Title: Cross-linked Chaos

Author: Andy-chan (antimiya88)

Pairings: Sakuraiba (main) / Ohmiya (side)

Genre: AU, Romance, Angst, Drama

Rating: PG15 - NC17

Summary: Sakurai Sho at the age of 26 decided to turn a new page in his life. He managed to become a high-school professor. He knows the challenge is big, considering his past, but he's determined to fulfill the promise he had given nine years ago. In his class, he comes across Aiba Masaki a boy with a rude attitude who seems to not care about anything. Somehow, he reminds him of his old self and he's determined to succeed. At the end of the week, he's made to go with his cousin to the latter's favorite host club to celebrate his new start. At first, he denied to have fun but when he sees the number one host, he finally forgot about anything and let go. What he didn't know is that this will make things complicated. Could this new situation be the key for his future?

Disclaimer: I don't own Sakuraiba, they own me.

Chapter 1   /   Chapter 2

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Masaki asked again angrily the moment he was thrown forcefully in Sho’s small car.

“What I should have done from the moment I entered the host club!” Sho repeated in a similar way, starting the engine without throwing the younger a single glance.

“Who do you think you are?! Huh?! My lover or my parent?! You have no fucking right!” Masaki’s voice was loud. There were tears threatening to wet his flushed with anger cheeks.

“Hell I have all the fucking – as you say – rights! I’m your teacher!”

Masaki muffled a laugh and lighted his cigarette. “Of course…”

The tone was clearly ironic but Sho paid no attention. “Yes, of course! And sorry…” he took the cigarette from Masaki’s hand and throw it out of his window “but you’re not smoking in this car…”

He heard the other cursing under his breath but his focus was on the road. He knew well that attitude… pretending to be strong… to not need anyone when in reality you were screaming out for help…

---        

“You look better than I thought…”

Sho heard a slightly nasal voice and knew immediately who he was. “Daddy thought to use the big weapon? Never thought it’d be you…” he replied ironically not caring to turn and look at the other.

“Irony… Good!” the other muffled a laugh. “You’re not just better… I’d say you’re in perfect shape…”

“Tell daddy I won’t go and apologize to the media… I don’t fucking care about this perfect image he wants so badly to keep publicly. It’s time for people to find out what a fucked-up family we are… And who knows?! He might win even more… people always suck for family dramas!”

“Your dad doesn’t know I’m here, Sho…”

The answer was spoken in a calm way and it was unexpected.

Sho turned his gaze to the young man who was sitting on the chair next to his bed, confused. “Then, what?! You came to see my health, cousin?!”

“Exactly this…”

“Jun… I’m not in the mood… I know daddy spoke to mummy and that in her turn she spoke with your father and he with you… that railway of conversations in our family are legendary… but I’m not interested!”

“Interesting theory…” Jun said nodding his head “But no! No one spoke to me… I came after having made the decision on my own!”

“So what?! You want to tell me you’re actually not a daddy’s boy?! You just began your internship at Matsumoto Corporation!”

Jun smirked. “Oh dear cousin… That’s only because I want to send the old goat away…”

Sho raised his eyebrow. “The old goat?!”

“Yes…” the other smiled triumphantly. “You see… there are many ways to defeat an ‘enemy’; you chose the frontal attack while me a sneaky one… from the inside… It’s just a matter of point of view… I swear! Nothing else…”

Sho crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Why I don’t believe you?! You just want to make me spill out everything… I won’t! I would never betray them…”

“I know that you won’t…. Even though I’m not a part of a gang, I know there are rules… rules that if broken, you’ll have issues… serious issues… but even if there weren’t, you would never betray them… I came because I have a proposition to make. What do you say after you discharge, you come and live with me?”

“What?! I can’t do that, Jun!”

“Yes, you can! I have convinced my beloved parents that I’m no one else than the perfect stupid heir they desire so much… I let them dream… It’s not really bad, right? For just a few years more… Think about it… Your parents will believe I might be of help and turn you into the same perfect son… What they won’t know is that that way we will bring them knock-out without having realized a single thing!”


“So you’ve already talked to them!”

