Love So Sweet [an Ohno Satoshi love story] - Chapter 38, part 1
That morning the sky was a light wispy blue, calm but with a breath of building anticipation. Ohno Satoshi, Sakurai Sho, Aiba Masaki, Ninomiya Kazunari and Matsumoto Jun saw this wide open scene and stared in wonder. Rows of rows of empty seats in the immense Kokuritsu Stadium surrounded Arashi, never failing to give them quiet chills and silence even the noisiest of them. Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, there was a hushed silence in this wide space. Later that night, each seat would be filled with a loyal fan come just to see them, enjoy the music and display and just laugh. They would be there to congratulate these five men on ten years of friendship. Today, Arashi would finally start their anniversary tour.
Meanwhile, back at the J-Storm studio, Katsumi Rina was timidly but determinedly sitting across from two of Johnny and Associates’ sound directors. They were surprised of her precociousness, and gave her polite but analyzing looks. She was still in college, yet she was presenting one of Japan’s most prosperous records with one of her own compositions. They had heard of her musical prowess, and decided to see what she had to offer.
Rina held her breath as they popped the CD into the high-tech apparatus. There was a whooshing musical sound, next, a peppy cymbal and drum beat, then hints of guitar and saxophone. With each fast-then-slow phrase of instruments, the listener’s excitement rose. After the four-minute instrumental, the two men stayed silent for a long, tense pause, hands stroking their chins in deep analysis. Then, one of them reached forward and pressed repeat.
Early evening was approaching, and the behind-the-scenes were at the peak of madness at Kokuritsu Stadium. Staff members were shouting across to each other and running back and forth trying to fix the sound system, find the extra emergency microphones, make sure the numerous costumes were in order. There was a medical team and mechanical crew on standby, and cameras recording for the future concert DVD. Dozens of Johnny’s Juniors were standing around anxiously, hoping that they would come through at the biggest performance of their lives so far, stand out and maybe finally catch Johnny’s attention to debut. Arashi-status was the highest goal that the Juniors could imagine.
It was all this chaos that Rina pushed through. Her old staff badge miraculously allowed her to pass security.
The only thing on her mind was finding him, for she didn’t have a lot of time left. Above the teeming activity, she finally spotted him dressed in a flashy white and gold costume, standing off to the side. Although he was part of the center of all the tumult, a sort of calm, composed exhilaration read in his youthful, experienced face. Ohno’s expression brightened even more when he saw Rina.
“What are you doing here?” he asked with a smile, deftly pulling her closer to him so that she would be safe from getting bumped by the others. With all the traffic going on around them, no one paid attention to their exchange. “The show is about to start. You need to find your seat, deshou?” He poked at her cheeks, pulled at the corners of her mouth, and pushed the tip of her nose up, chuckling to himself. She laughed and gave him a mocking stinker look. “… Ne, Rina, what’s wrong?”
She looked at him with her heart in her wide eyes. How could she put into words what was welling up in her chest at that moment? There were countless things she loved about him, both his virtues and his faults she would never wish to change. The gentleness and laughter and tender intimacy he had shown her, she had never known before. He took her heart seeing all the good in it, and cherished it with his own heart, simply, deeply, without any regrets.
Softly, Rina tilted her face up to his and kissed him passionately. It would be their last kiss for a long time. When she pulled away, Ohno was in a daze.
“Ohno-san!” someone called. Ohno took a step back, then turned around with a grin and kissed Rina again. Staff people kept calling his name urgently. He eagerly leaned in for more, but she stopped him - she needed to say it now, while she still could.
In simple terms, Rina murmured breathlessly, “Aishiteru.”
credit: bokunosubete
Up above, with a burst of music, five flashing, beaming men dressed in white and gold appeared at the very top of the enormous stage. A typhoon of applause and cheers from 70,000 fans rose to greet these idols; the din flooded the stadium, growing thunderous and near deafening. The voices of Arashi filled the arena, singing wonderful words of encouragement and perseverance. Then, almost unbelievably, five men zoomed out and floated above everyone’s heads on high wires like shining superheros.
