It's All About Her
Title: It's All About Her
Pairing: Ohno Satoshi / Sakurai Sho(ko)
Word Count: 3,662 (it's lengthy but it's full of crap XD)
Disclaimer: seriously, these are just my delusions
Note: neko_kirin3104 said 'just write what's on your mind' and i did. sorry if it turned out to be full of crap. lol. first time to write girl!Sho. forgive me if this fic is... uhhh... weird.. idk. whatever. XD
He met her for the first time when he was fishing.
It was a weekend and Ohno decided to go to a nearby port to enjoy his hobby.
His entire focus was on the end of the lure submerged in the water and the line connecting it to the rod. He was unaware of his surroundings as he continued to wait for fish to bite. He had been catching nothing but small fish since he got here. This time for sure, he will fish out a tuna.
“Is anything biting?”
A high-pitched voice broke his concentration. He tsked in annoyance, turning his head towards the direction of the voice, ready to shoo away whoever was disturbing him. However, when his eyes fell on the other’s round and gleaming ones, the words he was about to say left him.
In front of him was a beautiful woman; her wavy hair falling from her sloping shoulders as she leaned towards him, her eyes glowing with amusement at what he was doing.
“Hey, is anything biting?”
She asked again, and this time Ohno was able to reign himself in. “Y-yeah.”
Her eyes widened with excitement and a smile curved up her lips as she clapped her hands together, “Really?!” She asked, her eyes turning towards the wide expanse of mixed blue and green in front of them.
Ohno couldn’t help but let his eyes follow the woman’s movements. The thumping of his heart, becoming louder in his ears as he watched the wind blow on the woman’s hair, making for a perfect picture to paint when he gets back home.
He didn’t notice the tugging on his line until the woman turned to him, her eyes going back and forth his face and the rod he was holding. “Something’s biting!” She squealed with delight and immediately, Ohno reeled the line in, tugging his rod up a little too quickly that the line broke and the fish escaped with his favorite lure.
“Wah! it got away~”
From his right, he heard a chuckle. He turned to the woman who was then trying to contain her amusement, and looking at him a bit apologetic. The woman couldn’t hold it in any longer and her chuckles filled the air; Ohno couldn’t help but join her then.
“I’m Ohno. Ohno Satoshi.” He introduced himself as soon as their laughter died out into comfortable silence; extending his hand to her for a handshake.
“Shoko. My name is Sakurai Shoko. Nice to meet you Ohno-kun.” She answered as she shook Ohno’s offered hand.
They stayed side by side, talking about anything that grabbed their interest - more Shoko than him since Ohno wasn’t much of a talker - until night fell and Shoko had to go back home. Ohno offered to call her a cab but she politely refused, seeing as Ohno still had a lot of packing to do with his fishing gear and stuff.
“Bye bye, Ohno-kun.”
*
The second time he met her was a few days later, inside the train.
Ohno was pretty exhausted from lack of sleep since he had gone fishing the previous night until 5 in the morning and immediately went to work right after. As soon as he got seated, his tiredness came crashing down on him and in an instant, he dozed off.
He didn’t even realize when he had begun resting his head on the shoulder of the person sitting beside him on the train despite the several times he had to pick his head up only to rest them at those same shoulders again and again.
“Ohno-kun. Wake up.”
He could faintly hear his name being called out and the nudge on his shoulder was slowly starting to bring him back to consciousness.
“Hn?” He managed to mumble.
He heard chuckling from beside him; it was familiar and as his mind tried to catch up, he slowly opened his eyes.
“Good morning.” What greeted him was a beautiful smile and those brown wavy hair resting on sloping shoulders.
“I’m sorry I had to wake you, I don’t know where your stop is and this is already the last trip.” The woman beside him said as Ohno’s eyes wandered up to get a proper look at her face.
“…Shoko-chan?” As soon as the name escaped his lips, Shoko looked away, her cheeks flushed red. Ohno’s mind was still not awake enough to realize that he had addressed Shoko by her first name and not by her family name which was the norm for acquaintances.
Ohno sat himself up, looking around to see which station they were already in. He tilted his head to right when he realized they were at the station before the one he rode in earlier. He gave Shoko a questioning look to which Shoko had understood and answered with, “You’ve been asleep for 2 hours. The train has gone for 4-5 trips already. This is the last one.”
All the sleepiness left him and his eyes widened in shock. He was asleep for 2 hours?! Wait a minute. Why was Shoko even here?
