Good Morning Panda!
Nov. 3rd, 2017 09:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
junyhhTitle: Good Morning Panda!
Pairing: Sakumoto
Genre: Slice of life
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Arashi or its members – this is a work of fiction.
Summary: Sho has just this talent of saying the wrong thing. Hearing Sho approaching Jun looked up and presented him with the deadliest glare he could manage. But given that he looked totally destroyed and sleep-deprived and the dark shadows under his eyes were highlighted by the dark rim of his glasses made him look like a lost little panda – which Sho thought was hilarious. He greeted him with a cheery but smoky-voiced: “Good morning Panda.”
Sho woke up after the first decent rest in weeks. The last weeks had been horror – this client of his, who tried to acquire a competitor, just couldn’t make his mind up about how he would like to approach this project and changed his mind constantly. Sho was pulling all-nighters with as little staff as possible to avoid roomers in the market, but that meant ultimately more work for him. Against that background coming back to the office at lunchtime only to find a mail telling him, that the client had changed his mind again, did not help his mood at all. Early into the project, Sho still deemed it funny to get an amazing cake send it to the office as an excuse for the extra work related to such a change of mind; but that only lasted so long and right now he could not see any “Schwarzwälderkirsch” any more. Yesterday finally though the cold acquisition had successfully taken place and Sho had allowed himself a night out with his best friend Ohno.
Ohno too was a local partner at the same law firm but other than Sho he was not particular eager to be a lawyer. His father was one of the founding partners and had forced his son to study law. Ohno himself was more interest in arts and music and just anything artistically. At the beginning of his studies Ohno had tried to show his father that he was just too stupid to finalize legal studies, hoping that he could get out of the career his father had set for him. Unfortunately, his father was equally stubborn and made it very clear to this son that he would be working in the family firm either as lawyer or as cleaner. Eventually they agreed that Ohno would be allowed to open a department for trademark, copyright, media and brand protection that would allow him to combine his interests with his father’s wishes. But other than Sho Ohno was not suffering under any revenue pressure – so far it was his only obligation to be the heir of the firm and be aware of the things going on. So Ohno was usually the one helping Sho during such high-times (primarily as a “thank you” for dragging him successfully through uni and the bar exam), as he was usually the only one who had time to do so.
Yesterday evening Ohno had announced that the finalisation of that particular monstrous project required extensive partying- extensive as in back in the days when they were studying together for the bar exam. In their case it meant that Ohno would call their trusted bartender and book the entire tiny place, called “Ishinohana” just for the two of them… as soon as the regular after work guest had left –so 1hour after the call). And Sho could only agree. He called Jun to let him know that the project was over and that he wanted to go out and... but Jun interrupted is speech, telling him that he should drink as much as he needed to get back to normal; which left Sho to wonder under how much pressure his relationship must have been the last few weeks without him noticing.
The same thought crossed his mind, when he woke up the next morning alone in their spacious bed. When he came to the kitchen he found Jun all dressed for work, nursing a huge cup of coffee. Hearing Sho approaching Jun looked up and presented him with the deadliest glare he could manage. But given that he looked totally destroyed and sleep-deprived and the dark shadows under his eyes were highlighted by the dark rim of his glasses made him look like a lost little panda – which Sho thought was hilarious. He greeted him with a cheery but smoky-voiced: “Good morning Panda.”
Jun just couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His guy really had the guts to approach him like this, after what he had done to him the entire night. So he just put the coffee-cup back on the table with more force than necessary and left for work.
Sho watched him leave not quite understanding what Jun was upset about; but then again this was Jun and Jun was no morning person. By tonight things would eventually look better. He went for a shower and left their flat an hour later for work, too.
He was meet by Ohno, how grinned at him brightly, telling him that his client was very pleased with yesterday’s outcome and invited them over for dinner – officially talks for further restructuring within the group. Sho gave Ohno a suspicious glare: “Who will be there?” Ohno knew what Sho was aiming at and he knew that his friend was rightfully suspicious. But then again he was not able to tie ends of a new mandate during such small talk events much less if he was expected to drink. He was utterly unable to and heavily relying on Sho’s knowledge, sophisticated way to talk and his professionalism when it came to alcohol at business events; Ohno’s role would then hopefully only be to represent his father and making light small talk, recommending modern young artists worth investing in and such. So he gave a vague: “I expect the same stakeholders as before” which was a statement that was not quite up to date. He had seen the actual list of attendance and it was quite obvious more a fun event meant for their entertainment; but Sho would find out early enough - no need for him to bother him now.
