[One Shot] The Man who owns the World

Jun 04, 2010 21:39




He stood against the glass window, eleven-storey higher than the rest of Tokyo, watching the world perform its normal routine at half past ten in the evening. The refracted lights that filtered in through his large windows left hazy trails of red, green and blue. The sounds came muffled and incoherent, briefly catching his attention before he dismisses them as another form of noise.

Ninomiya Kazunari was eleven-storey higher than the rest of the world, eleven-storey higher than normal people who could not afford to live in such indulgence, eleven-storey higher than the hundreds of lovers walking around below him hand-in-hand, yet a million miles behind them at the same time.

He has everything he could want… everything and more yet as he looks at the half-naked man stirring lightly on his pristine white bed, he feels as if he was ironically deprived of everything too.

“You’re still not going to sleep?” Jun Matsumoto asked, his voice raspy from interrupted sleep. Nino turned around and shook his head.

“Not sleepy,” he said simply and turned his back once again, resuming his reveries. He heard Jun gave a deep sigh before the sheets rustled as the other man alighted from the bed. “Leaving?” Nino asked without looking at him.

“Hmm.” Jun said as a form of affirmative reply. It took a total of ten minutes before he was completely clothed and heading towards the door.

“This will be the last time you’re coming over, huh?” Nino murmured, loud enough for Jun to hear and stop mid-step. “Take care.”

There was another sigh and another deep breath before Jun said “Yeah. Take care,” and he was out the door; he was gone.

A full five minutes passed before Ninomiya turned around, walked towards the bed and idly traced the crumpled sheets. The air still smells of Jun’s musky perfume and the heated moment they had shared a few hours ago. That would be the last time he’ll ever smell the traces of Jun Matsumoto in his condominium.

Jun Matsumoto is a well-know actor, just like Ninomiya is. They have co-starred for a couple of series and movies in the past, shared a few drinks, a few nights in a hotel, in Nino’s condominium, in Jun’s apartment. But the relationship ends there. They both knew that once one gets tired of the other, it will be the end.

Ninomiya got tired and Jun Matsumoto was quick on the pickup.

“I could always find another one,” Nino mused to himself and he brought himself down on the bed, momentarily thinking that he should change the sheets the next morning.

The abstract painting hanging on the wall directly facing him stared back at him; he has gotten that one in his recent trip to France for a commercial shoot. The decorated porcelain vase on the night table came from China, the rest of the items strategically placed in all places around his unit came from all parts of Japan and the rest of the world. Ninomiya is a rich bastard. He could get anything he wants, anything he lays his eyes on but there was still something missing. Something vital, something needed to stop existing and start living and Ninomiya knew what it is.

Love.

How could something that can be easily defined be too elusive to find? Ninomiya Kazunari has been searching for the past twenty-six years and he’s still nowhere close to finding it. There were moments when he was made to believe he actually found it only to find out that what he actually believes to be love is nothing but a masked feeling of obsession pretending to be the real thing.

He believes he has fallen in love before but Aiba Masaki thinks it was nothing but a worldly obsession Ninomiya Kazunari feels for him.

Aiba Masaki is the only person who had come close to being a friend to Ninomiya. He hosts a show about animals many years ago when Nino was still beginning to step into the limelight. Ninomiya was a guest and they travelled to Africa for a special episode. Aiba was a ray of sunshine, all smiles and good words. He bounced in on Nino’s life like a ball of rainbows and butterflies and the young actor actually believed that maybe Aiba was the answer he was searching for.

They became friends. On lazy days Aiba would invite him out for a drink or two after work. When he was feeling particularly creative, he would invent strange dishes and force Ninomiya to sample it. Sometimes they were good, often times they were horrible. Yet, Ninomiya has endured it all for he believes that if he does, maybe Aiba Masaki could learn to love him too.

But he had been wrong. It was not love he was feeling. It was a feeling of friendship gone to the border of infatuation. Aiba thinks of him as a friend, Ninomiya thinks of Aiba as someone who needs to love him because they are friends. There was a world of difference in that, according to Aiba.

And then, a year later, came Sho Sakurai, the genius journalist who made a documentary of Ninomiya’s life. It has been an impulsive dive into the unknown with Sho. He was a friendly man who can give an explanation to everything and anything he could set his eyes on. On one particular drinking session with Ninomiya, they found themselves in a hotel room, sharing an impulsive heated moment. When the heat dissipated in the morning, the feelings dissipated too.

They tried to make it work but a week was all it took for them to give up and say,“this will never work out”.

Jun came right after but he was more of a bed partner than a life partner. He was an escape, a replacement for everything that Ninomiya could not find.