Down below completely in awe, Rina watched from the audience, chest soaring. Although they were several stories above her, the center of all this admiration, those five guys were incredibly tangible to her. She knew that she was somehow singular to them - she was a cousin, a friend, and a love - by some sort of miracle. How proud she was of them, how lucky she felt she was to have known them for this short while.
While Ninomiya took the platform for his “Kotoba Yori” solo, the other four members rushed backstage for a dressing change.
Fully perspiring, Aiba turned to Ohno while catching his breath. He struggled to pull his shaggy head through his top. “You’re so energetic, Ohno-kun! What happened to you?” Aiba joked.
Ohno looked at him with intense eyes. “She loves me.” he whispered. He finished buttoning his vest; a staff member immediately came to fix his hair. Ohno continued smiling in delayed shock. “Maji…”
Aiba knew exactly who he was talking about. “Sou, ka?” Aiba asked softly with twinkling eyes. In their world, it was almost impossible to find something real like that; he was very happy for his friend.
Already changed and ready, Matsujun headed forward first, clapping the others on the back. “Minna, ikuzo!” he yelled in high spirits. They all rushed back into the spotlight.
Several numbers later, Ohno’s “Kumori Nochi, Kaisei” solo brought tears of laughter to Rina’s eyes. He danced and sang magnificently even in his bright sparkly jumpsuit, and his wide goofy smile was genuine. Yes, she happily called a man like that her boyfriend. During the slow ballad “Ashita no Kioku,” childhood pictures of Ohno, Sho, Aiba, Nino and Jun fill the screen. Rina saw pictures of the young Sho who she grew up with, who she counted as the brother she never had. With each performance of songs old and new, Arashi brought back memories of their colorful history - clear plastic costumes, dancing with vegetables - now they could heartily laugh at those ridiculous and mortifying acts.
Then, after countless more energetic, wild songs, things slowed down to a gentle hum. Everything went dark except some soft blue spotlights. The five men, now in red, black and gold satin, gathered in a line on the center circular stage that was lit up like a small constellation. The crowd was tired but still exhilarated, and hushed to listen. Rina clasped her hands together earnestly and silently cheered Sho on, who stepped up first.
“Everyone, even those at the very, very top, thank you…” he said sincerely, pointing to those at the furthest seats - Arashi hadn’t forgotten them either. “Ten years ago, that experience in Hawaii. Even if we returned to that day one more time, I strongly feel that we would pick the same road we chose back then.” He seemed a bit out of breath, but smiled dazzlingly.
“I believe that dreams are not just for us to wish for. It’s our mission to make those dreams come true… We have learned to dream. Thanks to everyone’s love and support, now I can think that. From now on, let’s dream the same dream.”
Sho returned to the line, and Leader Ohno walked up timidly. “Wow, ten years… Right now, I feel very strange. Ten years ago, I didn’t think that ten years later I could be standing here like this. I have a memory that without understanding anything, I just did my job. But now it’s amazing, standing here… I feel a wonderful, warm atmosphere that we haven’t taken for granted, even now.”
Emotions started to well up. “In the blink of an eye… t-ten years have passed…” Ohno started to choke on his tears, and paused bashfully. The audience cheered him on loyally as he struggled for words. He chuckled in embarrassment. “I’m not c-crying, yo!” he cried hoarsely, earning more squeals from the fans. He swallowed, and continued.
“Yes, I’m standing here with a very strange feeling, indeed. Actually, in ten years, you’ve come to our concerts; you’ve always supported Arashi, which made us very happy.”
Ohno looked out at the dark sea of faces, blinking penlights, and tinsel uchiwas waving in support. He didn’t know where she was exactly amidst the thousands of seats, but this part was for her. He knew she was listening. “… Even from now on, each and every one of you, please continue to stay by our side. Thank you very much.”
Aiba, Ninomiya and Jun gave equally heartfelt messages of thankfulness for the winding journey that had brought them to this point, and all the love and support from every single fan that surrounded them. They would continue to do their best, one step at a time. Nino’s was particularly poignant - he saw Arashi as four people; as the fifth person, a fan, he had the closest and best seat. Jun, also, felt a special bond had gathered everyone that day, and he hoped to continue to make memories with them all.
