Love So Sweet [an Ohno Satoshi love story] - Chapter 25
Now that their secret was out, Ohno and Rina figured that what the heck, Ohno might as well just come over whenever now and not have to sneak around Sho’s schedule. That evening, Sho grit his teeth as he opened the door and “welcomed” Ohno into their home.
“Riida, hey…” he mumbled uncomfortably. “Come on in…”
Rina skipped into the foyer and smiled brightly. She was happy that Ohno had made time for her (and Sho had even cancelled a small meeting in order to chaperone). Ohno followed her into the kitchen, and Sho worked on steadying his breathing. He promised he would stay out of their way. Of course, he couldn’t quite do that. Along with his siblings, they spied on the pair every now and then.
Sho, Satomi and Sora peeked around the corner, looking into the dining room. There Rina and Ohno were seated at the table, partaking of the food Rina had made.
“They’re just eating.” Sho hissed in incomprehension. “They’re completely silent.”
“That means that things are probably going well.” Satomi laughed. “Haven’t you ever thought that maybe you just talk too much?”
Sho glared at his sister. “Urusei…” He supposed she was right though. Those two were strange, but they did enjoy such simplicity.
Meanwhile, as they ate, Rina was trying not to grimace in suffering. She had made green curry, one of Ohno’s favorite dishes, and made it very spicy like he liked it. After a few mouthfuls, it was just too much. Two tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes.
Ohno immediately looked up in concern. “What’s wrong?”
Rina shook her head, laughing it off. “No, it’s nothing. It’s just - really-hot.” She choked and tried gulping down her drink. Even her nose had started running from the heat.
“Yabai, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to put so much chili in it…” He hurried to get her more water as she continued coughing.
The spectators raised their brows at this silly spectacle. Fail…
“They’re acting so old.” Sora breathed in awe.
credit: tecchinvie
It was late April. A warm, fragrant breeze blew through the open windows and doors, reaching a man deep in thought. Sho took a deep breath. He stood there very quietly, hands on his hips, as he surveyed the developing shell of a space. It had wonderful potential. The clean white walls, the wide open shiny floors, the pleasant view of the city from the living room, were all his. This was his new home, a penthouse in Shinjuku, Tokyo. He was finally moving out, becoming an independent man reaping the returns of his success.
A cheerful voice, sounding from the corridor, interrupted his daydreaming. “Where do you want these to go, Sho-kun?” Satomi called. “It just looks like a bunch of random stuff.”
He went to go see what she was talking about - she held up a container of jumbled objects.
“I’ll take care of those. Thanks.”
Sho sat down with the box in the middle of the floor. One by one, he took out each trinket and chuckled to himself. How could he have forgotten about them? There was a stack of screen print t-shirts from all the countries Aiba had visited for Tensai Shimura - for some reason they all had tigers on them. There was a CD of music Jun had mixed for him that Sho hadn’t particularly liked (although he had appreciated the gesture). There was a cracked plate that the four other members had gotten for Sho from their visit to Aomori; he hadn’t been able to join them because of his drama shooting at the time. It was signed by Kazunari, Satoshi, Masaki and Jun, wishing that he were there and to do his best in his drama. All these little imperfect memories were precious to him.
“-- Sho~! Mom and dad are here!” Sora yelled.
The man went to greet his parents whom he hadn’t seen in ages, as their prestigious jobs had taken them abroad. Sakurai Shun and Sayuri were there to transition their eldest son, to see their first bird out of the nest.
“We’re very proud of you, Sho-chan.” his mother said tearfully, hugging him tightly. “I know you’ll be okay on your own, ne.”
“I suppose it was about the proper time for this. Twenty-seven is a fine age.” Shun murmured gruffly, trying to hold in his emotions. He clapped his son firmly on the shoulder. “You chose a good place, for a good price I hope? I approve.”
“Ah, I almost forgot - I know you can’t sleep without this.” Sakurai Sayuri produced a huge bundle, looking like a tied-up quilt of sorts. “Your favorite kaimaki.”
“Hazukashi na… Thanks.” Sho blushed as his siblings snickered. This was about as emotional as his parents got, and it embarrassed him to hear such sentiments.
“Is Rina-chan here?”
