![[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) - might get higher in later chapters
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
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) - might get higher in later chapters
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
CHAPTER 3
Pick it up… pick it up… pick it up
“Yes?” a barely hearable voice spoke
“Are you awake?”
“Well now thanks to you I am Ma-kun” Nino sat up on his bed and took a look at the alarm clock placed next to his bed “You’ve got to be kidding meeeee… It’s only 6:30 am… What do you want???”
“……..”
“Are you even serious?! You wake me up and yet you don’t speak????” Nino was fully awakened now.
“Nino… I can’t… I just can’t anymore… I…”
Nino who had already prepared another dose of complaints stopped before spitting it out after hearing his best friend’s sobs.
“Ma-kun what’s wrong? You know you can tell me anything right? What happened?”
“It’s him… Sakurai… When will he ever leave me alone? I don’t get it Nino… Why is he so obsessed with me? Why does he appear wherever I am?”
Nino kept being silent. He couldn’t bear to listen to his friend this sad.
“I feel like I’m trapped in some kind of a perpetual torture with no way out. No matter where I go there he is and not only that… he’s also hurting the people around me Nino. Do you remember the way he treated you during our first semester in high school?” Masaki couldn’t control the tears that kept running down his face.
“Ma-kun…”
“And he just carries on and…”
“Ma-kun… first of all, listen to me… Take slowly a few breaths ok? That’s it!” apparently Masaki was following his instructions “Now. I do remember what he used to do. How could I ever forget having found my new DS broken? But you know what Ma-kun? Having you as a friend, its’ worth is a million times more than a stupid game.”
“Really?” whispered Masaki with slightly broken voice.
Nino smiled hearing his friend’s hesitation.
“Really… Honestly I don’t think I could live without having to deal every single day with your carefree stupidity … nah! It’d be too flat for my taste!”
“……”
“Oh God! I didn’t tell you that to cry once again… you’re such a cry baby you moron!”
“So-sorry. Ok I’ll stop it” Sounds of Masaki wiping his nose could be heard through the line.
“That’s gross… be more discreet!” Nino burst into laughs “And don’t forget” his voice becoming serious again “that he left me alone after a while although I’d go against him all the time. I’m pretty sure he’ll leave Matsumoto alone too. You just worry too much.”
Masaki looked surprised at his phone before he speaks again. “How did you know it had something to do with Jun-chan?”
“Well I don’t want to disappoint you Ma-kun but you’re like an open book to me!”
Nino decided to go with that rather than he’s the only one who could have problems since no one else hang out with you. “Today after school we’ll grab some lunch together ok? Your treat!”
Aiba laughed “so said my stingy friend”
“But you love your stingy friend!” Nino said playfully.
“Yes I do”
“Ok! So now that we reaffirmed it just let me sleep for these 45 minutes left for me before I have to get up and get ready!!!” Nino pleaded sounding rather desperate.
Masaki chuckled as he knew how greedy Nino with morning sleep was. “Fine I got it! See you later!”
“Later” was all that Nino said and hang up his phone.
But he didn’t sleep. He stood up and walked towards the window. The first sunrays were already welcoming the day to come. He should feel peaceful at such a view but he rather felt sad. Why had his friend to suffer so much? He knew well that Masaki preferred to suffer alone rather than burdening the others with his problems. He knew that behind this blissful smile is hidden uneasiness and sorrow. He always pretended to notice nothing and just follow his friend’s behavior. He felt that way he helped him feel more secure.
But the previous discussion worried him. It was not that many times to receive a phone call so early in the morning from Masaki and he could tell that the other hadn’t slept at all. He bit his lower lip in frustration. How was he supposed to help?
Then it hit him. He grabbed his phone and searched through his contacts. Right before pressing the button to call he stopped. Is this the right thing to do? He felt his heartbeat pounding like crazy in his chest. Argh! It’s now or never Nino. He dialed up the number. After several beeps his call was answered. As soon as he heard the click and without leaving the other the chance to speak he said “I gave it a thought and I’m in” and immediately hung up. He sat down on the floor watching the wall before him with his hands buried in his hair. I hope I did the right thing.
………………………….
It was rare for Aiba to be ready that early in the morning but he couldn’t remain in his house any longer…
“Yamada-san I’m really sorry for calling you at this hour but you see I have this test and I want to revise a little before class” Masaki didn’t dare to look at the woman’s eyes.
“A test already? Third grade must be really tough ne? Please do your best Masaki! Don’t worry about me!” Yamada-san replied smiling warmly.
“Hun… Thanks… I guess I’ll leave now… See you in the afternoon…” Masaki looked down… How much did he hate to lie but he had no other choice it was suffocating there having spent the entire night with those kinds of thoughts.
He rushed to school as if someone was chasing him. He just wanted to meet his friend and help him get rid of all the torturing thoughts. He climbed the stairs quickly and was heading towards his classroom when he heard some voices coming from the toilets at the end of the corridor. Despite his bad feeling, his curiosity won over and got closer to the open door trying to limit his noise to zero.
Then he heard him.
“So is everything going according to the plan?”
“Yes Sakurai-sama. We have taken care of all the details. You’ve nothing to worry about. We’ll just wait for your order.”