“Well then, the last song.” Jun murmured. “We’d like to sing what we feel is our 10-year anniversary’s Arashi-like song. Please listen.”
credit: ghostygloom, iedike, ashmauve
credit: shokim
---------------------------------------------
Translations of the members' messages are mixed, from Flyhigh fansubs and Ao no Michi fansubs!
Part 2 || Part 3
Meanwhile, back at the J-Storm studio, Katsumi Rina was timidly but determinedly sitting across from two of Johnny and Associates’ sound directors. They were surprised of her precociousness, and gave her polite but analyzing looks. She was still in college, yet she was presenting one of Japan’s most prosperous records with one of her own compositions. They had heard of her musical prowess, and decided to see what she had to offer.
Rina held her breath as they popped the CD into the high-tech apparatus. There was a whooshing musical sound, next, a peppy cymbal and drum beat, then hints of guitar and saxophone. With each fast-then-slow phrase of instruments, the listener’s excitement rose. After the four-minute instrumental, the two men stayed silent for a long, tense pause, hands stroking their chins in deep analysis. Then, one of them reached forward and pressed repeat.
Early evening was approaching, and the behind-the-scenes were at the peak of madness at Kokuritsu Stadium. Staff members were shouting across to each other and running back and forth trying to fix the sound system, find the extra emergency microphones, make sure the numerous costumes were in order. There was a medical team and mechanical crew on standby, and cameras recording for the future concert DVD. Dozens of Johnny’s Juniors were standing around anxiously, hoping that they would come through at the biggest performance of their lives so far, stand out and maybe finally catch Johnny’s attention to debut. Arashi-status was the highest goal that the Juniors could imagine.
It was all this chaos that Rina pushed through. Her old staff badge miraculously allowed her to pass security.
The only thing on her mind was finding him, for she didn’t have a lot of time left. Above the teeming activity, she finally spotted him dressed in a flashy white and gold costume, standing off to the side. Although he was part of the center of all the tumult, a sort of calm, composed exhilaration read in his youthful, experienced face. Ohno’s expression brightened even more when he saw Rina.
“What are you doing here?” he asked with a smile, deftly pulling her closer to him so that she would be safe from getting bumped by the others. With all the traffic going on around them, no one paid attention to their exchange. “The show is about to start. You need to find your seat, deshou?” He poked at her cheeks, pulled at the corners of her mouth, and pushed the tip of her nose up, chuckling to himself. She laughed and gave him a mocking stinker look. “… Ne, Rina, what’s wrong?”
She looked at him with her heart in her wide eyes. How could she put into words what was welling up in her chest at that moment? There were countless things she loved about him, both his virtues and his faults she would never wish to change. The gentleness and laughter and tender intimacy he had shown her, she had never known before. He took her heart seeing all the good in it, and cherished it with his own heart, simply, deeply, without any regrets.
Softly, Rina tilted her face up to his and kissed him passionately. It would be their last kiss for a long time. When she pulled away, Ohno was in a daze.
“Ohno-san!” someone called. Ohno took a step back, then turned around with a grin and kissed Rina again. Staff people kept calling his name urgently. He eagerly leaned in for more, but she stopped him - she needed to say it now, while she still could.
In simple terms, Rina murmured breathlessly, “Aishiteru.”
credit: bokunosubete
Up above, with a burst of music, five flashing, beaming men dressed in white and gold appeared at the very top of the enormous stage. A typhoon of applause and cheers from 70,000 fans rose to greet these idols; the din flooded the stadium, growing thunderous and near deafening. The voices of Arashi filled the arena, singing wonderful words of encouragement and perseverance. Then, almost unbelievably, five men zoomed out and floated above everyone’s heads on high wires like shining superheros.
Down below completely in awe, Rina watched from the audience, chest soaring. Although they were several stories above her, the center of all this admiration, those five guys were incredibly tangible to her. She knew that she was somehow singular to them - she was a cousin, a friend, and a love - by some sort of miracle. How proud she was of them, how lucky she felt she was to have known them for this short while.
While Ninomiya took the platform for his “Kotoba Yori” solo, the other four members rushed backstage for a dressing change.
