Love So Sweet [an Ohno Satoshi love story] - Chapter 17
The next morning, Rina shuffled down the stairs and to the kitchen with a great big headache, yet she was smiling to herself. At first she’d told herself that the previous night had been a dream, but she saw the little charm dangling on her cell phone as proof. Then she would remember the very real embrace, and what Ohno had told her… Too bad she wasn’t signed up for anything with Arashi in the next few days. She hummed to herself as she sat down at the kitchen island in her favorite out-of-place stool. Satomi was making a big breakfast as a belated birthday gesture.
A few days passed without a glimpse of an Arashi member (other than in commercials or giant billboards, or Sho early in the morning before he walked out the door, or late at night when he got home), and not a word from Ohno either. She hadn’t given him her number, but should she expect him to ask Sho or one of the staff for it? Maybe he hadn’t meant what he’d said? Her self-doubt started getting the best of her.
Finally, after waiting and waiting to be called for a position, Arashi’s manager asked her to help out at a J-Storm recording. The manager hadn’t been specific. Still, Rina rushed to the address she’d been given, hoping that she’d be at Ohno’s session. When she’d arrived, only the staff was there. The one who’d be coming would be Matsumoto Jun. He was expected to be late, because he was the least punctual of the group and very busy at the moment with his new drama. So as they all waited for him to show, Rina had nothing else to do but dabble on the keyboard.
It wasn’t exactly like a grand, but she happily played random songs either by ear or by memory. Classical, pop, whatever she felt like. When things felt private like in this soundproof room, she ignored technique and played with heart and fun. She got lost in the black and white keys and didn’t notice the people watching her - one who was Matsujun himself; he was dressed stylishly as usual.
When the mix artist finally tapped on the glass loudly, she quickly excused herself and took her rightful place. Before Jun walked into the booth, he greeted Rina.
“Katsumi-chan, your piano is extremely good, majidesu yo.” Jun said. His hair was now shorter and straight again, but slightly floppy and layered. This relieved Rina - his curly, shaggy ‘do had been kind of strange. This new haircut was probably for Smile.
“Arigatou.” she smiled.
“I bet that wasn’t even serious playing, huh. That looked really easy for you.”
She shrugged. “Just messing around I guess.”
He gave her a contemplative look. “I have a proposition for you…”
(This is actually Air Studios in London)
She had never been in such a place. This was an orchestral recording studio - huge high ceilings, spacious and worn cherry wood floors, giant windows, a grand organ build to the side - it was almost like a church. There were empty chairs and stands set out in a half circle formation around a small conductor’s podium. Rina’s feet plod uncertainly as she followed Jun to greet the man named Yamashita Kousuke.
Of all people, Jun had insisted that he introduce her to THE soundtrack composer for the most popular Japanese dramas. This man had been in charge of projects like Hana Yori Dango (also with Jun), and was now working on Smile as well. On the way there Jun had popped a CD in of some sample work - the man was amazing. Rina was intimidated. Why in the world would he want to meet some college girl?
But the stern looking man seemed quite enthusiastic about Jun’s recommendation - he needed a new pianist. He ushered Rina to the beautiful Steinway & Sons grand piano set just to the side of the podium. She sat down tentatively and looked up at the two men, wondering what she was supposed to do.
Yamashita put a single sheet of music in front of her. “This is the unofficial score for the main theme. You have been told the synopsis of the story, deshou? Please play this how you like, how you feel like it should go.”
These were rather ambiguous instructions. Rina settled in her seat though, and took a deep breath. She thought of the bittersweet, joy amidst pain, overcoming struggles. Her fingers found the keys, and the music naturally flowed from there. In between those emotions, she added a little bit of love.
Arashi arrived at the Music Lovers studio, excited for one of their favorite shows to perform on. Last time they’d had lots of fun with the smaller audience - they were able to run around and high five them and really see their happy faces - it felt more intimate. They’d been looking forward to coming again. However, once they were shown around set again (told where to go and such), Aiba quietly noted to the rest of his group how a bit disappointing it was that it was a big-scale stage. They’d be separated from their fans again, just like any other performance. Their manager explained that they could hold more people (thus sell more tickets) this way. Arashi was sent to the dressing room with the briefing, without any complaints. It wasn’t a big deal - such decisions weren’t up to them and were made all the time.