As if she suddenly remembered, Shoko explained, “You sat next to me as soon as you got in and fell asleep on my shoulder. I couldn’t wake you up since you looked so comfortable. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no. I’m the one who’s supposed to be sorry! Where’s your stop? Let me at least take you home as an apology for keeping you out until late.” Ohno insisted but Shoko declined his offer saying “It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize. I don’t really mind going home at this hour.”
Ohno didn’t think much as he countered her words with, “I can’t let a beautiful woman like you walk around so late in the night.” For the second time that night, Shoko looked away, her cheeks flushed and Ohno couldn’t understand why.
In the end, Ohno was able to take her home and get her number because Shoko insisted on repaying him for escorting her back home.
Today had a lot of unexpected turn of events but Ohno wasn’t going to question it. After all, he had wanted to see Shoko again. Now that he had her number, he wouldn’t need a coincidence in order for them to meet anymore.
*
Their third meeting was planned.
Ohno was the one who sent the first message the next day, apologizing once again for the inconvenience he caused Shoko the previous night. Ohno wasn’t expecting her reply to come so quickly though so he was pleasantly surprised when Shoko’s name turned up on his phone’s screen.
From: Shoko-chan
Subject: Re:
It’s fine, I wasn’t inconvenienced or anything at all.
Moreover, you took me home so I’m really thankful.
- Shoko :)
Ohno wasn’t very good with words so he didn’t know how to respond. He even thought of not responding at all, but he didn’t want Shoko to think of him as rude so he sent her the first thing that came to his mind.
Let’s have dinner tonight.
After sending the message, it dawned on him that he had just invited Shoko out on what may very well be a date. He anxiously waited for the reply, sort of already expecting Shoko to send a quick one. But when 30 minutes passed and his phone didn’t indicate even a single message received, Ohno ruffled his hair in frustration.
Just as he did so however, his phone alerted him of a message received.
From: Shoko-chan
Subject: Re:
Do you have a place in mind?
If not, I know a few that serve great food.
For a moment, Ohno’s eyes seemed to be glued on his phone’s screen. Then for a brief second he looked away, only to return his gaze to the screen to reread the contents of the message as if he didn’t believe what he just read. He did this for a few more times before it finally sunk in to him that Shoko did not reject his invitation. In fact, she seemed keen on dining out with him.
They went to Shoko’s recommended place, Daitouryou near JR Shinbashi Station. Ohno wasn’t familiar with the place and he was kind of expecting it to be some fancy restaurant regardless of the name, since Shoko was such a beautiful lady. He was surprised however, when he realized it was a yakitori place. He had no qualms about pretty women eating at this kind of store; he just didn’t peg Shoko to be the type.
“I’ve always wanted to try the negima here~ I can finally eat some!” Shoko’s tension was unbelievably high the moment they entered the store.
“Eh? You haven’t been here before?” Ohno asked, a little perplexed. He thought Shoko has already tried the food here. Isn’t it why she recommended it and they were going to eat here in the first place?
Shoko was too engrossed on the menu but she managed to answer. “No. The sign outside says you can’t eat here if you’re alone.” She lowered the menu and looked at Ohno with a huge smile on her face. “That’s why I’m really happy when Ohno-kun asked me out. This was the first place I thought of!”
Ohno wondered why Shoko doesn’t have anyone to go with her to this store, but he chose not to voice out his question.
When their food arrived and Shoko finally had that first bite of the negima she’s been wanting, she had a very blissful expression on her face. Ohno tried the said food, and just as much as Shoko enjoyed it, he could say it was the same for him. It was a really delicious meal. They continued filling their stomachs with meaty oniony goodness until they were stuffed and fully satisfied.
Ohno found out at the end of that day, that Shoko had an incredible appetite. Normally, it would turn a guy off but in Ohno’s case, he became fonder of the lady in front of him. At one point, Ohno thought Shoko probably had enough, but then Shoko ordered another serving. Good thing Ohno himself wasn’t that full yet and they managed to finish everything off.
“Ah~ That was good!” He couldn’t help but say as they exited the establishment. Shoko was smiling beside him. “Hey Ohno-kun, I had a lot of fun. Let’s do this again sometime.”
It was the beginning of a friendship linked by food. Food buddies, so to speak.
*
From: Shoko-chan
Subject: Are you free?
I found a new place. Are you free tonight?
Their meetings have become more frequent over the month after their first date and Ohno wasn’t really sure what the two of them were doing. At times, when he’s on a meeting at some restaurant, he would think, “Ah. Shoko-chan would like this place.” Even when he just goes out and sees a newly opened store, he would keep it in mind and remember to bring Shoko with him there the next time they meet. It was pretty much the same with Shoko; she would send him a message when she finds a store they could go to together.
