icecreamsuki

Ohno fell on the floor with a loud thud and a grimace hidden from the other occupant of the bed. If that didn’t wake up a sleepyhead like him, Nino didn’t know what would. Ohno stood up and proceeded with his morning routine like nothing traumatic happened just then, awfully aware that Nino was watching him amusedly yet pointedly ignoring the other man.

The day went by in silence. Neither one of them mentioned the elephant in the room until curiosity got the better of Ohno.

“Aren’t you going to ask me why I agreed to sleep on your bed?”

“Eh? Do I even have to ask? It’s because you’re attracted to me. That goes without saying.” Nino shrugged as he continued thumbing the keys of his DS.

Ohno started shifting uneasily (and noisily) on the chair as his sketch pad laid forgotten on the table.

Nino sighed grimly, irritated by the constant movement in his peripheral vision, hindering him from concentrating in his game. “Oh-chan, can’t you sit still?”

“Sorry.”

“If you don’t want to tell me why, it’s okay. I’m here to listen when you’re ready.” Nino still seemed to be immersed in his game world but Ohno was unexpectedly moved by Nino’s statement. Nino has his gentle moments after all, Ohno thought.

They did not have that talk again since. Ohno already started treating Nino’s bed as his own as he slept and lazed around on it, on the far side away from Nino, yes, but on the bed nevertheless.

-=-=-

Hearing shuffling around him, with furrowed eyebrows he slowly opened his eyes to search for the source of the sound. There it was by the window sitting on a stool, a guy around his age with dark brown hair crouching down to put on his socks. Standing up, Nino noticed that he was wearing a plain black V-neck long-sleeves shirt, (a decent one unlike those freebies that Nino liked to tease him about) and a pair of faded jeans ripped at the knee area.

Nino was staring at him, wide awake now, unable to defy the laws of attraction.

He was in the brink of asking whether Ohno was conscious of his charismatic effect on others, or in simple terms, of how hot he was, but Nino stopped himself. He knew the answer anyway. In spite of the short time they have spent together, somehow Nino knew that Ohno was not the type of person who wraps himself in pretense. He’s genuine. And he was genuinely hot with that outfit but Nino kept himself from saying anything.

“Oh. You’re awake.” Ohno said as he stood up and arranged his bag. “It’s my first day. I want to go to school earlier.”

“You don’t have a uniform?” Nino dumbly asked as he stood up from the bed.

“It’s an arts university. That’s actually the point. We don’t have to be uniform.” Ohno said simply.

Before Nino had time to ponder on what Ohno said, the latter already motioned towards the door.

“Wait! I want to go with you.” Ohno rested his hand on the knob of the door as he eyed Nino curiously as if weighing the motives of the other.

“Give me fifteen minutes.” Nino said as he was already gathering his clothes and towel to get ready for shower. “Please?” he looked at Ohno pleadingly. Reply came in the form of a shrug as Ohno laid back on the bed and closed his eyes.

-=-=-

Tall shrubs with flowers of different colors adorned the perimeter of the university and it was a lovely sight as the two were walking along the pavement towards the entrance. The main gate had pillars on each side made of bricks with an arch on top indicating the name of the school.

They entered, Nino wearing a baseball cap for precautionary measures lest he be driven out by security guards as a trespasser in school grounds. He wasn’t convinced despite Ohno’s attempt to appease him by saying that the guards were quite liberal and there had never been an incident of a reprimanded trespasser.

There were lots of people of around the same age as them who were passing by and chattering merrily and animatedly with each other. It was the first day of school after all. A time of reunions, and for freshmen, a time for new beginnings.

As they walked, they passed by a clique who were hanging out on the gazebo under a tree. Nino’s attention was immediately caught.

One was wearing a gray parka over another grey parka. The other was wearing what seemed to be a wooly helmet even though they were inside campus and a motorcycle was not in sight. The tallest guy was wearing a crimson jacket paired with crimson pants, carrying out a striking look. Shorts, knee-high socks and eyeglasses were the chosen outfit of another. The only girl in the group was wearing a pink wig of shoulder length, a glittery dress and a pair of boots decorated with studs.

Nino only realized that he was staring at the group in awe when Ohno nudged him at the ribs.

“Fashion department.” Ohno muttered as he continued to walk, almost dragging Nino along.

“No wonder.” Nino was fascinated with their bravery to wear something like that. He admired the courage to stand out and make a statement no matter how bizarre and downright weird other people may perceive them.

Ohno tried to divert Nino’s attention from the peculiar group. “The university is divided into two main sections: visual art on the left side and music on the right, but we are free to roam anywhere we want.”

To have a good look at the buildings, Nino had to tilt his head higher because of his cap that was diminishing his field of vision.

“Ohno-kun!” came a sudden female voice. As Nino turned his head to direction of the source, he saw a girl around his age with long straight hair, wearing a loose baby pink shirt and colorful tights. She was giving an energetic arm wave at Ohno. Yes, she used not her hands, but her arms in waving.

Ohno shyly waved back. “I’ll see you later, Nino.”

“Wait, aren’t you going to introduce me to—“

“No.” Ohno said curtly as he walked away.

From afar, Nino had a hunch that he had already seen that girl before, that he had already talked to her and spent time with her but he was unsure. He sprinted to Ohno’s side, while still examining the face of Ohno’s friend. “Becky?”

“Eh?” came the response from both Ohno and the girl. Ohno wondered how Nino could possibly know someone from his class.

The girl nodded tentatively as she too examined Nino’s face, trying to figure out who he was.

“Nino.” The owner of the name offered and Becky’s eyes widened in recognition. “Nino!” she exclaimed pointing her fingers at Nino as if she victoriously remembered the name right.

