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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) - R(ish) towards the end
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) - R(ish) towards the end
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 4
Masaki hadn’t left his room all evening. He felt exhausted emotionally. Even Nino turned his back on him this noon. He kept rolling around his bed. He had no courage not even to take Bobo-chan for his regular walk. What if he came across Jun again? He couldn’t risk it…
Suddenly he heard his phone vibrating; he had received a message.
From: Nino-chan
Sorry
Ma-kun I know you’re probably mad about the lunch but I swear I had an unexpected emergency that came across. If you still count me as your friend please come tο my house… I’ve been expecting you
p.s. I love you
“Baka… you know I can’t handle this kind of words…” Masaki said to himself in a trembling voice and wiped his tears with the back of his hands. His mood became lighter once again.
“Mum is it ok for me to go to Nino’s? I won’t be late… just to check on some homework ok?” his mother nodded. It may have been Aiba’s idea but he was sure he saw his mother smiling causing him a smile as well.
***
Masaki was already walking towards his friends’ house. That stupid Nino… I swear he’ll pay for this noon… waiting outside a restaurant for 20 minutes like an idiot to grab some lunch together when it was my treat… Masaki kept thinking and pouting. Suddenly he felt his phone vibrating. Don’t tell me he’s cancelling again?! I’m sooo going to kill him this time! So without thinking much and without watching the sender he hit the call button just to hear the voice he wished the least at the moment.
“What’s up Masaki-kun? Missed me so much you couldn’t resist hearing my voice?”
Masaki froze. How could Sakurai possibly have my number?
“What is it Masaki-kun? Are you that surprised it’s me or is it that I make you lose your voice…?”
Masaki looked at his phone’s screen before putting it back to his ear.
“So I guess it’s the second one…” Masaki frowned.
“How do you have my number?” he tried to sound brave.
“I told you, I think, I know everything about you, didn’t I? But please…” said rather ironically “don’t look so puzzled and don’t frown…” Masaki’s alarm went on. He looked around him but couldn’t get a glimpse of him; there was just a group of younger children and a mother with a baby stroller.
“Are you f-following me again?” his voice was more like a whisper
“I just called you to remind you our deal… It’s still on right?” Masaki could feel the warning tone in the other’s voice
“Yes… Of course it… is. What… what do you want?”
“I knew you were smart enough… Come to the address I sent you via text at 10 o’clock sharply”
“But… I…”
“No buts Masaki-kun. I thought I have made myself clear and you accepted it. Don’t make me lose my patience again. End of discussion” all Masaki could hear afterwards was his phone’s beep sounds. The other had already hung up.
He looked at the message:
From: Unknown number
My little pet
Come to “Typhoon” club – 33 Hashima str. – 10 o’clock.
If you’re late your pretty Jun-chan will face the consequences.
SS
His grip tightened even more after reading the message. He felt anger mixed with frustration threatening to come to surface. He took a few deep breaths. He had to calm himself. He didn’t know what to expect but it would certainly be no good.
His phone vibrated again. What now? But then he looked at the sender:
From: Nino-chan
(No Subject)
Where are you???
Don’t tell me you need instructions to come here…
You better get your ass here quickly…
I’m way too hungry to come and get you ><
Masaki hurried up. He felt really lucky to have such a bratty yet deeply loving friend.
***
“Finally… you found your way here! Come in!”
Nino advanced inside his house without waiting for his guest. Masaki smiled seeing his friend acting all normal.
“So you’re not mad at me for being late” Masaki said in a low voice as he entered the living room.
“No… I mean I did worse this noon… right? So with that we’re even!” Nino threw his arms up in the air and then turned to look at his a friend with a wide grin. “Which means…?”
“Means what?” Masaki dared to ask despite already guessing what he’s friend was talking about.
“It means I’m not obliged to treat you to dinner anymore as I was thinking!” Nino’s face brightened as he came to that conclusion and smirked playfully as he saw disappointment drawn on his best friend’s face.
“Don’t be like that… I still love you” Nino was now really close to Masaki trying to transmit all the possible cuteness he had.
“Uff… you and your sappy words” was Masaki’s reply while looking down at his feet fighting to keep his tears of joy inside.
The truth is they never revealed all the details of their perspective lives. But still it would feel as if they shared everything. Masaki knew that behind this bratty and full of arrogance attitude was hiding a loyal friend… a brother. He never dared to form into sentences these thoughts but he was pretty sure the other knew… the same way he was sure that Nino knew about his feelings for him.
He could never forget the first time he met Nino. It was so many years ago…
He was a first grade student and he felt lonely. He had just entered that new, difficult part of his life when Nino came to ask him to play with him throw and catch with his new baseball glove. He looked like an angel with his cute face. It was not until later Masaki discovered that behind that cute face there was a well hidden bratty little devil.
“Hey…. Earth calls Masaki! Ma-kun what is going on?” Nino kept waving his hand back and forth in front of Masaki’s face. “So pizza or hamburger?”
“What?” Masaki’s brain didn’t want to cooperate
Nino sighed. “Never mind. Hamburger it is” He dialed the number and made his order. After hanging up, he felt a cushion landing on his face.