Masaki’s stomach clenched a bit. What was that supposed to mean?! But his inner thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he heard the other’s hissed words…
“I can’t wait to look at Matsumoto’s face when he sees it!” everyone in the toilets burst into laughs.
Masaki knew he had to hurry. He had to warn Jun. But as he turned to walk away he heard them.
“A! Sakurai-sama… It seems we had company!”
Masaki looked behind his back. He was noticed. Damn it! He had to run as fast as possible but unfortunately luck was not on his side. The freshly mopped floor was a little slippery causing Masaki to land on his back. The scene should have been very entertaining to the others as they couldn’t hold back their mocking laughs.
“Bring him here… I’ll take care of him… personally…”
“As you wish Sakurai-sama” They neared Masaki and dragged him to their leader. He was left seated on a toilet lid facing the other student whose expression gave off a feeling of annoyance and excitement in the same time.
Masaki gulped knowing what will follow.
“Masaki-kun… If I remember correctly I gave you a simple piece of advice: b-e-h-a-v-e y-o-u-r-s-e-l-f. Tell me which part of it is difficult for you to comprehend fully and I’ll make it clear to you for one last time in a nice way”
Masaki shivered by the way Sho stressed the last phrase. The latter noticed Masaki’s unwanted reaction and a smirk created on his face. It was indescribable the amount of pleasure he was getting watching the other being that defenseless before him.
“Be careful. It’s the last time I forgive you. You’ve already made a mistake twice. The third time you won’t be that lucky… Got it?”
“S-second time?” Masaki knew well he shouldn’t ask for further explanations, not when you were dealing with this person but he wanted to understand… Maybe that way he could protect himself better.
The question, as simple as it might have seemed, caused Sho’s further annoyance. He grabbed Masaki’s collar and brought him close to his face. “Yes. M-a-s-a-k-i – kun second. The first was last night… Who told you that you have the right to laugh and be all happy?”
Masaki couldn’t hold it anymore. He was still grabbed by Sho but looked at him intensively and finally said it:
“Why?”
“Huh?”
“Why me… why are you doing that to me?” Masaki couldn’t hold back his tears.
“Don’t you ever dare to ask me that again…” the other replied coldly and Masaki could sense the crack of his voice
“Explain to me… please… I – I have to understand…” Masaki managed to whisper in between his sobs.
“Everything will come out in time… Be patient” Sho was also trying to hold back his tears. He should never break in front of him… at least not before it is time.
“I – I’ll be patient, I – I’ll even do wh- whatever you wish if –if that’s what you want” a few stains of Masaki’s previous tears were visible on his cheeks “but please don’t do anything to Jun-chan. I’m at fault, not him! Please…” Sho met his pleading gaze and his face lightened up once more smirking.
“You say you’re willing to do whatever I might ask you if I promise you I won’t do anything to him?!” he said grinning.
“Yes” Masaki replied quickly determined to save his new friend.
“Ok then… my first request is actually pretty simple. Don’t hang out with him; not at school not in private… I won’t tolerate any more mistakes Masaki-kun. Got it?”
“I – ”
“G-o-t i-t?” Sho looked furious.
“Y-yes. I won’t speak to him ever again if that’s what you wish” Masaki said internally crying.
“It’s a deal then. Ι’ll let you know about my second one… my little pet!” Sho said coldly and left him alone.
Is it a new start Masaki? He smiled bitterly. Nothing can change while this monster… this bastard Sakurai is here… Just when he felt tears struggling to fill his eyes once more he heard his phone ringing. He looked at the caller’s id and sighed: Jun-chan. He pressed the reject button. He left watching at his phone his brain being numb. Even if it was a cruel way it was the only way to protect his friend.
***
At the hearing of the bell he walked slowly to the classroom. Everyone was already inside.
“Masaki-kun good-morning!” a rather happy Jun patted his shoulder. Masaki stopped. His eyes met Sakurai’s warning ones. He didn’t say anything in return and without looking back at Jun he walked to his desk.
Nino had seen the whole scene: an extremely sad – almost mentally absent – Masaki, a surprised and rather confused Jun and a brightly smirking Sho. He then convinced himself that his decision was right even if he still had questions.
……………………………………….
“Masaki-kun! Masaki-kun! Wait!” Jun desperately cried out for Masaki but never got an answer as the other run towards the school’s gate. He couldn’t understand what was going on. The whole day Masaki avoided him and when he couldn’t do differently but be stuck in the same place pretended he was not there. He was so puzzled. There’s no way he changed like that in a few hours. Yesterday he was this happy to see me and today it was as if I wasn’t there… I don’t get it… Masaki is not this kind of guy… Something’s off. Maybe I should try and talk to him outside the school. Yes! That’s it… after work he’ll probably take that Bobo-chan for a walk… I’ll wait for him…
As he turned at the corner heading to the convenience store his eyes caught something pretty strange: Ohno Satoshi and Ninomiya Kazunari together. This day becomes even stranger… what is Nino doing with him? Both students looked secretive or at least as if they were wary of their surroundings.