Sometimes, Ohno wonders what kind of relationship they were in. Were they friends? Just friends or was it something more? Shoko doesn’t have a boyfriend, and it doesn’t seem like she goes out with other guys, and Ohno doesn’t really invite other women out to dinner too.
Whatever their relationship was, Ohno was really just happy he could enjoy their moments together. He might not have realized it yet, but his attraction to Shoko was growing into something more every time the two of them meet.
*
The first time Shoko brought someone else along on their dinner date, Ohno didn’t know how to react. They’ve been eating out together for 3 months now and it had been a set rule that they would meet at least twice a week.
The person Shoko brought with her is called Ninomiya Kazuko. She had a small build and unlike Shoko who has a little more shape in her, Ninomiya was really thin.
Ohno smiled gently at her when they were introduced but that Ninomiya girl was looking at him from head to toe, as if she was evaluating the kind of man that he is. And that smirk she showed him right after kind of ticked Ohno off.
“Hey, hey, Sho-chan~ This guy has the hots for you.” Ninomiya said just as Ohno was drinking water, causing him to almost spray the contents on their food. Luckily, he managed to swallow, but it took a whole lot of effort just to do so.
Shoko immediately stood up to pat his back, asking him in a worried tone if he was okay to which he nodded in reply.
“How vulgar.” The smaller woman commented. “Nino! You’re being rude to Ohno-kun.” Shoko said in a displeased tone. But Ninomiya didn’t apologize. “I’m sorry Ohno-kun. Nino’s just like that but she’s really nice.” Ohno doubted it but he smiled and shook his head instead. The girl is Shoko’s friend. There must be something good about her somewhere but Ohno has yet to find out.
The moment Ohno does find out is the moment he receives his first threat. He had never thought he would receive one from a girl.
“If you ever make Sho-chan cry, I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth.” Ninomiya whispered when Shoko was walking towards the comfort room, just out of earshot. Ohno was so stunned he didn’t know how to respond.
*
It’s been half a year since then and there were times when Ninomiya would tag along to Ohno and Shoko’s dinner dates just to extort free food from Ohno. He doesn’t realize it until Shoko pointed out that Nino doesn’t eat dinner if she has to pay for it and that it actually worries Shoko that’s why she invites her friend out to dinner with them. It just so happens that Ohno is a gentleman and he never allows Shoko to pay the bill. Nino noticed this, that’s why her reluctance to go eat dinner with Shoko has lessened.
Whenever they finish eating, Ninomiya would excuse herself and leave the two of them alone. She says she’s doing Ohno a favor.
Lately, Ohno and Shoko goes for walks after eating compared to their usual ‘eat and go home’ meetings. Ohno even insists on taking Shoko home regardless of whether or not it has already gotten late.
“Shoko-chan, tomorrow night I’m going fishing so I can’t go to dinner with you.” He informs the lady and Shoko nods in understanding. “Okay. Be careful on your fishing trip.” They look into each other’s eyes and smile. They spend a moment that way before Ohno tells Shoko to go inside and the two of them bids each other good night.
Ohno wonders why he feels the need to tell Shoko whenever he was going fishing. Maybe it was because they spend so much time together now that it has become a regular thing. It felt natural for Ohno to tell Shoko of his whereabouts, and in turn he believes Shoko feels the same way. Shoko sends him messages everyday about random things. Now, a day without any messages exchanged would make Ohno feel uneasy.
He still wasn’t sure what their relationship was, but it seems like the two of them were in an understanding. So when Shoko told him the next day that she’s going out to dinner with a person called ‘Matsumoto’, Ohno wasn’t all that worried. But a message from Ninomiya later on made his eyebrows furrow.
From: Ninomiya
Subject: Are you stupid?
Don’t blame me if Sho-chan gets taken away from you.
It took Ohno a while to understand what Ninomiya was trying to tell him, but when he finally did, his body moved on its own.
“Ohchan the boat is ready~” His fishing comrade called out to him. He looked at the man apologetically and told him, “Sorry Aiba-chan, I’ll pass for today.” And took off.
Turns out, he understood Ninomiya’s message correctly. Matsumoto is a guy, an insanely attractive one for that matter. The moment he saw Shoko however, he automatically walked towards their table. It didn’t matter that he was wearing inappropriate clothes for the restaurant, or that everyone’s eyes were on him. It was the first time Ohno felt jealousy move his own body.
“Ohno-kun?! I thought you were going fishing?” Shoko stood up and looked at him in confusion.
“You know him?” He heard that Matsumoto guy ask; he could feel the man’s piercing stare on him.
Before Shoko could even say a word in response, he grabbed her wrist and tugged her out of the fancy-looking restaurant.