“What was that for?” Nino asked and narrowed his eyes.
“I wanted pizza…” Masaki said in reply and looked at him pleadingly
“Don’t try to play dirty here. Stop using your puppy eyes… it won’t work. You had your chance”
“You always end up justifying your actions by accusing me…” whined Masaki in a playful way but all he received was Nino’s tongue saying hello to him.
They stared at each other and burst into laughs. Masaki felt so at ease hanging out with him. It almost felt like home. Nino’s parents were working in the national classical orchestra so most of the time it would be Nino on his own. He was glad he was welcomed when he couldn’t invite Nino to his own house. It was not that he didn’t trust Nino; it was just that he didn’t want to be defined by his situation. Yet after so many years Nino never asked why; never pushed him to give a single explanation as if he understood and respected his choice.
“Thank you” it was Masaki’s whisper
“Eh?”
“Thank you for being who you are... and don’t make me repeat it” Masaki tried to act as annoyed but failed… his voice was too shaky.
“I love you too… You know that right?” Masaki just nodded and embraced him. He needed that hug. It gave him strength to face that Sakurai later…
The doorbell sounded. “I’ll get it” Nino broke the hug and almost run towards the door. “Hamburger is calling meeeee”
Masaki smiled. Stop acting like a 5 year-old boy. He walked towards the kitchen to get some plates and glasses when he heard Nino’s phone. I should better take it to him… As he grabbed it he looked at the screen and by chance saw something he was definitely not expecting to see.
When they sat down and started to eat, Masaki couldn’t hold it anymore.
“Is there anything you might want to share?”
Nino looked up at him confused but shook his head negatively.
“How about a Little Bastard who calls you cutie?” Masaki said and raised an eyebrow.
Nino choked with his food. He couldn’t believe what his ears just heard.
“Take it easy. That’s what happens when you put too much food in your mouth!” Nino was too shocked to make any kind of response.
“Just how much do you like hamburger… really!!! Here take the napkin!” Nino caught the flying napkin and cleared himself.
“Wha- who, when what? How?” was all Nino could say after drinking some water
“So… tell me…”
“Tell you what Ma-kun?” Nino tried to act cool avoiding the other’s gaze
“Since when do you have a boyfriend? Why didn’t you tell me anything? I thought we were friends…” Masaki pouted.
Nino was holding his temple. He couldn’t believe how careless he had been. What if Masaki found out the truth?
“Hey… I’m talking to you… tell me… is this little bastard the reason you stood me up today?”
Nino didn’t answer. He then felt arms around him and he looked up meeting his friend’s eyes.
“I take your blush as a yes then” said Masaki enthusiastically making Nino blush even deeper. “I’m so happy for you!!! Just give me details later ok?” Masaki winked – or at least tried to wink causing Nino to smile.
“Yes. Ma-kun I promise I’ll tell you everything when the time comes…” and that was not a lie.
………………………………..
Sho was smiling. Tonight it will be fun! Having these thoughts captivating his mind he went home after having made sure there was no secret meeting between Aiba Masaki and this Matsumoto Jun.
He had no intention to ruin his mood not even when some water was spilled over him during dinner, this time not in his bedroom like always but in the dining room with everyone. Everyone at the household was dumbfounded. How could it even be possible there were no loud tone, no insults, no yelling?
“I just wanted to say that I’m really happy you finally remembered you have a family”
The one who spoke was Sakurai Shun; one of the most powerful men in Japan: CEO of a media colossus with dreams of entering the political scene in the near future.
“Don’t take me wrong Sakurai-san…” Sho started to speak but was cut abruptly by his mother.
“Sho this is not the proper way to speak to your father” her tone was strict and absolute.
“As I was saying mother Sakurai-san should not be the one talking about family. He might have bought you with his money but this doesn’t mean that he has bought me as well” Sho’s answer was spoken calmly, an extremely rare case for him.
For Sho’s luck, Sakurai Shun decided to remain silent this time.
“If you say another word you’ll be grounded. No money and no car!” his mother’s fury was written in her eyes. She was used to her son’s rude attitude but to defy his father was just too much for her. “Apologize immediately to your father!”
“Due to respect I will apologize this time but you make a mistake here. I may have his name but he’s not my father and will never be” Sho’s tears were threatening to outburst. “My father is no longer here… so please don’t confuse things... Ok?” it was more like a plea rather than a question.
“But you like to spend his money living a luxurious but meaningless life” his mother’s comment pierced his heart like a cold knife.
Yes he was living like that… he had to forget… he had to convince himself that he could get over it… he had to use the source of his own misfortune, his own suffer as the means to make the others taste this kind of suffer as well.
He looked at his mother’s eyes smiling bitterly. “Whatever” was all he could say and ran upstairs to hide in his bedroom.
***
He cried… he cried like never in his life. All those well hidden emotions suddenly came out and Sho had no intention to fight against them… he was just tired of everything, pretending the strong one. He dialed the only number he could.
“Yes? Sho?”
“Satoshi… Could you please come over?” Sho’s voice was trembling
“Are you alright? You don’t sound yourself… What happened?” Satoshi’s voice sounded worried.