Without any hesitation he followed them. He saw them entering this Chinese restaurant hidden in a narrow street. He came closer at the restaurant pretending to check the menu that was hanged outside giving them the time to find a table and settle down. They had taken the table at the left corner. He entered after a while hoping he won’t be noticed. He chose a table close to theirs but with a plant in between them so that it blocks him from their sights.
***
“What the hell are we doing here? I had to cancel my lunch with Ma-kun because I thought we would be somewhere more private. You make me wonder… I thought we were going to do it today!” that was Nino’s almost annoyed voice.
“I told you I know what I’m doing… why are you so reluctant to trust me?” Ohno answered in an almost annoyed tone.
“Well I’m sorry for that… but you’ve given me like… let’s say… a thousand reasons over the years?! Do you really want me to start narrating?!” Nino’s sarcasm was more than obvious “You know… I might be the double G to use your beloved buddies’ term but I couldn’t care less” Ohno gasped and looked at him straight in his eyes “Oh! Don’t look so surprised! It’s not like I’ve never noticed your and your beloved “friends”’ scorn for me as an individual, one even wrote on my desk its’ definition… you know… geek and gay?!” Nino continued without losing the control in his voice “but I can assure you I’m not stupid. It will take more than ten of you to be able to make fool of me. The fact that I decided to do that doesn’t make me immediately someone who trusts you… I’m just giving it a chance.”
Ohno couldn’t say anything. He kept looking at Nino. He could never have guessed that this person who always seemed so lost in his “game-world” even when he was with his best friend would have taken such a good notice of the ones around him. He realized he had misjudged him but that didn’t mean necessarily a bad thing. He smiled in his own thoughts.
“Well… at least I’m glad you’re an open-minded person” Ohno said and winked.
Nino felt heat around his cheeks. Crap… it’s happening again… what’s wrong with me… There’s no way I could lik-… NO! Absolutely not!
“What? You’re not one?!” Ohno asked teasingly
Nino looked puzzled “What do you mean?” followed by his now narrowing gaze towards Ohno.
“Um… you just shook your head…”
“Oh!” Nino just realized that he had shaken his head while lost in his own thoughts and felt embarrassed which caused even more heat to cover his face.
“When… when do we start?” he asked trying to clear his throat
“Let’s us enjoy our meal and we’ll talk later about that. Ok?”
“Then why did we have to come here in the first place?”
Ohno said nothing in reply and just smiled while trying the first bite of his sweet and sour duck dish which was served in the meanwhile.
“That’s delicious!!! I so love Chinese cuisine! You should try it before it gets cold!”
Nino didn’t move stubbornly. Who does he think dragging me around like that? First the café and now this?! His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he saw Ohno’s fork being directed towards him. His brain stopped working letting the food invade his mouth.
“Delicious, isn’t it?” Ohno said in a low voice and continued his meal.
***
Jun couldn’t believe his eyes. Ohno and Nino together on a date?! What was that supposed to mean? And what could they mean by “do it today…” Jun couldn’t hear what they were talking about clearly and almost choked at his own thoughts… Could it be “it”?! Jun became red only at the thought of it. Does that mean that their relationship is at that point?! Oh my God! Does that mean that Nino will leave Masaki alone? Or even get on their side? He finished his food as soon as possible... he had to organize his thoughts.
As he got up he caught from the corner of his eyes his two classmates holding their hands and happily eating their meal as if anything else mattered in this world. He sighed and left in a precautious way the restaurant. Why would it have to become so complicated?
***
“Have you finished?”
“Yes”
“Then let’s go!” Satoshi said and got up “We have no time!”
“What?” it was as if Nino didn’t pay attention to the other’s words.
“I’m pretty sure I told you how the plan works” Satoshi whispered in his ear before getting up from the table.
Nino said nothing in return. He then watched his phone’s screen once again:
From: Little Bastard
Next to us is Matsumoto sitting.
He’s been following us almost since we left school.
He shall never find out. So care to do a little act?
Nino kept walking a few inches behind Ohno Satoshi. He thought that he was the one on alert yet he had not noticed Jun all this time. He took a closer look of the other. He always looked as if spaced-out, emotionless yet he paid attention to everything and everyone around him and… even if Nino didn’t want to admit it he had a power over him… he stopped and sighed he can take my control. And then he panicked… He shouldn’t have taken that lightly hearted his decision… Who is in reality this Ohno Satoshi? Why does Sho know everything about Masaki? No he wouldn’t do it simply like that… for his and Masaki’s sake.
“Wait…”
Ohno slowed down his pace but never stopped “We have no time”
“I changed my mind…”
The other one froze… He looked back at his classmate with questioning eyes.
“Are you kidding me Ni-no-mi-ya – san? You think it’s some kind of joke? I thought I told you that once you tell me your decision, that will be your final and now you say «I changed my mind? »”
Nino thought Ohno Satoshi wouldn’t get that angry… at least given his usually expressionless face…
“No! What I mean is that I won’t do it simply like that…”
“What do you mean? I thought you were doing it for your friend!” Satoshi’s tone was still harsh.
“Of course I’m doing it for my friend!” It was Nino’s turn to get angry “I’m just not fucking doing it without learning every single detail… You told me the plan but you didn’t explain to me the reason why Sakurai Sho is doing that! Do you… do you expect me to do it simply like that? I got panicked and said yes and I mean it but…” his tone gradually became calm once again “but not without knowing everything about it…” his eyes were fixed on the ground.
