Love So Sweet [an Ohno Satoshi love story] - Chapter 16, part 2
Title: Love So Sweet, Chapter 16, part 2
Pairing: Ohno/OC, Arashi/non-Johnny's females
Rating: PG - PG-13
Genre: Romance, friendship, family
Disclaimer: I don't own any of Arashi, or anything of Johnny's Entertainment. And sorry if I've misused any Japanese phrases.
Summary: Sakurai Sho is the cousin of our heroine, the young Rina. She has not seen Sho since she was a little girl growing up in the US. But now, Rina is in Japan as an exchange student and is living with the Sakurai family. Through Sho, she meets the charming, baka power-group Arashi and falls into the strange world of the entertainment industry. She had come to Japan for her music, not for love. Never had she anticipated how much she would be changed by a certain unexpected, adorable Leader.
Ohno Satoshi certainly is not the romantic, suave type, and could really care less about love. He is content with being the extremely talented (yet sleepy) Riida of Arashi, and doing art and going fishing. But when his Sho's pretty cousin suddenly enters his life, he suddenly has something worth fighting for.
All previous chapters in the master post!
Part 1
----------------
Rina leaned against the counter and quietly stared at the stewing vat of food. Ohno’s suggestion had surprised her, but she supposed he felt an obligation to take care of “Sho-kun’s cousin.” An oden-ya was an unexpected place to end up at, but the outdoor street stall was one of his favorite little places around the studio. They were the only two seated at the humble place. Their backs were chilly, but their fronts were warm as they sat in front of their boiling meal.
“Ah, before I forget… Jyan! Tanjoubi omedetou~.” Ohno reached into his pocket and pulled out a little shiny thing and proudly presented it to her. “This was originally for White Day, so…”
Rina held it up to the dim light with a delicate finger. It was a bright neon ribbon cell phone strap with a spray of tinkling silver charms - hearts, stars and music notes. Most guys would have chosen jewelry or flowers or chocolate, but he had actually thought about it and gave a personal touch.
Her tired expression lit up. “Sugoi! Arigatou gozaimasu!” Her expert eyes caught its uniqueness, and the funky style that seemed to be his. “Did you make this?”
Ohno nodded. “I’ve been doing a bit of metalwork, ne...”
She took her phone from her purse and attached the ornament. It dangled lightly, and completed the mobile. “It’s perfect.” she beamed. “Oh look - Sho-kun sent me a text.”
I’m going to be home in an hour or so. Would you like to celebrate a little?
… Sorry that I wasn’t able to say happy birthday in person.
And technically it isn’t your birthday anymore - it’s past midnight. Are you even still awake?
Rina replied:
I’d like to, but I’m actually out right now, Sho-kun. We can arrange something when everyone has time (as in her cousins) though. Since it’s technically Sunday now, does everyone have the day off…?
The friendly booth worker set down their drinks - Ohno had ordered a light beer for Rina, her first such beverage. She took a tentative sip; it was alright, actually. Like two old salary men, they sat there comfortably hunched over the oden in their nice clothes. The more they ate the steaming, comforting food and drank the lulling alcohol, the more they loosened up.
Eventually, without a proper transition or lead-in, Rina sighed. “I was offered a gravure contract.”
“Eh~?” Ohno murmured. “What did you say (in response)?” Unexpectedly, he didn’t quite like the idea himself either. Even Nakama Yukie and Aragaki Yui had done it, and their images were perfectly clean now, but still - Rina shouldn’t have to subject herself to such a thing.
“I completely refused.”
“Well, Sho-kun definitely wouldn’t approve… That’s good, you stood up for yourself.”
After another bite or two, “You’re wearing a lot of makeup.” Ohno mentioned nonchalantly. This comment might have seemed rude to most people, but between the two of them, it was merely an honest observation, no judgment attached. “It’s not ugly, just… different.”
“Deshou? The girls made me over… at the club…” Rina rubbed at the bright lipstick, leaving a bubblegum stain on her hand. “I feel like an okama.”