“Is it really Becky? The same Becky who liked to play with our dog but then she got scared when it barked loudly and chased her around? The same Becky who always had dirty clothes because she reveled in playing in the mud? The Becky who had a crush on—” Becky lunged towards Nino and immediately covered his mouth with her hand which was fortunately not stained with mud. Nino still continued with his sentence regarding Becky’s crush but the words were muffled and far from being understandable. Becky was relieved.

“Well, I don’t have to wonder if it was really Nino who liked to play with girls. There’s just no mistake.” Becky slacked her hold on Nino but still on defense mode.

 “Baseball and gardening role playing. It was not like I was playing Barbie dolls with you. Can’t you come up with a better counter-attack to embarrass me? Oh wait, I’m sorry!” Nino gasped in faked shock after realizing something. “Was that why you grew up to be boyish? Too bad you didn’t get to confess to—” As if on cue, Becky wrapped her hand around his mouth once again, to hush the horribly embarrassing information Nino was about to spill.

Ohno was extremely entertained watching the comical exchange between the two. Indeed, it was a day of reunions.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Becky demanded rather rudely. However, considering how Nino playfully tormented her with embarrassing memories of her past, she was not being rude at all, relatively speaking.

“Oh yeah! I’m here with Oh-chan. We’re married!” Nino said cheerfully as he entangled his chubby fingers with Ohno’s slender ones.

There was a rather ridiculous story behind their marriage. Ohno still continued working at the coffee and tea shop while Nino still worked at the convenience store until the vacation ended to have something to busy themselves with instead of lolling around at home. One particular evening, when they came back, the certificate of marriage that they both signed already disappeared from the top of their desk.

They found that it was already filed. Just like that.

They were already married, as uneventful as that. No ceremonies whatsoever. Nino didn’t even get a ring yet for Ohno. The lingering feeling of ‘being married’ or ‘being together’ was non-existent.

Even Nino almost forgot that they were already legally married until Becky asked him what he was doing there.

“It was splendid to see you again, Ninomiya-san.” Becky said with an air of sarcasm. “But Ohno-kun and I need to go now. Bye!” she swiftly grabbed Ohno’s wrist and pulled him towards their building.

“Take care of Oh-chan, ne!” Nino said sweetly and Becky was 100% sure that he was acting casual to annoy her.

“He really blurts out random things, that guy.” Becky said. Nino’s teasing left an aftershock on her as she was still flustered.

“What he said was true, though.” Ohno murmured.

“Oh, you don’t have to believe what he said about the dog, the mud, and especially about the--” Becky flushed just thinking about her crush when they were young. Luckily she stopped blabbering at the right time.

“I meant what he said about us being married. It’s true.” Ohno said calmly as he proceeded walking, leaving Becky pausing on her tracks in bewilderment, with a mouth gaping in astonishment.

After she recovered her cognitive faculties, she sprinted towards Ohno and stood face to face with him and held both his shoulders, in an act of confrontation.

“You’re joking, right?” Ohno merely shook his head slightly.

“Why did you marry a horrible person like him?” Becky asked dramatically. “Did he blackmail you? Did he drug you? Did he put a love potion in your drink without you noticing it?” Ohno snickered at Becky’s wild speculations. Becky released her hold on his shoulders but still watched him anxiously.

“He’s not so bad.” Ohno said simply. Becky felt Ohno’s serene aura and decided to let it rest. She would just pester Ohno some other time.

“He was really mean to me when we were young.” Becky muttered mostly to herself as she recalled their young selves playing in the Ninomiya garden, along with another girl named Meisa who was Becky’s cousin. Their families were close so Becky got to visit almost every weekend and especially during vacations. Meisa and Nino were neighbors and every time Becky was there, the three of them would play gardening role playing in the Ninomiya place bringing colorful plastic shovels and toy wheelbarrow with size appropriate for their tiny selves. They gathered fallen leaves, ripped them into smaller pieces and then cooked them in their tiny plastic frying pans. For snacks, they sloppily ate mangoes and tried to plant the seeds on a randomly chosen area of soil. Those were the carefree years of childhood.

“That just means he liked hanging out with you.” Ohno said, waking Becky from her reverie.

She never saw it that way before. “You seem to know him well.” Becky commented.

“I know him well enough to marry him.” She giggled at how honest Ohno was being. The Ohno she knew did not talk that fondly of other people. The Ohno she knew had a world that revolved around art, fishing and toy cars, and lacking in human interaction. The Ohno she knew has evolved into the guy beside her who was already showing emotions no matter how subtly. She already decided that she liked this Ohno better.

Maybe she should reconsider her impression of Nino. He seemed to have cracked the shell Ohno had been dwelling for years since Becky met him in the university.

“What are you grinning about?” Ohno asked sharply.

“Nothing.” She replied, still grinning. Ohno just shrugged it off.

-=-=-

Nino dared to enter the building which Ohno identified to be the music department, despite him being an outsider.

If his attention was called, he would just give an excuse that as he was lost. If an I.D. was required of him, he would just say that he was a freshman, nervous on his first day and unintentionally forgot his I.D. at home and then bow politely. Nino had a list of possible excuses up his sleeve, if confronted. If there’s a will, there’s a way.

The hallway was dotted with people; some in particular caught Nino’s attention. A small chubby guy fitting a reed on his clarinet. A girl’s slim fingers gliding through the strings of her classical guitar. A guy with hair dyed blond tuning his electric violin with a face contorted in concentration. A girl with long straight hair expertly twirling drum sticks as she chatted with her friends. They had at least one thing in common: passion evident in their countenance.

Upon hearing the cacophony of sounds in the corridor, Nino’s blood steadily warms and rushes as if calling him.

