Author: Andy-chan (antimiya88 )

Part 5

“Matsumoto-san, you did great. I’m convinced that with your proposition as our new base, we’ll be able to make a big step ahead. I suggest that Sakurai-san and Yoshida-san accompany you to Osaka.”

Sho’s eyes widened at his boss’ words. If he went to Osaka, it would mean that he had to leave Tokyo for three consecutive days. He couldn’t do that… not when Nino was still in his apartment. He raised his hand to gain the older man’s attention.

“Yes, Sakurai-san?”

“Yamamura-san, I think such business trips could be a great opportunity for younger employees to gain experience. I’m sure a different point of view could only be beneficial, long-term speaking.”

Sho could feel everyone in the meeting room staring at him rather confused. It wasn’t like him to suggest such a proposition. It wasn’t like him to avoid a business trip. Above all, it wasn’t like him to not agree with his boss. He particularly felt Jun’s gaze scanning him from head to toe but didn’t flinch. He couldn’t leave, no matter what.

“Interesting remark, Sakurai-san. Do you have anyone in particular from your sector in mind?”

“Yamada-san.” Sho replied politely. “He’s already been two and a half years in the firm and so far, has shown excellent examples in previous similar projects.”

“I can also guarantee that, Yamamura-san.” Jun jumped in, surprising Sho. “I’ve worked with him before for the ASP-II project. I agree with Sakurai-san that he could be the best candidate in that matter.”

Their boss looked at them with a raised eyebrow for several seconds before he spoke again. “If Sakurai-san takes up the planning, I don’t see why we couldn’t try, since both of you seem to agree.”

Sho felt a wave of relief passing through his body. “Of course, Yamamura-san.”

“Ok. Then, how about we proceed to Shida-san’s new marketing strategic plan…”

Sho stopped paying attention to the words coming out from his boss’ mouth. He had been in that meeting room for more than two hours already and it was starting giving him a headache. Jun’s stare wasn’t helping either. All he wanted to do is to flee away.

Finally, after an hour and a half. He was free to go back to his office. He had almost reached his door when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Jun…

“I don’t have time, now, but don’t think this is over. You won’t escape so easily from me, Sakurai.”

Sho didn’t turn. It had been years since Jun had called him like that… because he had never brought him to his limits but it seemed that this time, he had. It wasn’t that he accused his friend of anything. The closer he got with Nino, the more he got away from Jun. The realization of having fallen in love with the young man who was loving in his apartment, made him lose his ground. Jun would definitely see it, Sho was positive about that, and because of that, there was no way he could face him… at least, not yet.

“We’ll talk.”

Sho heard Jun’s footsteps as the latter walked away. He had no time to lose… He hadn’t lied when he said that Yamada had the potential but the young man still needed support. A solid, detailed plan would be able to help him fill the gaps of Sho’s absence from the meetings in Osaka. 

---

It was already dark outside when Sho heard the voice he least wanted to hear at the moment. “Sakurai-san.”

He cursed inside, yet didn’t show it, smiling politely as he stood up from his chair.

“Yamamura-san. Is everything alright? Do you perhaps want something changed in the plan?”

“No. Do not worry, Sakurai-san. I can assure you, your plan is perfect, as always. Yamada-san proved to be quite on the point when I asked him questions. I’ve also asked from Matsumoto-san and Yoshida-san to give him an intensive tip course. I’m sure it will be fine.” Sho’s boss replied with a small smile.

Sho sighed relieved. It seems Yamada had passed the test.

“In any case, I believe, Sakurai-san, you’ll be available online?”

“Of course.” Sho hurried to assure his boss. “Whatever they may need.”

“I needed to have it checked.”

Sho only smiled rather awkwardly. It was obvious that his boss wanted to say something.

“Is everything alright, Sakurai-san? Because it’s not common of you to avoid a business trip. You’ve never done it before… not even when recovering from flu.”

Sho cursed inside once again. He had been such a work addict that his present choice was seen as something alien.

“I’m fine, Yamamura-san. It’s just that… these days I accommodate a relative in home. He just got out from the hospital and as there’s no one else but me, I need to be with him until he fully recovers. He had an accident and faces difficulties in moving.”

“If that was the case, perhaps, you could have asked for a short-term leave. You had the right since you’ve never used your entitled ones.”