Satoshi didn’t reply for some minutes; minutes that for Nino seemed like years.
“Fine. Come to my place tomorrow at 5 pm. I’ll send you the address”
As Nino was ready to thank him he realized that the other one was already walking away from him. Was he angry with him? Without even know why he ran and grabbed him by the elbow.
“Don’t get me wrong… It’s just that… I want to know everything so that I can successfully carry out our plan…knowing only a part is always worse than knowing nothing isn’t it? I really want to help but it’s my nature not to trust people easily… like that Matsumoto Jun…”
Ohno chuckled softly at the hearing of the last name spoken.
“I guess you’re right. I guess we’re at the same boat… I don’t trust easily either… As for Matsumoto…”
“What about him? You know something?” asked Nino with eagerness to find out.
“As for Matsumoto is not our business… Don’t think about too many things in the same time… they could only harm you. You better focus on one at a time. We’ll talk later. Ok?”
Nino nodded. “Thank you…”
“You’re welcome…” Satoshi flashed another warm this time smile that had the same effect on Nino’s cheeks: too much heat.
………………………………………….
“Excuse me! Is there anyone here to take my order?”
“Yes sir! I’m coming!” Jun looked at the clock on the wall… he had to work one more hour until his shift was over. Hopefully he could meet Masaki.
“What would you like to drink?” Jun’s cores dilated at the sight in front of him
“Wow! Matsumoto-san I have to say that you’re the last person I expected to meet here! Don’t tell me this is your part-time job?” Sakurai Sho was sitting there flushing the most innocently covered, wide smile possible.
“Yes. Sakurai this is my part time” replied Jun narrowing his eyes. “Do you mind telling me your orders because there are other customers waiting and I’m on my own today” he continued coldly in an almost staccato way.
“Oh! That’s great… then guys we shall come every day… we have to help our poor classmates in need!” Sho said mockingly and was followed by his ‘friends’.
“Coffee. That would be good” he continued scanning the waiter from head to toe.
“Sorry Sakurai could you be more specific? What kind of coffee? We have many types” Jun’s tone was a bit angry.
“It’s the second time you call me Sakurai” said Sho clenching his teeth “Be careful… It’s enough that there is no smile on your face when you work at a café named «Smile»” the others at the table burst into laughs. “So… Can you name them please?” Sho wouldn’t lose the game, not after what happened at school with Masaki the first day during lunch time.
“You know there’s a catalogue. Consult it and tell me” Jun was at the edge of yelling but knew that something like that would cause him his job and he needed it desperately.
“Yes… but I want to hear them by your melodic voice Jun-chan” Sho said trying to mimic Masaki’s tone “Doooo it please and who knows? I might even praise you to your boss or give you a pretty good tip. I suppose you’re really in need of one, aren’t you?”
Jun was already clenching his fists but said nothing. Only damage could come out of an open contradiction with Sakurai Sho in the café. He took a deep breath and started naming the types of coffee “Very well. We have filter coffee, americano, espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, café au lait and viennois”
“Wow! I’m impressed!” was Sho’s mocking voice. “The one you suggest then” continued and winked. The others tried desperately to hold back their almost neurotic laughs.
Jun left their table and came back a few minutes later with their coffees.
“So what did you bring us in the end?”
“That’s Americano”
“Your taste is really weird… it better tastes good”
“I brought it because I see a few similarities between you too” Jun said with a slight smirk.
“What do you mean by that?” Sho hissed feeling his whole nervous system tensing
“Americano is actually one dose of espresso made in a large cup of boiled water. So if you did the parallelism you could describe it as someone really small trying to look bigger than he really is… but it does taste good. Don’t worry that’s perhaps your only difference: you would never taste good no matter what! Now if you excuse me” Jun felt so proud of himself… He was smiling when he bowed. He thought he had won. But before he was able to leave…
“You know you’re quite handsome… It’s a pity to work as a waiter. I could easily get you in a host club. I have a few acquaintances that could turn out helpful… you could earn more than triple of your salary in just one night!”
“Not interested… thanks for your concern…” Jun faked a smile trying to avoid the other’s gaze and headed to the next table.
***
“Is everything as I ordered?” Sho asked the others once he was sure Jun could not hear them
“Of course Sakurai-sama. Everything is ready we just wait for your further instructions”
“I’m planning to wait for a few days. It’s certainly going to be interesting having him as my little pet…” At last, I can have Aiba for himself… no Jun-chan anymore… Sho smiled at his own thoughts. No one could make him change his plans but his little ‘agreement’ with Aiba Masaki would spice up things for sure.
“Wait and see my little Masaki-kun… you’ll be really surprised to find out about your precious Jun-chan… just wait…”
TO BE CONTINUED
A.N. So here is the third chapter! I know everyone was expecting Sho's big surpise (please don't kill me) but well... I believe you slightly got the idea ne?! ;) This chapter is more like a bridge so that the real 'action' begins from the next one... Hope it doesn't dissappoint you!