Meanwhile, Rina was already sent to work in the control room. This was a high-tech space. A whole wall was full of dozens of different lit-up, colored buttons and numerous TV screens showing what each camera’s shot. At the dashboard where the head team sat, there were even more controls. There was also a small window overlooking the whole set below. From this view, Rina could see the excited guests trickling in and filling the vacant floor, and staff running around with last minute preparations.
Rina’s job was to be a live feed relayer. Music Lovers was being broadcast live, and viewers could post their comments on the live feed website as the show was going on. Any significant amount of the same type of good or bad comments were to be relayed to the director or whoever, so they could guide the progress accordingly. Rina really wanted to see them perform, so she was rather distracted. From the corner of her eye, she watched the screens.
The show started with a big high pitched cheer from the crowd as Arashi took the glittering stage, dressed in coordinated black, white and grey outfits. Their charisma immediately filled the space and captivated everyone. There were two people to greet them - one was a middle aged man, and the other was a very beautiful woman in a long floral dress. Even with these two, Sho would be doing most of the MC-ing. Rina was crossing her fingers for him.
There was an intermission midway. Arashi was called backstage again to review what they were doing next, and take a quick rest. Rina was running errands (papers and coffee and messages and such) back and forth as well. In anticipation, she was about to retrieve some bentos to be delivered to the men of Arashi (this was the first time she’d come in contact with a certain someone for days) when she noticed him. He was speaking in private with Nakama Yukie, the program’s female host. Maybe it was being nosy, but Rina slowed down and hid around the corner. She held her breath in and tried to listen unnoticed.
“… That’s great.” Nakama murmured. There was a hint of fondness in her tone. “A lot has happened since then.”
“Not that much.” Ohno replied softly. “I hope everything’s well with you, too.”
Rina’s ears perked up - had she ever heard him speak to anyone so delicately? It sounded like they’d known each other for some amount of time. Then, her throat closed.
“Tomorrow works for you, then, Ohno-kun?” the pretty woman asked.
“Yeah, how about Mario’s, like old times?”
Rina dared to peer around her hiding spot, and her stomach tied in knots when she saw how happy Ohno looked, and how tenderly Nakama smiled at him.
“Sounds good. I’m looking forward to it.”
Rina rushed away as quickly as she could without running into anyone. Once she was alone in the food closet she closed her eyes and stayed still for a moment. It really hurt, and there weren’t quite words for it. Ohno liked this Nakama Yukie person, and she liked him back. They’d arranged for a date at a place they used to frequent together. They would start dating (assumingly again). That meant that in the span of only about ten days, Ohno had forgotten about his declaration to Rina, and his feelings. Perhaps he had just been drunk after all, and hadn’t meant a word of it. Sighing, Rina took out her cell phone and fingered the delicate little charm he had made for her; she didn’t have the heart to remove it, even though her heart was wrenched. The girl gathered her wits about her, held her tears back, collected the five fancy boxed lunches she needed, and went to do her simple job.
They were already waiting in the guest lounge when Rina knocked and excused herself to enter. They greeted her uncertainly, seeing her pale face and hurried demeanor. She kept her head down the whole time as she handed them out, and especially avoided eye contact with Ohno. His expectant smile fell and how he was completely perplexed - was she not happy to see him? To the side, Sho asked his cousin if something was the matter, but she just shook her head lightly and shuffled back out as soon as she could.
Returning from the break back to the show, Rina resumed her live feed duty. She stared at the responses, but the encouraging words didn’t make her as happy as they had only minutes before. Glancing at the TV screens on the control wall, she saw all the different angles each camera took. They zoomed in on the faces of the stars, magnifying the feeling of separation. She saw pans across Ohno’s face and Nakama’s perfect one, and thought she saw the attraction between them there. Of course it made sense. Why wouldn’t he be able to move on so easily? Even if he HAD liked her for a day or a moment, it didn’t negate the face that he was surrounded by gorgeous, enchanting celebrities like Nakama Yukie every single day. There was no comparison; it was like roses and weeds between them and Rina. It was inevitable, wasn’t it?
