Did you say yes? - Part 2
“What’s the occasion?” Asked Nino as Ohno put the chahan he just cooked on the table. Once upon a time, Ohno often cooked for him. They didn’t stay together but Ohno would drop by to cook for him. His friend is an artist so he had more freedom in doing his work. It didn’t pay much and that’s why he also worked part-time in a convenience store.
However, that started to change when Ohno met Matsumoto Jun, who later became his manager. The man helped Ohno build a reputation as a famous artist. Since then, Ohno became busy creating art for his exhibitions. Nino and Ohno couldn’t meet as often as before… Ohno couldn’t even cook for him anymore… But, it didn’t stop them from being close. Both had promised to meet every Sunday even if it was only fifteen minutes and contacted each other via phone calls or text messages every day.
“What do you mean?” Asked Ohno as he took the seat across from Nino.
“You cook for me. Why?”
“Why?” Responded Ohno. “Hmm… because I want to,”
Nino gave the man a slight smile as he ate. Delicious. Ohno’s chahan was as delicious as it always was.
“It’s been a while,” said Nino. “You’ve been busy with your work. So, when you suddenly cook for me, I just think… well… do you have something to tell me?”
The look on Ohno’s face told him that his friend indeed had something to tell him. And, it might be related to what Aiba was talking about. A question where Aiba hoped Nino would say yes.
Ohno seemed hesitant to continue. Nino didn’t like the tense atmosphere between them right now. So, he did what he always did to lighten the mood by joking around.
“Is this some sort of parting gift because you’re going to move to the US because your thick eyebrows manager found a place for you to exhibit your arts there?”
It was just a joke. But, Nino was taken aback by the way Ohno flinched upon hearing what he said.
“Seriously? You’re moving to the US?”
Ohno shook his head and no words could describe how relieved he was to see Ohno denying it. No, he couldn’t imagine Ohno leaving him here alone. Ohno had always been with him. He couldn’t imagine how his life would be without Ohno.
“Not moving,” Ohno finally opened his mouth. “I just have to live there for a year or so because of the exhibition,”
Nino couldn’t believe his ears. How could something he said as a joke become true? Indeed, Ohno wasn’t going to move there but he would still have to go to the US. And, it wasn’t just only for a day or two. Ohno would have to stay there for a year.
A year.
Nino repeated the words in his mind. How could it be? He was so used to having Ohno by his side. They could still contact each other but wouldn’t it be hard considering the time difference? Besides, what if Ohno loved staying there and decided to stay there permanently? Nino couldn’t imagine his life without Ohno.
“That’s great!” Nino tried to smile despite how he felt. This was a good opportunity for Ohno. He couldn’t be selfish and stop Ohno from going.
However, judging the look on Ohno’s face, he could see that Ohno wasn’t thrilled about going.
“What’s wrong?” Asked Nino, reaching out to touch Ohno’s hand on the table. He squeezed it gently. This was what he always did whenever Ohno felt reluctant to tell him anything. The touch somehow persuaded Ohno to talk to him. “Don’t you want the people outside to see your arts?”
Ohno smiled weakly. “I’m afraid,”
“Afraid?” said Nino. “Don’t worry. They would love your arts. Your works are wonderful. I may not understand arts but I love what you create. So, I’m sure the people over there will love it too! And, you will be fine over there. Your thick eye-brows manager would take good care of you,”
His last remark earned him a sincere smile from Ohno.
“You should stop calling Matsujun that. He didn’t like it,”
“Well, I don’t care,” retorted Nino. “So, you will go, right?”
A sigh from Ohno. “I’m afraid of something else,”
“What is it?”
Ohno took a deep breath. What he said next was not what Nino expected.
“I’m afraid of losing you,”
A/N: This could just be done as a one-shot. But, I prefer to post it by parts like this. Hope u enjoy it.