Jun shook his head. “No. That will happen once I have your ok. But look… I have my own salary and my own apartment… You’ll continue going to school. That way you leave your beloved daddy and mommy and you find your inner peace again. What do you say?”

“I say that you want something out of it…” Sho said biting his lower lip nervously. “People always want something… I’m not naïve you know…”

“I know… and I do want something… I want you to get a life away from the nest of snakes…”

Sho was left speechless. “I don’t need your help! Got it?!” he hissed narrowing his eyes.

“I’m not offering help… just a choice… Don’t even think that I’ll have you there for free. You’ll pay rent for your room and living expenses… We can find the perfect part-time job together! Don’t worry!”

“I’m fine where I am!”

“Really?! I can see that…” Jun’s eyes fell on Sho’s covered with plaster leg. “Look… you’re the only extended family member that I really appreciate… You can take your revenge a better way… at least, a safer one… you know… where the danger for your life doesn’t exist!”

“Jun just fuck off! I am capable of doing it on my own!”

“Let’s make a trial period! What do you say?!” Jun insisted.

Sho turned his head the other way. “No”

“Stubborn!” Jun sighed. “But if this is about not being able to have a sex life… I’m not against it… you can have boyfriends… girlfriends… whatever your soul desires… I just ask for discretion…”

Sho bulged his eyes. “You…”

Jun had already stood up. “Take your time and think about it… but I’m sure we can be one of a hell team together!” he winked at him and stood up from the chair. “I’ll come again when I find the time!” and with that Jun got out from the room leaving Sho alone.

‘Why would anybody want to help me?’
 ---

Twenty minutes of an intense silence and they had reached Sho’s apartment.

“Where are we?” Masaki asked in the same irritated tone.

“Get out” Sho said without looking at the other and got out of the car.

Masaki ticked his tongue against his teeth but did as he was told. He followed the older man in the two store building till they reached the door at the end of the corridor.

“Come inside” Sho said in a calmer tone than before.

Masaki entered and threw a quick glance at the living room. He took off his jacket, throwing it on the sofa before coming back to Sho who continued to stand close to the entrance. “Nice apartment” he said in a low voice, leaning closer making sure their faces were only a few inches apart. “So, where exactly do you plan to fuck me, sensei? On your bed or perhaps on the sofa? It would definitely make things kinkier, wouldn’t it?”

Sho’s eyes bulged and before being able to control himself, he slapped Masaki’s cheek harshly.

A few traces of tears formed in the latter’s eyes. “What?! You’re afraid of words? We both know why you brought me in your apartment… you didn’t like the idea of someone else touching me… you want to be the one… so you better finish up dealing with your supposedly guilt and get over with it… I intend to go back at my place and sleep at some point!”

“You…” Sho whispered, staring intensely at the other who was mirroring him.

Masaki smirked. “Oh… so you’re one of those who like begging? Forget that, honey… Aiba Masaki doesn’t beg… he-”

Sho didn’t let him finish his words as he smashed their lips together forcing his tongue inside the younger one’s mouth as soon as he found the chance, tasting insatiably the whole of it. It was better than he remembered.  Now that his mind was sober he could tell that. To his surprise, the younger one replied it with eagerness shortly after it was started, making their tongues soon fight against each other. Abruptly, he broke the kiss and pinned Masaki on the wall behind, gripping both his wrists over his head.

“I don’t like begging…” Sho said trying to control his breath. “And I do not intend to make you do anything like that for me. Now, go and have a hot shower. You stink of cigarette and old man’s sweat and cologne…”

“What?” Masaki asked still being out of his breath.

“You heard me…” Sho said as he freed his grip. “I’ll be waiting in the living room”

Masaki frowned for a second before the smirk appeared once again on his lips. “Oh… Ok… got the message!”

Sho frowned. “Message…?”

“I’ll better be going…” Masaki said and winked at him before tilting his head on one side. “But you didn’t tell me, where is the bathroom?”

“Second door on your left” Sho said pointing at the corridor next to the door before turning his back on the other.