Matsumoto was quick to stand up and follow them.
The guy grabbed the arm he was holding onto Shoko with, making him stop on his tracks. “Release her.” Ohno turned to the man, refusing to loosen his hold on Shoko.
Shoko could feel the way the two men were challenging each other with their eyes. She didn’t know what to do but she had to stop them from punching each other since they look like they were about to do so.
“WAIT A MINUTE! Would you two stop it?!” She shook off of Ohno’s hold and placed a hand on both men’s chests to push them away from each other. She had just successfully grabbed both of their attention.
“You.” She said, pointing to Ohno. “Why are you here? You said you’re going fishing.” Before Ohno could even speak, Shoko was talking again. “And you.” Pointing this time to Matsumoto, “Let go of him.” Matsumoto reluctantly released his hold on Ohno’s arm.
“Who is this guy, Sakurai-san? All of a sudden he arrives and drags you away.” Matsumoto questions in an extremely annoyed tone. Shoko was about to answer when Ohno suddenly spoke in a firm voice. “I’m her boyfriend.”
Ohno’s words effectively silenced Shoko who then looked at him with wide eyes; he could spy the flush in her cheeks as well. He wondered why Shoko was making that kind of reaction but then it sunk in on him what he just said.
“Eh? Boyfriend? Is that true, Sakurai-san?” The furrow on Matsumoto’s thick eyebrows made Ohno smile inwardly.
Shoko’s head whipped towards Matsumoto’s direction, her lips quivering as she stuttered, “Y-yeah.” This time the look of shock Matsumoto had made Ohno unable to hide the triumphant smirk on his lips. He never knew winning against a rival could be so gratifying.
However when he shifted his gaze to the woman in front of him, it dawned on him what Shoko had said to the other guy. She didn’t deny Ohno’s words.
Shoko said yes.
Ohno couldn’t contain the happiness he felt. His arms automatically wrapped around Shoko’s waist and he pulled her against his chest. Shoko was a bit startled, but she didn’t pull away.
“Really?” He whispered into her ear, and Shoko nodded shyly.
All sense of uneasiness left Ohno at that instant.
Matsumoto watched them at the side, totally dumbfounded.
*
“You set me up.” Matsumoto points a finger at her accusingly.
She didn’t even give him a glance as she continued pushing the buttons of her DS.
“You knew she has a boyfriend yet you told me you’d help me out. I was totally fooled.” He says in an incredibly exasperated tone.
“Correction. I knew she had someone in mind. They just got together last night. It’s not my fault you were too slow.” She said, still completely engrossed in her game.
Matsumoto glared at her, eyes still full of accusation as he uttered the actual words that were on his mind. “How did you even know about it? See, you really did set me up. I can’t believe I actually fell for that!”
She turned off her game and stood up. She walked past him, a smirk splayed on her lips. “Whatever are you talking about J?”
She ignored the curses Matsumoto was shouting at her back and strutted towards the building’s exit where he was sure Ohno was waiting for Shoko.
*
“Nino, why are you here?” Shoko tilted her head in confusion once she saw her friend together with Ohno waiting for her outside the building.
“Ohno-kun owes me dinner. Right, Ohno-kun?” Nino said arrogantly as she elbowed Ohno in the arm. Ohno sighed and nodded, his eyes apologetic.
Shoko didn’t question him; instead, she hooked her arm around Ohno’s and the two of them smiled adoringly at each other as they began walking, with Nino walking ahead of them.
*
“Is this… me?” Shoko asked as her eyes landed on the image painted on the canvas in Ohno’s living room.
It was the first time Shoko came to Ohno’s place. It was also the first thing she spotted upon entering her boyfriend’s house. She walked towards it and examined the painting carefully with her eyes wide with amusement. Ohno mentioned before that aside from fishing, painting was his hobby. It was the first time Shoko saw something painted by him.
Ohno hummed in response and Shoko was left thinking. “When was this?”
“The first time we met.”
“I didn’t know you painted me.” She mused, her eyes never leaving the painting.
“Un. The moment I first saw you, you’ve never left my mind.” Ohno said in his usual quiet tone but Shoko heard it loud and clear.
Shoko turned her gaze to her boyfriend, lifting her hand up to caress his cheek. “I’ll tell you a secret.” She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “It was the same for me.”
He wondered why it took them so long to come together, but he let that thought go as he pressed his lips onto hers and savored the moments they were together.
The first time Ohno fell in love, he was glad it was with her.
References:
Himitsu no Arashi-chan | Mote Arashi! Dame Arashi!
