Author: Andy-chan (antimiya88 )

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

Written for yukitsubute's Wish Meme!







 

 

Part 1

 

“Good morning, guys!” Masaki exclaimed happily as he reached the meeting point with his two friends.

Jun cursed under his breath. It was only 7:40… too early to cope with Masaki’s overexcited, pitchy voice. He heard muffled laughs on his side and sighed. Of course, he had to laugh and of course, that made him even angrier.

“Aibaka, don’t you know that J is like a moody spinster, every morning? Keep your voice lower…”

“Nino… I swear I will show you who-” Jun started replying when he felt someone patting his shoulder.

“C’mon guys! You can always fight later! You’ll be all late for school, now!”

Jun knew this voice. It was his older cousin’s.

“Oh-chan, is always right!”

Jun also knew this type of excitement. It was Nino’s whenever his cousin was with them. It was the same since they entered in high-school last year. Nino would never be the usual brat he was, around Satoshi or more correctly, Oh-chan… Only one week after Satoshi had moved to Chiba after having finished his studies and he was already called ‘Oh-chan’ by his friend. That was certainly wasn’t something he liked. Quite the opposite; he found it annoying, even irritating.

“At least, you know when to shut up…” Jun said stiffly and turned around with his hands in his pockets, walking slowly towards the school. Nino had made it again.

“Always a sensitive baby!” Nino mumbled under his breath while watching the taller one walking away from them. “See you later, Oh-chan!” he said to Ohno, immediately finding his smile back. “C’mon, Aibaka. Now, we’ll be late for sure!” and with that, he started running fast, passing by Jun who immediately started chasing him, angrier, if that was possible.

Masaki sighed and shook his head. Lately, Nino and Jun were always like this; Nino would tease and provoke Jun while the latter would fall right into the other’s trap. It was more than obvious that this little game of cat and mouse of theirs was nothing less than flirting. He wasn’t sure whether they did it on purpose not to open up and speak clearly about their feelings just because they liked it or they were really shy. Whatever it was, Masaki hoped it ended soon.  It had started becoming tiring because whenever those two started, they’d never end fast and sometimes they even dragged him into this little game, wanting him to take someone’s part.

“Don’t worry, Masaki-kun. They both know very well what they’re doing!”

Masaki looked at Jun’s cousin and muffled a smile. “I hope so, Ohno-kun because honestly, I think it’s about time they get together… The longer they’re like this, the more the rest of us will suffer!”

“I know!” the other said chuckling. “But now, you should go. You have less than ten minutes before the ring bells! Hurry!”

Masaki looked at his watch and cursed under his breath. He muttered a good morning to Satoshi and started running as fast as possible. In less than five minutes, he could see the entrance of his school. It was no coincidence that he was the fastest in his school and the second fastest in the whole prefecture. He liked running. There was always this wave of excitement that passed through his body, while feeling the morning breeze right on his face. He turned at the corner without slowing down, adrenaline having filled up every cell of his. He wasn’t breathless; on the contrary, he felt more energetic and his batteries charged fully for the rest of the day. Everything was going well until he bumped onto something or more correctly, someone who was about to enter the school gates at the same time with him.

Masaki found himself in an awkward position on top of the other whose body was on the ground.

“What the hell?!”

Masaki bit his lower lip guiltily. The other, whoever he was, because it was the first time Masaki was seeing him, was furious.

“I’m really sorry!” Masaki said as he jumped up in a quick move and gave to the other student, apparently, his hand to help him stand up. “I didn’t mean it… Are you ok?”

The other stood up without taking a hold of the hand offered to him and looked at Masaki with narrowed eyes. “Do I look ok?”

Masaki lowered his head. “Sorry… I didn’t see you… I would be late and-”

“And you’d run like a cheetah in the wild…” the other cut him off in a clearly ironic tone. He clicked his tongue annoyed and cleared with his hands his uniform. “I know that this is province but I’d honestly expected some manners…”

Masaki frowned. This new student had sounded snobbish. He was about to reply when he heard Nino’s voice from behind.