Sho laughed bitterly. “The usual shit from the usual bitch… You know…”
“I’m coming right away but I’d prefer if you didn’t speak for her like that. She’s your mother Sho”
“So what? The fact that she’s a bitch doesn’t change”
Sho could hear Satoshi sigh. “You just hurt yourself more… Anyway wait for me I’m coming…”
***
As Satoshi approached Sho’s door he listened to music. It was a guitar. He still has it… His heart ached realizing once again the pain that was inside his best friend’s chest. Don’t worry Sho I’ll do my best to help you ease that pain. I made that promise to you that day and I intend to keep it.
Sho was so preoccupied playing that he didn’t notice his best friend’s presence next to him until he finished the song.
“Satoshi… you came…” his eyes were red and puffy. His friend could tell he was crying the whole time.
“I wonder what the others would say if they looked at you right now…” Satoshi said trying to sound cheerful.
“Satoshi! I didn’t call you to come here to listen to this crap…”
“Don’t be like that it was just a joke…” Satoshi’s voice became warmer “What happened? Can you tell me now?”
Sho got up, put his guitar back to the closet and started walking up and down feeling his anger get all over him once more. “I decided to eat with them and they started the same bullshit – that we’re family and I should act like a part of it blah blah blah. You know what’s the most frustrating? My mum, that useless creature totally ruled by his money…” he sighed “I wish she could be stronger than that. She wasn’t like that…” he stops walking “The mother I used to have, was not like that…” Sho felt a tear coming down his left cheek. He grabbed his head “I wish I could turn back time…”
Satoshi bit his lip. He couldn’t stand watch his best friend like that. He was the only one who could claim that he knows not Sakurai Sho but Sho, the real one, with his flaws and weaknesses; the one who suffered and who needed love. He moved closer to him and caressed his back.
“You know she might have taken that decision for you” Sho looked back at him confused. “Yes Sho for you. Just try to get into her shoes. She was a young woman alone with a 6 year-old boy and no money. Your situation could guarantee no help and she needed it desperately to help you. Maybe what she chose turned out not to be the best for you but consider her options. After that incident what could she possibly do?”
“I don’t know… honestly Satoshi I don’t know. Why should everything have turned out like that? All because of him… But don’t worry he’ll pay for what he did…”
“Do you really believe that by making Aiba Masaki pay will ease your own suffering? You keep doing it for years Sho and I have to admit I saw no difference. But tell me… Don’t you think he has suffered enough? And I don’t mean by you… I mean the way he lives. Don’t forget his mother. It was not his fault in the first place”
“It was!” Sho’s fist landed on top of the nearest table. “He was the one who caused the accident… he’s the one who… who made my life like that! Satoshi, why don’t you understand?”
“Sho, I understand you I really do!” Satoshi’s words were spoken firmly “But you can’t expect me to put the blame on a 6 year-old boy!!! You have to stop this nonsense and listen to your true feelings before it’s too late!”
Sho was speechless. It was not that common to deal with Satoshi’s outburst but when it happened it usually found him defenseless and out of arguments. Though his last words just clicked in him “My true feelings?” it was more like a question to himself rather than addressed to the other.
“Yes Sho… Your true feelings…” Sho was left examining closely his best friend’s eyes before he turned his gaze down to his lap and muttered in an almost inaudible way “My true feelings…”
…………………………………….
Masaki was nervous. He was heading to this Typhoon club Sakurai had mentioned, after having passed by his house to make sure his mum had eaten and taken her medicine. Surprisingly it was close to his house. That’s probably why I always come across him… He looked at its entrance. Its colors were dark, the walls, the door everything… Well I suppose it suits him perfectly. He took a deep breath before making the first step towards the entrance when someone stopped him by grabbing him forcefully by his arm.
“Hey little beautie!!!” Masaki gasped at the sight in front of him. A man around his late twenties or early thirties, already wasted with his breath full of alcohol. “It’s the first time I see someone like you around here… would you like me to tour you around?” Second by second the stranger came close to Masaki restraining him from any movement. “I know you’ll enjoy it…” the stranger smirked and Masaki felt cold chills running down his spine as the last phrase was whispered close to his ear. Things were only getting worse as he felt the other’s hand dangerously close to his crotch. Masaki’s heart was pounding as if it wanted to escape from his chest. There’s no way it’s happening. He tried to escape but with no luck. The hand continued his little travel trying to get inside Masaki’s trousers when a cough was heard and made the stranger stop and turn around.
“Sorry to interrupt” a sharp punch landed on the stranger’s face “But he’s with me, Sakurai Sho, if this means something to you, so back off. If you ever try to put a single finger on him you’ll lose it the next minute. Got it that jerk? Now get your ass out of here!”
It was his voice. Masaki could never believe he would actually feel relieved at its hearing but it did happen.
The other man didn’t need to hear more. Sakurai Sho’s reputation was more than enough to convince him.
“Thank you”
Sho was still watching the stranger running away when he caught the whispered words. He turned around just to see Masaki crying with his face lost in his palms.