Arashi ni Shiyagare | Ii Mise, Kudoi Mise
Pairing: Ohno Satoshi / Sakurai Sho(ko)
Word Count: 3,662 (it's lengthy but it's full of crap XD)
Disclaimer: seriously, these are just my delusions
Note: neko_kirin3104 said 'just write what's on your mind' and i did. sorry if it turned out to be full of crap. lol. first time to write girl!Sho. forgive me if this fic is... uhhh... weird.. idk. whatever. XD
He met her for the first time when he was fishing.
It was a weekend and Ohno decided to go to a nearby port to enjoy his hobby.
His entire focus was on the end of the lure submerged in the water and the line connecting it to the rod. He was unaware of his surroundings as he continued to wait for fish to bite. He had been catching nothing but small fish since he got here. This time for sure, he will fish out a tuna.
“Is anything biting?”
A high-pitched voice broke his concentration. He tsked in annoyance, turning his head towards the direction of the voice, ready to shoo away whoever was disturbing him. However, when his eyes fell on the other’s round and gleaming ones, the words he was about to say left him.
In front of him was a beautiful woman; her wavy hair falling from her sloping shoulders as she leaned towards him, her eyes glowing with amusement at what he was doing.
“Hey, is anything biting?”
She asked again, and this time Ohno was able to reign himself in. “Y-yeah.”
Her eyes widened with excitement and a smile curved up her lips as she clapped her hands together, “Really?!” She asked, her eyes turning towards the wide expanse of mixed blue and green in front of them.
Ohno couldn’t help but let his eyes follow the woman’s movements. The thumping of his heart, becoming louder in his ears as he watched the wind blow on the woman’s hair, making for a perfect picture to paint when he gets back home.
He didn’t notice the tugging on his line until the woman turned to him, her eyes going back and forth his face and the rod he was holding. “Something’s biting!” She squealed with delight and immediately, Ohno reeled the line in, tugging his rod up a little too quickly that the line broke and the fish escaped with his favorite lure.
“Wah! it got away~”
From his right, he heard a chuckle. He turned to the woman who was then trying to contain her amusement, and looking at him a bit apologetic. The woman couldn’t hold it in any longer and her chuckles filled the air; Ohno couldn’t help but join her then.
“I’m Ohno. Ohno Satoshi.” He introduced himself as soon as their laughter died out into comfortable silence; extending his hand to her for a handshake.
“Shoko. My name is Sakurai Shoko. Nice to meet you Ohno-kun.” She answered as she shook Ohno’s offered hand.
They stayed side by side, talking about anything that grabbed their interest - more Shoko than him since Ohno wasn’t much of a talker - until night fell and Shoko had to go back home. Ohno offered to call her a cab but she politely refused, seeing as Ohno still had a lot of packing to do with his fishing gear and stuff.
“Bye bye, Ohno-kun.”
*
The second time he met her was a few days later, inside the train.
Ohno was pretty exhausted from lack of sleep since he had gone fishing the previous night until 5 in the morning and immediately went to work right after. As soon as he got seated, his tiredness came crashing down on him and in an instant, he dozed off.
He didn’t even realize when he had begun resting his head on the shoulder of the person sitting beside him on the train despite the several times he had to pick his head up only to rest them at those same shoulders again and again.
“Ohno-kun. Wake up.”
He could faintly hear his name being called out and the nudge on his shoulder was slowly starting to bring him back to consciousness.
“Hn?” He managed to mumble.
He heard chuckling from beside him; it was familiar and as his mind tried to catch up, he slowly opened his eyes.
“Good morning.” What greeted him was a beautiful smile and those brown wavy hair resting on sloping shoulders.
“I’m sorry I had to wake you, I don’t know where your stop is and this is already the last trip.” The woman beside him said as Ohno’s eyes wandered up to get a proper look at her face.
“…Shoko-chan?” As soon as the name escaped his lips, Shoko looked away, her cheeks flushed red. Ohno’s mind was still not awake enough to realize that he had addressed Shoko by her first name and not by her family name which was the norm for acquaintances.
Ohno sat himself up, looking around to see which station they were already in. He tilted his head to right when he realized they were at the station before the one he rode in earlier. He gave Shoko a questioning look to which Shoko had understood and answered with, “You’ve been asleep for 2 hours. The train has gone for 4-5 trips already. This is the last one.”
All the sleepiness left him and his eyes widened in shock. He was asleep for 2 hours?! Wait a minute. Why was Shoko even here?
