![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Title: Kako no Sakura
Author: Andy-chan (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
antimiya88)
Special thanks for all of her help and advice:chrysiida_tori Love you!!! <3
Pairings: Sakuraiba (main), Ohmiya, Junba (side), Aimiya (Friendship), Yama (Friendship)
Genre: AU, Angst, Drama, Romance, School
Rating: PG-15 (to be safe)
Summary: Aiba Masaki's a high school student who seems to be the bullying obsession for his classmate Sakurai Sho... Is it just an obsession or there's something more behind this treatment? In what way has fate brought them together in the past?
Warning: In certain chapters, there will be violence, bullying and bad language. So if you are not ok with these things you could just pass...
Disclaimer: I dont own any of the boysunfortunately
Minna ^^
This is my VERY FIRST fic soooo I admit I feel nervous... >< I hope you enjoy it and please comment!!! I'd love to read your reactions (positive or negative)! <3
Author: Andy-chan (
antimiya88)Special thanks for all of her help and advice:
chrysiida_tori Love you!!! <3Pairings: Sakuraiba (main), Ohmiya, Junba (side), Aimiya (Friendship), Yama (Friendship)
Genre: AU, Angst, Drama, Romance, School
Rating: PG-15 (to be safe)
Summary: Aiba Masaki's a high school student who seems to be the bullying obsession for his classmate Sakurai Sho... Is it just an obsession or there's something more behind this treatment? In what way has fate brought them together in the past?
Warning: In certain chapters, there will be violence, bullying and bad language. So if you are not ok with these things you could just pass...
Disclaimer: I dont own any of the boys
Minna ^^
This is my VERY FIRST fic soooo I admit I feel nervous... >< I hope you enjoy it and please comment!!! I'd love to read your reactions (positive or negative)! <3
Chapter 1 / Chapter 2
“Sorry to spoil the silence here but where exactly do you plan to go? Τhe other part of the universe?” asked Nino half annoyed, half curious.
“Could you stop being annoying and just follow me p-l-e-a-s-e?”
Nino said nothing in return and just pouted. Why would Ohno be so secretive?! He couldn’t help but feel unease with the whole situation. They kept walking until they left school towards the north of the neighborhood. He didn’t even have the chance to tell Masaki not to wait for him. It can be a trap… it can be a trap… the thought wouldn’t leave his mind. Suddenly he feels a hand grabbing his own and forcefully dragging him into a café.
“Hey… What do you think you’re doing huh?!”
“Sorry about that but you wouldn’t react no matter how many times I asked you politely to enter the café” said Ohno with a slight smile “I don’t plan on waiting forever until you decide to come back to earth… Besides, I didn’t want us to be seen”. Seeing Nino being ready to defend himself he cut him sharply “Oh please just shut up and come”.
Nino blinked several times, he opened his mouth but no sound left in the end. Why can this person have this kind of affection on me? I’m not weak… I’m not like that damn it he kept screaming inside his head while approaching the table that Ohno had already picked.
“So what would you like to drink? My treat” said Ohno while watching the menu
“…..”
“A! It's like that?!... Fine… excuse me miss” said at the waitress who was already approaching them
“Two chocolate milkshakes please” the waitress wrote down the order and left them
“I’m sorry to ruin the mood here but I thought you wanted to talk to me and that it was really important. How long are you planning on joking around?”
Ohno laughed his eyes never leaving the others’.
“What?! Are you making fun of me? Is it perhaps a new tactic of you and your beloved buddies??” Nino continued frowning.
“Mmm…” was the other’s only answer.
“Ok... That’s it. I’m leaving” Nino said sharply and stood up ready to get out of this café. In the end he didn’t even have the chance to leave the table as Satoshi forced him back at his seat.
“You know you are really cute when you’re angry” Nino failed to hide his blush hearing such a comment. Satoshi saw that and with a slightly smirking face he continued. “I do have to talk to you and it is important. But is it so bad to have a milkshake while talking? This way it looks like a date; that way the others won’t pay much attention to this rather weird combination of us – quite smart ne?!”
Date?! At the hearing of it Nino’s heartbeat accelerated in a crazy way, followed by disappointment after hearing the whole sentence. Why are you like that?! Of course he wouldn’t go on a real date with you… Nino couldn’t believe his own thoughts. So that means that he wanted to go on a date with Ohno Satoshi?! He frowned. The situation became almost unbearable for him. He tried to clear his head from these bizarre thoughts and find out the reason for the whole ‘meeting’.
“So will you tell me what the hell is going on?” he said trying to avoid the other’s gaze.
“Impatient… I like that” replied Ohno winking playfully
Nino felt immediately his hands grabbing the edges of the table reflectively to the playing attitude towards him and looked down trying to calm himself that’s just surreal.
“ok ok ok… Don’t be like that. I’ll tell you.” Suddenly his face turned serious. “It’s about your friend Masaki.”
Nino looked up with worry noticeable in his eyes. He already knew that somehow this special meeting had to do with Aiba but wanted to «read» the atmosphere first and not just jump to conclusions that might cause an even worse result for his friend.
Once again he tried to act cool.
“Oh! Some kind of warning?! Don’t be close to him because you’re next?! No need. I won’t go anywhere. I’ll never leave my friend. I never did and never will.”
The other boy kept staring at his drink. The next words that left his mouth were only heard as a whisper.
