chien_rouge525 | Entries tagged with sakurai

GUUUUUYS! I'M BACK! AND I'M HERE TO PRESENT YOU AN UPDATED CHAPTER OF MY OTHER SAKUMIYA FANFIC! I turned it around and made it an angst thing. But I'm not sure if I should make it the final chapter. I'm still thinking about it. For now, this is a tentative ending. Lel. Anyway, summer break has started officially and since there doesn't happen to be a slot for summer classes, I can fully devote my time to reading, writing, and of course to the guys <3 So here it is! A new chapter! Give me comments guys please :(( I want structured comments Hihi.

“Here we are.” The tall white door swung opened to my dark dressing room. I located for the light switch which I was such sure was beside the window and switched it on. It was a large room with windows all over the walls. In the middle was a white lone couch and coffee table where on top of it were my yellow water bottle and pillow.

“Make yourself comfortable while I pack up.” I moved in inside and he followed. We were silent the entire time I packed up. Was he nervous? Detached? Or he simply didn’t want to talk to me?

“Your mind wasn’t with us a while ago, Nino. I could feel it. What were you thinking?” I jerked up to his soft sing-song voice echoing throughout the room and resounding in my ears. My hands stop moving around as I vaguely,that night, that fateful night and I thought I could remember him desperately panting for air. The heat was getting stronger and I was trying my best to keep my feelings in check.

“Sorry. I must really be sick.”
“Liar.” I stopped.
“What did you say?”
“Don’t lie to me, Nino.
I smirked. “I didn’t.”
“Lies.”
“You checked my forehead a while ago, didn’t you? You made sure for yourse---”
“You’re not burning up, Nino. You’re not sick. And we both know it.”
“Then doesn’t that make you the liar here?” Even if there was that smidge of a giggle, I could still hear my voice slowly rising. This wasn’t going in a good direction.
“For fuck’s sake, Nino just tell me the truth!” his voice resounded throughout my room, for a second, I was scared someone would come in the room.
I snapped. “THEN WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY?! HA?!” I threw my clothes to the floor and everything was silent for a few seconds. “What do you want me to say...?” I put my head in my hands. I was losing it. Completely.
“The truth, Nino. I want the truth.”
“Are you sure you want to know?” I looked up. “Are you sure you want to hear what I have been dying to say?” I moved a bit forward, feeling the adrenaline pump in my veins.
“What do you--” he backed up.
“Lock the door.” my voice was shaky; I was shaking all over. But I was trying my best for it not to show.
“W-what?”
“You want the truth, yes? Lock. The. Door.” Good. I was calm.
“Nino, you’re scaring me.”
“LOCK THE FUCKING DOOR SHO.”

He stood still, speechless and obviously conflicted with whether to go through with it, or completely forget. However, this was a test. I was testing him. I knew he would never back out of something he himself had initiated, but still I had to find out if he was ready to face me; if I was ready to face him.

I was testing myself. How far I could go and how far my feelings would take me.
This would only be for today, then I’ll let him go.

That’s right. Just for today. I would be the bad guy.

I hear a click and I’m back in the real world. Sho was staring at me, fear and anxiety in his eyes. How I loved those eyes. Those eyes that shone with so much passion and yet filled with innocence. I always wanted to know who was it that he saw with those eyes. Me? Jun? Ohno? I already knew the answer. Of course, it was Aiba. Who else would it be? But why? Couldn’t I have been any better? For more than I could remember, I wished I was the one he saw. Did he lust for Aiba the way I did with him? Did he want to have his lips on Aiba’s the way I planted mine on his? Just like that fateful night, did he wish to overwrite it with Aiba? Or was it something worth any space in his memories, no matter how narrow?

“Enough questions.”
“Nino what are you---”
Before he could react, I crashed my lips into his, shutting him up. His lips felt soft but chapped from the cold. He was resisting, but I was indulging in him too much.Our lips parted for a bit as he voiced out a complaint.

“Nino what are you doing?! Mmph!” Once again our lips were sealed. I held his face in my hand to keep him from going away.

“Not enough.” I said, panting.
“Nino stop--mmph! Stop...I...said...STOP!”

Just like that our bodies and lips were completely apart. “What the hell, Nino!? Are you out of your mind?! What has gotten into you? This is nothing like you.”

“Who am I, Sho? Do you really know me?! Tell me, Sho. Can you tell me what you think was running through my mind during the meeting, if you really know me that much.”
“That is...” his voice faltered as he lowered his gaze to the ground. A small ache spread through my chest. Was I actually hoping he’d be able to answer.
If that were case, then this right now is useless.
“Right. You can’t. “
“Then enlighten me!”
“I love you!” I said it.

I paused, feeling my voice starting to quiver. “Sho, I’m in love with you. Ever since that night, you’re all that’s ever been on my mind. You’re all that I saw. I tried to throw it away because it wasn’t worth the effort. I took in more work, I distanced myself. But when it came down to it, you were all I ever wanted. Not the awards. Not the fame. Fuck the fame. I want you.”

Then there was silence between us. I could literally feel the air tensing up, and my own dignity slowly shrinking. I wanted to look at him. I felt like if I didn’t, then he wouldn’t understand my sincerity. But again, I didn’t want to see the disgusted look on his face I was sure he had on right now.