In the expanding commercialization and industrialization of Japan, professions geared towards science, engineering, business and medicine to name a few, are more favored and are more likely provide job security after college education. In other words, competitions aside, people who pursue these careers have a clearer future than those who pursue the arts.

Painting, photography, fashion, music: talent and perseverance with a touch of originality and self-confidence are weapons to get through these fields. The arts offer no home for those of weak heart.

The talented ones are praised. The unique ones stand out. There is no room for mediocrity because if you as much as slack for a while, other people could overtake you in the blink of an eye.

Attending an arts university despite knowing the hardships one will face not only in school but also in their careers in the future is immensely commendable, in Nino’s opinion. He respected them.

Sometimes he wondered what it would be like to remove the wearisome pair of spectacles he had been wearing and see the world through an artist’s eyes. Perhaps they have the ability to look beyond average everyday things and see the beauty.

Nino couldn’t help compare the university to his own, where the people looked prim and proper, brought about by strict upbringing. Nino’s university was a masquerade; some people genuine but many with a false facade of goodness. It was up to Nino to discern who to trust, which was an emotionally taxing task to do.

In Tokyo Arts University, Nino felt that students were given the most important freedom they need: the freedom to imagine. On the other hand, in the university he was attending, students were fed with information discovered by people before them, leaving no more room for exploration and critical thinking. However in retrospect, Nino realized that the reason for that rested in him, and the fact that he was not interested in the subject that much.

Now that his train of thought was towards self-pity, he decided it was time to leave before he ended up disastrously depressed.

As Nino was standing at the gate ready to step out, a cherry blossom petal fluttered in front of him as if a greeting. He caught it in its slow fall and examined its fragility and elegance. Nino was not particularly sentimental, but since sentimentality, like destiny, make things more interesting in the world, he figured it would be alright to indulge himself in it once in a while.

He brought out his wallet and meticulously slid the petal in the place where photographs are supposed to be inserted. It was previously devoid of a picture anyway. Photographs in wallets, in Nino’s opinion, are supposed to represent what was important to the owner. In his case, he was still unsure of what was important in his life at the moment and he didn’t bother to reflect on it yet so he just inserted random stuff in there such as receipts with random scribbles at the cleaner side and now, a cherry blossom petal.

He gazed back and saw cherry blossom trees in full swing to the beat of the April wind, cherry blossoms marking spring, the season of birth, of life, and of new beginnings.

-=-=-

A month had already passed and before they realized it, Nino’s birthday was already a few days away. Corollary to that, the public announcement of their marriage was also just a few days away. Invitations were already sent to close friends, political supporters of Nino’s father, and to the media as well for press coverage. The event was to be held in the Ninomiya garden, which was spacious enough to accommodate a hundred people.

On the day itself, round tables dotted the place, with pristine white table cloth and navy blue napkin. The utensils and the goblets were in their precise spots. Each table was adorned with a small vase of different flowers such as roses and tulips of various colors, flowers which have been picked fresh from the Ninomiya garden itself. There was a platform on one side to serve as the stage for the program.

Ohno didn’t like parties very much, most especially when his name would be announced and be made to go onstage. He observed the venue with apprehension, knowing that those empty seats would eventually be filled by people foreign to him, with eyes assessing him if he was suited to be Nino’s partner in marriage.

He heaved a sigh as his thoughts wander. It took a while for him to notice that there was someone calling him.

“Ohno-san.”

He turned around a saw a woman wearing a gray and black tube cocktail dress, wrinkled on the torso area and reached just below her knees. She wore silver high heels along with her tall stature; Ohno had to tilt his head up to see her well.

Entranced, Spell-bound. Those words could describe Ohno’s reaction to the presence before him. She emitted a cool vibe, like a supermodel. And with that height, Ohno wouldn’t wonder if she really was one.

“I-If you’re looking for Nino, I...” Ohno stuttered. “I don’t know where he is.”

“Actually, it’s you I want to talk to.” She said determinedly as she held his gaze.

“Oh.” Ohno responded, unconsciously biting his lower lip, waiting for the woman to speak.

“My name is Kuroki Meisa. I am Kazu’s ex-girlfriend.”

-=-=-

To be continued...

-=-=-

AN: They actually had swimmer Kitajima as guest! And Nino will be learning guitar from Lenny Kravitz next episode.. and I can’t wait for VS Arashi this week! Men in Black!

The following day, they did not put their names in the registry for marriage. No, not yet. Ohno managed to convince Nino that that could wait for later. Besides, they had to meet Nino’s father first and get his blessing. They were planning to marry for his sake in the first place, at least in Nino’s case, that is. Ohno just really needed money for his tuition fee and allowance and a decent place to stay in where he could devote himself to his art works.

That morning, Nino was ringing the door bell of Ohno’s apartment to help him pack so he could immediately move in to the Ninomiya house.

“Good morning, Oh-chan!” Nino greeted brightly as Ohno opened the door.

“Good morning..” Ohno said sleepily. He then noticed that Nino was not alone. There was another guy in the doorway wearing a suit and a bow tie, while Nino was wearing a simple shirt, light jacket and jeans. Ohno was amused at the difference between the two.

“Oh, this is my best friend Sho-chan. He came to help us and drive us back.” Nino said. Sho offered his hand, which Ohno shook, still curious about the presence in front of him.

“You look like a butler or a businessman.” Ohno said bluntly before he was able to stop himself.

“Hahaha! Nice to meet you, Ohno-san. Nino told me a lot about you.” Sho said nicely. With that, Ohno tensed. What did Nino tell this Sho about him? Nino and Ohno barely knew each other; what was there to tell?