“No it’s nothing like that…” and then his eyes met Nino’s “It’s about the bullying… it might end really badly for him…”
Nino almost choked at the hearing of it.
“Bad…? Do you know something? What the hell is going on? Why does Sakurai acts like a shit to him?”
“First of all, too many questions. Secondly, the whole thing could cause a lot of pain if we don’t do anything. You know I have a friend too. He might look like a monster to you but I really care about him. That’s why I have a plan. Interested?”
What could be the meaning of this? Pain? Masaki… What does this Ohno Satoshi know? And how am I supposed to believe him?
…………………………………………….
“Welcome back young master” said a maid forming her best possible smile.
“Where is she?” the phrase was spoken in an almost robotic way as Sho started climbing up the stairs.
“Your mother is in the garden young master. Should I inform her that you asked for her?”
He stopped and turned. If his eyes could kill, this maid would be dead by now.
“I never asked for her. I just asked where she is. Don’t put words into my mouth.” said Sho coldly. “And don’t disturb me. Bring the dinner to my bedroom at 8 o’ clock.”
He slammed the door behind him and leaned against it. He looked around him, at his luxurious big bed, at his desk, at his huge bookcase, at the door on his left that lead to his private luxurious bathroom and at the one on his right where his personal closet was located. He had everything yet he felt as if he had nothing. He lied down on his bed doing nothing but staring at the ceiling. He had remained at the same position until he heard a knock on his door.
“Didn’t I tell you not to disturb me until it’s dinner time?!”
“B-but it is dinner time S-saku-kurai - sama” was the scared reply of another maid that had brought his dinner. She knew like everyone in the Sakurai household that the best she could do was to avoid getting into trouble with the young master.
Sho reached his watch. Indeed it was already 20:00. How many hours had passed like that?? I guess I’m pathetic. A bitter smile formed at his lips as he made these thoughts.
He sighed. “Fine. Just leave it there and go.”
“As you wish Sakurai-sama”
“What are you waiting for then?’
The maid had no choice but to excuse herself bowing really low as she left the room hoping that this incident would not mean her last day at work.
Why am I surrounded by idiots? Why is the whole world full of idiots? he kept thinking and frustration built inside him. He looked at his dish, tenderloin au vin accompanied by vegetables sauté and rice. He tried to eat but no matter how hard he tried he had no appetite. Images kept popping into his head, his images. He collapsed on the floor.
The bastard… how could he laugh even though he was bullied and beaten? How could he find happiness while living like that, poor with an ill mother to take care of? How could he smile after what he had done…? Sho no matter how hard he tried to explain it he still couldn’t find the answer. He just couldn’t.
His life was as everyone else’s. He had his family. They weren’t different from any other average family, owing a small house but that small house was the only one he could call home. Or at least he has decided now that he used to feel this way - because for a 6-year-old such a conclusion would be impossible. That house doesn’t exist anymore except for in his dreams, more like an inner shelter. Now he lives in this great mansion but deep inside he’s homeless. And all that because of that cursed day…
His eyes dropped at the closet. He couldn’t help but approach it. He takes off a guitar. It’s old and out of tune but that doesn’t matter. To him the sounds it produces are the most beautiful.
His hands started moving up and down the strings…
Ano hi kimi to miteita Yuuyake eien ni shitakute
Kioku no naka Te wo nobashite Nandomo fureyou to suru keredo
Onaji keshiki mo kimochi mo Nido to towa tori modosenai kara
Kagayaiteta kako no yume wo Furi kaette shimandaro
(I wanted the sunset I saw with you on that day to go on forever
Although in a memory, I reach out my hand to try to touch it over and over.
Because I'll never be able to get back the same scenery and the same feelings again,
I'll stop looking back on the shining dreams of the past)
He couldn’t go on… his eyes were blurry and his hands were trembling… Suddenly the sound of his mobile brought him back to reality. He clears his throat and answers.
“What?”
“We… are at the usual bar with the others and thought to treat you tonight since… since you got upset today at school… is that ok to you?”
Sho smirked hearing the terrified tone at the other end of the line.
“Why not? I see you become smarter day by day Taguchi. I’ll be there.”
He hung up and headed to the shower. He had to get rid of all signs of weakness in him before leaving his room. He had to turn once again into the Leader that everyone was afraid of. He chose a black pair of jeans, a grey V neck T-shirt with a black vest on top. Simple yet appealing. He looked at his idol at the mirror. Yes that’s how you’re supposed to be Sakurai Sho thought at himself reassuringly and immediately left this suffocating mansion. Another meaningless night was waiting for him or at least so he thought…
…………………………………….
Masaki remained in the same position without being able to calm down. He only stopped when Bobo-chan’s barks became louder and louder. He wanted by no means to worry his mother. He knew that at her state even the slightest stress could cause a crisis and he didn’t want that.
He hastily wiped out his tears and tried to force a smile on his face as he opened the door.
“Hey Bobo-chan! How was your day today? Did you miss me?” he tried to sound as usual but failed. The dog examined him closely as if he had understood the whole scene that took place a few minutes ago. “I have to go and see mum and then I’ll take you for a walk ok?!”
He knew he couldn’t easily trick his mother so he tried to take some deep breaths before entering her room.
“Mother? Oh….” he looked at the small sized woman that occupied the little chair placed next to the head of the bed. “Yamada-san are you still here?”
“Oh! Masaki you came back? Okaeri!” said the old woman quite cheerfully
“Tadaima” answered Masaki softly.