Jun at the same time sat at his desk with hammering headaches due to the lack of sleep he received, remembering the night before. Sho came home around 3ish, most likely only due to the fact that the bar had closed at 2am. He did try to be particular quite, but Sho being Sho stumble over the step at the entrance area and started swearing, went to the shower singing, kicked over Jun’s preparations for breakfast as he was searching for something to drink and then tried to give Jun a good night kiss only to crash into him. Before Jun even had the chance to give him a peace of his mind, Sho had fallen asleep. Something that Jun was no longer allowed that night as drunken Sho, was snoring – loudly. As he couldn’t stand it anymore Jun moved to the couch in the living room, trying to catch a few hours of sleep. He managed to fall asleep at five in the morning and was woken only 2 hours later by his alarm. Now he was sitting at his desk actually considering taking coffee from the vending machine despite the fact that it was making him sick usually. He must have stared at his screen for another 30 minutes, as only a firm push against his shoulder, brought him back to reality, making him realise that the was actually sleeping with his eyes open. “Oih, Matsujun the call has already started, dial in and stop dreaming.” His colleague Nino huffed. Jun rubbed his hurting elbow, which he smashed against the corner of the desk as he tried to stabilize himself, and then tried to dial in as fast as he could, which seemed to be a particular hard that morning as he misdialled more than just once, which made him even more agitated. Nino’s hand stilled his as he pressed the keys for him and put the headset on his head. “Matsumoto-san has some issues with his phone but he just about to dial in.” he informed the others in the meantime.
An hour later…
Nino, actually Ninomiya, was one of his closest friends. Both of them knew each other form way back when they went to school together and despite the fact that Nino was usually treating him quite roughly, Jun knew that he could count on Nino when things got though like today. “What’s wrong with you, if you are sick tell me before so that I can come up with something or better just stay home before I catch whatever you have”, he scolded as he pulled out a mask from his pocket. “.. not sick, leave me…”Jun mumbled. Nino eyed him carefully. “You and Sho are fighting? What did he do?” Jun looked at him quite irritated. Why did Nino think that Sho did something? “No, no, no… he didn’t…” Jun shook his head slowly, “… I just had a rough night…” Nino smirked and chuckled: “ohh, so he was particularly nice to you?” Jun just stared ahead dreaming of his bed. Another punch against his shoulder. “Jun. God… Come with me, we need to get you into shape before the board meeting or they rip you apart.”
Nino dragged him to the illy-bar next door to feed him with espresso and a cupcake and then brought him to his car in the carpark. “Sleep,” Nino ordered as pulled back the seat, “you have 20minute, the caffeine will kick in by then and then you will hopefully survive long enough. Ohh, and before I forget it, lunch will be on you for the rest of the month.” Whatever Nino…’ was all Jun could think before he drifted into a blissful nap.
At the same time Ohno and Sho were sitting for lunch, too. “Please Sho-kun, you know that I am bad with this type of stuff. I am bad with overseeing the potential costs and they might talk me, us into ruins. I need you to tell me how much time the things they ask might take, what kind of additional support we need, research costs… and all the things I don’t see. Sho-kun please, don’t make me crawl.” Sho just shook his head in submission: “Ok, ok, I know. We are in this together and I appreciate all the support I get from you for my stuff. Come on let’s plan tonight and try to make the best out of it. But you have to promise me a quite weekend. I haven’t seen much of Jun lately and do fear that it’s taking its toll. He was actually very angry this morning and I don’t even know why.”
Nino’s involvement actually saved Jun that day (that is meant to say it saved both of them) but the six hours event had drained the very last bit of Jun’s energy and he was more than happy to get home that night. It was only, when dropped himself on the sofa that he realised that Sho would have another long night. Despite the fact that he knew that his boyfriend was not trying to annoy him on purpose, he was upset and when he tried to remember the last time both them had a quite night at the sofa cuddling and couldn’t even name it he had to gulp to prevent himself from crying. “Stop it – you are just tired,” Jun told himself and decided that a nice bath and early night was exactly what he needed.