He felt weird as if he wanted to comfort this sobbing mess in front of him. He certainly knew he couldn’t show any traces of weakness in front of this specific person. I’m just annoyed because that drunk asshole had put his claws on my pray. Sho was trying to convince himself. But then it hit him “listen to your true feelings before it’s too late” Satoshi’s words… Oh no that’s nonsense Sho and you know it. Just calm down. He closed his eyes and took a few breaths before he answered the other one who remained in the same position crying his heart out.
“Don’t get me wrong… I did it just because I don’t want anyone else to be able to make you… suffer…” the word was said with difficulty “You’re mine. Never forget that! Now get yourself together and follow me!” he knew he didn’t sound convincingly harsh no matter how hard he tried. Maybe some alcohol will make me behave the way I’m supposed to.
***
As he entered, Masaki got a glimpse of Sakurai’s gang but he was calmer than before. His mind kept telling him to run away from there but he had no choice. For Jun. He took a deep breath and made his first steps towards the tables. Mocking laughs and offensive comments were spoken when Sakurai Sho made them stop just by raising his hand.
“Tonight he’s with me. He came voluntarily isn’t it that way Masaki-kun?”
“Yes. Sakurai… -san” Masaki kept his head down “I- I came voluntarily.”
“Did you hear it? So stop imagining things… you’ll certainly have your opportunity to entertain yourselves with him but that will be some other time” Sho turned around to look at Masaki.
“You… my little pet” he paused for a moment to chuckle at his own comment. “Follow me”
They entered an area that looked like a karaoke room. There was a big dark leathered sofa, a round table in the middle of the room and a karaoke console. Masaki was confused. He felt his heart rate increasing minute by minute… Why is he dragging me here? What could he possibly want from me?
“Masaki-kun…” Masaki looked at Sho, who in the meantime had already found his place on the sofa. “Come here and sit next to me” Masaki could swear he felt Sakurai’s eyes scanning him from head to toe and slightly shivered. Despite that he did as he was told; he couldn’t risk raising the other’s tension.
“Relax… Masaki-kun…” Sho slowly grabbed Masaki from his chin and made him turn and meet his eyes “or should I say my beautiful pet?” his voice became deeper.
Masaki tensed and closed tightly his eyes. Does that mean… Then, did he save me from that stranger before just to do it himself? Why is he torturing me like that…? Masaki’s head was a mess when he felt a cold thing on his left arm. It wasn’t until moments later he realized it was a beer bottle.
“It will help you chill out a bit” Sho sounded amused. “Don’t imagine things Masaki-kun… I hate you too much to even lay a single finger on you” Masaki’s eyes bulged at the realization of being so easily caught by the other one and in a hurry consumed a large portion of his beer. “As for this room…” Sho continued, after a small pause, trying to control his laughs “it’s my personal place. Now… if there aren’t any other questions entertain me!”
Masaki was dumbfounded. He didn’t move an inch from his spot and dared not to look at Sakurai.
“Don’t stay like a statue… idiot… I said entertain me!” Sho started being impatient.
“But I have no idea h-how. C-could you be more specific?”
“If you noticed there is a karaoke console on your left… What the hell is so difficult to process?” Sho grabbed his left arm and made him stand. “Sing for me!” Sho went back to the sofa and drank some of his beer. “I can’t imagine something more entertaining than hearing your sweet voice as I relax myself with a beer…I’m waitiiiiing!”
Masaki couldn’t understand a bit of it. He wants me to sing? What is wrong with him today? It was the first time Sakurai Sho was like that. In one moment he saves me, then he’s cold, then he’s being almost friendly with me, then furious again… he sighed.
Anyway… Sakurai wants to relax… so I assume a slow one could work. He searched the song list for a few minutes when he found one he considered suitable. «Yozora e no tegami» could be the perfect one. He closed his eyes to concentrate and started singing. He was always praised at school. He had even performed a solo at his junior high graduation day. The room filled with his voice, as he was gradually becoming more and more confident, letting his mind to travel into the lyrics. He loved this song so much… it reminded him of his father who was gone before he could create any memories with him.
He had not even finished the second chorus when he realized he could hear something weird. It does sound like muffled sobs. He opened his eyes just to meet an unexpected view: Sakurai Sho crying.
“S- Sakurai… -san?” he asked rather reluctantly after having put down the microphone “are you al- alright?”
Sakurai Sho must have just realized what was going on because he immediately stopped crying and looked at Masaki . His eyes were red and his face looked confused, as if he was trying to comprehend the situation. But this didn’t last more than a few seconds. Before Masaki could realize what was going on, he was harshly pinned on the wall beside him with his hands gripped tightly over his head. His back hurt a bit from the sudden crush but he didn’t dare to utter a single word. He was way too shocked.
“Why are you doing this to me? What do you want from me?” it seemed as if Sho’s eyes were throwing flames. “Why are you torturing me?” he continued his monologue of rhetorical questions with frustration recognizable in his voice.
Why does he sound so desperate? But Masaki had no chance to question it anymore.
He suddenly felt something he could have never foreseen: Sakurai Sho’s lips over his.
TO BE CONTINUED
Suddenly he heard his phone vibrating; he had received a message.