“It wouldn’t be necessary, Yamamura-san. My relative’s condition is already a lot better. I just cannot leave Tokyo at this very moment.”

“As you wish, Sakurai-san. I’ll be waiting the reports for LIGHT S.A. in the morning.”

“Of course, Yamamura-san.”

Once his boss got out of his office, Sho let himself lean against the back of his chair, his eyes closing. It was the first time he had ever lied at work. It wasn’t far from reality; only a few details altered. He let out a long sigh. He was tired… Not only physically but also emotionally. He had to face Jun… he had to face Nino…

Since the realization of his feelings, he desperately tried to avoid him. He had used work as excuse. It wasn’t but a pretext, but Nino was sharp.  Sho was sure, he’d immediately realize what was happening and it was the last thing Sho wanted at the moment. The only thing Sho had dared in the past days, was to sneak in the guest room to get a glimpse of the other’s sleeping face. He hadn’t walked too close, just looking him from afar was enough. His heart started pounding fast in his chest as he remembered how beautiful Nino’s soft skin looked, bathed, as it was, in the moonlight.

“So, now, you’re daydreaming even at work? The case if worse than I feared…”

Sho, startled, opened his eyes just to see his friend standing in front of his desk. He cleared his throat before turning his attention to the PC screen to save the last documents before closing it.

“You’re still here?” he asked Jun casually.

“Yes. I had to give instructions and tips to Yamada, thanks to someone...”

Sho avoided to look at his friend as he stood up and took his jacket in hand. “I’m sorry to-”

“It’s fine.” Jun cut him off. “Although, I admit it took me by surprise.”

Sho sighed. “Jun, I-”

“I’ve always been saying to you to get a break. It’s not that I really mind you not coming with me and Yoshida to Osaka but rather the reason you’re not.”

“I-”

“Is his foot still not healed?” Jun asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Almost.” Sho mumbled. The truth is that he wasn’t paying any attention.

“And still no progress…, right?!”

Sho gulped. “What… do you mean?” he whispered rather nervously.

“No mention of something… no single piece of information.”

Sho’s eyes fell on the ground. “No,” he whispered.

“No phone call to a relative, a friend, either..., right?”

Sho looked at his friend for a few seconds before averting his gaze again. Jun always had to be on point. He sighed. “No.”

Jun mirrored him, shaking his head in a disapproving way. “Sho, I can see that he’s being troubling you. Now, it’s not the right time for us to talk. I will only give you a piece of advice. Don’t get too attached.”

“What?” Sho asked louder than he wished but couldn’t help it. Jun’s remark… Had his friend realized his secret feelings? But… how?

“I’m only saying that it will only be more difficult when the time for him to leave will come…”

Sho lowered his head. Jun was right. He had also thought of it. He knew it, deep inside, but it was above his powers to control what he felt. He saw his friend having reached his office door. “Jun…?”

“Yes?” Jun asked as he turned to look at him.

“Thank you for earlier.”

“It’s what friends are for.” Jun replied with a small smile. “But that doesn’t mean I approve it… I have to leave, now. I’ve a trip, tomorrow.”

“Good luck, tomorrow.”

“Thank you. Take care of yourself. Promise?”

Sho bit his lower lip. After a few seconds of staring competition, he lowered his head, defeated. “Promise. Good night, Jun.”

“Good night, Sho.”

Sho was left alone, standing on the same spot, lost in his thoughts. He knew he shouldn’t get too attached to Nino but could he actually achieve that? His gaze turned outside his window at the lights coming from the other offices in the area and let out a deep sigh. His fast heartbeat told him that he couldn’t…

***

“Stop yelling!”

Sho frowned as he pushed the door of his apartment open. Was Nino talking with someone? He took his shoes off and walked closer to the source of the sound as quietly as possible.

“I just felt like taking a break. That’s all.” Nino had his back at the business man, holding Sho’s phone in hand. It was obvious that he hadn’t taken notice of him. “I won’t tell you where I am… and… stop talking bullshit! It’s none of your business!” Sho frowned. Why was Nino so desperate to hide himself? “Maybe I found myself a sugar daddy like the cute bitch I am… It was what she always told me! Maybe it was the time to prove her right!” Nino continued sounding angrier and angrier with every minute passing by. “Stop… Stop yelling in my ear! I only called you so that you don’t do anything stupid and call the police like that other time, not because I wanted to hear a damn fucking lecture! Got it?” Nino passed his hand through his hair. “It’s your problem! Not mine! Look, now, you know that I’m ok. So, no need to worry about me. Bye!” and with that he ended the call. Sho saw him throwing his phone at the sofa. “Damn you, Ohno!” he cursed before he went to the kitchen slightly limping.