“That’s who we are, here in the province!” Nino said in a sarcastic tone and grabbed Masaki’s wrist to pull him with him. “Come, Aiba-chan, classes are about to start!”

Masaki though didn’t move from his spot. He kept looking at the new student who was fuming because of Nino’s words. He didn’t know what his problem was but he couldn’t accept such assaults. He kept replaying the other’s words repetitively in his mind. He liked the little fishing town he was living in. He was more than proud of it, so he couldn’t accept anyone to belittle them and their town like this.

“Aiba-chan?”

Masaki didn’t reply to his friend. Without breaking the eye contact, he walked till he was standing in front of the new student. “I really didn’t mean to fall on you and throw you, by mistake, on the ground. I apologized for it and offered you my hand to help you get up. I don’t know about people like you, from the capital, if I guess right, but in the province, that’s what we consider as manners!”

“I wouldn’t have put it better!” it was Jun the one who spoke this time, as the bell started ringing indicating the start of classes. “C’mon!”

The three friends hurried to the main building to change their shoes and climb the stairs to their classroom, fast. Masaki could feel that there was a pair of eyes following them. He usually wouldn’t speak like this but this time he couldn’t control himself; not when someone had insulted indirectly, something he was proud of.

***

“What an arrogant asshole!” Nino muttered in a low voice once they had taken their seats at their desks. “And his tone…? “I know that this is province but I honestly expected some manners…” If I could, I would stick his manners to-” Nino was forced to stop when the door of their classroom opened and revealed their homeroom teacher, Tanaka-sensei.

“Good morning, everyone.” To the students’ curiosity, the door hadn’t closed. “I have to make an announcement. From today, we’ll have a new student. His family arrived a couple of days ago from Tokyo. Please, make sure he feels welcomed. Please, come inside!”

Masaki, Nino and Jun looked immediately at each other.

“Don’t tell me…” Masaki muttered in a whisper when he saw the arrogant boy from earlier passing through the door.

“Present yourself to your new classmates.” Tanaka-sensei asked the new student who cleared his throat.

“My name is Sakurai Sho.”

Nino raised his eyebrow. The other had said nothing more. There was a negativity, even a hostility in his voice. Whoever this Sakurai Sho was, he clearly didn’t like being there.

“Go and sit down, so that we can start class, Sakurai-kun. There’s an empty desk between Matsumoto-kun and Ninomiya-kun.”

Masaki did notice the annoyance portrayed on the other’s face once he realized that he would have to sit between them. He could still remember the incident from before but he wanted to be open-minded. Perhaps, it was only a bad moment. Since they would be classmates, from now on, Masaki wanted to make a new start.

“Welcome, Sakurai-kun.” he whispered once the new student took his seat at his right side.

To his surprise, Sakurai Sho turned and looked at him, again with narrowed eyes. “If I’m not mistaken, according to manners, people who don’t know each other well, use the -san suffix, Aiba-san.”

“Sakurai-san, my ass!” Nino whispered in a low voice making the students around them giggle.

Sakurai Sho just clicked his voice annoyed and opened his books at the page, Tanaka-sensei asked them to. Masaki looked at him closely. It was obvious that he was the type of student who wouldn’t miss a second from class, making sure to take notes of everything. There were a few moments, though, that Masaki could see sadness covering his eyes. It wouldn’t last for more than a couple of seconds but it was there.

It wasn’t fifteen before the end of the class when Sakurai Sho raised his hand.

“Yes, Sakurai-kun?”