Despite Sho’s good intention to get home in time, it was way past midnight when he opened the door to their flat. The apartment was dark. Sho tried his best to be quite and even prided himself with not having bumped into anything. He quietly slipped into the bedroom, Jun was sleeping looking tired but very cute with his peaceful face and long lashes. Sho couldn’t resist the urge to give his cheek a kiss, at which Jun mumbled slightly annoyed “hhmmm, Shoooo, yuck beer…. Le me sleep.” That was so cute that Sho chuckled and pulled the blanket up to Jun’s chin before he went to bed himself.
It was not even 2 hours later when Jun’s sleep was more than roughly disturbed by a knock on his head and disgusting sounds, that sound very much like an old tractor. ‘Not again,” he thought miserably. “Sho stop it,” Jun huffed 30 seconds later annoyed and tried to shift the arm of his sleeping yet drunken boyfriend of his head. “Love you Jun … don’t be angry …” was all that Sho mumbled in reply before he rolled over and swung his arm over Jun trapping him in his arms. And then he continued snoring as loud as drilling machine. It took Jun serval attempts to wiggle himself out of Sho’s captivity and by the time he made it to the sofa in the living room he was exhausted and wide awake. Jun cuddled himself in the sofa’s cushions and tried to go back to sleep, but after counting sheep and trying to find a more comfortable position, he had enough and switched the TV on, hoping to find some kind of documentary boring enough to lull him back to sleep. It worked for the most part until the program changed and instead of a nice documentation on a random European City and another 2 World War documentary was shown: at some stage a high-pitched scream ribbed him out of his daze as it spooked him so much that he crashed of the sofa. Frustrated Jun changed the program and tried to get back to sleep once more. And then all of a sudden breakfast TV was starting and Jun realised that he was in for another horrible day, not having sleeping at all. He groaned and thought that he might give himself another 30 minutes times of rest, and then all of a sudden he was out like a light and finally asleep.
Sho alarm clock started ringing at 7:30am (after the overtime had been working for the last weeks Ohno and himself had decided to keep it low for the rest of the week) and so he got up, not surprised that Jun was no longer sleeping next to him. However, as he went to the flat and found the smell of breakfast missing and the shower unused, he was starting to get an uneasy feeling. Only once he went to the sitting room he found a “little” bundle rolled up like a hedgehog and fast asleep on the sofa. Realising that in contrast to himself, Jun was definitely late, he sat next to him and tried to awaken him gently.
Jun was annoyed, when he was disturbed again – someone was messing with his hair. First he thought it was part of his dream, Sho running his hand through this hair while there were cuddling on the sofa. Then he realised that he was not at all in Sho’s arms but lying on the sofa. The blanket rapped around him reminding him of the very short night before, as he slowly woke up, despite his attempts just to turn around and getting back to sleep. The hand caressing his hair did not leave, preventing Jun from going back to sleep actually. “nggggg…”, Jun tried to get away. “…let me…..” and rubbed his eyes.
Tiredness was written all over his face. And despite the rimes around his eyes Jun looked so adorable that Sho had to chuckle “Come on little panda, time to get up”. To him it was just the sweetest thing seeing Jun not wearing his “mask of coolness”, to Sho Jun was still and would probably always be the little overachieving, overexcited, overly emotional boy, that was pouting in the cutest way from time to time and Sho was willing to do everything for him. That meant if he was not pushed force fully on the ground without any pre-warning. “DON’T YOU DARE!” came a grumble like thunder from above him. “Jun? What the hell was that for?” Jun just glared at him and marched into the bathroom. But instead of a reply all he got was a massive “Bang” of the bathroom-door closing. Sho stared at the door for a while, but then decided that whatever it was that Jun was upset about, there was no point discussing it before Jun had been feed with enough coffee to clear his morning headaches. So he went to the kitchen and started to prepare some.