Thanks for all of your comments in the previous chapters! (Please comment in this one as well?! I want to know your opinions!) It surely gives me courage to continue working on this fic! Thank you aaaaaall! <3
“Yes?” a barely hearable voice spoke
“Are you awake?”
“Well now thanks to you I am Ma-kun” Nino sat up on his bed and took a look at the alarm clock placed next to his bed “You’ve got to be kidding meeeee… It’s only 6:30 am… What do you want???”
“……..”
“Are you even serious?! You wake me up and yet you don’t speak????” Nino was fully awakened now.
“Nino… I can’t… I just can’t anymore… I…”
Nino who had already prepared another dose of complaints stopped before spitting it out after hearing his best friend’s sobs.
“Ma-kun what’s wrong? You know you can tell me anything right? What happened?”
“It’s him… Sakurai… When will he ever leave me alone? I don’t get it Nino… Why is he so obsessed with me? Why does he appear wherever I am?”
Nino kept being silent. He couldn’t bear to listen to his friend this sad.
“I feel like I’m trapped in some kind of a perpetual torture with no way out. No matter where I go there he is and not only that… he’s also hurting the people around me Nino. Do you remember the way he treated you during our first semester in high school?” Masaki couldn’t control the tears that kept running down his face.
“Ma-kun…”
“And he just carries on and…”
“Ma-kun… first of all, listen to me… Take slowly a few breaths ok? That’s it!” apparently Masaki was following his instructions “Now. I do remember what he used to do. How could I ever forget having found my new DS broken? But you know what Ma-kun? Having you as a friend, its’ worth is a million times more than a stupid game.”
“Really?” whispered Masaki with slightly broken voice.
Nino smiled hearing his friend’s hesitation.
“Really… Honestly I don’t think I could live without having to deal every single day with your carefree stupidity … nah! It’d be too flat for my taste!”
“……”
“Oh God! I didn’t tell you that to cry once again… you’re such a cry baby you moron!”
“So-sorry. Ok I’ll stop it” Sounds of Masaki wiping his nose could be heard through the line.
“That’s gross… be more discreet!” Nino burst into laughs “And don’t forget” his voice becoming serious again “that he left me alone after a while although I’d go against him all the time. I’m pretty sure he’ll leave Matsumoto alone too. You just worry too much.”
Masaki looked surprised at his phone before he speaks again. “How did you know it had something to do with Jun-chan?”
“Well I don’t want to disappoint you Ma-kun but you’re like an open book to me!”
Nino decided to go with that rather than he’s the only one who could have problems since no one else hang out with you. “Today after school we’ll grab some lunch together ok? Your treat!”
Aiba laughed “so said my stingy friend”
“But you love your stingy friend!” Nino said playfully.
“Yes I do”
“Ok! So now that we reaffirmed it just let me sleep for these 45 minutes left for me before I have to get up and get ready!!!” Nino pleaded sounding rather desperate.
Masaki chuckled as he knew how greedy Nino with morning sleep was. “Fine I got it! See you later!”
“Later” was all that Nino said and hang up his phone.
But he didn’t sleep. He stood up and walked towards the window. The first sunrays were already welcoming the day to come. He should feel peaceful at such a view but he rather felt sad. Why had his friend to suffer so much? He knew well that Masaki preferred to suffer alone rather than burdening the others with his problems. He knew that behind this blissful smile is hidden uneasiness and sorrow. He always pretended to notice nothing and just follow his friend’s behavior. He felt that way he helped him feel more secure.
But the previous discussion worried him. It was not that many times to receive a phone call so early in the morning from Masaki and he could tell that the other hadn’t slept at all. He bit his lower lip in frustration. How was he supposed to help?
Then it hit him. He grabbed his phone and searched through his contacts. Right before pressing the button to call he stopped. Is this the right thing to do? He felt his heartbeat pounding like crazy in his chest. Argh! It’s now or never Nino. He dialed up the number. After several beeps his call was answered. As soon as he heard the click and without leaving the other the chance to speak he said “I gave it a thought and I’m in” and immediately hung up. He sat down on the floor watching the wall before him with his hands buried in his hair. I hope I did the right thing.
………………………….
It was rare for Aiba to be ready that early in the morning but he couldn’t remain in his house any longer…
“Yamada-san I’m really sorry for calling you at this hour but you see I have this test and I want to revise a little before class” Masaki didn’t dare to look at the woman’s eyes.
“A test already? Third grade must be really tough ne? Please do your best Masaki! Don’t worry about me!” Yamada-san replied smiling warmly.
“Hun… Thanks… I guess I’ll leave now… See you in the afternoon…” Masaki looked down… How much did he hate to lie but he had no other choice it was suffocating there having spent the entire night with those kinds of thoughts.
He rushed to school as if someone was chasing him. He just wanted to meet his friend and help him get rid of all the torturing thoughts. He climbed the stairs quickly and was heading towards his classroom when he heard some voices coming from the toilets at the end of the corridor. Despite his bad feeling, his curiosity won over and got closer to the open door trying to limit his noise to zero.
Then he heard him.
“So is everything going according to the plan?”
“Yes Sakurai-sama. We have taken care of all the details. You’ve nothing to worry about. We’ll just wait for your order.”