“I’m sorry, sensei, but is this some kind of revision? Because it’s the second chapter…”

Tanaka-sensei cleared his throat. “Look, Sakurai-kun. The head-master informed me that you are coming from Keio high-school, and as a matter of fact from B1 of your school.” Low murmurs filled the room and tens of pairs of eyes were looking at him curiously. “Here, unfortunately, it’s a small town so there’s only one class per year. Consequently, the teaching rhythm needs to be adapted so that everyone can follow. You don’t have to worry, though. Our school presents high percentages of entrances in the best universities, like Todai that I assume you aim to.”

Masaki frowned. So, this wasn’t just someone. He was an elite, perhaps not anymore but he had been till that moment. He knew what kind of school, Keio was. That’s why he kept talking like this... It was the first time that Todai was heard in their school, since the majority of the students preferred to continue the art or work of their families.

Sakurai Sho nodded but it was obvious that he was angry, again. Only that this time, Masaki guessed it was destined more to his new situation rather than someone specific.

Soon, it was time for lunch break. It wasn’t a surprise when everyone saw the new student, taking his bento to get out of the classroom.

“Of course, our Keio-boy wouldn’t stand being among stupid commoners like us!” Yoshida Taichiro, who was known for his sharp comments, said in a mocking tone, as Sakurai Sho was walking by his desk.

The latter looked at Yoshida above his shoulder but said nothing in reply and left.

“Arrogant geek!” Yoshida said again and burst into laughs along with his friends.

Masaki, though, didn’t laugh. Everyone knew what Keio meant… He didn’t know why Sakurai Sho had to come to their small town and their high school but he could understand that such a change couldn’t have been easy.

“Now, I understand why he has this look, as if he’s someone superior…” Nino said as he took a large bite of his onigiri. “Because he used to be one!” he added and muffled a laugh.

“Yes… It must have been quite a shock…” Jun added. “I guess a shock would be to go from Keio to whichever public school in Tokyo, let alone here in such a small town in Chiba!”

“Yes! Imagine him listening to our answers, when we will be asked for our future plans. I’m pretty sure his old classmates would say doctors, politicians, CEOs… the classic, super rich things!”

Masaki sighed. “Nino…”

“What?! Because I understand the reason, it doesn’t mean that I approve of it…”

“You forget that you once were also quite arrogant back when we were in the first grade and you came from Shizuoka!” Jun said with his right eyebrow raised.

Nino smirked leaning closer to the other, his eyes locked on Jun’s, till their faces were only few centimeters apart. “Oh… that was because Masaki was one hyperactive, never-stop-talking tall kid and you were that one tiny, tiny boy with huge eyebrows that covered most of your face! You must admit you were a weird combi!”

Jun also smirked, as he leaned even closer. “Then, should I remind you that now, that tiny boy has become a lot bigger than someone else?” his voice had become lower.

“Is that supposed to be a threat?” Nino replied in a similar, even clearer flirting tone.

“Oh no… I’m just making a statement. Now, if you feel it as a threat, you may have your reasons…”

Masaki shook his head and took his bento to leave his two friends alone. Lately, it would always be like that. They’d ended up either flirting like two small squabs in love or provoking each other. Either way, Masaki had already taken his daily dose; at least, for that day. As he walked towards the door, he could catch that his classmates were still talking about Sakurai Sho. It was obvious that the latter would be the hot topic of discussions from now on.

Masaki didn’t agree with the way he behaved either but he could understand how much difficult it must have been for him. If it was for himself to enroll Keio high school, Masaki believed, he wouldn’t cope with it. In a similar way, it was only logical for the other to have difficulties to adapt to the new environment. He had visited Tokyo several times, especially during weekends when Jun made them take the train just because he wanted to visit a café or Nino because he wanted to try a new burger that he had watched on TV. His two friends were ok but Masaki preferred the calmness and the slow rhythm of life in their town. He enjoyed being surrounded by clean air, having as scenery the blue of the sea and the fact that he knew everyone by their name. It made it feel like home.

***

He chose to go to his favorite spot at the back side of the rooftop from where he could see the blue of the horizon meeting the blue of the sea. It was beautiful and it gave him the illusion of no borders… making him feel as if he could conquer the world. Someone could call it a childish wish but for Masaki, it was what gave him strength.