I took another 15minutes until Jun remerged from the bathroom. Still rubbing his head and sinking on the kitchen-chair furthest way from Sho. Sho on the other hand decided not to push him and just do what he was good at: seeing to Jun’s needs and wait for Jun to blur out whatever upset him eventually. Currently Jun was staring over the rim of cup, every now and then taking a sip. Sho had sliced some fruits and moved them together with some aspirin into Jun direction, but Jun still choose to ignore him. Meanwhile it was past 8 and Sho was debating with himself if he should or shouldn’t remind Jun of the time. But before he could make his mind up, Jun’s eye caught the clock. “Why did you say anything, I’m late as it is and aren’t you supposed to be at work, too?” Jun huffed angrily.
What Sho tried to tell Jun was, that he was able to take him to work so that Jun wouldn’t be late, but being himself and having that annoying tendency to explain everything (sometimes without filter), he said the unforgiving: “You know, Oh-chan and me agreed to sleep in after ….” He didn’t get any further.
Fire flared up in Jun’s eyes and words were fired as if send by a machine gun: “Are you trying to tell me that you stopped me from sleeping at all - two nights in a row! - while I did get much sleep in first place for the last weeks which all this issues popping up with this re-licencing project, let alone setting up todays presentation on the upcoming restructures…. and you and Oh-chan just decided that it’s fine to get utterly pissed cause you just take sleep in….” Jun sucked in a massive breath, searching for works for his unplanned speech, “…. You… Only You… You know what … arggg forget it.” and then he stormed off to get dressed. Jun refused to be taken to work by Sho and marched off, slamming the front door.
When Sho entered the office he was still confused (and slightly shocked), he couldn’t imagine what he might have done that had upset Jun so much. Sure Jun said that he wasn’t able to sleep, but who was that related to him, as far as he remembered he had been extra quiet and considerate both nights and Jun was sleeping; so he had no clue at all what Jun was talking about. He sat behind his desk and stared out of the window, until he notices that Ohno must have come into his office at some point, as he was sitting on his desk now, watching him. Sho hadn’t heard his friend entering and was spooked by his sudden appearance. “Jesus Ohno! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? … What are you doing here anyway?” Ohno faked a pout when he replied “But Shoooo, I knocked and called you, but you were just sitting there thinking of Jun! Don’t you love me anymore?” and he did that blinking thing with his eyes that made him look like one of those little girls and giggled. Sho needed a moment to comprehend what Ohno was talking about. “It’s not my fault that you come sneaking in! And what makes you think that I was thinking of Jun anyway? ... and stop doing that girly show, I am to sober for that.” Ohno was still grinning, “You know that you where mumbling? It was almost as if you were still sleeping; you know, like back in uni-times, when you were always talking in your sleep, when you were drunk. Really hilarious – I just thought I listen for a moment” and while Ohno was still giggling, Sho had stopped listen. “Are you saying I talk in my sleep when I am drunk?” “Ehh?” Ohno raised his eyebrows, “Sure, you always were and you are actually really loud. You discuss weird things and move a lot and I pity everybody who is lying next to you? … So, what is it that you did and why poor Jun is upset with you?” Sho was still trying to comprehend that new information. “Sho-oo-? What did you do?” “Nothing! Nothing – I just went to bed and when I woke up today, Jun was on the couch and late and I was trying to help him…. “ Ohno had a clear picture about what probably had happened but had the feeling that Sho still did not have the full picture, “Sho, where did you sleep the night before – you know the one when we were really partying?” Sho’s memories of that morning returned and being sober now (and having a hint from Ohno) he finally had an idea what had happened both nights. “Ohh, gosh, I think I have to apo…” then another memory returned. Jun did say that they would have their Client-Kick-off meeting and how he was not looking forward to those whole-day meetings and long Tel-Cos. “…. I’m screwed….” Ohno had stopped laughing and looked interested. He learned early on in their friendship, that Sho had this talent of messing up personal relationships constantly because of his ignorance, and that those stories were always hilarious; especially if shared with his mate Nino, who coincidentally was Jun’s friend and most of the time contributed the second half of the story. He petted Sho’s shoulder excused himself for a moment. “Give me a second, I’ll be back…”
When Jun came to the office Nino was waiting for him. He put his arm around Jun’s shoulder and guided him out of the office. “Nino-oo, let go, I need to get ready for the meeting.” Jun tiredly tried to pull away, being slightly annoyed as he was too tired to deal with Nino right now. “I know! It is my project, too, and Oh-chan just warned me that you might not be fit and apparently he was right. Now stop making a fuss, we don’t have much time.” Half an hour later Nino had fed Jun enough coffee and chocolate croissants last through the meeting, covered his panda eyes with a concealer, he borrowed from one of the secretaries and talked Jun through all the emails that Jun hadn’t had the time to read yet. “Ok, now take your eye-drops, the air-con in on max. It will be way harder to fight sleep when your eyes are dry.” Jun looked at Nino thankfully and grinned slightly, “Guess I am no longer allowed to comment on you are having nights-out midweek, ne. Your special knowledge seems to be very handy.” Nino raised an eye-brow, letting him know that Jun did not only owed him lunch for the next month but at least two decent nights out as well. “Whatever you say Nino. But let’s get going.”