Masaki turned around and left. Once he was in the bathtub he let the hot water fall on his naked body, feeling it relaxing. You still want to pretend the good one… you want to deny that you are hot for your student… when I’ve caught you tens of times checking up my body at school… when you couldn’t control your anger earlier at the club… you try so hard to make it look as if it came naturally between us… so that you don’t have guilt… Poor sensei… I won’t make it so easy for you… no matter how hard you try…

Fifteen minutes later Masaki stepped out of the bathroom. He could hear the television being on and he walked slowly just to find the other with his back on him prepare the small table in front of the sofa for dinner. He had put on Sho’s bathrobe, wanting to provoke him, to make him finally show his real intentions.

“Sensei?”

Sho turned around when he heard Masaki calling him just to be left with his mouth open when he saw his student coming closer, wearing nothing else but his bathrobe.

“There was a clean towel and…”

Masaki smiled seductively. “There was… but I thought sensei would prefer to see me in his bathrobe… It is really soft… I must admit I really like the way it touches my skin…”

Sho gulped. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t deny it. He indeed liked what he saw in front of him. Especially, a particular part of his body seemed to be really interested in the view but he didn’t want to act as someone this low. He was determined to become a man, a real man… not some coward who would act based on his sexual instincts. He was ready to ask his student to go to his bedroom and change when the other unfolded the bathrobe and let it fall in a small pool around his legs.

Sho was left speechless. Masaki was even more beautiful than he had ever dared to imagine. His mind seemed to get blank as the other came closer to him, his hands sliding around his waist and his hot breath landing in the crook of his neck.

“You like what you see, Sensei… you like me…” Masaki turned his head to meet Sho’s eyes staring at him deeply. “Or perhaps you’d prefer me call you, Sho…?”

Masaki could feel the fast pulse in the older one’s chest. You are falling into my trap easier than I thought…

Sho was left looking at him till he felt a hand brushing lightly his groin over his pair of trousers. It was then that he realized what was happening. Without saying anything, he kneeled on the floor and grabbed his bathrobe before coming back to the other who was frowning and threw it around his shoulders, holding it in place with both hands.

“I have clothes for you in my bedroom…” he said in an almost hoarse voice close to Masaki’s ear. “You should go and change. Dinner is ready. We need to talk…”

He could feel the younger one tremble; as if he was on the verge of crying. “What’s your intention? To make a complete fool of me?”

Sho turned him around. “No… I swear I don’t…”

“Then, why do you postpone this? We both know why I’m here… so why don’t we finish with it?”

“I didn’t bring you back to my apartment to sleep with you, Aiba-kun… I told you this morning. I need to talk to you…”

“Don’t say bullshit… you like me… you kissed me fiercely… your eyes were moving on my body like those of a hunter who has just come across his favorite prey… your heart was beating like crazy the moment I came closer to you… your cock even twitched at my touch… Don’t pretend the saint… I told you! We do it and then you leave me alone or I care about nothing and I tell the whole school… Take it like a small deal… So you’d better cut the crap and just fuck me! You want it badly… so do it and get over with it!” Masaki yelled angrily, his voice cracking as he spoke the last words.

“I never said that I’m a saint, Aiba-kun. If anyone was saint, definitely that wouldn’t be me… Please go and put on some clean clothes… you will catch a cold if you stay like that…”

“Why…?” Masaki asked in an almost whispered tone.

Sho brushed his hand feather-like over Masaki’s cheek. “Perhaps, because, as you said, I like you…” Masaki’s cores dilated. Sho smiled. “Now please… go and change…”

***

Masaki had just put on the clothes Sho had left for him in his bedroom. They were a bit baggy and short but they fit. He was sitting at the edge of the double bed, letting his eyes looking around. It was a nice, tidy room but somehow, even if the furniture was nothing like his - that looked as if it was belonging to the street - the whole atmosphere reminded of his own bedroom. It felt cold… empty… Masaki couldn’t help but frown at the realization there was no photo... no trace of family… identity. There was a feeling similar to that of a hotel room. For someone like him to be like that… it’s at least, weird and unexpected… he looks so… lonely…

“Are you ready? I prepared dinner…” Sho’s voice, coming from the living room, drew him out of his thoughts.

