke up, and so many days had passed without hearing anything from him.
Sho seemed to have gained some weight, but it didn’t make him less handsome; he wore a nice suit (he always wore good clothes), and his smile was so broad which showed his nice-shaped teeth. Nino wished he were not here at the moment; he felt too much ugly compared to this good-looking guy in front of him (a guy who used to be his boyfriend a long time ago).
“I’m doing a pre-wedding photo shoot,” Sho answered lightly.
“You what?” Nino said rather loudly. “Oh…congratulations,” he continued with softer tone. Now he understood why Sho came here with an expensive suit. “And where is your…” Nino looked around, realizing that he couldn’t say ‘your soon to be wife/husband’.
“He’ll come here any minutes. He has just arrived from Seoul,” Sho replied.
So it was a ‘he’, Nino thought. “Is he a foreigner?” Nino asked.
“No, he’s Japanese,” Sho replied. “He goes back and forth to Korea for work.”
Sho’s way of talking was relaxed, and Nino could tell that he was so happy right now. He glanced briefly at his left wrist, to a watch which seemed expensive - as if wondering why his fiancé was so late.
“I’m happy for you, Sho-chan,” Nino said, trying to smile sincerely at the man.
“Thank you,” Sho answered. “Oh, my cameraman has come,” he gestured towards the man whom Nino recognized as the same man who showed him the beautiful pictures.
“Ohno-san,” Sho waved at the cameraman.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Ohno said while approaching them. “Where is Matsujun?”
“On the way here from the airport,” Sho said. “Oh, please meet my friend, Ninomiya-kun,” Sho introduced them.
Nino was too busy digesting the situation; the world seemed to have become smaller all of a sudden. Sho was here to have a wedding photo shoot and his cameraman was Ohno, the man whom Nino met a few weeks ago.
“How are you, Ninomiya-kun?” Ohno extended his hand to shake Nino’s, who welcomed it with a rather confused expression.
“I’m great, thank you. It seems that our world is so small.” Nino said what was on his mind, glancing at Sho. “I should have guessed it earlier that it was you who would be taking Sho-chan’s pre-wedding photos.”
“He’s the best cameraman in Japan,” Sho said. “We needed to wait for six months to match his schedule; Matsujun refused to ask for another cameraman, anyway…”
Nino turned at Ohno; he had a feeling that he had seen this man’s name somewhere, perhaps in a magazine or something, but he wasn’t sure it was Ohno or Kono. He didn’t take a proper look when he saw Ohno for the first time, he had just realized that the cameraman had nice features. He wasn’t as tall as Sho, but he was proportional. He was rather suntanned, his hair was sticking out everywhere, and he had a nice shaped nose. In other words, this man was handsome. Not the same handsomeness type like Sho, but he had some kind of aura which made people remember him and want to see him again.
“You’re exaggerating, Sho-kun,” Ohno said with a smile on his lips. “Should we drink something while waiting for Matsujun?”
“What can I get for you?” Nino asked.
“A cup of coffee will be nice,” Sho answered.
“Same for me,” Ohno said.
Both of them took a seat while Nino walked inside the café to prepare the order. He felt like an outsider, a failure, when he watched Sho and Ohno. Sho worked as a permanent newscaster at a main television network in Japan, Ohno was a success cameraman, and Sho’s fiancé was a man who traveled back and forth from Tokyo to Seoul for work. Nino, on the other hand, was only a part-timer who spent most of his time staring outside at the boring scenery. No one would praise his job or even talk about it. He couldn’t imagine how Sho would have introduced him if he was the one who marrying him.
‘His name is Nino, he’s a part-timer at Osanbashi Pier Café’
Nino heaved deeply. He didn’t want to return to formal work. He had experienced it for almost five years, working as a journalist for the main news agency in Japan. He was good - too good even, until he got promoted earlier than his seniors. It was the opposite of the traditional working system in Japan where the seniority held an important role. Everyone got jealous of Nino, and the working environment turned unbearable for him. A few months later, Nino quit his job.
It was five years ago, Nino thought bitterly. Nobody would have remembered him, but nonetheless, he didn’t regret his decision. But now, when he saw Sho and Ohno in an equal position, praising each other for their significant careers, something prickled in his stomach.
“Please enjoy while it’s hot.” Nino put down the coffee cups on the table and gestured for the two men to enjoy it.
“Thank you,” Sho said. “I think Matsujun will be here in a moment, can I request another cup?”
“Sure,” Nino said. He pushed away the uninvited thoughts which involved poisoning this Matsujun for becoming Sho’s fiancé and for making his ex this happy. He returned inside to make another cup of coffee, and when he carried it outside, he saw a gorgeous man sitting beside Sho.