“Yuriko-san I suppose you have to catch a lot with your son since it’s his first day at school. I’ll come back tomorrow ne?”
“……….” The other woman nodded slowly.
“Yes! This way please” said Masaki as he opened the door.
When he was sure that his mum could not hear him, he thanked Yamada-san once again. He felt really sorry for troubling their neighbor.
“You shouldn’t… I’m really sorry to occupy all this time of yours… I…”
“Masaki please… you’re like my grand-child… Don’t worry. I didn’t do anything that I didn’t want to! Yuriko-san is a really pleasant company.”
Aiba was staring at her a little lost… pleasant company?!
As if Yamada-san could read his mind she added “Masaki… once you reach my age you’ll be able to understand people even when they never talk. Trust me when I say that your mother is indeed a pleasant company.” After feeling one set of eyes fixed on her she added smiling “So does Bobo-chan!”
“Wuf wuf!” was heard as if Bobo-chan confirmed it.
“See?! You have nothing to worry about Masaki.” Her smile sent a warm wave towards Masaki’s heart. He shyly smiled.
“I have cooked. A young man like you has to eat properly so he can fulfill his obligations. Till tomorrow then.”
“Thank you so much. Have a nice evening Yamada-san.”
As the door behind him closed he climbed up the stairs entering once again his mother’s bedroom.
“Mom… So how was your day? Would you like me to read you a book or something?”
He tried to remain as cheerful as possible in front of his mother. He had to make sure that she takes no notice of anything that might give away even the slightest clue of the incident. Yet he failed. His mother grabbed his left arm as he came closer and made him look at her. Her gaze portrayed all the agony and sorrow for her son.
Masaki sighed as he cupped her face. “Mom. Don’t look at me like that. Nothing happened. It’s just Fujimoto-sensei asked us to present our vacation projects which I had totally forgotten… he got angry and threw me out of the classroom. It was really embarrassing so… you can understand now that it wasn’t the best first school day!” he smiled bitterly. “I’m fine!” He kissed her cheek as he took the book from the bedside table. He then started reading. After almost 30 minutes he heard his mother’s steady breath. She had already fallen asleep.
He left the book at the chair and closed the door so that he won’t disturb the woman.
Sorry mom for lying to you but it was true when I said I’m fine. Don’t worry; I won’t let anyone not even this Sakurai Sho win. Because I’m not alone… I have you.
He ate fast in the kitchen and did his homework. He had no time… it was already 9 o’clock and Bobo-chan demanded his walk. Masaki was really tired but he knew he couldn’t avoid it.
………………………………….
Outside the air smelled as if it had rained. “It rained before?! Well it seems it has already stopped. So no need to go back and get my umbrella” whispered Masaki to himself.
Bobo-chan, eager to explore everything at the pavement as he was, he kept on dragging him around without mercy. He could still feel his body stiff but didn’t complain. It was not Bobo-chan’s fault. They headed towards the park just to find it locked.
“Damn it… why is it closed? Where am I supposed to take him now?”
He knew he had no choice but to walk around the streets, the ones that he wanted to avoid the most. His neighborhood was not the best one. There were many smaller streets filled with second quality bars, full of people with no other purpose in their lives but to get drunk as soon as possible. After twenty minutes he started walking back home.
But it was then that he froze, his heart skipping several beats cause of the sudden fear. Someone was blocking his way through. Oh no…
Bobo-chan started barking to the unknown figure standing in front of him sensing his boss being tensed up.
“Masaki-kun?! Are you ok?”
“E?!... You… A!! Jun-chan! Yes! It’s Jun-chan!!! Hmm… Sorry my mind stopped working for a few seconds. I… I didn’t recognize you… all dressed like that!” Masaki blurt out scratching his head awkwardly. He couldn’t help it but stare at Jun from head to toe. With a pair of blue jeans, quite tight, and a black shirt with its sleeves rolled up to the elbows, Jun looked older and very elegantly handsome.
“Eeee…. You think?! Sooo is this a good or a bad thing?” answered Jun, his tone turning somewhat low, causing Masaki a deep blush at his cheeks. Before he was able to reply he saw Jun turning white and widening the distance between them.
“C-could you pl-please hold this d-dog closer to you? It –it looks as if he’s about to a-attack me…” his words could barely be heard.
Masaki burst into laughs. “Bobo-chan?! No way… it’s just that he’s always too curious with the new people he meets” said Masaki reassuringly.
“Then… then why doesn’t he stop?! Please make him stop! Please!” fear could be recognized in Jun’s tone.
“Bobo-chan stop it immediately!” Bobo-chan didn’t listen to Masaki, his eyes never leaving Jun’s face. “Ok… if you don’t stop you won’t go for a walk for three days!” Masaki’s tone was not harsh but without a doubt strict.
Bobo-chan looked at Masaki as if he was confused from his boss’ words but nevertheless stopped.
“See? Everything is fine. Although it’s pretty hard to believe that the same person who is not afraid to oppose against someone like Sakurai Sho and his gang is so afraid of a dog!” Masaki was very amused from Jun’s uneasiness next to Bobo-chan.
“Don’t get me wrong… It’s just that dogs, or should I say animals in general, never seemed to like me” It was Jun’s turn to blush.
“You’re so cute” the words came out before he could control them. “I- I mean… that you have this kind of… weakness… Yes! That!”