Ohno cracked up, remembering all the teasing he got about okamas in the past. “No, not like an okama. That would be a really attractive okama, I’ll say that.” Rina’s already red face burned even more. “It’s just not very “you”, somehow.” He liked her just the way she was. “A few years ago though - I change my haircut every year, you know - so the stylist dyed my hair, and it turned out this super weird shade of orange. The guys called me an okama-bar’s-mama for weeks!”
His embarrassed, squirmy face made her giggle. “How long have you been doing this? Sho-kun told me ten years…?”
“It’ll be ten years in November.” he confirmed.
“Wah~… suge.” That was half her life! How was it he didn’t seem that old at all? She leaned on her elbows. “What made you join Johnny’s?”
“My mom sent in an application for me. I really didn’t want her to, but she was like, “Well it’s not like you’ll get in anyway!”” His imitation of his assertive mother made Rina laugh. He had all sorts of stories, and slowly told her of his beginning as a Junior at age 13, the crazy dance instructor, the hideous hand-me-down costumes and stressful situations he was put through. “… So then that was it; I quit and went to Kyoto.” He paused, and waited for her reaction uncertainly. What would this finely educated girl think of a high school drop-out?
However, she didn’t look taken aback, or disapproving or disappointed. She continued to gaze at the bubbling pot in front of them thoughtfully.
“For your dancing? That was your dream?” she asked. A most wistful expression came to her. “… It used to be mine too.”
He saw that her eyes watered for a moment, making them dreamy in the red lantern light; but, she quickly forced a smile and was back to more cheerful topics. “That’s brave of you. So then in Kyoto you…?”
Ohno found himself talking about himself, perhaps more in that one sitting than he ever did in three months. This time though, it wasn’t tiring or troublesome, embarrassing or stressful like a magazine interview or a guest appearance. He found that Rina listened and allowed him to be at his own pace, with all the pauses and umm’s, his run-on and unfinished sentences. She seemed to know where his ideas were leading, and asked him about those next.
Rina found some similarities between them. Ohno went by himself to a whole different place to pursue his dream; she was doing a similar thing in Japan. They both wondered why people were even interested in them. She let him talk, not only because she wanted to learn about him but also because she was tired of thinking of herself. By the time they’d finished their pot of oden, he’d already talked about Arashi’s first concert. They reached into their wallets. Ohno quietly handed the total addition to the vendor before her.
“I can split it with you, Ohno-san.” Rina said in surprise.
“Eh? I’m treating you, remember? It’s your birthday.” he smiled. “Don’t worry about it.”
She nodded thankfully. She pushed herself from the counter and tried to stand up, but stumbled a little. She’d had more beers than she’d planned. Ohno was a little sluggish too. They laughed at each other and walked on, again in no particular direction. Without talking, they surveyed the beauty of the bright, colorful city night together; tall Tokyo Tower glowed reddish orange in the distance. They ambled along the sidewalk slowly and rather tipsily, and would say a random comment now and then about the fat cat on someone’s sill or posters announcing the upcoming Hanami viewing.
(ignore the fact that this is Erika Toda :P)
Rina turned to him. “Y’know what? I like… I really like…” she slurred.
Ohno’s heart quickened. Was she really telling him?
She took a deep breath. “I really like - sukiyaki. That was some really good sukiyaki.”
“That was oden.” Ohno chuckled bitterly.
“Heh~? What’s the difference…?”
He looked at her amusingly. “I think you’re a little drunk, Katsumi-chan.”
“I know, right? It feels strange. My limbs feel so floppy, yet light, like I could dance~. Teach me something again!”
“… Alright. This is the thing kaa-chan taught me so I’d pass the Junior auditions.” Ohno grinned. “The two-step.”
Right there in the empty street, he took the lead and placed one hot hand out for her, the other pulling her in at the waist. He counted out loud unevenly.
“One two… three… left foot, right foot…”
Laughter rang out in the neighborhood as the two silly drunks twirled around. The steps were simple enough and Rina was somewhat successful. With the couple of beers running in Rina’s veins though, her coordination was shot, and she tripped over her own feet. Instantly, before she fell (although he was also drunk) with his superb reflexes Ohno caught her. After a millisecond, they reacted and both burst out laughing even harder as they clung onto each other for support, the mere ability to stand.