“Alright, enough introductions. Let’s get to work.” Nino said as he rashly opened Ohno’s bedroom door and found it in the same state as before he left Ohno the night before.

“Oh-chan! You haven’t started packing at all? I told you yesterday to pack already so we can leave right away, so we can go back right away, so I can finish that Zelda game right away!” Nino said exasperatedly as he started to bring out Ohno’s clothes from the drawer to place them into the bag he brought.

“Ehhh.. but I wasn’t feeling well yesterday. I was only waiting for you to leave so I can sleep peacefully.” Ohno muttered as he started collecting his art materials, sketch pads and art works that were scattered around his apartment, and placing them in one of the cardboard boxes that Nino brought. Sho took charge of packing the kitchen utensils.

“Oh-chan! Hahaha!” Nino was at the door with one hand gripping the door frame to support himself in his fit of laughter while his other hand was holding what seemed to be one of Ohno’s T-shirts. Ohno looked at him questioningly while waiting for Nino to get over his fit to explain what he was laughing about.

“Your shirts!” Nino said as he was holding his abdomen to control his laughter. “They are all like the free stuff you get from raffles, like consolation prizes!” Nino said as he showed Ohno and Sho T-shirts that have prints of names of different stores and supermarkets.

Ohno blushed in embarrassment. “Because they’re free! And I only wear them at home or at night anyway.”

“You’re so cute.” Nino said as he returned to the room to continue packing.

Sho saw Ohno pouting at the doorframe from which Nino disappeared.

Sho had been discreetly watching the interaction between his best friend and Ohno. It was not common to see Nino that comfortable with another person. The thought that maybe this marriage could work crossed Sho’s mind as he was carrying to the van the boxes that they packed. Somehow, Sho wanted to support them, in whatever way he can.

‘Less is more’ seemed to be the theme of Ohno’s apartment. He had just enough clothes to get him through the week, while allotting weekends for laundry. He only had 2 pairs of shoes: one for his construction site job and the other he wore when he was working as a barista and a convenience store salesperson. He wasn’t one to indulge himself in luxuries. He would rather spend the money he worked hard for to buy art materials and everyday needs.

Due to the apparent minimalism of Ohno’s lifestyle, they were able to finish packing in less than an hour.

-=-=-

“Let me show you around.” Nino said as he led Ohno inside the Ninomiya house.

“This is the living room, Sir, where you can watch the television or play with my Play Station. This is the dining room. This is the kitchen where you can show your cooking skills and make delicious meals for your loving soon-to-be husband.” Nino said politely and acted like a butler.

Sho placed his right palm on his mouth to keep himself from laughing, or more like to silence his laughter because watching Nino act like that was just too ridiculous. Even real butlers do not act the way Nino impersonated them; it was too silly.

Nino led Ohno to the second floor while Sho stayed behind. The butler was taking preventive measures by keeping away from the two; he already had enough of his daily dose of Nino-silliness, he wasn’t sure if he could take any more.

“Since our house is small and we don’t have a guest room to accommodate you, you would be sleeping with me.” Nino said cheerfully as they were climbing the stairs, now out of Sho’s earshot. Just as Ohno was about to argue, Nino added, “unless you want to sleep on the floor.”

“Don’t you have an extra futon or something?” Ohno asked grumpily. He didn’t like the idea of sleeping with someone he barely knew. They may be co-workers but they didn’t have much time together since they were of different shifts. Besides, the topic of their conversation had always been mundane things such as the weather, unruly customers and the like.

“Beggars can’t be choosy.” Nino said sternly. “And even if we have one, I’ll make sure you don’t get access to it.” He muttered mischievously.

“Huh? What did you say?” Ohno asked but he was pushed by Nino into a wide room that was almost the same size as the apartment that he had recently vacated. There were no furniture besides a couch set, two chairs and a small table.

“You can do your art here.” Nino said brightly as he watched Ohno’s expression of awe. “You mean I can have this room?” Ohno asked in wonder. “Wait, you have an extra room right here! I can sleep here instead of with you!” Ohno pointed out smugly, quite proud of himself that he came up with an idea.

“If you want to sleep on the hard, cold floor, then by all means, take this room.” After Nino said it, Ohno slowly turned to him with an evil smirk, sending shivers to Nino’s spine. Nino was used to having the upper hand of the situation; seeing Ohno with that smirk made him gulp.

Ohno leaned closer to Nino’s face and said, “Ninomiya-sama, are you blind?”

“Hah?” Nino was perplexed at the position he was in, add the fact that Ohno’s face was just inches away from his.

“There’s a couch right there.” In the blink of an eye, Ohno was already away from Nino and testing the couch if it suited his taste. “Comfortable enough. Way more comfortable than sleeping in your bed.”

Nino huffed. “Whatever. I’ll show you my room.” Nino grabbed Ohno by the wrist before the latter started to doze off in the couch.

“There! See? The bed is large enough for both of us!” Nino whined as he lied down on the bed, as if demonstrating how big it was.

“No, thank you. I wouldn’t risk being sexually harassed by you.” Ohno said as he absently sat on a wooden stool at the far end of the room, near the window.

Nino displayed a panicked expression as he yelled “don’t sit there!” making Ohno abruptly jump from the stool and stand, with eyes bulging in terror, afraid that he had done something horrible in the house that had just recently welcomed him.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Ohno offered a continuous apology and bowed since he didn’t know what to do. He hesitantly glanced at Nino who apparently stood up from the bed and approached the stool where Ohno had just sat. Nino inspected the chair with his back facing Ohno, so the latter couldn’t see his face, but he noticed that Nino’s shoulders were shaking.