Jun smiled but said nothing more.
“So… what is Masaki-kun doing here?”
“Me? I live nearby. It’s Bobo-chan’s walk-time but unfortunately the park was already closed… I mean… I usually don’t like wandering around here as there are all those bars but…” Masaki didn’t finish his line
Jun sensed his hesitation and pushed him on saying it “but….?”
“B- but now I’m kind of happy that it was… we could meet and talk and…” Masaki stopped for a second “that… I guess” he smiled sheepishly and looked down.
“I just finished my shift. I work part time at “Smile” café if you know it… two blocks on your right. I was going to the bus stop to get back home… but… if you’d like, we could walk together around if you want… I don’t mind taking the next one!” said Jun smiling widely.
“Of course I’d love that!” was Masaki’s answer. He was so happy to meet his friend.
Both of them started walking while Masaki, hyperactive as always, kept talking about all kinds of things without giving Jun, even once, the chance to reply. He was unstoppable but that didn’t seem to trouble the other.
Jun was walking holding a fair distance from Masaki and his dog. He couldn’t risk challenging that dog again. He was from the road’s side while Masaki in the inner one so that Bobo-chan could enjoy his walk.
Suddenly they heard an annoyingly loud throttle control. They both turned their gazes to find who caused all this noise. Before they could leave their spot, a black car, a rather expensive one, passed right next to them with no intention to slow down, not even when its right wheels entered a small puddle filled with earlier rain’s water, leaving Jun’s clothes ruined and wet.
“HEY!!!! DON”T YOU SEE THAT PEOPLE WALK HERE YOU IDIOT?!”
Masaki bit his lips and looked down. He felt guilty… He had recognized whose car that was. His eyes went back to Jun who kept on swearing the “brainless human being” as he called the unknown to him driver and sighed. It was his fault that Jun was like that.
“Hey… Jun-chan… Are you ok?” Masaki asked worryingly
Jun turned at Masaki smiling as always “Oh Yeah! As if little water could cause me a problem Masaki-kun! Don’t worry.” His immediate sneeze though betrayed his own words. “Well… I suppose I have to hurry back home. Is that ok with you?”
“Suuure.” Masaki nodded affirmatively. “You should hurry Jun-chan. I don’t want my new friend to catch a cold”
“I won’t Masaki-kun” Jun came closer and this time Bobo-chan didn’t interfere. “I’m stronger than you think” he whispered in Masaki’s ear causing a light tickle.
Masaki said nothing but he felt his whole face burn. It caused him an unfamiliar sense but certainly welcomed.
“So see you tomorrow at school! Bye!!!”
“Y-yes… Bye!” Aiba remained at the same spot until Jun’s figure was nowhere to see.
Slowly he went back home. His thoughts were like a mess. He was so excited meeting up with Jun but then that bastard came across once again. What was that supposed to mean?! Am I not allowed even to have a new friend? What’s Sakurai’s problem? And why was he there again? He lives at the other part of the town… Just how evil could a person be? Masaki entered his bedroom and collapsed on his bed not caring to change his clothes. Sakurai Sho I hate you…. Goooood I hate you so much!
……………………………………….
From the driver’s seat Sho could see anger cover Jun’s face and grinned. He couldn’t be happier. And this is only the beginning Jun-chan! But what he enjoyed even more was his sad face. Sho knew that he was recognized. This is your lesson too M-a-s-a-k-i - kun. I thought I told you to behave… laughing and blushing don’t exist in my dictionary of proper behavior. His hands tightened around the steering wheel.
He accelerated and found his way to the usual bar. “Typhoon” was neither big nor luxurious but located in a small dead end road as it was he could rest without worrying getting across more idiots. He had even created his personal room; a place in which only Satoshi, apart from him, was allowed to enter.
“Sakurai-sama! You came!”
“Tchsss! Don’t point out the obvious Taguchi please… I came to relax not to get irritated once again” the tone of his voice was definitely a warning one.
“Sakurai-sama… please you know how Taguchi usually speaks before he puts his brain into use. What would you like to drink?” said another one after giving Taguchi a deadly gaze.
“Well… a beer could make it up” said Sho lazily
Taguchi stoop up to get the beer for Sho almost falling because of his hurriedness, causing mocking laughs.
Sho sighed but said nothing. He had no time for that.
The door of the bar opened and Satoshi appeared. He scanned the place until he found the one he was looking for. He approached the table and sat next to Sho.
For several minutes there was an uncomfortable silence between the two friends.
“Where have you been all day Satoshi?” Sho interrupted suddenly this silence, looking at his beer.
“What do you mean by that?” asked Satoshi suspecting that Sho already knew.
“A little bird told me you were having a great time with a little geek who answers to the name Ninomiya Kazunari” continued Sho sounding slightly more irritated “I hope you don’t plan anything behind my back because if you do I swear you’ll pay for it even if you’re my best friend. Got it?”
Satoshi chuckled. “Sho do you really believe that I could ever betray you?! I might not be so fond of your methods but I’d never do something like that. But…” he stopped to sip some of his own beer “please don’t tell me you didn’t notice…”
Sho turned to look at Satoshi confused. “What do you mean by that? What should I notice?”
“The way this geek as you said looks at me…” it was Satoshi’s turn to look at his beer.