Everything went smoothly. Arashi sang and danced well with sparkling smiles, and the audience’s screams reached a frenzy. All the comments on the live feed were positive - how hott Matsujun was, how adorable Aiba’s smile was, how kakkoi they all were and how happy people were to be fans and wishing they were there - and then before they knew it, the wonderful performance was over. Everyone who was there to be entertained left with a “Stormy high.” Rina, on the other hand, was feeling as low as one could expect.
Somehow, after the show, Rina was dragged along with the staff and a few Arashi members (Aiba, Matsujun, and Ohno) out for drinks. Aiba had insisted she come, now that she was of age. In fact, he suspected something, and wanted to help things along.
They all settled into a small izukaya and took up much of the restaurant. Orders of their usual drinks went round and things were already starting to get lively, while Rina kept a bit to herself. She made a point of staying away from Ohno; when he’d try to get close to her, she’d immediately get up and move somewhere else. He didn’t understand. Aiba would have helped him out, but he’d gotten a hold of some sake and was having a good time. Jun however, noticed the rather glum man.
“What’s up, Riida?” Jun asked, scooting next to the guy with slumped shoulders (which were more bowled over than usual). “Long night, huh?”
Ohno grunted and took another swig of beer. He stared off into space, but his brows were slightly knit. Only someone who knew him as well as Jun would be able to tell. After all these years though, he also knew that he wouldn’t be able to pull any information out of his silence. Jun moved along, and then noticed Rina being equally morose on her own.
“Doushita, Katsumi-chan?” Jun asked, casually settling down beside her with his sophisticated wine.
Rina raised her head, and he saw that her face was as red as a tomato (she wasn’t used to drinking so much). Normally she was a calm person, but when she was feeling moody she would be really moody. She gave him a most pitiful, mopey look and hiccupped a couple of times.
“… I shouldn’t have believed him.” she whimpered burying her head in her arms again.
Jun had no idea what she was talking about. He merely sighed and shortly patted her on the back before leaving her alone. Everyone else was having fun.
But finally, Ohno thought he’d try one more time. With effort, he stood up and planted himself firmly next to Rina. Before she could get up again, he acted.
“Why are you avoiding me?” he asked outright in frustration.
“Why do you care?” she replied bitingly.
He gave her a dumbfounded look. “Did I do something wrong? We - we haven’t even seen each other for days. Just tell me. Please.”
Rina glared, but tears threatened to spill out again. “It’s none of my business anyway.”
The two sat there saying nothing, with an air of high tension, for the longest time. There was all this commotion around them with the staff going loose and rowdy, but they didn’t notice.
When he spoke, he spoke slowly. “… So I guess that means… it’s a No.”
“What?”
“Your answer is “No, I don’t like you, Ohno-san.”” He gave her a steady yet heartbreaking look.
“No, no… That’s not true.” she whispered. As she shook her head, the tears and her feelings spilled out without reserve. “I - I DO like you. Baka… Such an idiot…”
Ohno’s face suddenly lit up, like stars had appeared in the night sky, with those simple and slightly rude words. Things were alright now.
But while it felt like a release to finally admit it, it was the most nerve wracking thing in the world to be so vulnerable. Having her life displayed on TV wasn’t even the same, because she could always pick and choose what the world saw. “… But I wish I didn’t. Because - because you…”
“Eh?”
“I - saw you… with Nakama-san!”
Ohno blinked - so?
“You two are going on a date, aren’t you?” Rina turned her back to him and crossed her arms. She bit her lip, trying to will the tears to stop. Why did she have to be such a hopeless drunk?
“We’re going out with a group of friends. I’ve known Yukie-san for years, ever since Jun starred in Gokusen.” he explained carefully. “We… we did date - last year - but only for about a month.”