He leaned on the wall and took the first bite of his fried shrimp when he realized that he could hear something that sounded like muffled sobs. He frowned. Can it…? He placed his bento carefully on his side and made slow steps, as soundlessly as possible, to peek from behind the wall. His eyes met Sakurai Sho who was leaning against the wire mesh fence with his knees brought up close to his chest. Even from this far, Masaki could see the other’s eyes, red and swollen. It was also obvious that he hadn’t touched his bento.

He didn’t know whether he should make an effort to talk to him or not but he decided not to, when he saw him fishing up his cellphone from his trousers pocket and dialing a number.

“Senpai? Yes… it’s me… Lunch break… Can you believe it? This school doesn’t even serve proper meals… there’s only a canteen that sells things like melon bread...” His face didn’t reflect anger anymore; only sadness, making Masaki sigh deeply. “I’m trying to be ok but there’s nothing to do here, senpai. Nothing.”

Masaki turned around to leave. He didn’t feel he should stay there. It was a private moment and he didn’t have the right to eavesdrop.

“It’s… suffocating...” the words were spoken with a tremble, causing Masaki to stop and lower his head. If only the other could see this small town through his eyes, then he would see that there were many things to do.

He hadn’t counted how much time he had been standing at the same spot when he saw a shadow on the ground. The other was standing right behind him.

“Does eavesdropping included in good manners according to you, Aiba-san?” Sakurai Sho’s voice had turned back to its usual coldness.

Masaki turned around and looked at the other closely. He had put on the hostile mask again to keep everyone in distance.

“No. I only came because I thought I heard muffled s-” Masaki realized he shouldn’t say that.

“Sobs?” the other asked ironically. “I’m sure it would be entertaining to see Keio boy crying, wouldn’t it?”

“No.” Masaki replied firmly. “I saw one of my classmates being sad. The fact that you come from such a well-known school, only helped me understand you better. I don’t like Tokyo… I don’t like those crowded streets where everyone is running as if they’re always late. I can’t live like that… If I had to live there, I would be miserable. I guess it’s similar, even if it’s the reversed case. I want to tell you something though. You may laugh with me, I’m sure you will, but I have to say it. It may not look like it but this small town has many things… perhaps not like those you’re used to but it does…”

Masaki could feel the new student’s intense gaze on him. “Do you get paid as your town’s ambassador? If not, it’s a pity…” sarcasm was more than obvious in every word spoken but this time Masaki didn’t get angry. On the contrary, he only smiled, gaining a deep frown from the other.

“No. I just love this place… and if you gave it a chance, I’m sure you’d love it, too…”

They heard the bell ringing indicating the end of lunch break. Masaki smiled at the other and hurried to the place he had left his bento. He came back to an even more surprised and confused Sakurai Sho. He took one small piece that looked like something between omelet and maki. “Here! A local, special version of omurice! I hope you’ll like it!”

Sho was left watching Aiba Masaki who was heading hurriedly towards the door that led back to the classes. He looked at the small piece of food in his palm. He was about to throw it to the ground but then curiosity won him over. He put it in his mouth, surprised to find it so delicious. He looked at the now closed door again. Sho sighed but couldn’t describe him differently. This Aiba Masaki was certainly someone…  interesting…

***

When Masaki finished the last hundred meters, he was panting, almost breathless but satisfied. Once again, he had brought himself to his limits but that was what made his training worth it. He loved such challenges. It made everything more interesting in his eyes. After having relaxed a bit, went to his bag and pulled out the small bottle of water he had brought with him. He was covered in sweat from head to toe after having been running for the last forty-five minutes with the sun hitting him the whole time.