“Don’t tell me that… Oh my God!” Sho burst into uncontrollable laughs
“I just thought that having a good relationship with someone that close to Aiba could only be benefit”
“You know… Sometimes I believe you’re a genius or something” Sho replied still having a problem to fully control his laugh
Satoshi said nothing. No one could read his thoughts, not even Sho. He just kept looking at his beer showing no emotion.
After having consumed three bottles, Sho called for his two most loyal followers. He told them to do something in such a low volume that even Satoshi couldn’t catch a thing.
“What are you whispering? What’s the matter?” asked Satoshi curiously trying to figure out what’s going on.
“Don’t worry Satoshi. It’s not a secret. I just want it to be a surprise. You’ll find out soon, very soon” Sho smirked devilishly.
TO BE CONTINUED
Lyrics (romaji and translation) of Ashita no Kioku – cr. yarukizero@lj
A.N. So here it's the second chapter! :) I hope it doesn't disappoint you!
I just want to say thank you for all of your messages! It surely made me more confident! LOVE YOU ALL!!! <3
“Could you stop being annoying and just follow me p-l-e-a-s-e?”
Nino said nothing in return and just pouted. Why would Ohno be so secretive?! He couldn’t help but feel unease with the whole situation. They kept walking until they left school towards the north of the neighborhood. He didn’t even have the chance to tell Masaki not to wait for him. It can be a trap… it can be a trap… the thought wouldn’t leave his mind. Suddenly he feels a hand grabbing his own and forcefully dragging him into a café.
“Hey… What do you think you’re doing huh?!”
“Sorry about that but you wouldn’t react no matter how many times I asked you politely to enter the café” said Ohno with a slight smile “I don’t plan on waiting forever until you decide to come back to earth… Besides, I didn’t want us to be seen”. Seeing Nino being ready to defend himself he cut him sharply “Oh please just shut up and come”.
Nino blinked several times, he opened his mouth but no sound left in the end. Why can this person have this kind of affection on me? I’m not weak… I’m not like that damn it he kept screaming inside his head while approaching the table that Ohno had already picked.
“So what would you like to drink? My treat” said Ohno while watching the menu
“…..”
“A! It's like that?!... Fine… excuse me miss” said at the waitress who was already approaching them
“Two chocolate milkshakes please” the waitress wrote down the order and left them
“I’m sorry to ruin the mood here but I thought you wanted to talk to me and that it was really important. How long are you planning on joking around?”
Ohno laughed his eyes never leaving the others’.
“What?! Are you making fun of me? Is it perhaps a new tactic of you and your beloved buddies??” Nino continued frowning.
“Mmm…” was the other’s only answer.
“Ok... That’s it. I’m leaving” Nino said sharply and stood up ready to get out of this café. In the end he didn’t even have the chance to leave the table as Satoshi forced him back at his seat.
“You know you are really cute when you’re angry” Nino failed to hide his blush hearing such a comment. Satoshi saw that and with a slightly smirking face he continued. “I do have to talk to you and it is important. But is it so bad to have a milkshake while talking? This way it looks like a date; that way the others won’t pay much attention to this rather weird combination of us – quite smart ne?!”
Date?! At the hearing of it Nino’s heartbeat accelerated in a crazy way, followed by disappointment after hearing the whole sentence. Why are you like that?! Of course he wouldn’t go on a real date with you… Nino couldn’t believe his own thoughts. So that means that he wanted to go on a date with Ohno Satoshi?! He frowned. The situation became almost unbearable for him. He tried to clear his head from these bizarre thoughts and find out the reason for the whole ‘meeting’.
“So will you tell me what the hell is going on?” he said trying to avoid the other’s gaze.
“Impatient… I like that” replied Ohno winking playfully
Nino felt immediately his hands grabbing the edges of the table reflectively to the playing attitude towards him and looked down trying to calm himself that’s just surreal.
“ok ok ok… Don’t be like that. I’ll tell you.” Suddenly his face turned serious. “It’s about your friend Masaki.”
Nino looked up with worry noticeable in his eyes. He already knew that somehow this special meeting had to do with Aiba but wanted to «read» the atmosphere first and not just jump to conclusions that might cause an even worse result for his friend.
Once again he tried to act cool.
“Oh! Some kind of warning?! Don’t be close to him because you’re next?! No need. I won’t go anywhere. I’ll never leave my friend. I never did and never will.”
The other boy kept staring at his drink. The next words that left his mouth were only heard as a whisper.
“No it’s nothing like that…” and then his eyes met Nino’s “It’s about the bullying… it might end really badly for him…”
Nino almost choked at the hearing of it.
“Bad…? Do you know something? What the hell is going on? Why does Sakurai acts like a shit to him?”
“First of all, too many questions. Secondly, the whole thing could cause a lot of pain if we don’t do anything. You know I have a friend too. He might look like a monster to you but I really care about him. That’s why I have a plan. Interested?”
What could be the meaning of this? Pain? Masaki… What does this Ohno Satoshi know? And how am I supposed to believe him?
…………………………………………….
“Welcome back young master” said a maid forming her best possible smile.
“Where is she?” the phrase was spoken in an almost robotic way as Sho started climbing up the stairs.
“Your mother is in the garden young master. Should I inform her that you asked for her?”
He stopped and turned. If his eyes could kill, this maid would be dead by now.
“I never asked for her. I just asked where she is. Don’t put words into my mouth.” said Sho coldly. “And don’t disturb me. Bring the dinner to my bedroom at 8 o’ clock.”