Ohno sneaked back into Sho’s office while Sho tried to work on a proposal for that new project they acquired the night before. But it was hard to concentrate, when all he really wanted to do was to go to Jun and apologise or at least make sure that Jun was fine. He had tried to call him, but Jun had switched it off (as always when he was upset). “Don’t worry Nino made sure that Jun was presentable and fit for the meeting.” “So Jun is no longer angry?” Sho asked astonished but hopefully. Ohno burst into giggles, having tears in his eyes. “Really Sho, sometimes you are just the best.” Sho looked at him questioningly. “So fine?” Ohno blinked and stopped laughing. “Sho. You really mean that? We both know Jun. And we both know how he is, when he is upset. Are you really asking me if the prevention off the apocalypses for Jun and Nino’s project saved your ass?” Any kind of hope that was in Sho’s eyes a second ago vanished. Looking at it from Ohno’s perspective that was really a stupid questions he had to admit. “But I didn’t mean too…” was all he was able to say and Ohno was taking pity in him. (Given that he himself had a talent for upsetting Nino as well on a regular basis and without any intention, they were kinda in the same boat.)
It was way passed 6pm when the meeting was closed and Jun had used up his very last energy reserves. He started to collect his papers and as he starts to sway slightly. “Matsumoto-san, sit down.” Jun jumps in surprise when the CEO addresses him. The elderly man grabs his arm to support him and smiles gently. “My boy, I have been in your position years ago and I know how it feels to work that hard, when you’re coming up with something” Jun opens his mouth to disagree, but Nino has stepped next to him and hums in agreement, so the CEO goes on “Go home have a good night sleep and then come back on Monday. Ninomiya here has been a good choice as your partner, he will surely be able to cover for you for a day or two, ne. Especially now, that all the other teams have to provide their input next.” Jun hangs his head in submission, he is upset and frustrated; how could the CEO think that he was not able to handle this work. He bows deeply and apologies for his incompetency. The CEO bows, too, and repeats that in his opinion Jun did a great job and there was nothing to apologies for and now it was his obligation as a manager to make sure that one of his best men did not hurt himself by false pride. “Do you understand Matsumoto-kun?” Jun apparently did not look as if he would, “If I see you at the office before Monday or if Lync tells me that you logged onto your account, I’ll be very upset. Ninomiya make sure he gets home; you are able to handle the rest, right!?”
And so Nino takes Jun home.
On the way Jun is somewhere in a state between sleeping, complaining about Sho and about Nino, who let the CEO believe that Jun was indeed coming up with something. Nino is amused at the beginning but pokes Jun as he start to complain about the CEO bit. “Idiot be happy that he thought you are coming up with something, would you rather have him believe that you have been drinking?” Jun gulps. Geee, he hadn’t event thought that things might have been even worse, which gets Jun back to ‘Sho, you are so going to pay for it.’ And so before Jun actually goes for a long nap he moves Sho beddings to the guest room and scribbles something on a piece of paper which he sticks to the bedroom-door. Looking at it Jun grins satisfied. Nino meanwhile is watching him with an equal smirk. Secretly thinking that latest by the end of the weekend those two would again be one heart and soul. Until then Sho got what he deserved.
When Sho got home that night he found the flat dark and worse Sho found his bedding on the couch. So as Ohno had anticipated Jun was still upset. Sho went quietly over to the bedroom, but before he was able to check on Jun he found a notice that the door.
“You might want to research why Pandas are an endangered species!”