As if she suddenly remembered, Shoko explained, “You sat next to me as soon as you got in and fell asleep on my shoulder. I couldn’t wake you up since you looked so comfortable. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no. I’m the one who’s supposed to be sorry! Where’s your stop? Let me at least take you home as an apology for keeping you out until late.” Ohno insisted but Shoko declined his offer saying “It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize. I don’t really mind going home at this hour.”
Ohno didn’t think much as he countered her words with, “I can’t let a beautiful woman like you walk around so late in the night.” For the second time that night, Shoko looked away, her cheeks flushed and Ohno couldn’t understand why.
In the end, Ohno was able to take her home and get her number because Shoko insisted on repaying him for escorting her back home.
Today had a lot of unexpected turn of events but Ohno wasn’t going to question it. After all, he had wanted to see Shoko again. Now that he had her number, he wouldn’t need a coincidence in order for them to meet anymore.
*
Their third meeting was planned.
Ohno was the one who sent the first message the next day, apologizing once again for the inconvenience he caused Shoko the previous night. Ohno wasn’t expecting her reply to come so quickly though so he was pleasantly surprised when Shoko’s name turned up on his phone’s screen.
From: Shoko-chan
Subject: Re:
It’s fine, I wasn’t inconvenienced or anything at all.
Moreover, you took me home so I’m really thankful.
- Shoko :)
Ohno wasn’t very good with words so he didn’t know how to respond. He even thought of not responding at all, but he didn’t want Shoko to think of him as rude so he sent her the first thing that came to his mind.
Let’s have dinner tonight.
After sending the message, it dawned on him that he had just invited Shoko out on what may very well be a date. He anxiously waited for the reply, sort of already expecting Shoko to send a quick one. But when 30 minutes passed and his phone didn’t indicate even a single message received, Ohno ruffled his hair in frustration.
Just as he did so however, his phone alerted him of a message received.
From: Shoko-chan
Subject: Re:
Do you have a place in mind?
If not, I know a few that serve great food.
For a moment, Ohno’s eyes seemed to be glued on his phone’s screen. Then for a brief second he looked away, only to return his gaze to the screen to reread the contents of the message as if he didn’t believe what he just read. He did this for a few more times before it finally sunk in to him that Shoko did not reject his invitation. In fact, she seemed keen on dining out with him.
They went to Shoko’s recommended place, Daitouryou near JR Shinbashi Station. Ohno wasn’t familiar with the place and he was kind of expecting it to be some fancy restaurant regardless of the name, since Shoko was such a beautiful lady. He was surprised however, when he realized it was a yakitori place. He had no qualms about pretty women eating at this kind of store; he just didn’t peg Shoko to be the type.
“I’ve always wanted to try the negima here~ I can finally eat some!” Shoko’s tension was unbelievably high the moment they entered the store.
“Eh? You haven’t been here before?” Ohno asked, a little perplexed. He thought Shoko has already tried the food here. Isn’t it why she recommended it and they were going to eat here in the first place?
Shoko was too engrossed on the menu but she managed to answer. “No. The sign outside says you can’t eat here if you’re alone.” She lowered the menu and looked at Ohno with a huge smile on her face. “That’s why I’m really happy when Ohno-kun asked me out. This was the first place I thought of!”
Ohno wondered why Shoko doesn’t have anyone to go with her to this store, but he chose not to voice out his question.
When their food arrived and Shoko finally had that first bite of the negima she’s been wanting, she had a very blissful expression on her face. Ohno tried the said food, and just as much as Shoko enjoyed it, he could say it was the same for him. It was a really delicious meal. They continued filling their stomachs with meaty oniony goodness until they were stuffed and fully satisfied.
Ohno found out at the end of that day, that Shoko had an incredible appetite. Normally, it would turn a guy off but in Ohno’s case, he became fonder of the lady in front of him. At one point, Ohno thought Shoko probably had enough, but then Shoko ordered another serving. Good thing Ohno himself wasn’t that full yet and they managed to finish everything off.
“Ah~ That was good!” He couldn’t help but say as they exited the establishment. Shoko was smiling beside him. “Hey Ohno-kun, I had a lot of fun. Let’s do this again sometime.”
It was the beginning of a friendship linked by food. Food buddies, so to speak.
*
From: Shoko-chan
Subject: Are you free?
I found a new place. Are you free tonight?
Their meetings have become more frequent over the month after their first date and Ohno wasn’t really sure what the two of them were doing. At times, when he’s on a meeting at some restaurant, he would think, “Ah. Shoko-chan would like this place.” Even when he just goes out and sees a newly opened store, he would keep it in mind and remember to bring Shoko with him there the next time they meet. It was pretty much the same with Shoko; she would send him a message when she finds a store they could go to together.