He slammed the door behind him and leaned against it. He looked around him, at his luxurious big bed, at his desk, at his huge bookcase, at the door on his left that lead to his private luxurious bathroom and at the one on his right where his personal closet was located. He had everything yet he felt as if he had nothing. He lied down on his bed doing nothing but staring at the ceiling. He had remained at the same position until he heard a knock on his door.
“Didn’t I tell you not to disturb me until it’s dinner time?!”
“B-but it is dinner time S-saku-kurai - sama” was the scared reply of another maid that had brought his dinner. She knew like everyone in the Sakurai household that the best she could do was to avoid getting into trouble with the young master.
Sho reached his watch. Indeed it was already 20:00. How many hours had passed like that?? I guess I’m pathetic. A bitter smile formed at his lips as he made these thoughts.
He sighed. “Fine. Just leave it there and go.”
“As you wish Sakurai-sama”
“What are you waiting for then?’
The maid had no choice but to excuse herself bowing really low as she left the room hoping that this incident would not mean her last day at work.
Why am I surrounded by idiots? Why is the whole world full of idiots? he kept thinking and frustration built inside him. He looked at his dish, tenderloin au vin accompanied by vegetables sauté and rice. He tried to eat but no matter how hard he tried he had no appetite. Images kept popping into his head, his images. He collapsed on the floor.
The bastard… how could he laugh even though he was bullied and beaten? How could he find happiness while living like that, poor with an ill mother to take care of? How could he smile after what he had done…? Sho no matter how hard he tried to explain it he still couldn’t find the answer. He just couldn’t.
His life was as everyone else’s. He had his family. They weren’t different from any other average family, owing a small house but that small house was the only one he could call home. Or at least he has decided now that he used to feel this way - because for a 6-year-old such a conclusion would be impossible. That house doesn’t exist anymore except for in his dreams, more like an inner shelter. Now he lives in this great mansion but deep inside he’s homeless. And all that because of that cursed day…
His eyes dropped at the closet. He couldn’t help but approach it. He takes off a guitar. It’s old and out of tune but that doesn’t matter. To him the sounds it produces are the most beautiful.
His hands started moving up and down the strings…
Ano hi kimi to miteita Yuuyake eien ni shitakute
Kioku no naka Te wo nobashite Nandomo fureyou to suru keredo
Onaji keshiki mo kimochi mo Nido to towa tori modosenai kara
Kagayaiteta kako no yume wo Furi kaette shimandaro
(I wanted the sunset I saw with you on that day to go on forever
Although in a memory, I reach out my hand to try to touch it over and over.
Because I'll never be able to get back the same scenery and the same feelings again,
I'll stop looking back on the shining dreams of the past)
He couldn’t go on… his eyes were blurry and his hands were trembling… Suddenly the sound of his mobile brought him back to reality. He clears his throat and answers.
“What?”
“We… are at the usual bar with the others and thought to treat you tonight since… since you got upset today at school… is that ok to you?”
Sho smirked hearing the terrified tone at the other end of the line.
“Why not? I see you become smarter day by day Taguchi. I’ll be there.”
He hung up and headed to the shower. He had to get rid of all signs of weakness in him before leaving his room. He had to turn once again into the Leader that everyone was afraid of. He chose a black pair of jeans, a grey V neck T-shirt with a black vest on top. Simple yet appealing. He looked at his idol at the mirror. Yes that’s how you’re supposed to be Sakurai Sho thought at himself reassuringly and immediately left this suffocating mansion. Another meaningless night was waiting for him or at least so he thought…
…………………………………….
Masaki remained in the same position without being able to calm down. He only stopped when Bobo-chan’s barks became louder and louder. He wanted by no means to worry his mother. He knew that at her state even the slightest stress could cause a crisis and he didn’t want that.
He hastily wiped out his tears and tried to force a smile on his face as he opened the door.
“Hey Bobo-chan! How was your day today? Did you miss me?” he tried to sound as usual but failed. The dog examined him closely as if he had understood the whole scene that took place a few minutes ago. “I have to go and see mum and then I’ll take you for a walk ok?!”
He knew he couldn’t easily trick his mother so he tried to take some deep breaths before entering her room.
“Mother? Oh….” he looked at the small sized woman that occupied the little chair placed next to the head of the bed. “Yamada-san are you still here?”
“Oh! Masaki you came back? Okaeri!” said the old woman quite cheerfully
“Tadaima” answered Masaki softly.
“Yuriko-san I suppose you have to catch a lot with your son since it’s his first day at school. I’ll come back tomorrow ne?”
“……….” The other woman nodded slowly.
“Yes! This way please” said Masaki as he opened the door.
When he was sure that his mum could not hear him, he thanked Yamada-san once again. He felt really sorry for troubling their neighbor.
“You shouldn’t… I’m really sorry to occupy all this time of yours… I…”
“Masaki please… you’re like my grand-child… Don’t worry. I didn’t do anything that I didn’t want to! Yuriko-san is a really pleasant company.”
Aiba was staring at her a little lost… pleasant company?!
As if Yamada-san could read his mind she added “Masaki… once you reach my age you’ll be able to understand people even when they never talk. Trust me when I say that your mother is indeed a pleasant company.” After feeling one set of eyes fixed on her she added smiling “So does Bobo-chan!”
“Wuf wuf!” was heard as if Bobo-chan confirmed it.