“No, she’s at a photoshoot right now.” he explained. “… Why don’t I show you around?” It felt rather strange to be giving a tour to his own parents.
Against one wall, there was a multi-tiered shelf packed with photos from the past 20 years or so of Sho’s life. There was one small section reserved for his childhood. A little framed snapshot of his first day of school, looking excited in his pressed uniform. One of when he was ten years old, all muddy and victorious from his soccer match (when he’d actually been relatively good at sports). His and Satomi’s piano recital. At the Sakurai beach house with the extended family.
“Remember that? My, that was so long ago…” his mother breathed. “Look, there’s you and Rina-chan. You taught her how to look for crabs in the tide pools, right?”
“Oh yeah… kawaii…” Sho studied the hazy photograph. Indeed, there was a scrawny miniature tween version of him, when he was still called Mame (bean), pre-Johnny’s. He pointed at something in the sand. Beside him, knee deep in the water with a plastic bucket in hand, was an even tinier Rina with an angelic, curious expression.
The Sakurai parents seemed to have already accepted this change, their son’s break from them; he hadn’t realized it till now. It was a new beginning, both sad and yet stimulating. Sho wanted to cling to their reassuring presence, yet at the same time felt such refreshing freedom. Since when had he become an actual adult?
As he was seeing his parents and siblings out the door, “I’ll miss seeing you all everyday.” he murmured. Waking up to see Sora’s crazy bed hair and smelling his mother’s cooking on the weekends…
“Remember to visit whenever you can.” they insisted. After a few parting hugs and encouraging words, they went home.
So, Sho was left by himself. He wandered around the dark penthouse aimlessly for several minutes; the city lights and noises from below barely filtered in. If he looked out the oversized windows, he saw shiny skyscrapers and a purple night sky, a powerful view of the vast metropolis. Not knowing what else to do, he flopped on the couch and turned on the TV. News Zero was on. There was Kobayashi Mao and the other newscasters, reporting and commentating on the economy, politics, sports, foreign affairs, energy… Not too long ago, he had thought that she would be there with him now. Not that he wanted her back but it was just that… it was kind of lonely. It would definitely take some getting used to.
credit: tenjostyle
A few days later once he’d gotten settled into his new abode, Sho invited fourty or so of his closest celebrity friends over for a housewarming party (who came and went as they needed throughout the night). It was a surreal affair as the good-looking people filled the space with their sparkling smiles and impressive talk. Old co-stars from Kisarazu Cat’s Eye, a few Johnny’s senpais, and one or two Olympic athletes to name some of the variety of people he knew. Of course, the Arashi members were there to show their support too. They even shared many mutual friends with Sho. With Ninomiya Kazunari’s wit and magic tricks, Matsumoto Jun’s charisma and magnetism, Aiba Masaki’s humor and warmth and Ohno Satoshi’s composure and ease, they helped mediate and perfect the soiree’s atmosphere.
Aiba passed through the crowd. This is the way to bathroom, right? he wondered to himself. Then his eyes caught sight of the shelf full of pictures, and he paused in front of it. His face lit up with his infectious giggle as he looked at the goofiness and good times of the past years. Nino and Jun noticed and curiously came to join him. Jun remarked on how unflattering some pictures of him were for all who came over to see; Nino invented snappy captions for each that sent them cracking up. Soon, Ohno was drawn towards them, and Sho congregated there as well. Now a complete group, they started really reliving those moments. There was a group photo of them celebrating Sho’s 20th birthday; he was presented his own birthday song, the second of the five there were to be. Placed on the most recent section was a mini photo album of the crazy pictures they’d taken in Shanghai for their Around Asia Tour just the previous year. Even some random candids of them goofing around as young, awkward Juniors were there. How unbelievable was it that they’d been together even before they became ‘Arashi’?
It was almost by impulse that they joined when they were together. They got lost amongst themselves in their own world somehow. Even ‘Sho the Host’ forgot his duties for a short time because he was amongst his best friends. Those who looked on were slightly awed. Those guys formed almost a glowing circle, impenetrable by almost everyone. No one wanted to disturb that seamless harmony that those five shared.
credit: bearbeartina
All those bittersweet, nostalgic, cautiously hopeful feelings that had acquired in Sho were perfect for the filming of the “Ashita no Kioku” PV.