The sound of Nino’s suppressed chuckles gradually got louder as Ohno started to get suspicious. “You should have seen your terrified expression. The color left your face! For a moment there, you thought that you would certainly be forced out of this house, didn’t you?”

It was another of Nino’s pranks.

“You know, if you play pranks on other people so often, there will come a time when they won’t believe you anymore even if what you say is true.” Ohno said with both annoyance and worry.

“Maybe you’re right.” Nino said, his voice and face devoid of emotion, or perhaps hidden, emotions and memories that he wasn’t ready to share to others yet.

-=-=-

As they went back downstairs to fetch Ohno’s bags and other belongings, Nino’s father had just entered the house.

“Oh, who do we have here?” he exchanged curious looks with the pair.

“Otou-san, this is Ohno Satoshi. He’s the one I will marry.” Nino said more confidently than he felt. He had no idea of his father’s opinion regarding the matter. It was always the lawyer-slash-campaign-adviser Matsuyama-san who took charge of the matter. He was unsure if his father would approve of Ohno, a mere university student who needed 3 part-time jobs just to get him through his last year of college. Ohno who didn’t come from a rich or influential family.

“Ohno Satoshi, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Nino’s father shook Ohno’s hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Sir.”

“He’ll be staying here.” Nino said boldly as he stared at his father’s eyes, trying to figure out the older’s reaction. Nino’s father stared back, as if trying to comprehend what his son was implying.

“I’m in a hurry right now, but I would definitely need to talk with the pair of you over dinner later.” He said as he went to his study to fetch some documents.

-=-=-

After Nino’s father left, they started arranging Ohno’s belongings: the art-related stuff in the spacious room and the clothes in Nino’s room. Fortunately, Nino had a few clothes in his wardrobe, or rather, his closet was big and there was space left for Ohno’s few clothes. They quietly worked, each preoccupied with his own thoughts.

After a few minutes, Ohno broke the silence, “What do you think?”

“Huh?”

“Do you think he would permit us to marry?” Ohno asked reluctantly. “I mean, do you think he would allow me to be the one to marry you?”

Nino stayed silent. In all honesty, that was also his worry. Nino recklessly told Ohno that he would pay for the tuition fees before he even asked for his father’s approval despite the fact that the money would come from his father. It was utterly thoughtless and at that point, Nino had no choice but to convince his father to give them the blessing for marriage.

“I don’t know. I just... I just want to believe that he would at least let me marry who I like.” Nino said softly, apparently still lost in thought. “Because I like Oh-chan, ne?” Nino teased to lighten up the atmosphere.

Ohno’s cheeks turned slightly pink. “Shut up,” he muttered.

-=-=-

Around 6PM, Nino and Ohno started to prepare for dinner, but instead of the food they troubled over what to wear. Fortunately, besides those free T-shirts that he got from stores and supermarkets, Ohno had decent clothes after all.

Ohno was wearing light green buttoned shirt with beige pants, while Nino wore a navy blue shirt and black slacks. Smart casual, it was. While they were sitting on the table waiting for Otou-san to arrive, Nino’s hand crawled to Ohno’s to give a little squeeze as if telling that everything will be alright. Ohno glanced at Nino to convey his appreciation but the latter averted his eyes in embarrassment.

The dinner was hamburger with fried egg on top, and potato salad on the side. There were slices of French bread to be dipped on a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. They had melon and mango shake for beverage. It was an elegant and sumptuous dinner, but Nino and Ohno didn’t enjoy it much because they were nervous. They were painfully aware of Otou-san’s every move and every sound, anxious that the next word uttered would be a downright disapproval of their marriage.

“Ohno-kun,” Ohno almost jumped at the mention of his name. “I heard that you are studying at Tokyo Arts University.” Otou-san said as he continued eating.

“Yes sir, I’m in my final year this coming April.”

“What do you plan to do after you graduate?”

“Maybe an illustrator, Sir. I also want to hold exhibits in other countries. Travel around the world and draw the sceneries that move me.”

It was the first time Nino heard about Ohno’s dreams for the future. Passion colored his voice as he spoke; that was a new side of Ohno that Nino was just starting to discover.

“When did you start to draw?” Otou-san asked casually.

“When I was Grade 3 in elementary school, Sir. I drew instead of listen so I always got bad grades.” Ohno replied shyly, making Nino’s father laugh.

Nino was amazed that the conversation between the two went on smoothly, although deep inside he was jealous that his father and Ohno were talking comfortably with each other, whereas they rarely had a father-and-son bonding moment recently. For a while, among the three of them, Nino felt like he was the outsider, quietly eavesdropping on the conversation of the two.

“Kazunari, you have found yourself a nice spouse. I approve of your marriage. And Ohno-kun, our family will pay for your school fees and allowance. Don’t worry, you can stay here as long as you like. You can put your names in the registry any time you want, but your marriage will be announced to the public in your birthday in June, Kazunari. That way you have time to get used to being married in private before you are required to act like a couple in public.” Otou-san said nicely before standing up. “Now if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to.”

Nino and Ohno were left in a daze. Neither one of them expected it to be that easy. It was strange, really. They both let out sighs of relief and smiled at each other like idiots.

-=-=-

“Any second thoughts regarding sleeping with me on a large, soft bed?” Nino asked sweetly and very enticingly so as he stood at the door of now Ohno’s art room.

“Any second thoughts on helping me arrange my stuff?” Ohno countered without even looking at Nino.

“Well, if you change your mind, my room is open,” Nino replied simply and walked away. Ohno was puzzled at Nino’s lack of witty retort this time around, but he was too tired to ponder on that. He had been mentally and emotionally exhausted with the preparation for the dinner but it turned out unexpectedly well. He didn’t expect Nino’s father to be such an accommodating person. Now he officially had a new home, money for college and a soon-to-be husband. He was not too thrilled about that last bit but it was a gamble he willingly took.