Jun was never meant to own a piece of his heart and that night spelled out the ending of their relationship.

Maybe it was meant to be forever that way. Maybe Ninomiya Kazunari was meant to live a miserable, solitary life, owning the world yet not partaking in its grandeur.

However, the next morning, a man named Ohno Satoshi came to his life.

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It came by total accident, like most of the best things in life does.

Ninomiya was on his day off that morning, no shooting, no filming, no script meetings. It was a day when he could stretch out, watch a movie, browse through game collections, buy a new deck of cards or simply stroll around.

He wears his cap low and his sunglasses covered half of his face. It was a necessary disguise from the world and Ninomiya sometimes hates wearing disguises.

As he walks in front of a bread shop, he heard distinctive shouting, followed by someone wearing an outfit just like his, running out the door. He stood a few meters away, watching the drama of real life. It was so much better than what movies portray.

The owner of the bread shop came out around five minutes after the other man, limping and nursing his knees. His hair was faded blonde, ruffled and blowing against the morning breeze. He was shouting, saying something about bread thieves and bastards.

The owner was about to go back inside when he caught sight of Ninomiya standing there. A couple of long seconds passed before the owner suddenly yelled at a policeman patrolling nearby, shouting about thieves and disguises.

Ninomiya blinked, not sure of what was happening until two policemen took him by the underarm and accused him of stealing bread and running off. He hissed, he cursed, he told them who he was but he was dragged towards the police station with the angry owner angrily marching behind them.

It seems like the theft happens every other day and the owner was tired of it.

“I am not a thief!” Ninomiya howled inside the police station, angrily yanking at his cap and removing his sunglasses. “Do I look like a thief to you?!” he snarled at the bread shop owner whose name he now knows as Ohno Satoshi.

The policemen and Ohno Satoshi blinked at him before seeking salvation from silence.

“I could even buy your goddamn bakery for goodness’ sake!”

Ohno Satoshi bit at his fingers before murmuring, “who knows maybe you have a fetish for stealing things”. Ninomiya glared at him, crossed his arms in front of his chest and refused to say anything more. His manager came fifteen minutes later, explaining everything.

Half an hour later, Ninomiya was back in his condominium unit, seething with annoyance. The news would be a big headline the next day, he was sure of it. Anger fogged his thoughts and before he knew it, he grabbed his wallet and was out the door in an instant, forgetting about his disguises.

Ohno Satoshi was busy serving a couple of high school girls when he entered. A few blinks, a few stares and people recognized the angry Ninomiya Kazunari, marching towards the bread shop owner.

“Hi…?” Ohno said tentatively.

“Give me every single damn bread you have here. I’ll show you I don’t need to steal anything to eat!” Ninomiya demanded in all arrogance, nose up in the air and head up there somewhere.

Ohno stared back at him, refusing to budge.

“Can’t do.”

“Why not?!”

The young owner wrinkled his nose.

“Because you will not eat it. When you buy bread, you buy it to eat. When you buy something, you buy it to use. You don’t buy something if you simply want to brag about it. It’s something rich people like you don’t understand,” he stated simply, flinching at the flashes of cameras and excited giggling.

“Ah~ Kazunari-kun~ Ahhh~ Ninomiya-san, over here! Over here!”

The words sounded like bamboo being ripped apart as every single person within hearing range crowded the bakery and took pictures of the popular idol.

Ninomiya covered his face in frustration and anger as he tried to make his way out the crowded door. But as tiny as he was, he was not match for excited fans and nosy onlookers. He bumped into someone, was thrown back, bumped into someone again until he was on the floor, people stepping on his legs.

He cried out in pain when someone stepped on his ankles and felt it broke. Cursing, he tried to stand up but failed until he felt someone’s arms securely tightening around his waist, dragging him somewhere safe, away from all the screaming and raging fans. Ninomiya closed his eyes, the world tilting at a dangerous angle in front of him.

When he opened his eyes, he was in someone else’s bedroom, in someone else’s house. The walls were painted a light shade of blue and paintings of mundane things hang around the room. He allowed his eyes to travel, taking in the wind blowing from the opened windows, rustling the white curtains. A collection of molded clay was stacked in a corner, folded clothes neatly piled at the foot of the bed. The bed itself was a warm shade of blue and the sheets smell of gentle pine.

“Hey,” a voice sounded in his ears and Ninomiya found himself staring at a pair of gentle eyes. Ohno Satoshi was bent down over him. “Are you okay?”

Ninomiya winced when he tried to stand up and noticed his bandaged right ankle.

“Where am I?”

“My house,” Ohno said, pulling a chair beside the bed. “I couldn’t bring you to the hospital because your fans were trailing every move so I brought you home and asked my medical intern friend to do something about your ankle,” the blonde man explained.