That early lazy morning, the five were all dressed in soft whites, faded blues and washed-out greys. They stood still like mannequins as the stylists tried different clothing and accessories on them and fussed with their hair and makeup (it was just faster and more cohesive when people did it for them). The head coordinator would narrow her eyes and tilt her head to the side, evaluating each of their appearances. She stood apart and appraised Ohno's look.
“Katsumi-san, can you put that tie on Ohno-san please? Yes, try that lavender one… Let’s see how that looks.”
Retaining professionalism, Rina excused herself and gently wound the tie around his neck; she kept remembering how her mother always fixed her father’s ties for him like this. Ohno looked down at her quietly, but felt heat as her soft fingers accidentally brushed his neck.
“Hmm, that’s not quite what I’m going for. Too stiff. Take it off please, and let’s give him something around his wrist. Perfect, that edgy leather cuff there. Accentuate his hands…”
The concept for the PV was how memories today would keep evolving, and grow into something different, for better or for worse, tomorrow. Beautiful and tragic, the way life continued through time, and yet something wonderful always blossomed in the end. Each member had a separate scene which they would photograph, yet the picture shown would be of the memory advanced in the future. Sho’s theme was an old wind-up clock. Jun’s, a vase of red ranunculus flowers. Nino had paper airplanes and handwritten letters. Aiba had a colorful birthday cake with candles. And Ohno, he had a painting.
Against one blank canvas of a wall he took a rough brush to it, dipped it in black inky paint, and with a deft wrist and smooth strokes, he made something beautiful. He got lost in his own world in the process. It was simply a silhouette of a tree, but it was striking with its stark contrast to the blue-white background. Standing behind the film crew, Rina gazed on in wonder.
How many times can we come to love someone,
In the middle of the changing eras?
What could I have done for you,
If we supported each other closely, closely?
In our overlapping hearts
There is happiness and sadness, warmth and hate
Because our meeting and the days we shared
Have definitely scorched this heart
What colour will the "tomorrow" we paint be,
In the middle of the changing seasons?
What colour will the "future" that awaits be,
If we believe in each other strongly, strongly? *
credit: tenjostyle
--------------------------
translation from saladesu
“Riida, hey…” he mumbled uncomfortably. “Come on in…”
Rina skipped into the foyer and smiled brightly. She was happy that Ohno had made time for her (and Sho had even cancelled a small meeting in order to chaperone). Ohno followed her into the kitchen, and Sho worked on steadying his breathing. He promised he would stay out of their way. Of course, he couldn’t quite do that. Along with his siblings, they spied on the pair every now and then.
Sho, Satomi and Sora peeked around the corner, looking into the dining room. There Rina and Ohno were seated at the table, partaking of the food Rina had made.
“They’re just eating.” Sho hissed in incomprehension. “They’re completely silent.”
“That means that things are probably going well.” Satomi laughed. “Haven’t you ever thought that maybe you just talk too much?”
Sho glared at his sister. “Urusei…” He supposed she was right though. Those two were strange, but they did enjoy such simplicity.
Meanwhile, as they ate, Rina was trying not to grimace in suffering. She had made green curry, one of Ohno’s favorite dishes, and made it very spicy like he liked it. After a few mouthfuls, it was just too much. Two tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes.
Ohno immediately looked up in concern. “What’s wrong?”
Rina shook her head, laughing it off. “No, it’s nothing. It’s just - really-hot.” She choked and tried gulping down her drink. Even her nose had started running from the heat.
“Yabai, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to put so much chili in it…” He hurried to get her more water as she continued coughing.
The spectators raised their brows at this silly spectacle. Fail…
“They’re acting so old.” Sora breathed in awe.
credit: tecchinvie
It was late April. A warm, fragrant breeze blew through the open windows and doors, reaching a man deep in thought. Sho took a deep breath. He stood there very quietly, hands on his hips, as he surveyed the developing shell of a space. It had wonderful potential. The clean white walls, the wide open shiny floors, the pleasant view of the city from the living room, were all his. This was his new home, a penthouse in Shinjuku, Tokyo. He was finally moving out, becoming an independent man reaping the returns of his success.