Nino was exhausted as well after a long and busy day. He didn’t bother turning on the lights as he slumped on his bed, with his DS in his hands. Amidst the sounds from his game, he heard or rather felt the door of his room opening. He quickly turned his head to greet his visitor, but seeing who it actually was, his face slightly fell.

“You don’t have to look so disappointed to see me.” Sho remarked.

“Hello, Sho-chan,” Nino said monotonously as he returned to his game.

“Congratulations on your wedding! When are you planning to put your names in the registry?” With Sho being the butler, he was there throughout dinner and was able to hear the conversation between the three.

“Whenever.” Nino said unenthusiastically as he continued playing.

“Nino?...” Sho said gently, sensing that something was bothering his friend.

“Please, Sho-chan.. I just want to rest.” Nino said weakly.

“You were forcefully battling with the buttons of your DS and you call that resting?” Sho said but regretted it right away. It was not the time to be witty with Nino. Nino just sighed loudly, turned his back from Sho and buried his face in the pillows further.

“I’m sorry. If you want to talk, I’m just around, okay?” Sho said apologetically before closing the door quietly.

The moment the door clicked indicating Sho’s exit, Nino reverted back to a supine position and stared blankly at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.

He should be happy, right? But what was this feeling of loneliness that crept through him as he watched and listened to the conversation of the two? What was that feeling of being out of place, of wanting to join but his inhibitions stopping him from doing so? What was that feeling of competition against Ohno, of the thought of having another rival against his father’s attention?

He knew he shouldn’t feel that way. It was pathetic. And Ninomiya Kazunari loathed pathetic people, most of all him being one.

He shook away those absurd thoughts, and let exhaustion lull him to sleep.

-=-=-

As the mild heat of the beams of the sunlight mixed with the cool breeze of spring entered the room through the window, Nino was awoken.

Through his blurred vision, he caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a human on the far end of his bed. He quickly rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t still asleep or dreaming, and refocused his vision on the body in front of him.

Indeed, there was a person wearing a simple T-shirt with his back facing Nino.

-=-=-

To be continued...

AN: I’m sorry if I have been slacking lately... I’ve been really lazy... 

Pairing: Ohmiya

Rating: PG

Genre: angst, fluff

Summary: Takeuchi Yuko was going to appear as their guest in VIP Limousine and Nino was so excited about it. But circumstances hindered Nino from being the one assigned for that episode. And Ohno takes action.

-=-=-

Words said and words unsaid

Takeuchi Yuko is going to appear as their guest in VIP Limousine…

Takeuchi Yuko is going to appear as their guest in VIP Limousine.

Nino had to repeat it twice before the information sunk in.

“I knew it! She has a new movie and she’s working hard for promotions! It’s so lucky that we were the ones assigned for that episode, Oh-chan!” Nino was immensely thrilled as he broke the news to Ohno.

On his ride home, his train of thought centered on his idol for more than ten years now. He made a list on his mind regarding her dramas and movies that he had watched, the charm points of each of those projects, what other projects and roles would she like to try in the future, and of course Nino would throw in a compliment or two, or even more at that, in between topics. Nino replayed the scenario again and again in his mind, unaware of the smile on his face which the driver saw from the rear-view mirror, regarding it as strange. Amusement reflected on the driver’s expression, he must have thought that Nino was entertaining perverted thoughts in his head.

Nino was in such high spirits that he decided to cook, despite always just eating instant ramen or Chinese restaurant deliveries on regular nights. However, that night was unlike any other night. It was special, because of the exciting news of the day. He decided to cook katsudon. He was humming a random tune as he gathered the ingredients. He was moving around the house in playful skips, depicting the giddiness of a high school girl who was asked on a date by her crush. A fanboy has got to do what a fanboy has got to do. And he was not ashamed of it, not one bit. The whole fandom knows how much he admires Takeuchi Yuko, but to the extent of skipping around the house, Nino was satisfied to keep that secret to himself.

As the sound of oil cooking the katsudon dwindled, he turned off the fire and admired his motivation for all this cooking, which he regarded as troublesome if it were other boring nights. And then he came up with a bright idea.

What if he pushed the staff into making time for a segment wherein he will cook for T-san? Even he was impressed with his intelligence sometimes. Oh, just the thought of it made him blush, with his cheeks now of crimson tinge. He covered his face in embarrassment even though no one was watching him, at least he hoped so.

As he took the first bite of katsudon, the first taste of the product of his cooking with a fusion of giddiness, Nino felt a resistance on his throat. Never mind the taste, he had a hard time swallowing and he was somewhat overcome with an ominous feeling with that. He discovered he had a sore throat and his high spirits were starting to get dampened. He searched around the house for cough and colds medicine and lozenges for prophylactic measures, but to his dismay, he found none. He made a mental note to buy those the next day and to keep a stock just in case. Feeling defeated, and with an empty stomach due to sudden loss of appetite, he chose to submit himself to the reprieve of sleep.

He was woken up at 4AM, febrile and experiencing a fit of cough so dry, he felt that his eyeballs were starting to bulge out with the pressure of it. His eyes were exuding heat but his whole body felt chilly despite the blanket. The contrast of sensations added to his discomfort. Getting up from the bed and getting a glass of water to drink was a tough hurdle, making him fall back on the bed in exhaustion.

 He woke up at 7:30AM, just in time to prepare himself for the van that would pick him up at 8. His temperature had normalized, but just when he was about to sigh in relief, he experienced a cough attack. The more he coughed, the more his throat felt itchy, making him cough more. It was a vicious, merciless cycle. Also, the coughs got more and more recurrent to the point that he was irritated and grumpy. All the excitement of the day prior dissolved into nothingness as he nursed himself in his current plight.