Sometimes, Ohno wonders what kind of relationship they were in. Were they friends? Just friends or was it something more? Shoko doesn’t have a boyfriend, and it doesn’t seem like she goes out with other guys, and Ohno doesn’t really invite other women out to dinner too.
Whatever their relationship was, Ohno was really just happy he could enjoy their moments together. He might not have realized it yet, but his attraction to Shoko was growing into something more every time the two of them meet.
*
The first time Shoko brought someone else along on their dinner date, Ohno didn’t know how to react. They’ve been eating out together for 3 months now and it had been a set rule that they would meet at least twice a week.
The person Shoko brought with her is called Ninomiya Kazuko. She had a small build and unlike Shoko who has a little more shape in her, Ninomiya was really thin.
Ohno smiled gently at her when they were introduced but that Ninomiya girl was looking at him from head to toe, as if she was evaluating the kind of man that he is. And that smirk she showed him right after kind of ticked Ohno off.
“Hey, hey, Sho-chan~ This guy has the hots for you.” Ninomiya said just as Ohno was drinking water, causing him to almost spray the contents on their food. Luckily, he managed to swallow, but it took a whole lot of effort just to do so.
Shoko immediately stood up to pat his back, asking him in a worried tone if he was okay to which he nodded in reply.
“How vulgar.” The smaller woman commented. “Nino! You’re being rude to Ohno-kun.” Shoko said in a displeased tone. But Ninomiya didn’t apologize. “I’m sorry Ohno-kun. Nino’s just like that but she’s really nice.” Ohno doubted it but he smiled and shook his head instead. The girl is Shoko’s friend. There must be something good about her somewhere but Ohno has yet to find out.
The moment Ohno does find out is the moment he receives his first threat. He had never thought he would receive one from a girl.
“If you ever make Sho-chan cry, I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth.” Ninomiya whispered when Shoko was walking towards the comfort room, just out of earshot. Ohno was so stunned he didn’t know how to respond.
*
It’s been half a year since then and there were times when Ninomiya would tag along to Ohno and Shoko’s dinner dates just to extort free food from Ohno. He doesn’t realize it until Shoko pointed out that Nino doesn’t eat dinner if she has to pay for it and that it actually worries Shoko that’s why she invites her friend out to dinner with them. It just so happens that Ohno is a gentleman and he never allows Shoko to pay the bill. Nino noticed this, that’s why her reluctance to go eat dinner with Shoko has lessened.
Whenever they finish eating, Ninomiya would excuse herself and leave the two of them alone. She says she’s doing Ohno a favor.
Lately, Ohno and Shoko goes for walks after eating compared to their usual ‘eat and go home’ meetings. Ohno even insists on taking Shoko home regardless of whether or not it has already gotten late.
“Shoko-chan, tomorrow night I’m going fishing so I can’t go to dinner with you.” He informs the lady and Shoko nods in understanding. “Okay. Be careful on your fishing trip.” They look into each other’s eyes and smile. They spend a moment that way before Ohno tells Shoko to go inside and the two of them bids each other good night.
Ohno wonders why he feels the need to tell Shoko whenever he was going fishing. Maybe it was because they spend so much time together now that it has become a regular thing. It felt natural for Ohno to tell Shoko of his whereabouts, and in turn he believes Shoko feels the same way. Shoko sends him messages everyday about random things. Now, a day without any messages exchanged would make Ohno feel uneasy.
He still wasn’t sure what their relationship was, but it seems like the two of them were in an understanding. So when Shoko told him the next day that she’s going out to dinner with a person called ‘Matsumoto’, Ohno wasn’t all that worried. But a message from Ninomiya later on made his eyebrows furrow.
From: Ninomiya
Subject: Are you stupid?
Don’t blame me if Sho-chan gets taken away from you.
It took Ohno a while to understand what Ninomiya was trying to tell him, but when he finally did, his body moved on its own.
“Ohchan the boat is ready~” His fishing comrade called out to him. He looked at the man apologetically and told him, “Sorry Aiba-chan, I’ll pass for today.” And took off.
Turns out, he understood Ninomiya’s message correctly. Matsumoto is a guy, an insanely attractive one for that matter. The moment he saw Shoko however, he automatically walked towards their table. It didn’t matter that he was wearing inappropriate clothes for the restaurant, or that everyone’s eyes were on him. It was the first time Ohno felt jealousy move his own body.
“Ohno-kun?! I thought you were going fishing?” Shoko stood up and looked at him in confusion.
“You know him?” He heard that Matsumoto guy ask; he could feel the man’s piercing stare on him.
Before Shoko could even say a word in response, he grabbed her wrist and tugged her out of the fancy-looking restaurant.