Sho acted fast when he heard one of the cupboards open and the faucet being turned on. He took the phone, and with a trembling hand, he took the number, Nino had dialed, a photo with his cellphone before he let it back where the other had left it. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears. This wasn’t like him… How many times had he acted so out of character since Nino had come across in his life?! Many… He knew he shouldn’t have done it but he also knew that it was his only chance to gain a piece of information concerning the man that had captivated his heart. Maybe this Ohno could be a clue.

“I’m back!” he said in a loud voice, after several attempts of calming himself down, to give the other the impression that he had just arrived.

No reply came back. Sho walked to the living room to find no one. He frowned. Where is he?

“You… came…? What time is it?”

He saw Nino yawning and throwing his hands up in the air as he walked towards him from the guest room. It was only when he came closer that Sho noticed his red, puffy eyes. Had the other been crying? Sho frowned… of course, he had… these were tears of frustration… anger… It was obvious that whoever this Ohno was had upset him. And now… you pretend you were asleep…

“It’s almost ten. Were you sleeping?”

“Yes…” Nino whispered.

“Have you eaten?”

“Yes.”

“If you’re tired, you should go. Don’t push yourself.”

“I don’t mind. I like seeing you eat.” The last words came softly out of Nino’s mouth surprising both men. “I… mean… I find it funny the way you fill your mouth with food.”

Was it Sho’s imagination or Nino’s cheeks had traces of the slightest blush? He blinked feeling his own cheeks blushing at the thought. His heart once again skipped a beat and having the other only centimeters away from him made his hands itch to touch him. He bit his lower lip. He shouldn’t act on his desire… even if there wasn’t any dirty thought hidden behind.

“I have to check some things as I eat, so you better go to bed. It’s already late.”

Sho wanted to tell him to stay with him… but he couldn’t.

“You know you can tell me if you don’t want to-”

“I don’t want you to leave. You still can’t walk properly. It’s just that I have too much work…”

“O… k…” Nino mumbled rather hesitantly, his voice tiny; tinier than ever.

“Good night, Nino.”

“Good night.”

Sho hated it. He hated that he had eavesdropped and that he had taken secretly the number of this Ohno. He hated that the other had thought he was unwelcomed. He hated that he had denied his company when the other had more or less proposed it himself. He hated that the other despite knowing his name still hadn’t called him by it; not Sho, but not even Sakurai. He hated that the other wouldn’t open to him, the same way he hated it that he couldn’t open he, himself, to Nino.

He sighed as he found a plate of omurice waiting for him at the kitchen table. He took a spoon and started eating staring blankly at the fridge. He, now, had something… or more correctly someone. Ohno… Who could he be? And what is he to Nino…? And who is she? Which woman could ever think so low of Nino? Inevitably, his eyes turned to the closed guest room door.  Why do you hide so much anger in you? His heart clenched painfully when he remembered the red eyes he had come across earlier. It wasn’t anger… it was pain… deep pain…

He couldn’t eat. He had lost his appetite. He felt guilty. He had pushed the other away when it was obvious that Nino sought for his presence. Without changing clothes, he walked towards the guest room. He could hear muffled sobs. You’re crying… again… Without knocking, he entered inside where he found Nino sitting on the floor with his back at the feet of the bed, curled up like a ball. Was he like that because Sho had denied him to stay with him? No… It had to be that Ohno… Whoever he was, it was obvious that he had an impact on Nino. Their gaze met in complete silence. Sho couldn’t bear the sight in front of him. It didn’t matter what the reason was; the most important thing was that Nino was crying, and he simply hated it…

Without uttering a single word, he stepped closer and knelt right in front of the other. He tilted his head, his eyes searching for a trace of rejection that never came across the other’s gaze. He opened his arms and wrapped them around the slim figure. He felt the way Nino froze but didn’t move away. Sho felt like crying himself the moment he felt two arms finding their way behind his back, holding on his shirt. He only tightened his grip around the other… telling him in a way that he was there for him… that he could cry. It was after several seconds, that he heard it again… the sob… and then he felt something hot wetting the front of his shirt. A tear… He said nothing. There was no need for words at the moment. He only kept hugging the other, pressing him closer against his chest. He was sure Nino could hear the crazy rhythm his heart had but couldn’t care at this moment. He had to ensure the other was calm again.