“Every freaking five minutes!” he spat in exasperation, referring to his cough.

-=-=-

“You’re sick and we’re short on schedule. You might as well rest, Ninomiya-san. We cannot afford any delay. I’m sorry, I know you’re a huge fan but there are surely other opportunities for you to meet her.” The producer said firmly but apologetically. He was aware that Nino was a huge fan of Takeuchi Yuko. Who doesn’t know, right? But he was more aware that he had a job to fulfill; the show and the shooting must go on.

Nino wanted to rebut, that stifling a cough when necessary was in his area of expertise, that he may magically feel well when the shooting time comes, and even to the extent of being melodramatic such as ‘my sickness will go away the minute I see her’. However, no coherent phrase came out of his mouth, only another bout of cough, the sound of which was like mockery to his ears. The producer shot a look of pity at him, and left.

By the time Nino recovered, he watched as the producer talked to a staff. He had a shrewd idea what the short conversation was about so he tailed the staff until the latter reached his destination. He expertly stalked, trying with all his might to stifle his occasional coughs just in case Staff-san would notice him and advice him to rest. He’d had enough of being told that.

He was amazed at his own stalking skills. More than that, he was amazed at how he can repress his cough all this time, all due to the sheer spite that was building up inside and swallowing his rationality.

After a few minutes, Nino found himself standing outside a studio where they were holding Jun’s photoshoot for a magazine. It depicted him with a cup of coffee on one hand and a book on the other. Much like the usual Jun. The gentle Jun. Beyond the do-S façade that Jun portrays on television is a kind and gentle friend that Nino had always felt grateful to have.

Nino watched as Jun’s eyes lit up with delight as the staff broke the news to him. So Jun would be his substitute, huh? It irked Nino. Oh, how he wanted to wipe that smile off Jun’s face. That was the smile Nino had yesterday, the kind of smile that was supposed to be his even until now if not for his stupid cough and the producer’s stupid decision to deny him the job.

Following the turn of events, Jun and Ohno would be the ones in charge of the VIP limousine episode with Takeuchi Yuko as guest. The sight of the two together does not click, in Nino’s honest opinion. Jun always seemed to be trying to catch Ohno’s attention and Nino sometimes felt sickened by it.

Besides, it is common knowledge that Ohno and Nino make a perfect combination. Ohmiya SK was not branded as epic for no reason.

‘Why did it have to be Jun, anyway? He had already spent a lot of time with her in the shooting of their drama. They even kissed, for crying out loud!’ And Nino had to keep himself from throwing his DS at the television when that scene played months ago.

‘And why did it have to Riida? He’s never motivated during VIP limousine shootings anyway! Arghhh, what a perfect timing to be sick! Just great, really! The number of times we were pushed to work overtime even though we were burning up, back when we were juniors. And wouldn’t the fans be more thrilled to see me with T-san instead of a sleepy Satoshi and an overly polite Jun? They should have considered that!’

Nino entertained his mean thoughts with arms crossed, legs crossed and scrunched up eyebrows.

‘Even though they know how much that means to me! Being with T-san… What a cruel world!’

He tried calling his manager, wishing that he can make wonders, unable to count the number of times he did him favors. Unfortunately, not this time though. At the back of his mind, Nino knew all along that it won’t work. Maybe this was his karma for all the mean things he said and did. Nino was unsure if he believed in karma but he couldn’t think of any other explanation.

By the time he got home, his cell phone rang with the caller ID showing their Leader’s name. Nino hesitated. In his moments of frustration and self-pity, he’d rather not talk to someone who would remind him what he missed, who would just add fuel to the fire.

“Hello? Nino?” Nino was mildly impressed that Ohno didn’t sound sleepy for once. Maybe he should commend him regarding that later. Amidst the static of the phone conversation, however, he was able to clearly hear the faint melody of laughter which he knew so well. One so angelic and so kind, it can lull him to a peaceful rest; the other polite yet genuine. It annoyed Nino that he couldn’t share in that laughter, that he couldn’t be a reason for their laughter. He was vaguely aware of what Ohno was saying; he felt dizzy and there was ringing on his ears. He shook himself back to reality and finally caught what Ohno was saying.

“Don’t forget to eat! Don’t forget to drink your---”

“I know, ok? You’re not my mother! Enough already!” Nino said vehemently. And the moment he said it, he regretted it. But the damage was done. Silence came from the other line and it frightened Nino. He bit his lip, terrified to hear Ohno’s response.

Ohno began in a low-pitched voice, scaring Nino even further, “What’s with that tone? I’m just being concerned, you know? Here I am worrying about you and you use that tone on me… What, you don’t want to talk to me? Fine! I’ll hang up now.”

And he did hung up, and Nino was left staring at his lonely cell phone. The low tone of Ohno’s voice reverberated in Nino’s ears, like a symphony filled with horror. Even after a few minutes, he felt he could still hear it, much like a schizophrenic hallucination.

He knew he should feel guilty and sad, but he just felt emptiness, nothing more.

He knew he should apologize, a persistent voice in his head was yelling that it was the right thing to do. But somehow, he knew it was already too late to do so.

Mysterious, isn’t it? When we accidentally bump into someone, we automatically say “Sorry”, like a reflex response, even though it was not on purpose and the other person was in no way hurt.

Yet, when it comes to hurting the ones closest to us with our thoughtless words and actions, the tougher it is to say that one simple word, which can magically make things better and the mood lighter. It may be in the tip of our tongues yet something is hindering us from saying it. Is it pride? Is it stubbornness? Is it the hope that even though we don’t say it, the other person would understand? And is that asking too much?