Rina raised her head. “Eh?”
“After Maou was done with, I cut my hair short again. It changed her suave image of me, so she ended things.” he smiled wryly. “Now, we’re just friends. Hountou.”
Rina was taken aback, slumping, and blew the hot air out of her lungs. Her insides slowed down a little, and she let herself let it go. “… I feel like an idiot.” the girl admitted with a groan after a long moment of contemplation. She had been way too suspicious on her part. “Gomen, ne. You must think I’m a scary jealous person now.”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry I confused you. So, to make it clear,” Ohno turned to her and murmured most sincerely, “I like you. I’ll seriously say it as many times as I need to. Every time I see you, if I have to.”
This made Rina blush excessively; he laughed and scooted closer. No one noticed the tender pair entirely absorbed into each other in their own little corner, which was perfectly fine with them. They would take things at their own pace.
credit: arashi_yuuki
Meanwhile, Jun was sitting at the bar by himself, staring at the cell phone in his hand. This evening, he couldn’t quite bring himself to the tension of Aiba-kun and the lively staff, because something, or rather someone, had been pressing on his mind. He took a deep breath and punched the call button. He bit his lip tensely as he listened to the ringing on the other end, waiting. Would she pick up, he wondered?
After three rings, he was about to hang up when someone came on the line.
“Moshi moshi?” the charming voice answered.
“Mao-chan… hey.” Jun murmured softly. Why he insisted to himself that he still call her that, he didn’t know.
“Matsumoto-kun?” Inoue Mao responded in surprise. She paused for an uncertain moment. “I wouldn’t have expe-- ahno - how’ve you been?”
“Pretty good, you?”
“Same old. Work has been pretty slow lately, which is nice. A little break before the next round starts.”
“Ah, cool.”
They didn’t say anything and only heard each other breathing.
“Eto - It’s kind of late. Is there a specific reason why you called?” Mao asked awkwardly.
Jun cleared his throat. “I was just… wondering how you were doing lately. Sorry, did I wake you up?”
“No don’t worry, you didn’t. I’m just reading a script.”
”Oh? For what?”
“This special I’m going to audition for in a few days. I’m excited - there are rumors that the person lined up for the male lead will be played by an international Japanese actor.”
“Sugoi, ne. That’ll be a good opportunity to expand your work. Good luck with that, hountou ni.”
“Mhm… I’ve heard that you’ve been really busy though. You have a new drama coming up, deshou? With Gakky-chan? Omedetou, ne… What’s it called again?”
“Smile.”
“Yeah, I saw the announcement in the news. Ganbatte, Matsumoto-kun.”
“Thanks.”
“It sounds like a great character to play.”
“I - I hope you’ll maybe see it. If you have the time that is, of course.”
“Oh, of course, definitely if I can. I’ll try to.” she faltered. Another pause. “So… what are you up to right now?”
“Out drinking with some of the guys and the staff.”
“Eh~, what’s this? You’re out with people? Then what are you doing talking to me for?”
He could hear the small grin in her slightly teasing voice - he knew her many reactions, even over the phone.
“C’mon, you should be enjoying your time with them, not being a loner. Smile!” she added cheesily.
Despite himself, Jun did chuckle at her silly pun. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess… I’ll be going then.”
“Okay.” Neither of them reached to press End. “It was nice to talk to you again, Matsumoto-kun. Hountou.” Mao said quietly, after a minute.
Jun felt his chest tug at her words. “… Goodnight, Mao-chan.” He hung up, and placing the cell down, he sighed. A bittersweet smile came to his face. Then, he went to see what crazy drinking games Aiba and the rest were up to.
----------------
I added a little bit of Matsujun-centric stuff into the story... Happy Belated Birthday! It made my heart hurt writing it XD Jun is that type of guy, isn't he? Cherishing a girl even after they've broken up... I almost like the Matsujun part in this better than the R/O parts XD
The Yamashita Kousuke job is important later on.
Side note: I met a Japanese girl named Rina! It was pretty cool.