“See?! You have nothing to worry about Masaki.” Her smile sent a warm wave towards Masaki’s heart. He shyly smiled.
“I have cooked. A young man like you has to eat properly so he can fulfill his obligations. Till tomorrow then.”
“Thank you so much. Have a nice evening Yamada-san.”
As the door behind him closed he climbed up the stairs entering once again his mother’s bedroom.
“Mom… So how was your day? Would you like me to read you a book or something?”
He tried to remain as cheerful as possible in front of his mother. He had to make sure that she takes no notice of anything that might give away even the slightest clue of the incident. Yet he failed. His mother grabbed his left arm as he came closer and made him look at her. Her gaze portrayed all the agony and sorrow for her son.
Masaki sighed as he cupped her face. “Mom. Don’t look at me like that. Nothing happened. It’s just Fujimoto-sensei asked us to present our vacation projects which I had totally forgotten… he got angry and threw me out of the classroom. It was really embarrassing so… you can understand now that it wasn’t the best first school day!” he smiled bitterly. “I’m fine!” He kissed her cheek as he took the book from the bedside table. He then started reading. After almost 30 minutes he heard his mother’s steady breath. She had already fallen asleep.
He left the book at the chair and closed the door so that he won’t disturb the woman.
Sorry mom for lying to you but it was true when I said I’m fine. Don’t worry; I won’t let anyone not even this Sakurai Sho win. Because I’m not alone… I have you.
He ate fast in the kitchen and did his homework. He had no time… it was already 9 o’clock and Bobo-chan demanded his walk. Masaki was really tired but he knew he couldn’t avoid it.
………………………………….
Outside the air smelled as if it had rained. “It rained before?! Well it seems it has already stopped. So no need to go back and get my umbrella” whispered Masaki to himself.
Bobo-chan, eager to explore everything at the pavement as he was, he kept on dragging him around without mercy. He could still feel his body stiff but didn’t complain. It was not Bobo-chan’s fault. They headed towards the park just to find it locked.
“Damn it… why is it closed? Where am I supposed to take him now?”
He knew he had no choice but to walk around the streets, the ones that he wanted to avoid the most. His neighborhood was not the best one. There were many smaller streets filled with second quality bars, full of people with no other purpose in their lives but to get drunk as soon as possible. After twenty minutes he started walking back home.
But it was then that he froze, his heart skipping several beats cause of the sudden fear. Someone was blocking his way through. Oh no…
Bobo-chan started barking to the unknown figure standing in front of him sensing his boss being tensed up.
“Masaki-kun?! Are you ok?”
“E?!... You… A!! Jun-chan! Yes! It’s Jun-chan!!! Hmm… Sorry my mind stopped working for a few seconds. I… I didn’t recognize you… all dressed like that!” Masaki blurt out scratching his head awkwardly. He couldn’t help it but stare at Jun from head to toe. With a pair of blue jeans, quite tight, and a black shirt with its sleeves rolled up to the elbows, Jun looked older and very elegantly handsome.
“Eeee…. You think?! Sooo is this a good or a bad thing?” answered Jun, his tone turning somewhat low, causing Masaki a deep blush at his cheeks. Before he was able to reply he saw Jun turning white and widening the distance between them.
“C-could you pl-please hold this d-dog closer to you? It –it looks as if he’s about to a-attack me…” his words could barely be heard.
Masaki burst into laughs. “Bobo-chan?! No way… it’s just that he’s always too curious with the new people he meets” said Masaki reassuringly.
“Then… then why doesn’t he stop?! Please make him stop! Please!” fear could be recognized in Jun’s tone.
“Bobo-chan stop it immediately!” Bobo-chan didn’t listen to Masaki, his eyes never leaving Jun’s face. “Ok… if you don’t stop you won’t go for a walk for three days!” Masaki’s tone was not harsh but without a doubt strict.
Bobo-chan looked at Masaki as if he was confused from his boss’ words but nevertheless stopped.
“See? Everything is fine. Although it’s pretty hard to believe that the same person who is not afraid to oppose against someone like Sakurai Sho and his gang is so afraid of a dog!” Masaki was very amused from Jun’s uneasiness next to Bobo-chan.
“Don’t get me wrong… It’s just that dogs, or should I say animals in general, never seemed to like me” It was Jun’s turn to blush.
“You’re so cute” the words came out before he could control them. “I- I mean… that you have this kind of… weakness… Yes! That!”
Jun smiled but said nothing more.
“So… what is Masaki-kun doing here?”
“Me? I live nearby. It’s Bobo-chan’s walk-time but unfortunately the park was already closed… I mean… I usually don’t like wandering around here as there are all those bars but…” Masaki didn’t finish his line
Jun sensed his hesitation and pushed him on saying it “but….?”
“B- but now I’m kind of happy that it was… we could meet and talk and…” Masaki stopped for a second “that… I guess” he smiled sheepishly and looked down.
“I just finished my shift. I work part time at “Smile” café if you know it… two blocks on your right. I was going to the bus stop to get back home… but… if you’d like, we could walk together around if you want… I don’t mind taking the next one!” said Jun smiling widely.
“Of course I’d love that!” was Masaki’s answer. He was so happy to meet his friend.
Both of them started walking while Masaki, hyperactive as always, kept talking about all kinds of things without giving Jun, even once, the chance to reply. He was unstoppable but that didn’t seem to trouble the other.