It was an unexpected turn of events. All these days, he had been avoiding the other and now they were both on the floor so close. Sho closed his eyes, allowing himself to feel how Nino felt in his hands. Sho could only use the word perfect to describe it… as if this was where Nino was supposed to be. Yes… he wanted to protect this man…

“Shhh…” he whispered, his mouth ghosting on top of Nino’s head. “It’s alright. I’m right here…” He meant it.

---

Sho threw one last glance at his sleeping figure, securely placed under the sheets, before he got out and headed to his bedroom. It was a little after midnight when Nino had stopped crying and his breathing returned slowly in a calmer rhythm. Sho had felt as if, somehow, they had come closer… closer than he had ever dared to imagine. Nino hadn’t pushed him away; he hadn’t jerked when he felt his lips pressing a kiss on top of his hair, neither when he pulled him up and placed him in the bed.

After a quick bath, and once settled into his bed, Sho looked at the photo he had taken earlier. Nino had erased the number from the memory of his fixed phone when he checked it again. This Ohno could play a key role… but then again should he act selfishly and call him?

“I should wait…” he mumbled to himself before switching the lamp on his bedside table off. 

Maybe he had to wait and see if Nino opened up a bit… No. Nino would open up to him… Something told him that he would.

***

Two days had passed by since that night and neither had brought it up. They both continued on the same routine they seemed to have developed. The only difference is that Sho, once again, didn’t avoid him again, feeling that it could only cause more problems and the last thing, he wished for was another outburst like that.

It was Sunday, a little after ten in the morning, when the bell rang. Sho frowned. He didn’t expect any guests.

“Who could that be?” he muttered to himself as he went to open the door. His eyes bulged when they met with no one else but Jun looking at him with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“Jun?! Wh… what… are you doing here?”

His friend said nothing as he barged into his apartment, without waiting for Sho to allow him.

Sho cursed under his breath. He could already see how his friend was and he knew Jun had enough with him. “Jun! Wait!” he tried to stop the other as he hastily closed the door. Jun simply ignored him.

Damn it! When Sho entered in the living room he saw Jun looking at Nino critically from head to toe.

“Jun, let’s go to the kitchen.”

“You won’t introduce me?” Jun said in a polite yet strict tone. Sho knew his friend was angry, and Sho knew he had all the rights to be.

“This is…” Sho bit his lower lip. What could he say? What would Nino want him to say?

“Nino.”

To everyone’s surprise it was Nino himself the one who spoke.

“Nice to meet you, Nino. I’m Matsumoto Jun.”

Sho didn’t know what Jun had in mind, not that he didn’t trust his friend, but he couldn’t risk it.

“Jun? Can you come in the kitchen?” Jun was still looking at Nino. “Please.” Sho knew he sounded desperate, but he really was.

Once they were in the kitchen, Sho threw a quick glance to Nino who was looking at them with an unreadable gaze, before he closed the door so they could speak without being heard. It seems it was what Jun had been waiting because the moment the characteristic sound was heard, he started speaking in a way Sho had forgotten of.

“What the hell is going on, Sho? Yamada sent you three emails when the offer was changed in the last minute but got nothing back. I called you, you didn’t call back. Luckily, it was something Yoshida was familiar with and we managed to overcome it. We came back from Osaka, you didn’t care to call. I had to cover up for you to the big boss. You sent files to my secretary that were missing important information and others that had several mistakes. I tried to approach you and you ignored me. You have been ignoring me for quite some time now, I said nothing. But now it has affected your job, damn it! Your job! This is not you. I get it… Don’t think that I don’t understand why you’re like this… You’re only human after all, but I can’t allow it consume you like this. I have no idea what’s changed lately, but you have to wake up. You have to get over this turmoil of yours because it’s turning into a whirlpool from which you won’t survive.”

Sho couldn’t stop Jun… It was a while since his friend had such an outburst.

“If you’ve chosen to ignore it, good, but I can,” Jun continued. “…and I don’t intend to sit back seeing you going on like this, Sho!”