The pair had skipped their way across a whole block or two. Something caught Rina’s eye then. She pulled away. Rina’s pace slowed down as she gazed into the window display a little longingly. Inside the polished windows of the bakery were all sorts of adorable desserts on shiny glass pedestals and under decorative bell jars. Ohno realized that she must not have had a cake, since she hadn’t had a party. The owner was putting the leftovers away, locking things up and closing down the shop for the night.
He politely but awkwardly caught the keeper’s attention at the door. “Ahno, sumimasen panya-san (baker-san), I know you’re closing the shop up but could we pick something up really quickly first? It’s… it’s her birthday, you see.”
The owner, an aged woman, looked at them and debated for a second. Her smile betrayed the memories that they reminded her of. “Sure, for such lovely young people. Please, come in and choose what you’d like. Irrashaimase.”
The bakery’s walls were confectionary pink, and the decorations delicate silver and lace and such. It wasn’t exactly his type of store to put it mildly, but Rina seemed intrigued so he pushed her in.
“Pick one, whichever you want.” he insisted. “Everyone deserves something sweet on their birthday.”
Her eyes lit up like a child, and she darted to the nearest counter. Ohno followed behind her patiently as she looked around delightedly. When she’d ask his opinion here and there on a little gateau or a pastry, he’d just shrug; it wasn’t exactly his forte. They were all pretty much the same to him - umai. Then, she came across a simple, little round cake covered with smooth pale yellow fondant and scattered with marzipan cherry blossoms.
Rina picked it up delicately. It was the perfect size for two people. “This is the one. Definitely.”
The guy took it affirmatively and went up to the cash register to pay as Rina kept exploring the cute shop and all its handmade treats.
As the owner was ringing up the total (Ohno had also picked out a candle and matches), she said, “You two make a very nice couple, ne~.”
This compliment surprised him very much. “We - we’re not dating.” he assured, although he did look rather happy about this person’s comment.
“Sou desu ka?” The baker smiled and glanced between the two knowingly. “Well, a girl like that is never without a number of admirers. If you excuse my rudeness… I think you should act quickly, dear.”
There was a small park nearby, and they found a spot to sit down - a bench between a tree and a little lamp post. The cake was set down between them, and Ohno took out the candle and matches.
Rina suddenly exclaimed with glee when she saw the candle, “It’s a Totoro!”
“It was the only one left.” He lit the little wick on the Totoro’s head, which made it even more comical and a bit kawaisou. What made Rina thrill was when he started singing Happy Birthday. “Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Katsumi-chan~… Happy Birthday to you!” His drunken voice was off pitch, but still lovely. “Make a wish, douzo!”
She closed her eyes tight. I wish that someone will be able to know the music in my heart, and she blew out the candle with a puff. They clapped and dug into the cake with plastic forks.
“Umai~” they both muttered with stuffed mouths.
“It’s chocolate ganache and rose filling.” Rina observed happily. “Although, it’s a pity to eat something so pretty.”
Ohno shrugged. She laughed at how puffy his cheeks became as he ate.
“It looks like the trees are a bit late this year.” he noted absentmindedly, looking up at the one beside them. “The sakura.”
“Kawaisou… They must be cold.” she mused, looking up at the scraggly bare branches.
The pair continued to eat in content silence. Various individuals passed by now and then - a salaryman returning home from a night of tedious work, a street cleaner on duty, a group of teenagers staying out late - and for now, Rina and Ohno were just as normal as those people were, and they could feel perfectly safe to simply sit together like this with no curious, prying eyes, no agency rules, and somehow less self consciousness.
“… Thank you, Ohno-kun.” Rina murmured.
“Eh?” He was startled as she squeezed his hand fondly. This little touch sent electricity through his fingers. And, she’d used -kun with him.
“You saved my birthday.”
This was said ever so sincerely that he didn’t know how to respond, except with a smile - this was just enough, too.
Rina got on her feet as she saw the time. “I should be getting back.” She saved the Totoro candle (whose head had a melted depression); they threw their trash away and walked to the train station (Ohno didn’t have a car or even his license surprisingly, and Rina hadn’t taken hers.)