From: Nino-chan
Sorry
Ma-kun I know you’re probably mad about the lunch but I swear I had an unexpected emergency that came across. If you still count me as your friend please come tο my house… I’ve been expecting you
p.s. I love you
“Baka… you know I can’t handle this kind of words…” Masaki said to himself in a trembling voice and wiped his tears with the back of his hands. His mood became lighter once again.
“Mum is it ok for me to go to Nino’s? I won’t be late… just to check on some homework ok?” his mother nodded. It may have been Aiba’s idea but he was sure he saw his mother smiling causing him a smile as well.
***
Masaki was already walking towards his friends’ house. That stupid Nino… I swear he’ll pay for this noon… waiting outside a restaurant for 20 minutes like an idiot to grab some lunch together when it was my treat… Masaki kept thinking and pouting. Suddenly he felt his phone vibrating. Don’t tell me he’s cancelling again?! I’m sooo going to kill him this time! So without thinking much and without watching the sender he hit the call button just to hear the voice he wished the least at the moment.
“What’s up Masaki-kun? Missed me so much you couldn’t resist hearing my voice?”
Masaki froze. How could Sakurai possibly have my number?
“What is it Masaki-kun? Are you that surprised it’s me or is it that I make you lose your voice…?”
Masaki looked at his phone’s screen before putting it back to his ear.
“So I guess it’s the second one…” Masaki frowned.
“How do you have my number?” he tried to sound brave.
“I told you, I think, I know everything about you, didn’t I? But please…” said rather ironically “don’t look so puzzled and don’t frown…” Masaki’s alarm went on. He looked around him but couldn’t get a glimpse of him; there was just a group of younger children and a mother with a baby stroller.
“Are you f-following me again?” his voice was more like a whisper
“I just called you to remind you our deal… It’s still on right?” Masaki could feel the warning tone in the other’s voice
“Yes… Of course it… is. What… what do you want?”
“I knew you were smart enough… Come to the address I sent you via text at 10 o’clock sharply”
“But… I…”
“No buts Masaki-kun. I thought I have made myself clear and you accepted it. Don’t make me lose my patience again. End of discussion” all Masaki could hear afterwards was his phone’s beep sounds. The other had already hung up.
He looked at the message:
From: Unknown number
My little pet
Come to “Typhoon” club – 33 Hashima str. – 10 o’clock.
If you’re late your pretty Jun-chan will face the consequences.
SS
His grip tightened even more after reading the message. He felt anger mixed with frustration threatening to come to surface. He took a few deep breaths. He had to calm himself. He didn’t know what to expect but it would certainly be no good.
His phone vibrated again. What now? But then he looked at the sender:
From: Nino-chan
(No Subject)
Where are you???
Don’t tell me you need instructions to come here…
You better get your ass here quickly…
I’m way too hungry to come and get you ><
Masaki hurried up. He felt really lucky to have such a bratty yet deeply loving friend.
***
“Finally… you found your way here! Come in!”
Nino advanced inside his house without waiting for his guest. Masaki smiled seeing his friend acting all normal.
“So you’re not mad at me for being late” Masaki said in a low voice as he entered the living room.
“No… I mean I did worse this noon… right? So with that we’re even!” Nino threw his arms up in the air and then turned to look at his a friend with a wide grin. “Which means…?”
“Means what?” Masaki dared to ask despite already guessing what he’s friend was talking about.
“It means I’m not obliged to treat you to dinner anymore as I was thinking!” Nino’s face brightened as he came to that conclusion and smirked playfully as he saw disappointment drawn on his best friend’s face.
“Don’t be like that… I still love you” Nino was now really close to Masaki trying to transmit all the possible cuteness he had.
“Uff… you and your sappy words” was Masaki’s reply while looking down at his feet fighting to keep his tears of joy inside.
The truth is they never revealed all the details of their perspective lives. But still it would feel as if they shared everything. Masaki knew that behind this bratty and full of arrogance attitude was hiding a loyal friend… a brother. He never dared to form into sentences these thoughts but he was pretty sure the other knew… the same way he was sure that Nino knew about his feelings for him.
He could never forget the first time he met Nino. It was so many years ago…
He was a first grade student and he felt lonely. He had just entered that new, difficult part of his life when Nino came to ask him to play with him throw and catch with his new baseball glove. He looked like an angel with his cute face. It was not until later Masaki discovered that behind that cute face there was a well hidden bratty little devil.
“Hey…. Earth calls Masaki! Ma-kun what is going on?” Nino kept waving his hand back and forth in front of Masaki’s face. “So pizza or hamburger?”
“What?” Masaki’s brain didn’t want to cooperate
Nino sighed. “Never mind. Hamburger it is” He dialed the number and made his order. After hanging up, he felt a cushion landing on his face.
“What was that for?” Nino asked and narrowed his eyes.
“I wanted pizza…” Masaki said in reply and looked at him pleadingly
“Don’t try to play dirty here. Stop using your puppy eyes… it won’t work. You had your chance”
“You always end up justifying your actions by accusing me…” whined Masaki in a playful way but all he received was Nino’s tongue saying hello to him.