Fully perspiring, Aiba turned to Ohno while catching his breath. He struggled to pull his shaggy head through his top. “You’re so energetic, Ohno-kun! What happened to you?” Aiba joked.
Ohno looked at him with intense eyes. “She loves me.” he whispered. He finished buttoning his vest; a staff member immediately came to fix his hair. Ohno continued smiling in delayed shock. “Maji…”
Aiba knew exactly who he was talking about. “Sou, ka?” Aiba asked softly with twinkling eyes. In their world, it was almost impossible to find something real like that; he was very happy for his friend.
Already changed and ready, Matsujun headed forward first, clapping the others on the back. “Minna, ikuzo!” he yelled in high spirits. They all rushed back into the spotlight.
Several numbers later, Ohno’s “Kumori Nochi, Kaisei” solo brought tears of laughter to Rina’s eyes. He danced and sang magnificently even in his bright sparkly jumpsuit, and his wide goofy smile was genuine. Yes, she happily called a man like that her boyfriend. During the slow ballad “Ashita no Kioku,” childhood pictures of Ohno, Sho, Aiba, Nino and Jun fill the screen. Rina saw pictures of the young Sho who she grew up with, who she counted as the brother she never had. With each performance of songs old and new, Arashi brought back memories of their colorful history - clear plastic costumes, dancing with vegetables - now they could heartily laugh at those ridiculous and mortifying acts.
Then, after countless more energetic, wild songs, things slowed down to a gentle hum. Everything went dark except some soft blue spotlights. The five men, now in red, black and gold satin, gathered in a line on the center circular stage that was lit up like a small constellation. The crowd was tired but still exhilarated, and hushed to listen. Rina clasped her hands together earnestly and silently cheered Sho on, who stepped up first.
“Everyone, even those at the very, very top, thank you…” he said sincerely, pointing to those at the furthest seats - Arashi hadn’t forgotten them either. “Ten years ago, that experience in Hawaii. Even if we returned to that day one more time, I strongly feel that we would pick the same road we chose back then.” He seemed a bit out of breath, but smiled dazzlingly.
“I believe that dreams are not just for us to wish for. It’s our mission to make those dreams come true… We have learned to dream. Thanks to everyone’s love and support, now I can think that. From now on, let’s dream the same dream.”
Sho returned to the line, and Leader Ohno walked up timidly. “Wow, ten years… Right now, I feel very strange. Ten years ago, I didn’t think that ten years later I could be standing here like this. I have a memory that without understanding anything, I just did my job. But now it’s amazing, standing here… I feel a wonderful, warm atmosphere that we haven’t taken for granted, even now.”
Emotions started to well up. “In the blink of an eye… t-ten years have passed…” Ohno started to choke on his tears, and paused bashfully. The audience cheered him on loyally as he struggled for words. He chuckled in embarrassment. “I’m not c-crying, yo!” he cried hoarsely, earning more squeals from the fans. He swallowed, and continued.
“Yes, I’m standing here with a very strange feeling, indeed. Actually, in ten years, you’ve come to our concerts; you’ve always supported Arashi, which made us very happy.”
Ohno looked out at the dark sea of faces, blinking penlights, and tinsel uchiwas waving in support. He didn’t know where she was exactly amidst the thousands of seats, but this part was for her. He knew she was listening. “… Even from now on, each and every one of you, please continue to stay by our side. Thank you very much.”
Aiba, Ninomiya and Jun gave equally heartfelt messages of thankfulness for the winding journey that had brought them to this point, and all the love and support from every single fan that surrounded them. They would continue to do their best, one step at a time. Nino’s was particularly poignant - he saw Arashi as four people; as the fifth person, a fan, he had the closest and best seat. Jun, also, felt a special bond had gathered everyone that day, and he hoped to continue to make memories with them all.
“Well then, the last song.” Jun murmured. “We’d like to sing what we feel is our 10-year anniversary’s Arashi-like song. Please listen.”
credit: ghostygloom, iedike, ashmauve
credit: shokim
---------------------------------------------
Translations of the members' messages are mixed, from Flyhigh fansubs and Ao no Michi fansubs!
Part 2 || Part 3