Mono No Aware

“Why is Ryo here?” John asked.

Rina sighed. “He said he has some of Aria’s things and wants to drop them off. I didn’t want him making a scene out there—with all the paparazzi—and I don’t want him bothering her again.”

“Okay. I’ll handle it,” John said, already moving.

*****

He stepped outside and closed the door behind him and Rina just as a flashy gold sports car pulled up. Vincent was behind the wheel, wearing round sunglasses. Ryo stepped out, holding a large bouquet of flowers.

“Where are her things?” Rina demanded.

John and Vincent exchanged a look. Vincent gave John a mocking salute. John shook his head and turned his attention back to Ryo.

“These flowers,” Ryo said smoothly, “and my heart—they both belong to her.”

“Oh, shut up,” Rina snapped. “I’m already dealing with the mess you caused. Don’t push me. Get back in the car and leave.”

“Not until I talk to her,” Ryo replied.

The door opened and Aria stepped outside.

“Oh, my beloved,” Ryo said instantly. “You look as beautiful as ever. These flowers are for you.”

Aria stared at them for a second—then slapped him across the face with the bouquet.

“My love—!” Ryo said, stunned. “Why?”

“I don’t want to see you anymore,” Aria said coldly. “Fuck off Ryo.”

“You’re still angry,” Ryo insisted. “You have every right to be. But I know you’ll come back to me.”

“No,” Aria said immediately. “I’ve moved on. I found someone better than you in every possible way.” She placed her hand on John’s shoulder.

John stiffened, eyes widening slightly.

“No, no,” Ryo laughed nervously. “You’re just playing with me.”

Aria stepped fully in front of John. She slipped one arm around his neck and intertwined her fingers with his, pressing his hand against her stomach.

“You want proof? I could show it to you right here, right now.” she said, staring straight at Ryo.

John’s eyes went wide.

Rina’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God—Aria, what are you saying—” 

She turned sharply to Ryo. “I told you to get out. Now.”

Ryo stood frozen.

Vincent rolled the window down and leaned his head out. “You heard the lady,” he said lazily. “Get in before I get out.”

Ryo slowly obeyed.

Vincent glanced at John, lowering his sunglasses with his index finger. 

“Hello, Johnny boy. Didn’t get the chance to congratulate you on beating me earlier—so congratulations.” His smile vanished. “But taking those photos and leaking them? That wasn’t nice. You made my boss very angry with me.”

Tsk.

“I’ll make you pay for that.”

“Want another fight?” John asked evenly.

Vincent smirked. “Oh no. I’m a sniper. Fists aren’t my thing.” 

He mimed a gun with his fingers and aimed at John’s chest. “Next time, I shoot straight through your heart.”

Bang.

He raised his sunglasses with his middle finger. “Ciao.” Their car screeched away.

Rina stared at Aria. “You’re unbelievable.” Then she turned and walked back inside.

Aria looked up at John. “Let me change. Then we can go for a run.”

“Sure,” John said.

Vincent is an unpredictable element. I need to keep my eyes on him. What was that about his ‘boss’? Isn’t Ryo his boss?

*****

Months passed after that day. Aria filmed a movie, held two concerts, shot three commercials, and attended a meet-and-greet. Throughout it all, John watched over her carefully—and at home, dealt with her shenanigans.

On Christmas Eve, all the maids and guards were sent home to spend the holiday with their families. Snow blanketed the mansion as John checked the perimeter, scanning for any signs of forced entry or tampering.

Aria came running toward him. “I finished my daily practice. Are you done too?”

“Let me check a bit more,” John replied. “Just to clear my mind. Do you always send everyone away on Christmas Eve?”

“Yes. Every year,” Aria said. “Everyone leaves—except Al.”

“So it’s just you, me, Rina, and Al in the mansion?” John asked.

“Yeah. That’s it.”

They spotted Rina coming in from outside, carrying bags. They walked over to her. “Hey, sis. What did you buy?” Aria asked.

“KFG for dinner,” Rina replied. “Give me a hand.”

“You’re the best,” Aria said. “I’m going to take a shower first.”

John walked over to the entrance gate and checked the lock. It was secure.

Only a key can open this gate from the inside… or a bomb.

He sniffed his jacket and frowned.

I should clean up too.

*****

He was in the shower, standing under the warm stream, when the door opened. “What are you doing here, Aria?” John asked.

She stepped in, only a towel draped over her shoulder. “I’m here to help you scrub your back… and you help me with mine.” She closed the door behind her.

After a while, as she cleaned his back, John muttered, “Scrubbing back my ass… Rina’s food is getting cold, and I’m so drained I could fall asleep here.”

“Come on,” Aria said, rolling her eyes. “I did all the work; don’t complain.” She paused, tilting her head. “Tell me… what’s your favorite color, John? I don’t think I ever asked.”

“Red,” he replied simply. “Yours?”

“Pink, gold, and red. Red’s my favorite too.” Aria continued, “What’s your favorite vacation spot?”

“Bora Bora.”

“Huh? Where’s that? I’ve never heard of it,” she said.

John smiled. “That’s why it’s great—it’s not a crowded travel spot. Sun, sea, silence… it’s perfect to calm yourself. It’s in Franch Polynesia, near Tahiti.”

“Hmmm,” Aria said thoughtfully. “I see… I need to check it out.”

Moments of quiet passed, then she laid her head against his back, arms wrapped around him.

John took her hand gently. “Is something bothering you? With all these questions… and now this?”

Aria’s voice was soft. “It’s a feeling. In Japanese, it’s called mono no aware—the sadness of knowing moments like these won’t last. That we… won’t last.”

John nodded. “That’s true about everything and everyone, not just us. Come on… let me wash your back.”

He turned around, gazing at her, and pulled her to himself. One hand on her waist, the other at the back of her head. Kissing her. “Don’t worry about the things that haven’t happened yet. Turn around and let me wash your back.”

She whispered something as she turned.

“What was that? I didn’t catch it,” he asked.

“It’s nothing,” she murmured, cheeks flushed bright red, biting her lip.

*****

When the shower ended, she was drying her hair with the hair dryer, humming softly to herself. “Hey hey, Johnny Boy… hey hey, Johnny Boy…”

“You’re watching that show?” John asked.

“Hell yeah,” she said with a grin. “It’s old but gold… the theme song’s stuck in my head.”

John smiled and walked toward his suit. Aria stood as well. 

“I’m going to get dressed for dinner,” she said, opening the door. 

Before leaving, she turned her head back toward him. “Something special… just for you.”