Every Monday, he had track training with the rest of the students that had joined the club. Till junior high, he was also part of the basketball club but he realized that the feeling he felt whenever he ran was unbeatable. So, in the first year of high-school, he chose to focus on the track team and soon, he had become one of its stars, despite his young age. Sometimes, like today, he’d remain alone, after the club activities to prepare himself for the upcoming prefecture races. He wanted to make sure he was at the best condition.

He sat on the ground, not caring about dirtying his clothes, and drank fast from the bottle. He threw the rest of the water on his head. It wetted his hair and T-shirt but he needed to feel cooler. It was almost time for the summer vacations and the heat was already too much. He remained at his spot several minutes with his eyes closed and his head turned towards the sky. He could only hear the rustling of leaves close to him and that made him relax. He loved this peaceful feeling he had inside whenever he was in the empty track field after an intense training.

After remaining in the same position for several minutes, he checked his watch and with a sigh, stood up. It was already late. His friends must have been waiting for him for quite a long time already and he surely, didn’t want that; not when he was obliged to buy Nino a burger – or whatever his friend would make up – in return. He took the extra T-shirt he had in his bag and changed quickly at the same spot, before grabbing his bag in hands and walking fast towards the main gates. Jun was at the drama club, which consisted of only three members, and Nino at the computer science one, probably because that gave him the right to “test” new games, as task.

“Finally! Mr. wanna-be-Bolt made us the honor to make his appearance!” Nino’s voice reached his ears from afar.

Masaki fastened his pace. “Sorry! I just didn’t realize how much time had already passed! I guess I must have run more than usually!” he replied fast.

“Just to get an idea, Aibaka, I’ve finished two levels in my new ga-”

“Please, Nino!  Stop whining and I will treat you your favorite chocolate milkshake!”

Nino, who was pouting till that moment, turned to Jun. “Ok… I will stop…” he looked up at his friend, making sure he used the puppy eyes, he knew the other loved, even if he had never dared to admit it. “Whatever my J wants!” he continued in a flirtatious tone, his hand following some random pattern on Jun’s jacket.

Jun was left blushing for some seconds before he cleared his throat. “Let’s… let’s go!”

Masaki tried to hold the giggles that were threatening to escape from his throat back. These two are just unbelievable… He was walking right behind them when with the corner of his eye caught a figure standing some meters away. He didn’t have to look closer in order to know who this was. He could definitely recognize a pair of low shoulders. He frowned. That’s weird…

Sakurai Sho had been quite offensive when he had caught him on the rooftop earlier that day. Masaki, though, frowned even more. Why was Sakurai Sho still there? He had made it clear before the final bell, when Masaki offered to present to him the clubs available at their school, that he was not interested neither at gaining information, nor at making friends with him.

He had made a few steps ahead when he suddenly stopped and turned his head over his right shoulder. When he thought about it again, the new student was probably coming from the same direction; the track field. Had he been watching me training? And if he was, why did he do that? To Masaki’s surprise, the new student was indeed following them from afar but he stopped abruptly when their eyes met. It didn’t last more than a few seconds but it was enough to make Masaki gasp. Sakurai Sho’s eyes didn’t avert. They remained locked at his. He was looking at him, not with the hateful gaze he usually did; nor with that distant, hostile one. He was looking at him as if he was examining him closely, curiously; as if he tried to decode him. It wasn’t like this morning or even later during the lunch break. It was something that Masaki couldn’t put in words.

After what seemed an eternity, he saw the other suddenly walking in a fast pace by him without speaking a single word. Masaki remained at his spot, silent, his eyes following the new student as he walked away, confused more than ever.

Why? It was the only question that could pop up in his head under these circumstances. Why had he gasped? And most importantly… why had his heart started beating faster the moment their gazes met? Was it because the other was looking at him intensely? Or perhaps, because he was thinking that perhaps, those, admittedly, beautiful eyes of his were silently asking for help?