They stared at each other and burst into laughs. Masaki felt so at ease hanging out with him. It almost felt like home. Nino’s parents were working in the national classical orchestra so most of the time it would be Nino on his own. He was glad he was welcomed when he couldn’t invite Nino to his own house. It was not that he didn’t trust Nino; it was just that he didn’t want to be defined by his situation. Yet after so many years Nino never asked why; never pushed him to give a single explanation as if he understood and respected his choice.
“Thank you” it was Masaki’s whisper
“Eh?”
“Thank you for being who you are... and don’t make me repeat it” Masaki tried to act as annoyed but failed… his voice was too shaky.
“I love you too… You know that right?” Masaki just nodded and embraced him. He needed that hug. It gave him strength to face that Sakurai later…
The doorbell sounded. “I’ll get it” Nino broke the hug and almost run towards the door. “Hamburger is calling meeeee”
Masaki smiled. Stop acting like a 5 year-old boy. He walked towards the kitchen to get some plates and glasses when he heard Nino’s phone. I should better take it to him… As he grabbed it he looked at the screen and by chance saw something he was definitely not expecting to see.
When they sat down and started to eat, Masaki couldn’t hold it anymore.
“Is there anything you might want to share?”
Nino looked up at him confused but shook his head negatively.
“How about a Little Bastard who calls you cutie?” Masaki said and raised an eyebrow.
Nino choked with his food. He couldn’t believe what his ears just heard.
“Take it easy. That’s what happens when you put too much food in your mouth!” Nino was too shocked to make any kind of response.
“Just how much do you like hamburger… really!!! Here take the napkin!” Nino caught the flying napkin and cleared himself.
“Wha- who, when what? How?” was all Nino could say after drinking some water
“So… tell me…”
“Tell you what Ma-kun?” Nino tried to act cool avoiding the other’s gaze
“Since when do you have a boyfriend? Why didn’t you tell me anything? I thought we were friends…” Masaki pouted.
Nino was holding his temple. He couldn’t believe how careless he had been. What if Masaki found out the truth?
“Hey… I’m talking to you… tell me… is this little bastard the reason you stood me up today?”
Nino didn’t answer. He then felt arms around him and he looked up meeting his friend’s eyes.
“I take your blush as a yes then” said Masaki enthusiastically making Nino blush even deeper. “I’m so happy for you!!! Just give me details later ok?” Masaki winked – or at least tried to wink causing Nino to smile.
“Yes. Ma-kun I promise I’ll tell you everything when the time comes…” and that was not a lie.
………………………………..
Sho was smiling. Tonight it will be fun! Having these thoughts captivating his mind he went home after having made sure there was no secret meeting between Aiba Masaki and this Matsumoto Jun.
He had no intention to ruin his mood not even when some water was spilled over him during dinner, this time not in his bedroom like always but in the dining room with everyone. Everyone at the household was dumbfounded. How could it even be possible there were no loud tone, no insults, no yelling?
“I just wanted to say that I’m really happy you finally remembered you have a family”
The one who spoke was Sakurai Shun; one of the most powerful men in Japan: CEO of a media colossus with dreams of entering the political scene in the near future.
“Don’t take me wrong Sakurai-san…” Sho started to speak but was cut abruptly by his mother.
“Sho this is not the proper way to speak to your father” her tone was strict and absolute.
“As I was saying mother Sakurai-san should not be the one talking about family. He might have bought you with his money but this doesn’t mean that he has bought me as well” Sho’s answer was spoken calmly, an extremely rare case for him.
For Sho’s luck, Sakurai Shun decided to remain silent this time.
“If you say another word you’ll be grounded. No money and no car!” his mother’s fury was written in her eyes. She was used to her son’s rude attitude but to defy his father was just too much for her. “Apologize immediately to your father!”
“Due to respect I will apologize this time but you make a mistake here. I may have his name but he’s not my father and will never be” Sho’s tears were threatening to outburst. “My father is no longer here… so please don’t confuse things... Ok?” it was more like a plea rather than a question.
“But you like to spend his money living a luxurious but meaningless life” his mother’s comment pierced his heart like a cold knife.
Yes he was living like that… he had to forget… he had to convince himself that he could get over it… he had to use the source of his own misfortune, his own suffer as the means to make the others taste this kind of suffer as well.
He looked at his mother’s eyes smiling bitterly. “Whatever” was all he could say and ran upstairs to hide in his bedroom.
***
He cried… he cried like never in his life. All those well hidden emotions suddenly came out and Sho had no intention to fight against them… he was just tired of everything, pretending the strong one. He dialed the only number he could.
“Yes? Sho?”
“Satoshi… Could you please come over?” Sho’s voice was trembling
“Are you alright? You don’t sound yourself… What happened?” Satoshi’s voice sounded worried.
Sho laughed bitterly. “The usual shit from the usual bitch… You know…”
“I’m coming right away but I’d prefer if you didn’t speak for her like that. She’s your mother Sho”
“So what? The fact that she’s a bitch doesn’t change”
Sho could hear Satoshi sigh. “You just hurt yourself more… Anyway wait for me I’m coming…”
***
As Satoshi approached Sho’s door he listened to music. It was a guitar. He still has it… His heart ached realizing once again the pain that was inside his best friend’s chest. Don’t worry Sho I’ll do my best to help you ease that pain. I made that promise to you that day and I intend to keep it.