Jun was walking holding a fair distance from Masaki and his dog. He couldn’t risk challenging that dog again. He was from the road’s side while Masaki in the inner one so that Bobo-chan could enjoy his walk.
Suddenly they heard an annoyingly loud throttle control. They both turned their gazes to find who caused all this noise. Before they could leave their spot, a black car, a rather expensive one, passed right next to them with no intention to slow down, not even when its right wheels entered a small puddle filled with earlier rain’s water, leaving Jun’s clothes ruined and wet.
“HEY!!!! DON”T YOU SEE THAT PEOPLE WALK HERE YOU IDIOT?!”
Masaki bit his lips and looked down. He felt guilty… He had recognized whose car that was. His eyes went back to Jun who kept on swearing the “brainless human being” as he called the unknown to him driver and sighed. It was his fault that Jun was like that.
“Hey… Jun-chan… Are you ok?” Masaki asked worryingly
Jun turned at Masaki smiling as always “Oh Yeah! As if little water could cause me a problem Masaki-kun! Don’t worry.” His immediate sneeze though betrayed his own words. “Well… I suppose I have to hurry back home. Is that ok with you?”
“Suuure.” Masaki nodded affirmatively. “You should hurry Jun-chan. I don’t want my new friend to catch a cold”
“I won’t Masaki-kun” Jun came closer and this time Bobo-chan didn’t interfere. “I’m stronger than you think” he whispered in Masaki’s ear causing a light tickle.
Masaki said nothing but he felt his whole face burn. It caused him an unfamiliar sense but certainly welcomed.
“So see you tomorrow at school! Bye!!!”
“Y-yes… Bye!” Aiba remained at the same spot until Jun’s figure was nowhere to see.
Slowly he went back home. His thoughts were like a mess. He was so excited meeting up with Jun but then that bastard came across once again. What was that supposed to mean?! Am I not allowed even to have a new friend? What’s Sakurai’s problem? And why was he there again? He lives at the other part of the town… Just how evil could a person be? Masaki entered his bedroom and collapsed on his bed not caring to change his clothes. Sakurai Sho I hate you…. Goooood I hate you so much!
……………………………………….
From the driver’s seat Sho could see anger cover Jun’s face and grinned. He couldn’t be happier. And this is only the beginning Jun-chan! But what he enjoyed even more was his sad face. Sho knew that he was recognized. This is your lesson too M-a-s-a-k-i - kun. I thought I told you to behave… laughing and blushing don’t exist in my dictionary of proper behavior. His hands tightened around the steering wheel.
He accelerated and found his way to the usual bar. “Typhoon” was neither big nor luxurious but located in a small dead end road as it was he could rest without worrying getting across more idiots. He had even created his personal room; a place in which only Satoshi, apart from him, was allowed to enter.
“Sakurai-sama! You came!”
“Tchsss! Don’t point out the obvious Taguchi please… I came to relax not to get irritated once again” the tone of his voice was definitely a warning one.
“Sakurai-sama… please you know how Taguchi usually speaks before he puts his brain into use. What would you like to drink?” said another one after giving Taguchi a deadly gaze.
“Well… a beer could make it up” said Sho lazily
Taguchi stoop up to get the beer for Sho almost falling because of his hurriedness, causing mocking laughs.
Sho sighed but said nothing. He had no time for that.
The door of the bar opened and Satoshi appeared. He scanned the place until he found the one he was looking for. He approached the table and sat next to Sho.
For several minutes there was an uncomfortable silence between the two friends.
“Where have you been all day Satoshi?” Sho interrupted suddenly this silence, looking at his beer.
“What do you mean by that?” asked Satoshi suspecting that Sho already knew.
“A little bird told me you were having a great time with a little geek who answers to the name Ninomiya Kazunari” continued Sho sounding slightly more irritated “I hope you don’t plan anything behind my back because if you do I swear you’ll pay for it even if you’re my best friend. Got it?”
Satoshi chuckled. “Sho do you really believe that I could ever betray you?! I might not be so fond of your methods but I’d never do something like that. But…” he stopped to sip some of his own beer “please don’t tell me you didn’t notice…”
Sho turned to look at Satoshi confused. “What do you mean by that? What should I notice?”
“The way this geek as you said looks at me…” it was Satoshi’s turn to look at his beer.
“Don’t tell me that… Oh my God!” Sho burst into uncontrollable laughs
“I just thought that having a good relationship with someone that close to Aiba could only be benefit”
“You know… Sometimes I believe you’re a genius or something” Sho replied still having a problem to fully control his laugh
Satoshi said nothing. No one could read his thoughts, not even Sho. He just kept looking at his beer showing no emotion.
After having consumed three bottles, Sho called for his two most loyal followers. He told them to do something in such a low volume that even Satoshi couldn’t catch a thing.
“What are you whispering? What’s the matter?” asked Satoshi curiously trying to figure out what’s going on.
“Don’t worry Satoshi. It’s not a secret. I just want it to be a surprise. You’ll find out soon, very soon” Sho smirked devilishly.
TO BE CONTINUED
Lyrics (romaji and translation) of Ashita no Kioku – cr. yarukizero@lj
A.N. So here it's the second chapter! :) I hope it doesn't disappoint you!
I just want to say thank you for all of your messages! It surely made me more confident! LOVE YOU ALL!!! <3
Current Music: Stavento - Mesa sou
Current Mood: 
energetic
energeticCurrent Location: my room
38 comments | Leave a comment
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}