Masaki’s stomach clenched a bit. What was that supposed to mean?! But his inner thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he heard the other’s hissed words…
“I can’t wait to look at Matsumoto’s face when he sees it!” everyone in the toilets burst into laughs.
Masaki knew he had to hurry. He had to warn Jun. But as he turned to walk away he heard them.
“A! Sakurai-sama… It seems we had company!”
Masaki looked behind his back. He was noticed. Damn it! He had to run as fast as possible but unfortunately luck was not on his side. The freshly mopped floor was a little slippery causing Masaki to land on his back. The scene should have been very entertaining to the others as they couldn’t hold back their mocking laughs.
“Bring him here… I’ll take care of him… personally…”
“As you wish Sakurai-sama” They neared Masaki and dragged him to their leader. He was left seated on a toilet lid facing the other student whose expression gave off a feeling of annoyance and excitement in the same time.
Masaki gulped knowing what will follow.
“Masaki-kun… If I remember correctly I gave you a simple piece of advice: b-e-h-a-v-e y-o-u-r-s-e-l-f. Tell me which part of it is difficult for you to comprehend fully and I’ll make it clear to you for one last time in a nice way”
Masaki shivered by the way Sho stressed the last phrase. The latter noticed Masaki’s unwanted reaction and a smirk created on his face. It was indescribable the amount of pleasure he was getting watching the other being that defenseless before him.
“Be careful. It’s the last time I forgive you. You’ve already made a mistake twice. The third time you won’t be that lucky… Got it?”
“S-second time?” Masaki knew well he shouldn’t ask for further explanations, not when you were dealing with this person but he wanted to understand… Maybe that way he could protect himself better.
The question, as simple as it might have seemed, caused Sho’s further annoyance. He grabbed Masaki’s collar and brought him close to his face. “Yes. M-a-s-a-k-i – kun second. The first was last night… Who told you that you have the right to laugh and be all happy?”
Masaki couldn’t hold it anymore. He was still grabbed by Sho but looked at him intensively and finally said it:
“Why?”
“Huh?”
“Why me… why are you doing that to me?” Masaki couldn’t hold back his tears.
“Don’t you ever dare to ask me that again…” the other replied coldly and Masaki could sense the crack of his voice
“Explain to me… please… I – I have to understand…” Masaki managed to whisper in between his sobs.
“Everything will come out in time… Be patient” Sho was also trying to hold back his tears. He should never break in front of him… at least not before it is time.
“I – I’ll be patient, I – I’ll even do wh- whatever you wish if –if that’s what you want” a few stains of Masaki’s previous tears were visible on his cheeks “but please don’t do anything to Jun-chan. I’m at fault, not him! Please…” Sho met his pleading gaze and his face lightened up once more smirking.
“You say you’re willing to do whatever I might ask you if I promise you I won’t do anything to him?!” he said grinning.
“Yes” Masaki replied quickly determined to save his new friend.
“Ok then… my first request is actually pretty simple. Don’t hang out with him; not at school not in private… I won’t tolerate any more mistakes Masaki-kun. Got it?”
“I – ”
“G-o-t i-t?” Sho looked furious.
“Y-yes. I won’t speak to him ever again if that’s what you wish” Masaki said internally crying.
“It’s a deal then. Ι’ll let you know about my second one… my little pet!” Sho said coldly and left him alone.
Is it a new start Masaki? He smiled bitterly. Nothing can change while this monster… this bastard Sakurai is here… Just when he felt tears struggling to fill his eyes once more he heard his phone ringing. He looked at the caller’s id and sighed: Jun-chan. He pressed the reject button. He left watching at his phone his brain being numb. Even if it was a cruel way it was the only way to protect his friend.
***
At the hearing of the bell he walked slowly to the classroom. Everyone was already inside.
“Masaki-kun good-morning!” a rather happy Jun patted his shoulder. Masaki stopped. His eyes met Sakurai’s warning ones. He didn’t say anything in return and without looking back at Jun he walked to his desk.
Nino had seen the whole scene: an extremely sad – almost mentally absent – Masaki, a surprised and rather confused Jun and a brightly smirking Sho. He then convinced himself that his decision was right even if he still had questions.
……………………………………….
“Masaki-kun! Masaki-kun! Wait!” Jun desperately cried out for Masaki but never got an answer as the other run towards the school’s gate. He couldn’t understand what was going on. The whole day Masaki avoided him and when he couldn’t do differently but be stuck in the same place pretended he was not there. He was so puzzled. There’s no way he changed like that in a few hours. Yesterday he was this happy to see me and today it was as if I wasn’t there… I don’t get it… Masaki is not this kind of guy… Something’s off. Maybe I should try and talk to him outside the school. Yes! That’s it… after work he’ll probably take that Bobo-chan for a walk… I’ll wait for him…
As he turned at the corner heading to the convenience store his eyes caught something pretty strange: Ohno Satoshi and Ninomiya Kazunari together. This day becomes even stranger… what is Nino doing with him? Both students looked secretive or at least as if they were wary of their surroundings.
Without any hesitation he followed them. He saw them entering this Chinese restaurant hidden in a narrow street. He came closer at the restaurant pretending to check the menu that was hanged outside giving them the time to find a table and settle down. They had taken the table at the left corner. He entered after a while hoping he won’t be noticed. He chose a table close to theirs but with a plant in between them so that it blocks him from their sights.