Matsumoto was quick to stand up and follow them.
The guy grabbed the arm he was holding onto Shoko with, making him stop on his tracks. “Release her.” Ohno turned to the man, refusing to loosen his hold on Shoko.
Shoko could feel the way the two men were challenging each other with their eyes. She didn’t know what to do but she had to stop them from punching each other since they look like they were about to do so.
“WAIT A MINUTE! Would you two stop it?!” She shook off of Ohno’s hold and placed a hand on both men’s chests to push them away from each other. She had just successfully grabbed both of their attention.
“You.” She said, pointing to Ohno. “Why are you here? You said you’re going fishing.” Before Ohno could even speak, Shoko was talking again. “And you.” Pointing this time to Matsumoto, “Let go of him.” Matsumoto reluctantly released his hold on Ohno’s arm.
“Who is this guy, Sakurai-san? All of a sudden he arrives and drags you away.” Matsumoto questions in an extremely annoyed tone. Shoko was about to answer when Ohno suddenly spoke in a firm voice. “I’m her boyfriend.”
Ohno’s words effectively silenced Shoko who then looked at him with wide eyes; he could spy the flush in her cheeks as well. He wondered why Shoko was making that kind of reaction but then it sunk in on him what he just said.
“Eh? Boyfriend? Is that true, Sakurai-san?” The furrow on Matsumoto’s thick eyebrows made Ohno smile inwardly.
Shoko’s head whipped towards Matsumoto’s direction, her lips quivering as she stuttered, “Y-yeah.” This time the look of shock Matsumoto had made Ohno unable to hide the triumphant smirk on his lips. He never knew winning against a rival could be so gratifying.
However when he shifted his gaze to the woman in front of him, it dawned on him what Shoko had said to the other guy. She didn’t deny Ohno’s words.
Shoko said yes.
Ohno couldn’t contain the happiness he felt. His arms automatically wrapped around Shoko’s waist and he pulled her against his chest. Shoko was a bit startled, but she didn’t pull away.
“Really?” He whispered into her ear, and Shoko nodded shyly.
All sense of uneasiness left Ohno at that instant.
Matsumoto watched them at the side, totally dumbfounded.
*
“You set me up.” Matsumoto points a finger at her accusingly.
She didn’t even give him a glance as she continued pushing the buttons of her DS.
“You knew she has a boyfriend yet you told me you’d help me out. I was totally fooled.” He says in an incredibly exasperated tone.
“Correction. I knew she had someone in mind. They just got together last night. It’s not my fault you were too slow.” She said, still completely engrossed in her game.
Matsumoto glared at her, eyes still full of accusation as he uttered the actual words that were on his mind. “How did you even know about it? See, you really did set me up. I can’t believe I actually fell for that!”
She turned off her game and stood up. She walked past him, a smirk splayed on her lips. “Whatever are you talking about J?”
She ignored the curses Matsumoto was shouting at her back and strutted towards the building’s exit where he was sure Ohno was waiting for Shoko.
*
“Nino, why are you here?” Shoko tilted her head in confusion once she saw her friend together with Ohno waiting for her outside the building.
“Ohno-kun owes me dinner. Right, Ohno-kun?” Nino said arrogantly as she elbowed Ohno in the arm. Ohno sighed and nodded, his eyes apologetic.
Shoko didn’t question him; instead, she hooked her arm around Ohno’s and the two of them smiled adoringly at each other as they began walking, with Nino walking ahead of them.
*
“Is this… me?” Shoko asked as her eyes landed on the image painted on the canvas in Ohno’s living room.
It was the first time Shoko came to Ohno’s place. It was also the first thing she spotted upon entering her boyfriend’s house. She walked towards it and examined the painting carefully with her eyes wide with amusement. Ohno mentioned before that aside from fishing, painting was his hobby. It was the first time Shoko saw something painted by him.
Ohno hummed in response and Shoko was left thinking. “When was this?”
“The first time we met.”
“I didn’t know you painted me.” She mused, her eyes never leaving the painting.
“Un. The moment I first saw you, you’ve never left my mind.” Ohno said in his usual quiet tone but Shoko heard it loud and clear.
Shoko turned her gaze to her boyfriend, lifting her hand up to caress his cheek. “I’ll tell you a secret.” She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “It was the same for me.”
He wondered why it took them so long to come together, but he let that thought go as he pressed his lips onto hers and savored the moments they were together.
The first time Ohno fell in love, he was glad it was with her.
References:
Himitsu no Arashi-chan | Mote Arashi! Dame Arashi!
Arashi ni Shiyagare | Ii Mise, Kudoi Mise