Still lost as he was in his thoughts, Masaki went closer to his friends, who, even though they had seen the whole scene, didn’t say anything; not even Nino dared to make a joke. Masaki kept listening to his friends that were now talking about what hour would be the most appropriate to meet for that milkshake, somehow, making Masaki more aware of the strangeness of the situation.

One hour later, he was in his room, after having had a quick shower and lunch. His books were still in his bag and Masaki didn’t show any intension to open them. He knew he had homework but couldn’t concentrate. He lied down on his back on his bed, his eyes focused on the white ceiling above him. In his mind, there were only two words or more correctly, one person: Sakurai Sho.

***

Sho entered the small house at the end of the road up the hill. There was no ladder inside, no big back yard, no room for his favorite grand piano. There was a total of four small rooms and as much as he had tried, he couldn’t call it home. He believed that would never happen.

“Welcome back, Sho! How was your first day at school?” his mother’s voice was heard the moment he took off his shoes.

He looked at her, who was smiling widely at him, but Sho could see the agony written all over her face.

“It was ok, mum, but I have lots of homework… Here, they work a bit differently…” he mumbled and hurried to his room. He didn’t want to make her sadder than she already was. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand or that he was being ungrateful to everything that his parents had offered him. He had heard them one night, crying and speaking about possible ways not to destroy his future. At the end, they could do nothing. He knew it well that they had no other choice but he couldn’t help but feel out of place.

He sighed when he saw the white walls around him that made him feel suffocated. He missed his old room, he missed his old school, he missed his old routine. Here, everything felt so slow… as if the time didn’t pass by. From his small window, he could see some of the houses and the small port. His eyes, though, fixed on the blue of the sea and sighed. It was beautiful but he was a kid of the city… he loved its noise, its rhythms, its tens of different images, sights… He couldn’t stay there for, at least, two years… it was too much. Suddenly, his words came to Sho’s mind. “I just love this place… and if you gave it a chance, I’m sure you’d love it, too…” he looked outside again but this time, Sho let his mind fill with his image, determined and focused as he was, as he ran around the track. It was something that had taken him by surprise. Aiba Masaki, like the rest of his new classmates, wasn’t too focused during classes. It was only him that would raise his hand, offer to read and participate.

~.~.~

Sho had wanted to clear his mind before he got back home. He knew that his parents would have agony to know how his first day at school had been. He was sure it was because they were aware of how difficult he was when it came to make new friends. So, being in an empty school only helped him put his thoughts in order. He sat behind a tree, close to the small track field, that was part of the main school yard, and fished his phone from his pocket. He wanted to chat with his favorite senpai, Okada Junichi, that had once been his secret crush. He was probably the only good friend he had made back in Tokyo and the only one to whom he could speak openly.

He was about to call his senpai when he heard voices. He cursed under his breath when he realized that it was the track team, ready for training. He was about to leave his spot when he realized that among the students there was also Aiba Masaki. He didn’t know why but his eyes seemed not to want to leave his tall and slim figure out of sight. But what made Sho concentrate on him even more was his smile, as he talked to the others. Aiba Masaki seemed social and outgoing; the exact opposite from him.

To his amazement, after one hour, he saw his new classmate waving goodbye at the others while he continued alone. It was already quite hot but the other continued on running. Sho couldn’t detect any trace of tiredness. On the other’s flushed face, there was only determination and commitment to the goal. He could see that this guy was genuinely happy. Sho couldn’t remember anyone that had been like this from his old school. They were, of course, focused but there was nothing like what he was seeing at the moment. He could clearly see how wide Aiba Masaki’s smile was once he stopped running. He sucked a deep breath when he saw him throwing water over his head. It was another case of freedom, liberation, to which Sho wasn’t used.

He saw him walking away in a hurry and without realizing what he was doing, he found himself following him from afar. He saw that the ones that were sitting in front and behind of him were waiting for their friend. He could hear their voices loud and despite the teasing, he could sense how deep their friendship was – and perhaps something deeper for the other two. He felt his heart beating faster… It must be nice to be able to tease someone while knowing that whatever comment he might make wouldn’t be mistaken for an insult.