Sho had lowered his head like a small kid being lectured by his parent after getting caught making mischief.

“Why won’t you speak to me? Before, whenever you felt troubled you came to my apartment…” This time, Jun sounded as if he was tired; tired of being worried.

“I will…” Sho whispered, knowing how much he must have worried his friend. “I will, I promise.”

“I didn’t want to come here… but you left me no choice, Sho.” Jun whispered.

“I know that, Jun.” Sho’s voice sounded weaker, almost trembling.

Jun said nothing more. He took his friend into his arms, knowing that it was what Sho needed at the time. He had no intention to barge like that into Sho’s apartment but he wouldn’t allow the other to destroy his life. He may feel in a way he hadn’t experienced before and he had respected it, giving Sho the time and room he needed, but his behavior these past few days, was closer to becoming alarming… and Jun couldn’t ignore it; even if it meant action that Sho may not be very fond of.

“Please, think about what I said and remember… I’m always on your side.”

Sho nodded once he broke the hug. “I know…”

“I will take my leave, now. I’ll be waiting.”

Sho nodded again.

When he opened the kitchen door, Nino was still sitting on the sofa, with his knees close to his face.

“Good bye.” Jun said to Nino gaining only a small nod.

When Sho returned back to the living room, Nino was nowhere to be seen. He walked to the guest room door. He knocked but no reply came. He tried to open it in vain. The other had locked it. That hadn’t happened before. Why had the other disappeared?  Suddenly, it felt as if he and Nino had taken several steps away from each other.

“I’ll be back in five. Ok?” he said loud enough for Nino to hear him. Sho left his apartment sighing. He wanted to buy Nino’s favorite food. He wanted to make the gloominess, he had seen, disappear.

---

Four days ago

“Do you have a favorite food?”

Sho looked at the other bewildered. He surely hadn’t expected this question. “Why are you asking?”

“Because you seem to have none.” Nino replied in a blunt tone.

“How did you guess that?”

“Because you like everything?!”

“I love food.”

“Yes. That’s what I’m saying!”

Sho almost laughed at the fast rhythm of this unexpected dialogue. “What I mean is that I love food, indeed, but my favorite is pasta with tomato sauce.”

“Humble. I would have never guessed!”

Sho chuckled as he finished his dinner. “I could also say the same, though.”

“What?”

“That you seem to have no favorite food because, unlike me, you seem to like no food in particular!”

“Because I’m not fond of food.” Nino replied in a tiny voice.

“Which is why you’re this thin. You have to eat more.”

Nino chose not to answer to that. “I do have a favorite food, if you want to know.”

“Which is…?”

“Hamburger!”

Sho smiled, making a mental note.

---

Sho opened the door, the hall immediately filled with the smell of freshly cooked hamburgers. He took off his shoes and placed the food on the kitchen table before he hurried to the guest room. He tried to open the door and to his surprise, the doorknob moved. “I bought us hamburgers for-” He started saying as he entered just to hush. The bed was made. No trace of Nino. He hurried to the bathroom but no one; again. “Nino!” he yelled, desperation conquering his body, but no one replied. He sat on the bed, his heart beating painfully fast against his ribs. Don’t tell me that he… His thought was interrupted in the middle when he caught a piece of paper with the corner of his eye.

Sakurai Sho

It was time for me to leave. My foot is fine, so there’s no need for you to worry. Your help didn’t go in vain just as you wished.

Nino

Sho felt his hand trembling and his eyesight turning blurry from the tears that filled his eyes. “Nino…” he muttered his whole body, jerking. Before he knew it, Sho was crying, the tears hot as they were falling down his cheeks.

It had happened… Nino was gone.

TO BE CONTINUED…

A.N. So minna here’s chapter 5! ^_^ It’s the longest but had to show how this whole situation with Nino had been affecting Sho. I also wanted to give you some hints of what Nino may think of him – You’ll understand everything when things will be explained by Nino’s POV (of which you’ll have a first glimpse in the next chapter ;D)!
I know you may not like the end very much but Nino had to leave at some point, right? I’m sorry for the cliff but don’t forget that Sho has Ohno’s phone! Now, who he is and what role he plays in Nino’s life, we’ll find out in the next chapter! Promise! Things will (finally xP) start to get clear! ;)

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

See you soon,
Andy ^_^