He was about to leave the room when his eyes fell on a small notebook that looked like a diary, placed half way under the pillow. He bit his lower lip and with trembling hand he reached for the notebook. For some reason, he wanted to learn something about this teacher; something that would help him understand him; to decode this man. The messages he kept receiving from him were ambiguous. It was clear that he wanted him. It wasn’t just to ‘save’ him from the other client that night… behind his motivation there was jealousy hidden. It was all over the way; his eyes were throwing flames while watching him with his client; he had kissed him twice; he had gulped as he let his eyes scan his naked body from head to toe.

He was fighting with himself not to sleep with him… Masaki knew it… and somehow it pissed him off. The reason? He had tried many times to convince himself it was his pride… to have him in hand… nothing else… he shook his head fast when a dangerous thought crossed his mind. No… It has nothing to do with the fact that he kisses the way he does… nor that he looks that great with his casual clothes… I’m not attracted to him… he’s just an annoying fucking shit who thinks he can play with me… that’s the only reason… the only one…

But still the need to know why was eating Masaki. Why are you doing this…? he had just touched the photo that was used as a page marker when he saw a pair of hands grabbing it away from him gently.

“The dinner is ready…” Sho said in a calm voice, as if he had seen nothing.

Masaki was pulled by the hand but managed to throw only a fast glance at the photo the half of which had fallen out of the notebook that was placed fast back at its place. Instead of answers only questions raised in his head. Was that a gang?

“I hope you’ll like it… Eat before it turns cold…” he sat at the sofa taking the plate without saying anything. He kept staring at the other man who was serving himself.

“Won’t you say anything? Scold me or… I don’t know what…?”

Sho sighed. “The fact that you’re asking me this means that you already know that what you did was wrong…” Masaki was taken back.

“What do you want from me?”

“I want you to eat and then we will talk… and since it’s already late I’ll drive you home”

“The hell you are not!” the words slip out of Masaki’s mouth before he could stop them. He wanted no one there. It was another part of him; his personal space or to be more accurate his personal hell… he needed no one else.

“Fine… then you’ll eat, we talk and you sleep here in the living room. I have a futon…”

Masaki studied the other man carefully, as he started eating. His heart was beating fast. He was feeling nervous and that wasn’t the usual him. He needed control. “Just to clear things up, newbie! If you plan to play the good one so that I feel indebted to you and have me come to you out of gratitude, you’re deeply mistaken!”

Sho only smiled, turning his gaze up to Masaki’s face. “I’m glad to hear that, Aiba-kun cause believe me I wouldn’t want that either!”

They kept eating in complete silence. It wasn’t till Sho brought a hot cup of tea when he spoke. “So why?”

Masaki frowned. “Why what?”

“Why are you behaving like a scared, wounded animal?”

Masaki was taken by surprise. “What?”

“You heard me and you know exactly what I mean. You have no friends… you show no respect to your teachers… you behave like you don’t care about anything and anyone… as if you’re above everyone when in reality you’re nothing but a scared little kid… your snobbism is your way to cover up for your weakness…”

Masaki was biting his inner lip painfully. “Now you play the role of the psychologist, too? Just how repressed were you in the past, sensei?”

“Rather than repressed, I was more like scared… and way too proud to ask for help when I needed it the most…”

Masaki gulped. He could relate to the other’s words. And there was something in his tone; something that made him feel vulnerable… naked… in the worst way. He tried to organize his thoughts but under Sho’s intense gaze that felt impossible. “You know nothing about me…”

“I do know nothing about you… that’s why I want to learn… to understand. I don’t care to hear details or things that you don’t want to share… I respect that… but I really want to understand you… It hurts me to look at you being with such disgusting clients…”

Masaki smirked. “And where do you hurt exactly, sensei? At your crotch perhaps? I can guess that it’s arousing and frustrating in the same time…” he had tried to sound sarcastic but the tremble betrayed his nervousness.

Sho sighed. “It’s not arousing, Aiba-kun. Frustrating?! Yes… but not for the reason you imply… frustrating because I see a young boy being trapped… and sad… because this boy doesn’t deserve it…”

“Shut up!” Masaki’s hands were trembling as he placed the mug on the table. “Just shut up!”