Well, that was a very clear hint on what Jun was intending to do or rather not intending not to do for the upcoming time, Sho though with regret. Before he retreated to the sofa with a beer Sho took a picture of Jun’s note and send it to Ohno, commenting it with ‘u o me’. The reply came earlier than expected: “Jun has been send home and the CEO forbid him to get back to work before Monday – no login, too. Use your chance.”
This night it was Sho who was lacking sleep as he was trying to come up with something to make up with Jun, but he had no idea. Though every idea that came to his mind was immediately followed by a very clear vision of Jun standing in front of him with crossed arms and an icy-glare. Sometimes he really wished Jun would scream and shout at him but having him not saying a word, like most times, made Sho so uneasy that he tended to do really stupid things – like trying to justify whatever he thought was justifiable (and make everything worse.) Jun just sometimes had this effect on him. He thought of preparing breakfast (something save like fruit-salad and coffee or get something from the French bakery) but given his last try he would imagine that Jun would ignore him once more. Or he could take him to an Onsen on the weekend, but there was no guarantee that Jun would join.
Still being lost in his thoughts Sho heard sounds from the bedroom. Jun was apparently sleeping uneasy. He had done that before, especially after taxing weeks. Sho always felt particular sorry for him the next day, when Jun was struggling to get up at all and even more than on any ordinary day. Jun would then spend the morning being the picture of misery.
Judging from the sounds coming from the bedroom, Jun still had not settled back to sleep and Sho struggled with himself; should he get over and try to calm him? Opting for being bold he quietly went to the bedroom. Jun was spread across the bed, blanket lying on the floor. In the moonlight that was shining through the window Jun looked like and angel – currently a freezing angel. So Sho grabbed the blanket drew it over Jun, pulling it up to his chin. Jun must have noticed his presence on some level as he mumbled his name and pulled arm. “Shh, go back to sleep, baby.” Shot tried to free himself gently from Jun grip, alone Jun wouldn’t let go. “OK, little koala, I’ll let you have me, but you have to promise not to be upset in the morning. OK? Please promise.” “Hmm Sho…” and Jun turned further pulling Sho with him. In the end Sho just thought: Whatever; either way Jun would not be happy in the morning, so he might as well make sure Jun slept well. Maybe he would then be more open Sho’s apology in the next morning.
Jun felt cosy being wrapped in the blanket and held close to a brought chest by strong arms that made him feel save and loved. The scent of Sho’s perfume on Sho always had this relaxing effect on him, instinctively he tried to turn to be able to bury his nose into Sho’s shoulder. His movements seemed to disturb Sho’s sleep as he tried to hold him in place mumbling: “Go back to sleep koala, no need to get up yet.” Jun hums and settles back. While he is going back to sleep he could hear Sho’s gentle baritone “I’m sorry you missed so much sleep,… but I didn’t know. You should have told me. But for now sleep. Love you, Macchan.”
When Jun woke up properly a few hours later it was due to the smell of coffee and when he opened his eyes saw Sho’s blurry shape in front of him. “Morning baby… I brought some fruits and croissants … and I put that espresso over here. …” Sho was nearly stammering, now that Jun was awake he was not sure if he should leave him in peace or rather actively try to make up. The only thing he knew was that there was absolutely no point in talking to Jun before he had coffee. “.. ok, I’ll let you wake up and we talk later…” Jun looked still very sleepy, despite the fact that it was already past 10, but he wiggled himself upwards, sitting up in the pillows. He took a sip from the espresso and looked back at Sho: “Cuddel?”
For a brief second Sho thought about highlighting that Pandas don’t cuddle either, but bit his tongue fast enough. No he was not tempting his luck again. If this Panda wanted to cuddle he would gladly oblige.
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Date: 2017-11-04 09:20 pm (UTC)And I love the little cuddling scene at the end. It's so sweet that Sho sneaks into their bed to cuddle Jun. (glad Sho kept that panda comment to himself at the end *lol*)
Thanks for sharing this!
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Date: 2017-11-05 01:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-05 11:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-12 09:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-12 09:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-11-12 09:37 pm (UTC)And as for Satoshi, either he did pity Sho or he and Nino are having a good laugh that night... or both 🤔😌
Thanks again for reading and commenting!