A cheerful voice, sounding from the corridor, interrupted his daydreaming. “Where do you want these to go, Sho-kun?” Satomi called. “It just looks like a bunch of random stuff.”
He went to go see what she was talking about - she held up a container of jumbled objects.
“I’ll take care of those. Thanks.”
Sho sat down with the box in the middle of the floor. One by one, he took out each trinket and chuckled to himself. How could he have forgotten about them? There was a stack of screen print t-shirts from all the countries Aiba had visited for Tensai Shimura - for some reason they all had tigers on them. There was a CD of music Jun had mixed for him that Sho hadn’t particularly liked (although he had appreciated the gesture). There was a cracked plate that the four other members had gotten for Sho from their visit to Aomori; he hadn’t been able to join them because of his drama shooting at the time. It was signed by Kazunari, Satoshi, Masaki and Jun, wishing that he were there and to do his best in his drama. All these little imperfect memories were precious to him.
“-- Sho~! Mom and dad are here!” Sora yelled.
The man went to greet his parents whom he hadn’t seen in ages, as their prestigious jobs had taken them abroad. Sakurai Shun and Sayuri were there to transition their eldest son, to see their first bird out of the nest.
“We’re very proud of you, Sho-chan.” his mother said tearfully, hugging him tightly. “I know you’ll be okay on your own, ne.”
“I suppose it was about the proper time for this. Twenty-seven is a fine age.” Shun murmured gruffly, trying to hold in his emotions. He clapped his son firmly on the shoulder. “You chose a good place, for a good price I hope? I approve.”
“Ah, I almost forgot - I know you can’t sleep without this.” Sakurai Sayuri produced a huge bundle, looking like a tied-up quilt of sorts. “Your favorite kaimaki.”
“Hazukashi na… Thanks.” Sho blushed as his siblings snickered. This was about as emotional as his parents got, and it embarrassed him to hear such sentiments.
“Is Rina-chan here?”
“No, she’s at a photoshoot right now.” he explained. “… Why don’t I show you around?” It felt rather strange to be giving a tour to his own parents.
Against one wall, there was a multi-tiered shelf packed with photos from the past 20 years or so of Sho’s life. There was one small section reserved for his childhood. A little framed snapshot of his first day of school, looking excited in his pressed uniform. One of when he was ten years old, all muddy and victorious from his soccer match (when he’d actually been relatively good at sports). His and Satomi’s piano recital. At the Sakurai beach house with the extended family.
“Remember that? My, that was so long ago…” his mother breathed. “Look, there’s you and Rina-chan. You taught her how to look for crabs in the tide pools, right?”
“Oh yeah… kawaii…” Sho studied the hazy photograph. Indeed, there was a scrawny miniature tween version of him, when he was still called Mame (bean), pre-Johnny’s. He pointed at something in the sand. Beside him, knee deep in the water with a plastic bucket in hand, was an even tinier Rina with an angelic, curious expression.
The Sakurai parents seemed to have already accepted this change, their son’s break from them; he hadn’t realized it till now. It was a new beginning, both sad and yet stimulating. Sho wanted to cling to their reassuring presence, yet at the same time felt such refreshing freedom. Since when had he become an actual adult?
As he was seeing his parents and siblings out the door, “I’ll miss seeing you all everyday.” he murmured. Waking up to see Sora’s crazy bed hair and smelling his mother’s cooking on the weekends…
“Remember to visit whenever you can.” they insisted. After a few parting hugs and encouraging words, they went home.
So, Sho was left by himself. He wandered around the dark penthouse aimlessly for several minutes; the city lights and noises from below barely filtered in. If he looked out the oversized windows, he saw shiny skyscrapers and a purple night sky, a powerful view of the vast metropolis. Not knowing what else to do, he flopped on the couch and turned on the TV. News Zero was on. There was Kobayashi Mao and the other newscasters, reporting and commentating on the economy, politics, sports, foreign affairs, energy… Not too long ago, he had thought that she would be there with him now. Not that he wanted her back but it was just that… it was kind of lonely. It would definitely take some getting used to.