Sho came to sit close to him. “I know that this young boy feels he’s all alone… but he’s not… There’s always a way out of hell, Aiba-kun… and believe me I know what hell can truly mean…”

“You…”

“Asking for help doesn’t necessarily mean lack of strength or inability to control things…”

“It’s none of your business… and I didn’t ask for your help!”

“You didn’t… but I’m offering it…”

“I don’t need it… What the hell?” Masaki stood up, rubbing his eyes and his face. “Tonight, I lost my extra tip and I’m stuck with someone who met me a few weeks ago, knows nothing and speaks bullshit!” he tried to control his tears but he couldn’t and he hated.

Sho had stood up and hugged him from behind. “I was where you are now, Aiba-kun…”

“I…” Masaki tried to whisper but only sobs escaped from his throat as he was made to turn around and meet the older one’s gaze.

“And now I’m the one you look at…”

“I don’t believe you… you just want to make me sympathize with you so I spill everything out…”

Sho licked his lips and frowned as if he was debating with himself over something. “Wait a minute…”

Masaki saw him heading towards his bedroom and coming back after a couple of seconds holding something in his hands. “Here…”

Masaki’s eyes bulged when he realized that it was the photo he had tried to look at before. It was a gang and from what he could tell a powerful one. He could recognize the leader by his position and clothes and on his right there was someone with dyed hair, with stiches on his face and a cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth. Masaki frowned, bringing the photo closer to his face. This wasn’t a cigarette; it was most probably pot.

“Do you believe me now?” Sho’s soft voice brought him back from his thoughts. “Do you believe me when I say that I can understand you… that you don’t have to pretend the strong and fearless one to me…?”
 
Masaki was feeling one by one his walls falling. He looked at the other, his eyes trying to find the truth behind the other’s moves. Could he trust the other? No… he couldn’t do that. More tears run down on his cheeks and louder sobs came on the surface, causing his whole body jerk.

Sho couldn’t stand to see all this pain. He pulled the other into a tight hug, burying his mouth on the other’s hair. “Shhhh… It’s ok…”

Masaki’s hands clung on the other’s shirt in a desperate way. It was as if all those repressed emotions suddenly found their way out. He hated it… showing so weak in front of the other but he couldn’t stop. Being in his arms like this was almost soothing. There was nothing sexual about this hug yet it had felt more overwhelming than anyone else’s.

“You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to… but please… know that can understand… and that I’m here…”

***

It was six in the morning and Masaki’s eyes were wide open. He couldn’t sleep well that night. He didn’t expect anything from last night’s events… Sakurai Sho had proved to him that he was also a person with a messed-up past… and then he hadn’t tried to make him speak when he didn’t want to. He had just kept hugging him till his tears had turned dry. For the first time in this fucked-up life, Masaki felt confused and doubtful. He knew Nino was always there for him and he was grateful but he couldn’t understand him… no one could... except for…


"I have faith in you..." Those words... they were spoken exactly the same way as the only precious person in his life... the one for whom he had to fight for even if it was through hell. "I have faith in you, onii-chan..." His lower lip trembled... Even the warmness in their eyes is similar... He sighed deeply as he sat up on the futon. Can I actually believe in you, Sakurai Sho?

Seconds later, he found himself tiptoeing towards the teacher’s bedroom. He found him on his back, sleeping deeply; his mouth was half opened and there was a hint of snore filling the room. With his messy hair, he looked even younger and cuter. Masaki bit his lower lip as his eyes fell on his lips. He could still remember how they felt on his and he had to admit that it was if not the best, one of the best kisses he had ever shared with someone. He sat carefully by his side, his hand moving to the tuft of hair that was fallen on the teacher’s face, taking it away. He leaned closer, his eyes glued on these beautiful lips, before he jerked off. What am I even doing?!

He got out fast and changed into his clothes. He had to go back to his apartment and he didn’t want the other to have woken up when he did. He didn’t know how to handle it. What was he supposed to say? What he knew was that the other was somehow making him feel vulnerable and he didn’t want that. He felt his throat dry and walked into the kitchen to drink a glass of water. He was searching for a glass when his eyes fell on the refrigerator. He froze. He couldn’t move… his mind had turned blank.