Nino touched his bandaged foot.

“Don’t worry. He might still be an intern but he knows what he’s doing,” Ohno defended lightly. “I’m sorry about the incident. I closed the bakery for the day,” he explained.

“Thanks,” Ninomiya managed to croak, knowing full well that everything was his fault. He was careless for not wearing a disguise and marching in on a public place like that.

“Sure,” Ohno said and they stared at each other for a long while.

“What’s your name again?” Ninomiya asked.

“Ohno Satoshi,” the other replied and flashed him a kind smile.

Ninomiya smiled back, Ohno ruffled his hair and things between them was never the same again.

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In the first months that followed that incident, Ninomiya made it a hobby to visit the shop whenever he has time every morning. On the first few days, he bought French bread and coffee, then left. On the second day, he bought more French bread, a cup of coffee, smiled at Ohno Satoshi then left. On the days that followed, he again bought French bread, a cup of coffee, Ohno Satoshi smiles, he smiles, Ohno Satoshi asked how he was, Nino answered and they found themselves engaged in a short conversation.

Ohno was a silent guy who patiently listens to everything he has to say. When Nino visits, they would sit in one of the little seats inside the bakery and talk about a lot of things. Ohno had taken to hire a security guard to ward people off if ever they recognize Nino and Ninomiya found himself living for the quiet comfort that comes from simply conversing with Ohno.

Soon after that, Ninomiya would frequently visit the bakery. Sometimes he would buy something, sometimes he would simply pretend to buy something to see Ohno.

And then one day, Ohno Satoshi asked him if he’d like to see a movie with him and Nino said yes.

It turned out they were going to watch his own movie and throughout the whole time, Nino kept whispering in Ohno’s ears, spoiling the plot for him.

During the climax of the story, he leaned close to Ohno and whispered, “the man will get  arrested and - “ and he was not able to continue what he was saying because Ohno’s lips were suddenly on his own, gently kissing him.

“I thought I told you to stay quiet,” Ohno admonished lightly, a gentle grin on his face. Ninomiya blushed and focused on finishing his popcorn. Ohno leaned close, and slowly draped his arm around Nino’s shoulder. Nino stared at him, smiled and settled his head on the crook of Ohno’s shoulder, a satisfied smile on his face.

Maybe… he was never meant to live alone, after all.

------------------------------------

“You were the first person to be with me on this bed without wanting to have sex with me,” Nino said as they cuddled together on his now pale blue bed, watching the rain from the large windows as it poured heavily.

Ohno laughed softly and pulled the sheets over their head.

“Those kinds of things take time,” he commented, pulling Nino’s face close to his.

“Are you a religious person to not want something like that?” Nino inquired, draping his arms around Ohno’s torso.

“No. I’m just of the opinion that you don’t have sex with just anyone. You make love to the person you love. Not just sex.”

Nino stared at him.

“Do you not love me?” he asked and Ohno chuckled, biting him softly on the nose. “What? Do you not love me?” Nino repeated and Ohno refused to answer.

“Love is too strong of a word to say too early,” the blonde man simply said and Nino could not understand.

“Get out,” the actor stated.

“What?”

“I said get out, don’t ever come back.” Nino stated, turning his back to Ohno.

“Nino…”

“Get out.”

Ohno heaved a deep breath. “Fine. But just so you know, if you keep on pushing people away like this, you might not have a lot of persons left to push. Every single one might not even want to come close to you, in the first place,” he said standing up.

“Then I’ll just have to pay people who would want to be with me. I can do that. It’s easy,” Nino spat, burying himself on his pillows.

“Money can only take you so far. You can own the world with money, but you can only own another’s heart with love. Do you know how to love?”

And with that Ohno was gone, same as the others. In a blink of an eye, he was out the door and Nino was left alone.

Again.

----------------------------------

A week passed.

Two weeks.

Three weeks.

Ohno never called, Nino pretended not to care. When he passes by the bakeshop on his day-offs from work, he pretends he can’t see anything.

Everything has already been concluded between him and Ohno. Everything should have ended. It should not have started in the first place. It was over… but why was he still hurting?

One day, Nino was invited once again to be a guest in a new show together with Jun. On the day of the filming, Jun Matsumoto approached him sheepishly and handed him a white scented envelope.

“Huh?” Nino asked.

Jun blushed. “I know we parted quite sourly. But, you know… I still want you to attend my engagement party,” he stated and Nino was wide-eyed.

“Engagement party?”

Jun nodded. “Yes. It was quite abrupt but I love her,” he smiled, a certain glow visible in his face.

Nino nodded in understanding, taking the white envelope.