Sho was so preoccupied playing that he didn’t notice his best friend’s presence next to him until he finished the song.
“Satoshi… you came…” his eyes were red and puffy. His friend could tell he was crying the whole time.
“I wonder what the others would say if they looked at you right now…” Satoshi said trying to sound cheerful.
“Satoshi! I didn’t call you to come here to listen to this crap…”
“Don’t be like that it was just a joke…” Satoshi’s voice became warmer “What happened? Can you tell me now?”
Sho got up, put his guitar back to the closet and started walking up and down feeling his anger get all over him once more. “I decided to eat with them and they started the same bullshit – that we’re family and I should act like a part of it blah blah blah. You know what’s the most frustrating? My mum, that useless creature totally ruled by his money…” he sighed “I wish she could be stronger than that. She wasn’t like that…” he stops walking “The mother I used to have, was not like that…” Sho felt a tear coming down his left cheek. He grabbed his head “I wish I could turn back time…”
Satoshi bit his lip. He couldn’t stand watch his best friend like that. He was the only one who could claim that he knows not Sakurai Sho but Sho, the real one, with his flaws and weaknesses; the one who suffered and who needed love. He moved closer to him and caressed his back.
“You know she might have taken that decision for you” Sho looked back at him confused. “Yes Sho for you. Just try to get into her shoes. She was a young woman alone with a 6 year-old boy and no money. Your situation could guarantee no help and she needed it desperately to help you. Maybe what she chose turned out not to be the best for you but consider her options. After that incident what could she possibly do?”
“I don’t know… honestly Satoshi I don’t know. Why should everything have turned out like that? All because of him… But don’t worry he’ll pay for what he did…”
“Do you really believe that by making Aiba Masaki pay will ease your own suffering? You keep doing it for years Sho and I have to admit I saw no difference. But tell me… Don’t you think he has suffered enough? And I don’t mean by you… I mean the way he lives. Don’t forget his mother. It was not his fault in the first place”
“It was!” Sho’s fist landed on top of the nearest table. “He was the one who caused the accident… he’s the one who… who made my life like that! Satoshi, why don’t you understand?”
“Sho, I understand you I really do!” Satoshi’s words were spoken firmly “But you can’t expect me to put the blame on a 6 year-old boy!!! You have to stop this nonsense and listen to your true feelings before it’s too late!”
Sho was speechless. It was not that common to deal with Satoshi’s outburst but when it happened it usually found him defenseless and out of arguments. Though his last words just clicked in him “My true feelings?” it was more like a question to himself rather than addressed to the other.
“Yes Sho… Your true feelings…” Sho was left examining closely his best friend’s eyes before he turned his gaze down to his lap and muttered in an almost inaudible way “My true feelings…”
…………………………………….
Masaki was nervous. He was heading to this Typhoon club Sakurai had mentioned, after having passed by his house to make sure his mum had eaten and taken her medicine. Surprisingly it was close to his house. That’s probably why I always come across him… He looked at its entrance. Its colors were dark, the walls, the door everything… Well I suppose it suits him perfectly. He took a deep breath before making the first step towards the entrance when someone stopped him by grabbing him forcefully by his arm.
“Hey little beautie!!!” Masaki gasped at the sight in front of him. A man around his late twenties or early thirties, already wasted with his breath full of alcohol. “It’s the first time I see someone like you around here… would you like me to tour you around?” Second by second the stranger came close to Masaki restraining him from any movement. “I know you’ll enjoy it…” the stranger smirked and Masaki felt cold chills running down his spine as the last phrase was whispered close to his ear. Things were only getting worse as he felt the other’s hand dangerously close to his crotch. Masaki’s heart was pounding as if it wanted to escape from his chest. There’s no way it’s happening. He tried to escape but with no luck. The hand continued his little travel trying to get inside Masaki’s trousers when a cough was heard and made the stranger stop and turn around.
“Sorry to interrupt” a sharp punch landed on the stranger’s face “But he’s with me, Sakurai Sho, if this means something to you, so back off. If you ever try to put a single finger on him you’ll lose it the next minute. Got it that jerk? Now get your ass out of here!”
It was his voice. Masaki could never believe he would actually feel relieved at its hearing but it did happen.
The other man didn’t need to hear more. Sakurai Sho’s reputation was more than enough to convince him.
“Thank you”
Sho was still watching the stranger running away when he caught the whispered words. He turned around just to see Masaki crying with his face lost in his palms.
He felt weird as if he wanted to comfort this sobbing mess in front of him. He certainly knew he couldn’t show any traces of weakness in front of this specific person. I’m just annoyed because that drunk asshole had put his claws on my pray. Sho was trying to convince himself. But then it hit him “listen to your true feelings before it’s too late” Satoshi’s words… Oh no that’s nonsense Sho and you know it. Just calm down. He closed his eyes and took a few breaths before he answered the other one who remained in the same position crying his heart out.