“What the hell?” His hands clenched into fists. “Asshole…” he growled while breathing heavily, fighting to hold his tears. “And me the stupid who almost believed in you…”
……………………………………………………


“Nino, have you seen my blue tie? Today, I work at the clinic and-” Satoshi didn’t finish his words as he saw Nino almost tearing up, his phone in his hand. “Nino, baby… what happened?”

“Masaki…” his lover whispered with a trembling voice.

Satoshi went closer and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. “What’s going on? You’ve turned white…”

“He just texted me… his words…” Nino whispered in a trembling voice.

“I’m sure it’s just a tantrum. You know Masaki…”

Nino bit his lower lip. “He told me that he would pass the night with that rich client again… and I did say harsh things to him yesterday but…” he sniffed “I don’t know… I thought he realized I only said them because I care about him… he did nod to me before leaving the infirmary…”

Satoshi pressed his lips on his boyfriend’s forehead. “And I’m sure he knows it… he has tried to get you out of his life many times in the past but you were always there and he has learnt to accept your presence around him. I’m sure he’s just emotional… sending you such a message this early in the morning… I’m sure it has to do with last night and that client you say… perhaps he’s mad with himself… you can talk to him at school and find out what happened…”

Nino shook his head. “No, Toshi. He has accused me of many things but never of manipulation and treachery… Something must have happened and I don’t know what!”

“You will talk to him… Or talk to Sho... he has already spoken to me about Masaki... he cares about him...”

"I can't... You know that he's not aware of my connection with Masaki and his past and I intend to keep it like that!"

"Why do you insist on keeping it a secret from him so many years? You know that he always wanted to find out what happened to that kid..."

"I know..."

"Then why?"

"Because I have promised Masaki to be his friend..."

Satoshi sighed. "Baby..."

Nino lowered his gaze. “Because I feel responsible, Toshi… I just can’t bare it if he decides to close me off his life… and if I talk to Sho about him then I'll have betrayed him and I don't want that!”

Satoshi grabbed the other by his shoulders, making him to look back at him. “You are not responsible!”

“But I had behaved irresponsibly back then…” Nino said biting his lower lip, avoiding his boyfriend’s gaze.

“There’s no way you could have known, Nino…”

“I could have searched for his family's situation... if I had, then perhaps his parents wouldn't have taken that decision and-”

“You just did what you were asked to do, Nino” Satoshi cut his boyfriend off. “Listen to me. You talk to him. Whatever it is, I have faith in you, Ninomiya Kazunari!”

Nino continued to shake his head. “I… I don’t know Toshi… I…”

“You are there for him… watching over like a big brother… You are an angel, Nino… I was falling and you helped me come back… So have faith in yourself!”

“You were already in therapy when we met…”

Satoshi smiled. “I was in therapy when you met me… I had seen you earlier… I still remember it so clearly…. You were passing by humming, your eyes shining and you were so cute that before I realized what I was doing, I ended up following you…”

Nino frowned trying to look displeased but couldn’t hide the sparkle and love in his eyes. “So, finally you admit you were stalking me?”

“Yes, I do…” Satoshi replied with a small smile seeing his lover finding back his sparkle. “…Which led me to the hospital… I started therapy not because I wanted at first… but because of you… it was the only way I could see you three times a week… and then I saw your determination and I just wanted to become better… to have you notice me…”

“And from what I see, you pulled everything out successfully!” Nino said bringing his arms around Satoshi’s neck.

“Yes, I did!” Satoshi said winking at his boyfriend.

“I’m glad you did!” Nino replied smiling.

“I am glad I did so, too! More than you can possibly think…” Satoshi pressed his boyfriend’s body to his, his eyes looking deeply into the other’s ones before smashing their lips together. The kiss was slow and full of emotion. “I am who I am because of you, Nino…” he whispered once they broke it. “And I’m sure, you won’t lose Masaki either… Have faith, baby… ok?”

Nino nodded and hugged Satoshi even tighter, letting his head touch the other’s shoulder. “I just want to see him as he used to be… I miss that child, Toshi…”

“And he will…” Satoshi reassured him. “I’m sure he will… because he’s not alone…”
………………………………………………


“Aiba! Out!” Matsuda-sensei yelled and Masaki grabbed his bag smirking.