***
“What the hell are we doing here? I had to cancel my lunch with Ma-kun because I thought we would be somewhere more private. You make me wonder… I thought we were going to do it today!” that was Nino’s almost annoyed voice.
“I told you I know what I’m doing… why are you so reluctant to trust me?” Ohno answered in an almost annoyed tone.
“Well I’m sorry for that… but you’ve given me like… let’s say… a thousand reasons over the years?! Do you really want me to start narrating?!” Nino’s sarcasm was more than obvious “You know… I might be the double G to use your beloved buddies’ term but I couldn’t care less” Ohno gasped and looked at him straight in his eyes “Oh! Don’t look so surprised! It’s not like I’ve never noticed your and your beloved “friends”’ scorn for me as an individual, one even wrote on my desk its’ definition… you know… geek and gay?!” Nino continued without losing the control in his voice “but I can assure you I’m not stupid. It will take more than ten of you to be able to make fool of me. The fact that I decided to do that doesn’t make me immediately someone who trusts you… I’m just giving it a chance.”
Ohno couldn’t say anything. He kept looking at Nino. He could never have guessed that this person who always seemed so lost in his “game-world” even when he was with his best friend would have taken such a good notice of the ones around him. He realized he had misjudged him but that didn’t mean necessarily a bad thing. He smiled in his own thoughts.
“Well… at least I’m glad you’re an open-minded person” Ohno said and winked.
Nino felt heat around his cheeks. Crap… it’s happening again… what’s wrong with me… There’s no way I could lik-… NO! Absolutely not!
“What? You’re not one?!” Ohno asked teasingly
Nino looked puzzled “What do you mean?” followed by his now narrowing gaze towards Ohno.
“Um… you just shook your head…”
“Oh!” Nino just realized that he had shaken his head while lost in his own thoughts and felt embarrassed which caused even more heat to cover his face.
“When… when do we start?” he asked trying to clear his throat
“Let’s us enjoy our meal and we’ll talk later about that. Ok?”
“Then why did we have to come here in the first place?”
Ohno said nothing in reply and just smiled while trying the first bite of his sweet and sour duck dish which was served in the meanwhile.
“That’s delicious!!! I so love Chinese cuisine! You should try it before it gets cold!”
Nino didn’t move stubbornly. Who does he think dragging me around like that? First the café and now this?! His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he saw Ohno’s fork being directed towards him. His brain stopped working letting the food invade his mouth.
“Delicious, isn’t it?” Ohno said in a low voice and continued his meal.
***
Jun couldn’t believe his eyes. Ohno and Nino together on a date?! What was that supposed to mean? And what could they mean by “do it today…” Jun couldn’t hear what they were talking about clearly and almost choked at his own thoughts… Could it be “it”?! Jun became red only at the thought of it. Does that mean that their relationship is at that point?! Oh my God! Does that mean that Nino will leave Masaki alone? Or even get on their side? He finished his food as soon as possible... he had to organize his thoughts.
As he got up he caught from the corner of his eyes his two classmates holding their hands and happily eating their meal as if anything else mattered in this world. He sighed and left in a precautious way the restaurant. Why would it have to become so complicated?
***
“Have you finished?”
“Yes”
“Then let’s go!” Satoshi said and got up “We have no time!”
“What?” it was as if Nino didn’t pay attention to the other’s words.
“I’m pretty sure I told you how the plan works” Satoshi whispered in his ear before getting up from the table.
Nino said nothing in return. He then watched his phone’s screen once again:
From: Little Bastard
Next to us is Matsumoto sitting.
He’s been following us almost since we left school.
He shall never find out. So care to do a little act?
Nino kept walking a few inches behind Ohno Satoshi. He thought that he was the one on alert yet he had not noticed Jun all this time. He took a closer look of the other. He always looked as if spaced-out, emotionless yet he paid attention to everything and everyone around him and… even if Nino didn’t want to admit it he had a power over him… he stopped and sighed he can take my control. And then he panicked… He shouldn’t have taken that lightly hearted his decision… Who is in reality this Ohno Satoshi? Why does Sho know everything about Masaki? No he wouldn’t do it simply like that… for his and Masaki’s sake.
“Wait…”
Ohno slowed down his pace but never stopped “We have no time”
“I changed my mind…”
The other one froze… He looked back at his classmate with questioning eyes.
“Are you kidding me Ni-no-mi-ya – san? You think it’s some kind of joke? I thought I told you that once you tell me your decision, that will be your final and now you say «I changed my mind? »”
Nino thought Ohno Satoshi wouldn’t get that angry… at least given his usually expressionless face…
“No! What I mean is that I won’t do it simply like that…”
“What do you mean? I thought you were doing it for your friend!” Satoshi’s tone was still harsh.
“Of course I’m doing it for my friend!” It was Nino’s turn to get angry “I’m just not fucking doing it without learning every single detail… You told me the plan but you didn’t explain to me the reason why Sakurai Sho is doing that! Do you… do you expect me to do it simply like that? I got panicked and said yes and I mean it but…” his tone gradually became calm once again “but not without knowing everything about it…” his eyes were fixed on the ground.