He must be Matsujun (nobody would have suited the name except this man); he had a beautiful face and a nice hairstyle. He wore glasses and they fit his face perfectly, as if he was born to wear them. His hair was light brown and he let his bangs cover half of his forehead. Nino understood why Sho chose him, and he was sure every normal person would do that. Nobody would lay an eye on Nino if this stunning man was around.
“Hi, I’m Jun,” he introduced himself as Nino approached. Sho must have told him about Nino - Jun’s smile was sincere and it erased the slight pain in Nino’s chest. He wasn’t particularly jealous since he didn’t think of Sho anymore; but seeing him this happy and soon getting married left a sting in his stomach.
“The coffee is delicious,” Jun said as he sipped the hot coffee carefully.
“Thank you, please enjoy,” Nino said, leaving the table.
He was glad that Sho found a perfect match. Jun seemed kind and sincere. He watched from afar as the three of them got ready to take pictures. Jun was taller than Sho, and they walked hand in hand towards the location Ohno decided for them.
Nino couldn’t see their photoshoot since they did that below the walking area of Osanbashi Pier. He collected their empty glasses and took a long time to wash them.
It had been two hours by the time they came back. Jun and Sho left after thanking Ohno. Meanwhile the cameraman stayed behind. Sho came to Nino and thanked him for the coffee, and he told Nino that he would deliver the wedding invitation as soon as they were printed. He wished Nino a good day and left with Jun.
Ohno entered the café and sat down in the same chair as when he came here for the first time. He smiled when Nino approached him.
“A can of beer,” Nino said, putting down the can in front of the cameraman. “We’re about to close,” he continued.
“Oh no,” he said. “Can I ask you to accompany me drinking?” he asked all of a sudden.
“Why would I agree to go with you?” Nino said, sitting down in front of the man.
“Because you will close this café,” Ohno answered simply. “And I’ve finished my job, so I want to treat you to a drink.”
“You can invite anyone besides me,” Nino said.
“Well, let’s say I have no one to go together with.” Ohno smiled at him.
Nino looked at the cameraman and considered his invitation; he hadn’t drunk for a while and maybe it would be nice if he agreed. He had no particular plans, and the next day was the night shift so he could drink all he wanted and sleep until midday.
“Not bad,” Nino said. “You said you would treat me.”
“Yes,” Ohno replied.
“No matter how much I drink?”
“Sure.”
Nino grinned. He closed the café and followed Ohno’s steps towards the street where he stopped a cab. Ohno brought him to Ginza - a place Nino would never step into on his own. The street was smeared with expensive pubs and shops, and top world branded clothes decorated the display windows (which Nino guessed were full of customers at their opening time). Girls with their summer fashion laughed loudly as they passed by them.
“Here.” Ohno entered a night bar beside a yakiniku restaurant.
The bar was crowded; there were only three empty seats left in the middle. As soon as Ohno and Nino sat, a waiter approached them.
“Ohno-san, long time no see, how are you?”
“Great, how are you, Aiba-kun?” Ohno greeted the waiter.
This Aiba was tall and good looking. He wore a white shirt and a gray vest which fit his slim figure perfectly. He shifted his gaze to Nino and smiled at him.
“Welcome to our humble bar,” he said.
Nino said nothing, just nodding slightly at the handsome waiter and moving his gaze around the bar. Ohno asked for his order and Nino’s (who chose the same drink as Ohno), and they watched Aiba as the man disappeared towards the bar counter.
“Are you a regular customer in this expensive bar?” Nino asked. He had glanced at the pricelist for beverages, and he swore he would never come here of his own accord.
“Not really,” Ohno shrugged. “Only when I have enough time.”
Nino recalled what Sho said about Ohno’s tight schedule, that he had to wait for six months to meet the cameraman. Perhaps, this Ohno was more important than Nino thought he was. However, he couldn’t bring himself to ask Ohno about his profession any further and they ended up talking about random topics. Nino didn’t drink as much as Ohno did because he didn’t want to get drunk and put a burden on Ohno, whom he had just met twice.
Ohno showed him more pictures which he took abroad (thank God it wasn’t Sho and Jun’s photos). He had travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia for work. which explained his absence for a couple of weeks. When they finished drinking, the clock was pointing to two in the morning. To Nino’s surprise, Ohno still managed to get a hold on himself after drinking countless glasses of martinis. He paid for their drinks and offered to take Nino home.
“I’m fine, Ohno-san,” Nino said, trying to balance his steps as he suffered through a light headache. He cursed himself for being a weak drinker. Martinis were definitely too strong for his body system.
“You’re not that fine,” Ohno said, catching Nino as he was about to fall down.
“Sorry.” Nino clutched the man’s elbow tightly; Ohno’s arm was surprisingly muscular and strong. He gently supported Nino, taking him towards a cab and mentioning his address to the driver.