Sho was still lost in his thoughts when he realized that Aiba Masaki had stopped and was looking at him. He looked back. He didn’t know why but he felt that he wanted to explore this person behind his big brown eyes. There was something that, even if he couldn’t name it, attracted him to the other. ‘It must be nice to be able to be around you…’ Shocked with himself and his sudden thought, he walked away as fast as possible, without daring to say anything to the other.

~.~.~

It had been the first day at school and this particular guy seemed to always be in front of him; from the early morning when he fell on him, to this small moment when their eyes met. In only one day and somehow the other denied to leave his thoughts. Sho didn’t know whether it was the fact that this Aiba Masaki had made efforts to talk to him during the small breaks or that he hadn’t laugh when he was called ‘Keio-boy’. Sho also couldn’t be sure whether it was because he had shared some of his food with him. He only knew that this Aiba Masaki had made his day not as awful as he expected it to be.

***

Sho came out of his room for dinner. He had only eaten a small bowl of soup, his mum had brought him earlier to his room.

“Dad?” he asked, not seeing him anywhere.

His mother smiled at him. “He just called me. He will be a little late. I guess some things haven’t changed… He always tries too much for us.”

“Yes.”

“We’ll eat the moment he comes back home… Ok?”

Sho only nodded. He could see how much she was struggling; mentally and physically. Back at Tokyo, she wasn’t used to cook or be charged with the household chores. Now, that he was thinking about the whole situation twice, it wasn’t just him… his parents had also changed environment. They were also facing problems and difficulties. It wasn’t just him.

It was an unusual image of her being in the kitchen but not necessarily an unwelcome one. She looked focused as she was checking the food, a bit tired, as well but determined to continue on the path her family was, now. He looked outside the window. It wasn’t very dark, letting him still see down at the port. “Give it a chance…” his words came back to his mind before he focused on the sounds coming from the kitchen. That was something new… Without realizing it, Sho was smiling…

“Sho?” his mum asked after a while.

“Yes, mum.”

“Would you mind go to the small market? I forgot to buy tofu for the miso soup.”

“Ah… sure…”

Sho saw his mum sighing relieved. Perhaps, now that he was actually willing to see, he could see that he might have given them an extra headache; something, he was now regretting.

He put on his shoes, not caring to change clothes -it was a small town anyway- and hurried to the small market two blocks away. It was nothing like the big supermarkets he’d usually visit when he was at Tokyo but it had the basics.

Sho walked slowly. He only met a couple of older people who all wished him good evening. He murmured it back, confused. He was sure he hadn’t seen them before in his life, so why would they greet him?!

After a few minutes, he entered the small market where he was greeted by a woman in her sixties.

“Welcome, son!”

Sho frowned. Son?! Perhaps, it was among the things he should get used to. He smiled a bit and asked her for the tofu. She went back to the fridge to get it for him, so he spent time to look around at the products close to him. The majority were traditional. As if they’d have international section here… he thought slightly amused and turned his attention back to the woman who was holding the tofu.

“It’s the best!”

Sho smiled again, not feeling very comfortable. Usually, he’d buy things and the cashier would simply ask him for his money. Nothing more; nothing less. Here, though, the case seemed entirely different.

“Anything else, son?”

“No. That’s all.”

He was about to ask how much it costed when he heard a husky, familiar, voice behind him. “Yamada-san, Sakurai-kun, is new in town! He’s one of my classmates!”

He turned around just to see Aiba Masaki coming closer with a smile.

“Oh! Your family is the one that moved up to the hill!” the old woman exclaimed happily. “And you’re Aiba-kun’s friend, too!” she went to the left and picked up a small box that Sho recognized as daifuku.

“No. I-”

“Something sweet to welcome you! It’s home-made!”