Satoshi didn’t reply for some minutes; minutes that for Nino seemed like years.
“Fine. Come to my place tomorrow at 5 pm. I’ll send you the address”
As Nino was ready to thank him he realized that the other one was already walking away from him. Was he angry with him? Without even know why he ran and grabbed him by the elbow.
“Don’t get me wrong… It’s just that… I want to know everything so that I can successfully carry out our plan…knowing only a part is always worse than knowing nothing isn’t it? I really want to help but it’s my nature not to trust people easily… like that Matsumoto Jun…”
Ohno chuckled softly at the hearing of the last name spoken.
“I guess you’re right. I guess we’re at the same boat… I don’t trust easily either… As for Matsumoto…”
“What about him? You know something?” asked Nino with eagerness to find out.
“As for Matsumoto is not our business… Don’t think about too many things in the same time… they could only harm you. You better focus on one at a time. We’ll talk later. Ok?”
Nino nodded. “Thank you…”
“You’re welcome…” Satoshi flashed another warm this time smile that had the same effect on Nino’s cheeks: too much heat.
………………………………………….
“Excuse me! Is there anyone here to take my order?”
“Yes sir! I’m coming!” Jun looked at the clock on the wall… he had to work one more hour until his shift was over. Hopefully he could meet Masaki.
“What would you like to drink?” Jun’s cores dilated at the sight in front of him
“Wow! Matsumoto-san I have to say that you’re the last person I expected to meet here! Don’t tell me this is your part-time job?” Sakurai Sho was sitting there flushing the most innocently covered, wide smile possible.
“Yes. Sakurai this is my part time” replied Jun narrowing his eyes. “Do you mind telling me your orders because there are other customers waiting and I’m on my own today” he continued coldly in an almost staccato way.
“Oh! That’s great… then guys we shall come every day… we have to help our poor classmates in need!” Sho said mockingly and was followed by his ‘friends’.
“Coffee. That would be good” he continued scanning the waiter from head to toe.
“Sorry Sakurai could you be more specific? What kind of coffee? We have many types” Jun’s tone was a bit angry.
“It’s the second time you call me Sakurai” said Sho clenching his teeth “Be careful… It’s enough that there is no smile on your face when you work at a café named «Smile»” the others at the table burst into laughs. “So… Can you name them please?” Sho wouldn’t lose the game, not after what happened at school with Masaki the first day during lunch time.
“You know there’s a catalogue. Consult it and tell me” Jun was at the edge of yelling but knew that something like that would cause him his job and he needed it desperately.
“Yes… but I want to hear them by your melodic voice Jun-chan” Sho said trying to mimic Masaki’s tone “Doooo it please and who knows? I might even praise you to your boss or give you a pretty good tip. I suppose you’re really in need of one, aren’t you?”
Jun was already clenching his fists but said nothing. Only damage could come out of an open contradiction with Sakurai Sho in the café. He took a deep breath and started naming the types of coffee “Very well. We have filter coffee, americano, espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, café au lait and viennois”
“Wow! I’m impressed!” was Sho’s mocking voice. “The one you suggest then” continued and winked. The others tried desperately to hold back their almost neurotic laughs.
Jun left their table and came back a few minutes later with their coffees.
“So what did you bring us in the end?”
“That’s Americano”
“Your taste is really weird… it better tastes good”
“I brought it because I see a few similarities between you too” Jun said with a slight smirk.
“What do you mean by that?” Sho hissed feeling his whole nervous system tensing
“Americano is actually one dose of espresso made in a large cup of boiled water. So if you did the parallelism you could describe it as someone really small trying to look bigger than he really is… but it does taste good. Don’t worry that’s perhaps your only difference: you would never taste good no matter what! Now if you excuse me” Jun felt so proud of himself… He was smiling when he bowed. He thought he had won. But before he was able to leave…
“You know you’re quite handsome… It’s a pity to work as a waiter. I could easily get you in a host club. I have a few acquaintances that could turn out helpful… you could earn more than triple of your salary in just one night!”
“Not interested… thanks for your concern…” Jun faked a smile trying to avoid the other’s gaze and headed to the next table.
***
“Is everything as I ordered?” Sho asked the others once he was sure Jun could not hear them
“Of course Sakurai-sama. Everything is ready we just wait for your further instructions”
“I’m planning to wait for a few days. It’s certainly going to be interesting having him as my little pet…” At last, I can have Aiba for himself… no Jun-chan anymore… Sho smiled at his own thoughts. No one could make him change his plans but his little ‘agreement’ with Aiba Masaki would spice up things for sure.
“Wait and see my little Masaki-kun… you’ll be really surprised to find out about your precious Jun-chan… just wait…”
TO BE CONTINUED
A.N. So here is the third chapter! I know everyone was expecting Sho's big surpise (
Thanks for all of your comments in the previous chapters! (Please comment in this one as well?! I want to know your opinions!) It surely gives me courage to continue working on this fic! Thank you aaaaaall! <3
Current Location: my bed
Current Music: Zero-g - Arashi
Current Mood: 
bored
bored31 comments | Leave a comment
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}