The entire stretch of station was virtually empty at that hour. The electronic schedule on the wall showed that the trains would be there any moment. Rina and Ohno were going to head in opposite directions.
“Do you know what I like?” Ohno suddenly said as he stood still.
“Hmm? Nani?” Rina thought he was referring to food (as she’d talked about sukiyaki) but she turned back, and was surprised to find him looking serious.
He took a deep breath; his feelings were overflowing, and there wasn’t anything stopping them at this point.
“I - I like you.” Ohno murmured. “Suki dayo.” He bit his lip, his nervous habit, and looked at his feet. There, I said it. Now what will she say?
Rina stopped in her tracks and stared at him with wide eyes, sobering up. Was he serious? Her heart pounded with shock.
Suddenly, Ohno was hit with the warm feeling of her arms around his neck and her soft body suddenly against him, the perfect size in proportion to his. She smelled of beer, dashi, and honeysuckle; not an entirely bad combination. The night was silent, and he could feel her breathing ever so gently. His arms tentatively wrapped around her waist, and he felt his heart pounding with an unbelievable feeling. Rina too, felt like she could float on the clouds. He was so warm and real. Ohno and Rina stayed like that, completely at ease, not thinking but sensing each other. There was no need for words for the time being.
Then, there was an escalating rumbling; the ground shook, and the train arrived and halted right in front of them. It was Rina’s train. The doors slid open crisply with blinking lights.
She broke away from him, and gave him the sweetest smile that brought to light, for that slight moment, so many veiled feelings. Then she boarded the car without a word. The doors closed promptly, and the train zoomed off noisily.
Stunned, Ohno stood there blinking with a serene, tired look - but his eyes were alight. He was blissful and yet confused, for she hadn’t really given him a definite answer either way. At any rate, he was a very patient man. He would wait.
----------------
That movie quote was pretty misleading, huh? No kiss yet, sorry XD
What do you think? I think it's appropriately Ohno-ish to just come out and say it like that. I love how unbelievably straight forward he is, and (in my mind) willing to do a lot of things for Rina.
Pairing: Ohno/OC, Arashi/non-Johnny's females
Rating: PG - PG-13
Genre: Romance, friendship, family
Disclaimer: I don't own any of Arashi, or anything of Johnny's Entertainment. And sorry if I've misused any Japanese phrases.
Summary: Sakurai Sho is the cousin of our heroine, the young Rina. She has not seen Sho since she was a little girl growing up in the US. But now, Rina is in Japan as an exchange student and is living with the Sakurai family. Through Sho, she meets the charming, baka power-group Arashi and falls into the strange world of the entertainment industry. She had come to Japan for her music, not for love. Never had she anticipated how much she would be changed by a certain unexpected, adorable Leader.
Ohno Satoshi certainly is not the romantic, suave type, and could really care less about love. He is content with being the extremely talented (yet sleepy) Riida of Arashi, and doing art and going fishing. But when his Sho's pretty cousin suddenly enters his life, he suddenly has something worth fighting for.
All previous chapters in the master post!
Part 1
----------------
Rina leaned against the counter and quietly stared at the stewing vat of food. Ohno’s suggestion had surprised her, but she supposed he felt an obligation to take care of “Sho-kun’s cousin.” An oden-ya was an unexpected place to end up at, but the outdoor street stall was one of his favorite little places around the studio. They were the only two seated at the humble place. Their backs were chilly, but their fronts were warm as they sat in front of their boiling meal.
“Ah, before I forget… Jyan! Tanjoubi omedetou~.” Ohno reached into his pocket and pulled out a little shiny thing and proudly presented it to her. “This was originally for White Day, so…”
Rina held it up to the dim light with a delicate finger. It was a bright neon ribbon cell phone strap with a spray of tinkling silver charms - hearts, stars and music notes. Most guys would have chosen jewelry or flowers or chocolate, but he had actually thought about it and gave a personal touch.
Her tired expression lit up. “Sugoi! Arigatou gozaimasu!” Her expert eyes caught its uniqueness, and the funky style that seemed to be his. “Did you make this?”