“Don’t get me wrong… I did it just because I don’t want anyone else to be able to make you… suffer…” the word was said with difficulty “You’re mine. Never forget that! Now get yourself together and follow me!” he knew he didn’t sound convincingly harsh no matter how hard he tried. Maybe some alcohol will make me behave the way I’m supposed to.
***
As he entered, Masaki got a glimpse of Sakurai’s gang but he was calmer than before. His mind kept telling him to run away from there but he had no choice. For Jun. He took a deep breath and made his first steps towards the tables. Mocking laughs and offensive comments were spoken when Sakurai Sho made them stop just by raising his hand.
“Tonight he’s with me. He came voluntarily isn’t it that way Masaki-kun?”
“Yes. Sakurai… -san” Masaki kept his head down “I- I came voluntarily.”
“Did you hear it? So stop imagining things… you’ll certainly have your opportunity to entertain yourselves with him but that will be some other time” Sho turned around to look at Masaki.
“You… my little pet” he paused for a moment to chuckle at his own comment. “Follow me”
They entered an area that looked like a karaoke room. There was a big dark leathered sofa, a round table in the middle of the room and a karaoke console. Masaki was confused. He felt his heart rate increasing minute by minute… Why is he dragging me here? What could he possibly want from me?
“Masaki-kun…” Masaki looked at Sho, who in the meantime had already found his place on the sofa. “Come here and sit next to me” Masaki could swear he felt Sakurai’s eyes scanning him from head to toe and slightly shivered. Despite that he did as he was told; he couldn’t risk raising the other’s tension.
“Relax… Masaki-kun…” Sho slowly grabbed Masaki from his chin and made him turn and meet his eyes “or should I say my beautiful pet?” his voice became deeper.
Masaki tensed and closed tightly his eyes. Does that mean… Then, did he save me from that stranger before just to do it himself? Why is he torturing me like that…? Masaki’s head was a mess when he felt a cold thing on his left arm. It wasn’t until moments later he realized it was a beer bottle.
“It will help you chill out a bit” Sho sounded amused. “Don’t imagine things Masaki-kun… I hate you too much to even lay a single finger on you” Masaki’s eyes bulged at the realization of being so easily caught by the other one and in a hurry consumed a large portion of his beer. “As for this room…” Sho continued, after a small pause, trying to control his laughs “it’s my personal place. Now… if there aren’t any other questions entertain me!”
Masaki was dumbfounded. He didn’t move an inch from his spot and dared not to look at Sakurai.
“Don’t stay like a statue… idiot… I said entertain me!” Sho started being impatient.
“But I have no idea h-how. C-could you be more specific?”
“If you noticed there is a karaoke console on your left… What the hell is so difficult to process?” Sho grabbed his left arm and made him stand. “Sing for me!” Sho went back to the sofa and drank some of his beer. “I can’t imagine something more entertaining than hearing your sweet voice as I relax myself with a beer…I’m waitiiiiing!”
Masaki couldn’t understand a bit of it. He wants me to sing? What is wrong with him today? It was the first time Sakurai Sho was like that. In one moment he saves me, then he’s cold, then he’s being almost friendly with me, then furious again… he sighed.
Anyway… Sakurai wants to relax… so I assume a slow one could work. He searched the song list for a few minutes when he found one he considered suitable. «Yozora e no tegami» could be the perfect one. He closed his eyes to concentrate and started singing. He was always praised at school. He had even performed a solo at his junior high graduation day. The room filled with his voice, as he was gradually becoming more and more confident, letting his mind to travel into the lyrics. He loved this song so much… it reminded him of his father who was gone before he could create any memories with him.
He had not even finished the second chorus when he realized he could hear something weird. It does sound like muffled sobs. He opened his eyes just to meet an unexpected view: Sakurai Sho crying.
“S- Sakurai… -san?” he asked rather reluctantly after having put down the microphone “are you al- alright?”
Sakurai Sho must have just realized what was going on because he immediately stopped crying and looked at Masaki . His eyes were red and his face looked confused, as if he was trying to comprehend the situation. But this didn’t last more than a few seconds. Before Masaki could realize what was going on, he was harshly pinned on the wall beside him with his hands gripped tightly over his head. His back hurt a bit from the sudden crush but he didn’t dare to utter a single word. He was way too shocked.
“Why are you doing this to me? What do you want from me?” it seemed as if Sho’s eyes were throwing flames. “Why are you torturing me?” he continued his monologue of rhetorical questions with frustration recognizable in his voice.
Why does he sound so desperate? But Masaki had no chance to question it anymore.
He suddenly felt something he could have never foreseen: Sakurai Sho’s lips over his.
TO BE CONTINUED
A.N. Soooo here's the fourth chapter! We got to learn something about Sho aaaaand FINALLY my Sakuraiba have come closer ne?! I do know the end it's kind of a cliffhanger but I couldn't avoid it... XDD I hope you enjoyed it!!! I promise more Ohmiya at the next one! ;)
And thank you for all of your comments! They're always <3!!!
And thank you for all of your comments! They're always <3!!!
Current Location: my room
Current Music: Trap - Arashi
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