“Who’s the girl?” he asked.

Jun beamed at him and motioned for someone to come. A petite girl in thick glasses with long, black hair and a shy smile came. The PD of each and every show Jun filmed.

“Inoue Mao,” Jun introduced and Nino smiled, nodding in understanding, still amazed at how love can bring two different people together.

“Congratulations,” he said and shook their hands. He watched as the two huddled to a corner with a certain spring in their steps and he felt the first twinges of envy.

“Nino…?” a familiar voice called him and as Nino turned around, he saw Sho Sakurai staring curiously at him. “It’s been so long,” Sho said, giving a courteous bow. Nino bowed back, wincing at the sudden formality. Contrary to what happened with Jun, Nino separated from Sho properly. They both agreed that things are not going to work out between them. They parted ways yet promised to become friends. That was a long time ago.

“Sho-kun,” he acknowledged.

“How are you?” The journalist asked with a bemused smile on his face. “I’ve seen your movies and dramas. You’re as good as ever.”

Nino smiled, feeling a bit proud. “I’m fine and thank you. You’re looking good,” he observed, noticing a lighter aura around the other man.

Sho gave him a toothy grin.

“What are you doing here, by the way? Are you doing a news for the new show?”

A blush crept across Sho’s face as he shook his head.

“I’m actually waiting for the host. We’ll be going out for dinner after the show,” he admitted and Nino raised a curious eyebrow.

“You’re dating the host?” the actor asked and Sho nodded sheepishly. “Who is the host?” Nino asked and as if on cue, a pitchy, playful voice called.

“Sho-chan!” Aiba said, almost bouncing towards the journalist. “You’re early - ah… Nino.” Aiba exclaimed, seeing the young actor. “It’s been so long,” he commented.

Nino smiled tentatively, taking in how Aiba looks. The tall man looked as gorgeous as he remembers him to be.

“Yeah,” he said with a bit of sadness. “It’s been so long.”

He watched as the two engrossed themselves in an animated conversation. He watched as Aiba playfully kicked Sho, the other laughing madly at something Aiba had said. He watched in envy, in jealousy, in sadness. He was supposed to have a love story like this too.

He was supposed to be in love.

“Hey,” Nino started, catching the attention of both Aiba and Sho. Jun was walking over too. “What does it mean when you feel your heart beating painfully against your chest thinking about another person? What does it mean when all you could think about is how that person laughs or how he smiles or how patiently he has been listening to you? What does it mean… what does it mean when all you could think about is him?”

Jun grinned at him, Aiba’s hands went up to cover his mouth and Sho patted him on the head.

“It means you’re in love. Now go find him,” Sho said gently and Nino finally found himself ditching his appearance on the show and driving towards the bakery like a mad man chasing after something that isn’t coming back.

He never bothered with the disguises, he never bothered about the possibility of screaming fans or being trampled once again. All he knows is that he needs Ohno. He needs the quiet comfort that comes from being with Ohno. He needs the gentle throbbing of his heart, telling him that maybe… just maybe… this time, he got it right. That maybe, Ohno was the one to complete the missing pieces in the puzzle of his life.

When he arrived at the bakery, Ohno was standing outside, beaming at an elderly couple. He froze when Nino emerged from the car with tentative footsteps towards him. As Nino comes close, Ohno crossed his arms and waited for him, an amused expression on his face.

“I just thought that maybe, you can spare more French bread for me?” Nino stated.

Ohno grinned at him stupidly.

“I don’t give French bread for free. You need to pay for it,” the baker stated.

“I forgot to bring my wallet,” Nino admitted.

“I thought you’re a rich guy…”

“I am”

“Then what would you pay me with if you did not bring your wallet?”

“My heart.” Nino said cheesily and Ohno sort of understood. “I’m sorry,” the actor said and when Ohno reached out his hands to him, he knew this time, he finally got it right. He buried his face in Ohno’s chest, finding himself crying at the sheer joy of the finding the very last piece of the puzzle he had been trying to complete all his life.

“Took you long enough,” Ohno commented and Nino nodded. When he looked up at Ohno, the other’s eyes were shining, beaming only for him.

“I love you,” Nino said tentatively and waited for an answer.

Ohno grinned at him. “I love you, too,” he said back and Nino cried more, realizing that owning the world is nothing compared to owning this person’s heart. He may lose everything, gain everything, be everything… but it’ll never be compared to the satisfaction of knowing that the person he loves, loves him back.

As Ohno bent down to kiss him in front of the few spectators that have gathered, one sentence kept repeating itself in Nino’s mind:

“This is so much better than owning the world.”

END.

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length: one shot, character: ohno, pairing: ohmiya, character: nino

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