Ohno nodded. “I’ve been doing a bit of metalwork, ne...”
She took her phone from her purse and attached the ornament. It dangled lightly, and completed the mobile. “It’s perfect.” she beamed. “Oh look - Sho-kun sent me a text.”
I’m going to be home in an hour or so. Would you like to celebrate a little?
… Sorry that I wasn’t able to say happy birthday in person.
And technically it isn’t your birthday anymore - it’s past midnight. Are you even still awake?
Rina replied:
I’d like to, but I’m actually out right now, Sho-kun. We can arrange something when everyone has time (as in her cousins) though. Since it’s technically Sunday now, does everyone have the day off…?
The friendly booth worker set down their drinks - Ohno had ordered a light beer for Rina, her first such beverage. She took a tentative sip; it was alright, actually. Like two old salary men, they sat there comfortably hunched over the oden in their nice clothes. The more they ate the steaming, comforting food and drank the lulling alcohol, the more they loosened up.
Eventually, without a proper transition or lead-in, Rina sighed. “I was offered a gravure contract.”
“Eh~?” Ohno murmured. “What did you say (in response)?” Unexpectedly, he didn’t quite like the idea himself either. Even Nakama Yukie and Aragaki Yui had done it, and their images were perfectly clean now, but still - Rina shouldn’t have to subject herself to such a thing.
“I completely refused.”
“Well, Sho-kun definitely wouldn’t approve… That’s good, you stood up for yourself.”
After another bite or two, “You’re wearing a lot of makeup.” Ohno mentioned nonchalantly. This comment might have seemed rude to most people, but between the two of them, it was merely an honest observation, no judgment attached. “It’s not ugly, just… different.”
“Deshou? The girls made me over… at the club…” Rina rubbed at the bright lipstick, leaving a bubblegum stain on her hand. “I feel like an okama.”
Ohno cracked up, remembering all the teasing he got about okamas in the past. “No, not like an okama. That would be a really attractive okama, I’ll say that.” Rina’s already red face burned even more. “It’s just not very “you”, somehow.” He liked her just the way she was. “A few years ago though - I change my haircut every year, you know - so the stylist dyed my hair, and it turned out this super weird shade of orange. The guys called me an okama-bar’s-mama for weeks!”
His embarrassed, squirmy face made her giggle. “How long have you been doing this? Sho-kun told me ten years…?”
“It’ll be ten years in November.” he confirmed.
“Wah~… suge.” That was half her life! How was it he didn’t seem that old at all? She leaned on her elbows. “What made you join Johnny’s?”
“My mom sent in an application for me. I really didn’t want her to, but she was like, “Well it’s not like you’ll get in anyway!”” His imitation of his assertive mother made Rina laugh. He had all sorts of stories, and slowly told her of his beginning as a Junior at age 13, the crazy dance instructor, the hideous hand-me-down costumes and stressful situations he was put through. “… So then that was it; I quit and went to Kyoto.” He paused, and waited for her reaction uncertainly. What would this finely educated girl think of a high school drop-out?
However, she didn’t look taken aback, or disapproving or disappointed. She continued to gaze at the bubbling pot in front of them thoughtfully.
“For your dancing? That was your dream?” she asked. A most wistful expression came to her. “… It used to be mine too.”
He saw that her eyes watered for a moment, making them dreamy in the red lantern light; but, she quickly forced a smile and was back to more cheerful topics. “That’s brave of you. So then in Kyoto you…?”
Ohno found himself talking about himself, perhaps more in that one sitting than he ever did in three months. This time though, it wasn’t tiring or troublesome, embarrassing or stressful like a magazine interview or a guest appearance. He found that Rina listened and allowed him to be at his own pace, with all the pauses and umm’s, his run-on and unfinished sentences. She seemed to know where his ideas were leading, and asked him about those next.
Rina found some similarities between them. Ohno went by himself to a whole different place to pursue his dream; she was doing a similar thing in Japan. They both wondered why people were even interested in them. She let him talk, not only because she wanted to learn about him but also because she was tired of thinking of herself. By the time they’d finished their pot of oden, he’d already talked about Arashi’s first concert. They reached into their wallets. Ohno quietly handed the total addition to the vendor before her.