credit: tenjostyle
A few days later once he’d gotten settled into his new abode, Sho invited fourty or so of his closest celebrity friends over for a housewarming party (who came and went as they needed throughout the night). It was a surreal affair as the good-looking people filled the space with their sparkling smiles and impressive talk. Old co-stars from Kisarazu Cat’s Eye, a few Johnny’s senpais, and one or two Olympic athletes to name some of the variety of people he knew. Of course, the Arashi members were there to show their support too. They even shared many mutual friends with Sho. With Ninomiya Kazunari’s wit and magic tricks, Matsumoto Jun’s charisma and magnetism, Aiba Masaki’s humor and warmth and Ohno Satoshi’s composure and ease, they helped mediate and perfect the soiree’s atmosphere.
Aiba passed through the crowd. This is the way to bathroom, right? he wondered to himself. Then his eyes caught sight of the shelf full of pictures, and he paused in front of it. His face lit up with his infectious giggle as he looked at the goofiness and good times of the past years. Nino and Jun noticed and curiously came to join him. Jun remarked on how unflattering some pictures of him were for all who came over to see; Nino invented snappy captions for each that sent them cracking up. Soon, Ohno was drawn towards them, and Sho congregated there as well. Now a complete group, they started really reliving those moments. There was a group photo of them celebrating Sho’s 20th birthday; he was presented his own birthday song, the second of the five there were to be. Placed on the most recent section was a mini photo album of the crazy pictures they’d taken in Shanghai for their Around Asia Tour just the previous year. Even some random candids of them goofing around as young, awkward Juniors were there. How unbelievable was it that they’d been together even before they became ‘Arashi’?
It was almost by impulse that they joined when they were together. They got lost amongst themselves in their own world somehow. Even ‘Sho the Host’ forgot his duties for a short time because he was amongst his best friends. Those who looked on were slightly awed. Those guys formed almost a glowing circle, impenetrable by almost everyone. No one wanted to disturb that seamless harmony that those five shared.
credit: bearbeartina
All those bittersweet, nostalgic, cautiously hopeful feelings that had acquired in Sho were perfect for the filming of the “Ashita no Kioku” PV.
That early lazy morning, the five were all dressed in soft whites, faded blues and washed-out greys. They stood still like mannequins as the stylists tried different clothing and accessories on them and fussed with their hair and makeup (it was just faster and more cohesive when people did it for them). The head coordinator would narrow her eyes and tilt her head to the side, evaluating each of their appearances. She stood apart and appraised Ohno's look.
“Katsumi-san, can you put that tie on Ohno-san please? Yes, try that lavender one… Let’s see how that looks.”
Retaining professionalism, Rina excused herself and gently wound the tie around his neck; she kept remembering how her mother always fixed her father’s ties for him like this. Ohno looked down at her quietly, but felt heat as her soft fingers accidentally brushed his neck.
“Hmm, that’s not quite what I’m going for. Too stiff. Take it off please, and let’s give him something around his wrist. Perfect, that edgy leather cuff there. Accentuate his hands…”
The concept for the PV was how memories today would keep evolving, and grow into something different, for better or for worse, tomorrow. Beautiful and tragic, the way life continued through time, and yet something wonderful always blossomed in the end. Each member had a separate scene which they would photograph, yet the picture shown would be of the memory advanced in the future. Sho’s theme was an old wind-up clock. Jun’s, a vase of red ranunculus flowers. Nino had paper airplanes and handwritten letters. Aiba had a colorful birthday cake with candles. And Ohno, he had a painting.
Against one blank canvas of a wall he took a rough brush to it, dipped it in black inky paint, and with a deft wrist and smooth strokes, he made something beautiful. He got lost in his own world in the process. It was simply a silhouette of a tree, but it was striking with its stark contrast to the blue-white background. Standing behind the film crew, Rina gazed on in wonder.
How many times can we come to love someone,
In the middle of the changing eras?
What could I have done for you,
If we supported each other closely, closely?
In our overlapping hearts
There is happiness and sadness, warmth and hate
Because our meeting and the days we shared
Have definitely scorched this heart
What colour will the "tomorrow" we paint be,
In the middle of the changing seasons?
What colour will the "future" that awaits be,
If we believe in each other strongly, strongly? *
credit: tenjostyle
--------------------------
translation from saladesu