Oh, the innocence and sincerity of childhood, where has it gone?

After Nino had calmed down and reflected on the events of the day, he found himself being overcome with shame for his mean thoughts and actions. He had let himself be swallowed by the green monster of jealousy without even putting up a fight against it.

In the end, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t bring himself to hate Jun because the man was clueless that Nino should have been in his position. If he had known, Jun would surely give it up and make Nino do it instead, bearing in mind how the latter simply adores the actress. Jun was gentle like that, and Nino knew it. All the more that he can’t hate Jun. No, it was the tragic, misfortunate turn of events that he hated.

Despite all his fans who admire him and regard him as perfect, despite his friends and acquaintances who dote on him, Nino actually hated himself for having the tendency to say things that are better left unsaid, and for not being able to say the words that actually matter.

With the pale moonlight illuminating his desolate room, he rolled into a ball on his bed. For once, he didn’t have the drive to play video games, even for the purpose of getting his mind back on track.

Nothing seemed interesting at the moment and he felt like an empty shell as he felt something warm uncontrollably rolled along his cheek.

His cell phone suddenly lit up, signifying an incoming message.

Nino, having known you for years, despite your loud and talkative image, I know you are not the type of person who openly expresses his feelings or openly apologizes. I just want you to keep in mind that you are not perfect. Along the way, you will get to offend people, knowingly or otherwise. Talking back like that is not a good trait. I know your brattiness belongs to your overall package of charm, and although it is funny at most times, it has the power to hurt people if the timing is not right and if in the wrong context. I know you act confident on the outside but you are battling with yourself regarding this. Yes, maybe it was my fault for being so persistent when I should have just left you alone. I’m sorry.

Please remember that it’s your attitude that I hate, not you. Never will I hate you. Never.

I hope you are feeling well now. How’s your cough?

That did it. The dam restraining Nino’s tears gave up and he sobbed, harder than he did in those dramas that tugged the hearts thousands of people, young and old alike. He used to wonder why people watch those heart-warming dramas and end up crying at a certain scene. What was the point? Why seek the help of television when events in real life can be far more moving, more genuine than fictional events in the lives of nameless strangers.

An old friend told him once that sobbing was catharsis, an act that somehow flushes away the burdens a person is carrying. And now he intended to sob to his heart’s content, until the heaviness on his chest lightened, until the ache on his heart lessened.

His phone rang once again. With blurry vision, he read the message.

Don’t cry too much. We have a photoshoot early tomorrow morning. You wouldn’t want your eyes to be swollen for that.

Nino snorted. Only Ohno Satoshi can read him so well like that. How dare him say that when he was the reason for his tears?

Have you installed hidden cameras in my apartment that I am unaware of?

Nino replied, trying to lighten up the mood, like he usually did.

I just know you too well, Nino.

“That goes without saying,” Nino whispered. He didn’t know how to reply. Ohno had always been so caring and so honest with his feelings. Nino envied that; how he wished he could be as honest as the old man. Then he wouldn’t have to carry this weight in his heart.

A doorbell and a grumbling of his stomach alerted Nino’s senses. He went to the sink to wash his face, to make himself presentable to whoever was visiting him, even though he didn’t want to see anyone at the moment. Except, perhaps, one person.

He found a paper that seemed to have been slipped through the slight gap under his door.

Nino-kun, get well soon! Ohno-kun has been worrying about you during our whole taping; he wasn’t even paying attention to our conversation! (Although I think a spacing out Ohno Satoshi is normal in Arashi’s standards *wink*) Matsumoto-kun did most of the work to cover up for him, though.

Take care of your health! Stop making Ohno-kun worried, ne?

See you soon!

Ja ne!

~ Takeuchi Yuko

Nino couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Was this some sort of hallucination? Or perhaps a prank or a form of mockery from the heavens regarding recent events in his life?

He inspected the neat handwriting and he knew it was really from Takeuchi Yuko, herself. He recognized her handwriting and her signature, being the avid fan that he is.

A knock from the door brought him back to reality that a mysterious letter was sent to him by an unknown person. Who sent it? Who slid that note?

“I brought you cough medicines and some soup that my mother made. You just have to reheat it. Or should I reheat it for you? Are you hungry?” Ohno entered the house unceremoniously just as Nino slightly opened the door.

“Oh-chan…” Nino said loving and almost apologetically, and ready to break down in tears once again.

Nino motioned to pull the other into a tight embrace, but he was forced by nature into another round of cough galore.

Ohno knew he should feel concerned, but considering the context of the hug that was rudely interrupted, he just ended up bursting into a fit of laughter.

Nino pretended to glare at him for laughing at his predicament.

“By the way, Takeuchi-san will be our plus-one guest on the next episode of VS Arashi.” Ohno said matter-of-factly. “Now stop being grumpy and let’s eat this.”

This time, Nino successfully pulled Ohno into a tight hug, a hug so warm, full of gratitude, fondness and unsaid apologies.

“I’m blessed to have known you, Oh-chan.” Nino whispered into the other’s ear.

And Ohno genuinely smiled. Nino can say the perfect words after all.

-=-=-

AN: I actually cried while writing this.. weird.. >_<

I know I should be studying, but whatever… that can wait.

yumi_usagi I’m sorry! I figured you wanted fluff when you requested for a jealous Nino plot, but I unconsciously veered into writing angst instead. My life has just been angsty lately. I’m sorry! I’ll try to come up with a fluffy story soon, but I just don’t have the inspiration for it now… It ended up pretty crazy; I don’t know if you’ll like it. It didn’t focus too much on a jealous Nino.. L