“I can split it with you, Ohno-san.” Rina said in surprise.
“Eh? I’m treating you, remember? It’s your birthday.” he smiled. “Don’t worry about it.”
She nodded thankfully. She pushed herself from the counter and tried to stand up, but stumbled a little. She’d had more beers than she’d planned. Ohno was a little sluggish too. They laughed at each other and walked on, again in no particular direction. Without talking, they surveyed the beauty of the bright, colorful city night together; tall Tokyo Tower glowed reddish orange in the distance. They ambled along the sidewalk slowly and rather tipsily, and would say a random comment now and then about the fat cat on someone’s sill or posters announcing the upcoming Hanami viewing.
(ignore the fact that this is Erika Toda :P)
Rina turned to him. “Y’know what? I like… I really like…” she slurred.
Ohno’s heart quickened. Was she really telling him?
She took a deep breath. “I really like - sukiyaki. That was some really good sukiyaki.”
“That was oden.” Ohno chuckled bitterly.
“Heh~? What’s the difference…?”
He looked at her amusingly. “I think you’re a little drunk, Katsumi-chan.”
“I know, right? It feels strange. My limbs feel so floppy, yet light, like I could dance~. Teach me something again!”
“… Alright. This is the thing kaa-chan taught me so I’d pass the Junior auditions.” Ohno grinned. “The two-step.”
Right there in the empty street, he took the lead and placed one hot hand out for her, the other pulling her in at the waist. He counted out loud unevenly.
“One two… three… left foot, right foot…”
Laughter rang out in the neighborhood as the two silly drunks twirled around. The steps were simple enough and Rina was somewhat successful. With the couple of beers running in Rina’s veins though, her coordination was shot, and she tripped over her own feet. Instantly, before she fell (although he was also drunk) with his superb reflexes Ohno caught her. After a millisecond, they reacted and both burst out laughing even harder as they clung onto each other for support, the mere ability to stand.
The pair had skipped their way across a whole block or two. Something caught Rina’s eye then. She pulled away. Rina’s pace slowed down as she gazed into the window display a little longingly. Inside the polished windows of the bakery were all sorts of adorable desserts on shiny glass pedestals and under decorative bell jars. Ohno realized that she must not have had a cake, since she hadn’t had a party. The owner was putting the leftovers away, locking things up and closing down the shop for the night.
He politely but awkwardly caught the keeper’s attention at the door. “Ahno, sumimasen panya-san (baker-san), I know you’re closing the shop up but could we pick something up really quickly first? It’s… it’s her birthday, you see.”
The owner, an aged woman, looked at them and debated for a second. Her smile betrayed the memories that they reminded her of. “Sure, for such lovely young people. Please, come in and choose what you’d like. Irrashaimase.”
The bakery’s walls were confectionary pink, and the decorations delicate silver and lace and such. It wasn’t exactly his type of store to put it mildly, but Rina seemed intrigued so he pushed her in.
“Pick one, whichever you want.” he insisted. “Everyone deserves something sweet on their birthday.”
Her eyes lit up like a child, and she darted to the nearest counter. Ohno followed behind her patiently as she looked around delightedly. When she’d ask his opinion here and there on a little gateau or a pastry, he’d just shrug; it wasn’t exactly his forte. They were all pretty much the same to him - umai. Then, she came across a simple, little round cake covered with smooth pale yellow fondant and scattered with marzipan cherry blossoms.
Rina picked it up delicately. It was the perfect size for two people. “This is the one. Definitely.”
The guy took it affirmatively and went up to the cash register to pay as Rina kept exploring the cute shop and all its handmade treats.
As the owner was ringing up the total (Ohno had also picked out a candle and matches), she said, “You two make a very nice couple, ne~.”
This compliment surprised him very much. “We - we’re not dating.” he assured, although he did look rather happy about this person’s comment.
“Sou desu ka?” The baker smiled and glanced between the two knowingly. “Well, a girl like that is never without a number of admirers. If you excuse my rudeness… I think you should act quickly, dear.”