“But-”

“Take it.” Out of the blue, he felt a hot breath by his ear, as Masaki whispered to him. “If not, it will be considered rude. Another form of our ‘manners’ here in the province!” Sho bit his lower lip when he heard the last words. He turned a bit to see the other but Masaki patted him on his shoulder friendly. “It’s ok… Let’s forget it already! But honestly, now… You should take it! Believe me it’s the most delicious daifuku, you’ve ever eaten! Guaranteed!”

“And you Aiba-kun?”

“Melon!”

“They’re here…” Yamada-san said as she pointed at her right. “Choose the one you like!”

Five minutes later, both Sho and Masaki had paid and were now walking side by side. This time, Sho didn’t advance his steps. The other didn’t say anything but it wasn’t awkward. On the contrary, to Sho, it felt rather natural to be next to Aiba Masaki’s side. He threw quick glances on his new classmate and he had the chance, as much as the remaining light was allowing him, to appreciate his face better. Sho could only use one word; beautiful. His eyes… his lips… his moles… everything was beautiful.

“I have to go from here, now…” Masaki told him suddenly pointing at one small road on their left.

“You didn’t ask me…” Sho said, much to his surprise.

“Eh?” the other tilted his head, confused.

“About that special… omu-maki that you gave me…”

“Ah… I… didn’t think, you actually tasted it…” Masaki replied in a lower voice.

“I did and you were right. It was nice.”

Masaki smiled widely and Sho felt his heart beating a bit faster.

“I’m glad! See you tomorrow, Sakurai-kun!” and with that Sho saw the other running fast.

That was the first time he was practically out of the house and Aiba Masaki was the person he had met the most. It was as if it was his fate to always meet him. He walked with faster pace as he headed to his new house. His lips curved into a smile. Perhaps, it was…

***

“Who would have guessed?! Aibaka and Keio-boy love struck at first sight! This small town never fails my expectations!”

“And how can you be so sure, Nino? Masaki is friendly to everyone!”

“I feel the vibes, J! They’re like us!”

Jun chocked at his own saliva. “Us?! But… but we’re friends…”

“Only because someone is actually too shy to admit that he likes me more than that. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have spent the last one hour staring at my lips idiotically, as I was drinking my chocolate milkshake!”

Jun’s eyes had bulged but said nothing. He couldn’t…

Nino smirked and leaned closer to Jun’s cheek, just to give him a quick feather-like kiss. “Good night, J!”

***

Masaki ran to the bathroom as soon as he placed the melon at the kitchen table. He looked at himself in the mirror. He was panting and it wasn’t from the running. Now, he was sure. In the afternoon, he had felt his cheeks blush, when his gaze was crossed with Sakurai Sho’s one. And now, feeling the other’s eyes on him, had made his heart jump funnily in his heart. “I don’t even know him… We haven’t practically talked…” he kept murmuring things in an attempt to convince himself… with no success. Masaki threw some water on his face. But he’s so handsome… he felt his cheeks getting hotter. And… sexy…

That night he lied down with only one wish in mind; to get to know Sakurai Sho better.

TO BE CONTINUED…

A.N. Sooo minna here’s a small Sakuraiba story!! :) It will be PG-13 and high-school AU! The story may be a bit simple but I hope you found it interesting enough! There will be a total of three parts. We’ll see how things will go on from now, but hopefully, Sho will open up a bit! Especially now, that he has a reason to! I think that Nino was right! Love at first sight for Sakuraiba and love with teasing and shyness for Matsumiya! ;) This was more of an introductory chapter – yes, you know me… I right loooong stories – and the real Sakuraiba interaction along with some small surprises will come from the next one! ;)

My dear, yukitsubute, I hope that the whole setting and story is of your taste! :) I know it’s super late but as I promised you, it’s here (and it’s long xP)! ^^

I hope you all enjoyed it and as always, your comments, even the small ones, are <333!!!

Lots of kisses,
Andy ^^