“Finally! It took you longer that I thought!” he told him before throwing his bag over his shoulder and walk outside the classroom.

The corridors were empty. He walked around in an attempt to clear his mind. He found himself wandering around the infirmary. “Shit… I don’t want to see his face…” he hissed under his breath and turned around just to be stopped by Nino.

“Masaki!”

Masaki just clicked his tongue against his teeth and without saying anything, he started walking away. He hadn’t made more than a few steps when he felt a hand grabbing his arm.

“I want to talk to you!”

Masaki turned around and grabbed the collar of Nino’s white robe. “But I don’t! I thought I was clear enough earlier this morning!”

“What did I do?”

“I don’t know… Perhaps, telling people things were supposed to be kept between us?! Things you had sworn you wouldn’t tell anyone?! I told you that I need no one’s pity yet you managed to do it! You betrayed me!”

“What are you talking about? I said nothi-”

“Oh… cut the crap, Ninomiya!” he jerked his arm, freeing it from Nino’s grip. “I thought you wanted to be my friend… I guess I was wrong… you only cared to be named the hero… well, sorry… but if you want to play that card, you should try it with someone else!”

“Masaki…” Nino tried to make the other listen to him in vain.

“For you, it’s Aiba!” Masaki yelled angrily before turning around and running towards the stairs that led to the rooftop. He had tears running down his face. He kicked the wall with all his might. “The hell with assholes… I’m done with all of them… Pity… Screw you and your pity!” he yelled as loud as possible before falling down on the ground, his back leaning on the wall. He was looking blankly at the blue sky, breathing heavily. With trembling hands, he brought a cigarette to his mouth and lighted it up. He started breathing slower and closed his eyes, images of Sho keep popping up. He threw his half-finished cigarette on the ground. Fuck you, sensei!
……………………………………………


The bell rang, indicating the end of classes. Sho had tried not to overthink Masaki’s absence. Perhaps he was tired… and needed some sleep… The last thing he wished was to push the student away. He wanted to help him… for many reasons that didn’t want to analyze… he just knew that he wanted to help him.

He had just finished with his notes when he heard several laughs and loud voices. Frowning, he walked out of the teachers’ office and saw that half of the school was gathered in front of the notice-board in the main entrance of the building. He frowned even more as he realized students were looking at him deprecatingly, muttering things he couldn’t catch to each other. Something was off… his heart kept beating faster and faster as he came closer to the board.

“What’s going on?” he asked not being sure whether he wanted to hear the answer.

“Why don’t you turn around and see, Sensei?” one of the 3A class answered with a raised eyebrow.

There was rudeness in his tone and Sho gulped. He did as he was told slowly feeling his heart stop. His photo… his photo was hanging in the middle of the notice-board, printed into a bigger size with an explanatory phrase underneath:

Sakurai Sho: gang leader’s whore and junkie

He felt all the oxygen leaving from his lungs. His mind had turned blank when he caught with the corner of his eye him. He was leaning against the entrance staring at him with a huge smirk on his face. Sho's eyes were locked on Masaki asking for answers. He thought that the other had understood him... but it seemed he was wrong. The first tear run down his cheek before he could stop it.

Why…? Why did you betray me like that?





TO BE CONTINUED…







A.N. Sooo minna here's chapter 3!!! ^_^ I'm really sorry for posting two days later but I had my studies to work on. I managed to be done with them on Monday and yesterday I ended up sleeping all day... I was a bit too tired... gomen... ><" But the chapter is a bit more than 5.600 words so I hope that makes up for the small delay! ;)
Sho did take Masaki back to the apartment but nothing happened... I think it's still too early for something like that and it certainly wouldn't help Masaki to open up... We also found something about Sho and this dark past of his; a gang member. We also found out that Masaki has a younger brother.
And Ohmiya made their appearance together for the first time! Yay! Nino feels responsible for sth related to Masaki's past that's why he hasn't revealed anything about Masaki to Sho... I promise you'll understand things better from the next chapter when there will be parts of Masaki's past explained.
As for the end... things got complicated huh?! But at least this time I haven't ended up exactly with a cliffhanger...! xD


I really hope you enjoyed it and as always your comments are <333!!!



See you soon,
Andy ^_^