There was a small park nearby, and they found a spot to sit down - a bench between a tree and a little lamp post. The cake was set down between them, and Ohno took out the candle and matches.
Rina suddenly exclaimed with glee when she saw the candle, “It’s a Totoro!”
“It was the only one left.” He lit the little wick on the Totoro’s head, which made it even more comical and a bit kawaisou. What made Rina thrill was when he started singing Happy Birthday. “Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Katsumi-chan~… Happy Birthday to you!” His drunken voice was off pitch, but still lovely. “Make a wish, douzo!”
She closed her eyes tight. I wish that someone will be able to know the music in my heart, and she blew out the candle with a puff. They clapped and dug into the cake with plastic forks.
“Umai~” they both muttered with stuffed mouths.
“It’s chocolate ganache and rose filling.” Rina observed happily. “Although, it’s a pity to eat something so pretty.”
Ohno shrugged. She laughed at how puffy his cheeks became as he ate.
“It looks like the trees are a bit late this year.” he noted absentmindedly, looking up at the one beside them. “The sakura.”
“Kawaisou… They must be cold.” she mused, looking up at the scraggly bare branches.
The pair continued to eat in content silence. Various individuals passed by now and then - a salaryman returning home from a night of tedious work, a street cleaner on duty, a group of teenagers staying out late - and for now, Rina and Ohno were just as normal as those people were, and they could feel perfectly safe to simply sit together like this with no curious, prying eyes, no agency rules, and somehow less self consciousness.
“… Thank you, Ohno-kun.” Rina murmured.
“Eh?” He was startled as she squeezed his hand fondly. This little touch sent electricity through his fingers. And, she’d used -kun with him.
“You saved my birthday.”
This was said ever so sincerely that he didn’t know how to respond, except with a smile - this was just enough, too.
Rina got on her feet as she saw the time. “I should be getting back.” She saved the Totoro candle (whose head had a melted depression); they threw their trash away and walked to the train station (Ohno didn’t have a car or even his license surprisingly, and Rina hadn’t taken hers.)
The entire stretch of station was virtually empty at that hour. The electronic schedule on the wall showed that the trains would be there any moment. Rina and Ohno were going to head in opposite directions.
“Do you know what I like?” Ohno suddenly said as he stood still.
“Hmm? Nani?” Rina thought he was referring to food (as she’d talked about sukiyaki) but she turned back, and was surprised to find him looking serious.
He took a deep breath; his feelings were overflowing, and there wasn’t anything stopping them at this point.
“I - I like you.” Ohno murmured. “Suki dayo.” He bit his lip, his nervous habit, and looked at his feet. There, I said it. Now what will she say?
Rina stopped in her tracks and stared at him with wide eyes, sobering up. Was he serious? Her heart pounded with shock.
Suddenly, Ohno was hit with the warm feeling of her arms around his neck and her soft body suddenly against him, the perfect size in proportion to his. She smelled of beer, dashi, and honeysuckle; not an entirely bad combination. The night was silent, and he could feel her breathing ever so gently. His arms tentatively wrapped around her waist, and he felt his heart pounding with an unbelievable feeling. Rina too, felt like she could float on the clouds. He was so warm and real. Ohno and Rina stayed like that, completely at ease, not thinking but sensing each other. There was no need for words for the time being.
Then, there was an escalating rumbling; the ground shook, and the train arrived and halted right in front of them. It was Rina’s train. The doors slid open crisply with blinking lights.
She broke away from him, and gave him the sweetest smile that brought to light, for that slight moment, so many veiled feelings. Then she boarded the car without a word. The doors closed promptly, and the train zoomed off noisily.
Stunned, Ohno stood there blinking with a serene, tired look - but his eyes were alight. He was blissful and yet confused, for she hadn’t really given him a definite answer either way. At any rate, he was a very patient man. He would wait.
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That movie quote was pretty misleading, huh? No kiss yet, sorry XD
What do you think? I think it's appropriately Ohno-ish to just come out and say it like that. I love how unbelievably straight forward he is, and (in my mind) willing to do a lot of things for Rina.