“Let’s go to my place, it’s nearby,” he said.
“But…”
“I’ll take you home tomorrow morning if that concerns you,” Ohno grinned at him.
“No, it’s just…thanks so much Ohno-san, I’m sorry for being such baggage,” Nino muttered shyly.
Ohno smiled at him but said nothing further. Nino vividly remembered that they entered a luxury apartment; Ohno guided him to a huge king-sized bed and told him to sleep, and he felt soft sheet underneath his skin and a warm blanked covered him. Nino closed his eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
***
The strong sunshine hit Nino’s face as he opened his eyes; he needed a couple of seconds to analyze where he was before he realized that he was in someone else’s room. The room was probably on the 20th floor. It was large and looked like a suite of a five-star hotel. Nino slowly climbed down from the bed and walked to the other part of the room; he found Ohno sitting on the couch. A laptop was in his lap and he was busily sorting the images he had taken the day before.
“Morning,” Ohno greeted him. “Or good afternoon since it’s close to lunch already.”
“I over slept, sorry,” Nino muttered.
“You apologize too much,” Ohno smiled at him. “I’ve already ordered food for us, so don’t worry.”
“Thanks,” Nino replied. “May I use your bathroom?”
“Sure, what time do you need to go for work?” Ohno asked.
“At three,” Nino answered.
Ohno nodded and returned his attention to his computer. Nino washed up and tried to comb his hair as best as he could since it always looked horrible when he woke up from his sleep. When he came back to the living room, Ohno had already prepared their lunch.
“Are you going somewhere far?” Nino asked as he saw the luggage beside the couch that hadn’t been there before.
“Just a little trip to Okinawa this time, for three days,” Ohno shrugged.
“It must be exciting,” Nino mumbled.
“Not really, if you do it too often,” Ohno said while handing him chopsticks. “Sho-kun said that you had worked as a journalist before,” Ohno continued.
Nino paused in his movements; Sho had no right to share his personal matters with everybody, but his life wasn’t a big deal and it would cause no harm if Ohno knew he was a failed journalist.
“Sort of,” Nino replied briefly.
“He said that you were dating back then,” Ohno continued, looking at Nino with a meaningful gaze.
“I don’t want to talk about it, sorry,” Nino said, slowly eating his food, even though he had no appetite left.
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” Ohno said with an apologetic expression.
They were silent for the rest of lunch, which made Nino feel bad about everything. He didn’t want to give Ohno a negative impression, but he couldn’t help it when Ohno mentioned his past life as if it was nothing. Indeed, he was nothing compared to Ohno himself, who lived in a luxury apartment with a dream job.
“Thanks for the food, Ohno-san, and thanks for letting me stay last night,” Nino said as they finished their lunch. He quickly took his bag from Ohno’s couch and headed to the door.
“Nino!” Ohno caught his elbow. “I’m sorry.”
Nino looked at Ohno’s veined arm and shook his head. He smiled at the cameraman. “Take care on your trip to Okinawa.”
“I will,” Ohno said, releasing his hand from Nino’s elbow. “I’ll visit you as soon as I come back.”
“Can’t wait for that,” Nino said.
***
It had been a week and Ohno didn’t come (just as Nino predicted). He didn’t particularly expect the man to come. They didn’t know each other’s phone numbers, and they were two people who were not likely to become friends.
Nino had looked Ohno up online and found out that he was the most talented and the most expensive cameraman in Japan at the moment. It would be weird if he kept his promise for a nobody like Nino; besides, Nino didn’t want to get his hopes up too high. He had gotten used to being alone, and having friends was never on the top of his list.
Summer enthusiasm had already floated in the air. Everyone got suntanned and the streets were smeared with more people. The annual fireworks festival would be held in Yokohama and it meant there would be more customers to the café, and more work for Nino to do, which was good since he didn’t need to think of unimportant things.
Two weeks passed and Nino had pushed Ohno out of his head. He decided that Ohno had forgotten him, that his kindness to Nino that night was just fake and probably just pity towards a poor man like him. The café’s business hours extended during summer, and it was past midnight when Nino started preparations for closing.
The next day would be the first day of the fireworks festival, an event that Nino never looked forward to; he liked it more when the place was quiet and cold. Nino pedaled his bicycle towards his apartment, which was located half an hour from Osanbashi Pier. The warm air of summer swept against his face, reminding him of the last summer he enjoyed with Sho. It wasn’t a romantic memory, but it left a deep impression in his heart.
He and Sho had gone for midnight walk to the beach with cans of beer in their hands. They talked of Hawaii, how Sho wanted to go there and invited Nino to travel together with him. The trip never happened since they broke up as the summer ended. Perhaps, Sho had travelled there with Jun. Snorkeling and surfing together - something that Nino would never do.
***
part 2