“Then why didn’t you...”
“Because of Aiba.” I turned towards my things still lying scattered on the floor. “I know you love him, and if I knew any better I’d say he feels the same. How could I ever compete against that? My one-sided love against your mutual feelings. I’m not a risk-taker when it comes to it, Sho. I hate responsibility. And having you hate me because of what I feel is a burden I cannot live with.”

No words came from his mouth and all one could hear was the sound of ruffling of cloth and the trail of a zipper as I finally finished packing up my things and started to leave. Even as I passed him, there was no exchange of words, no violent reaction. Nothing. I swear I though I saw the end of it all.

“I’m not leaving the group because this is one responsibility I can live with. I don’t want us mixing it up with work. I know you agree with me. Let’s just let things be the way they are now so no one gets hurt. Right, Sho?” I reached for the door and bid him a good night then closed the only door that remained between the two of us.

Still inside, Sho stood in the middle of Nino’s dressing room, shaking as tears spilled from the corners of his eyes, his fists clenched. “Idiot, why must you always carry the pain alone?” he muttered.

Current Mood: nerdy
Current Location: My Overly pink and girly cave
Current Music: 君がいるから　＜３

“Nino?”

His small voice snapped me out of my dazed reverie, cutting me off at the most important part of that reminiscent dream and instead had me staring right back at him staring at me.

“You don’t seem to be sick. But you’re a bit pale. Want me to tell the big boss you can’t make it to tonight’s appointments? I can give him a call while you go and rest.” He took out his phone and started punching in some numbers. He moved away from me which gave me a few moments to admire from behind; his posture, the way his hips swayed, his small fingers calloused with many hours of working on solos and reports for NEWS ZERO. Suddenly the heat wasn’t up here. But down there. And I knew just the person to help me with it.

He remained on the phone speaking in small tones and I was moving silently closer to him. The phone call ended and I could hear his muffled voice as if he were somewhere far. My mind was blank and all I could think was to keep myself in check as I remembered that night and how it all ended; as I feel the heat travel faster and faster downward and my mind slowly spiraling into darkness, shrouding my thinking. He put his phone inside his pocket and turned to me. I surprised myself with the fact that I could still control myself despite the beast slowly growling louder and louder inside me.

“What did I the boss say?” I somehow managed to say.
“He said to take care of yourself. He doesn’t want you to drive so I offered if I could drive you home. Unless you mind of course.” He wasn’t looking at me, rather he busied himself with his duffel bag, searching for his keys.

“I’m grateful for all your help Let me get my bag. Come with me for a bit. I’m a bit too weak to carry it alone.”

I moved closer, our faces nearly touching. I could feel his heavy breathing on my neck as I curved my head to bring my lips to his ears.

He wreaks of mint. And Aiba’s parfum.

I should do something about that parfum scent still enveloping him.

“Unless you mind.” I whispered in his eary.

He shuddered. “N-Not at all. Let’s go” He pushed me back and walked ahead. I smirked. He was the same as before. I knew where he hated and loved the most. I could still read him.

This should be interesting.

I followed suit and started walking to my dressing room, careful to hide any hints of what was constantly running through my mind as we neared my dressing room.

(OMG. I am getting to the good part so please don't hate on me. I'm planning a to dedicate an entire chapter as a LEMON chapter. Oh goodness gracious. Please pray I don't faint while I write it. Ghad. This is why I made it a short chapter. )

Current Mood: embarrassed
Current Location: In the Darkness of my heart.
Current Music: Yume De Iikara

He stood in the middle of the room tall and with the same naturally slopping shoulders as he gave directions and suggestions for their next Anishi segment and discussing with MatsuJun as to who would be the next guests. The room was in heated discussion and in the middle of it all, I sit at the far end of the meeting table opposite to Arashi’s Nadegata Rapper and College genius, Sho Sakurai. I had neither the mood nor the time for this kind of thing and my mind flies to my DS awaiting for me at home which I so cruelly left after Sho called me for the emergency meeting.

He hadn’t called me in a while until then. Usually it would be Riida or the Green idiot calling me for things like this.

Why now, Sho?

I sighed in contemplation, which Sho had taken notice of.

“Is there something you want to say, Ninomiya?”
“Huh?” It took a while for me register in my mind what he had asked amidst the stares and expectant gazes. I could feel myself slumping back in my seat. “What? Ah. Nothing.”
“You’ve been sighing non-stop since this meeting began, I just assumed you had something in mind you wanted to say.”
“Ah no. I just wasn’t able to get a decent sleep this week. Filming. And all.”

Liar.

“So it’s nothing. Uhm, continue.”

He eyed me intensely I could feel his gaze bore into my very soul. He continued staring while I remained mindlessly flipping through the giant stack of meeting papers. Aiba nudged me with a cold can of beer he took from the conference room fridge. I looked up slowly and took it from his hands and opened it.

I didn’t say another word.

The meeting ended with the final agreements for the moving stage and lighting. We all packed up and left the room save for a few productions staff as well as MatsuJun to further discuss details. I was the first one out so I headed directly for the dressing room where I left my bag. The hallway was empty except for a few Johnny’s scurrying to get to practice. A few of them took notice of me and bowed in respect, I in return. My mind flies to the time when I was a junior, the same as the rest of them scurrying to get things done. Back then, I had no real intention to fully continue the idol-thing. The others know this as a majority of us had not expected to even be part of the group. In fact, we’ve said it time and time again that the moment we submitted our entry forms for the office, we had not expected much. And when the time did come for the debut, we were all shocked and pretty much stumped that our playful idea had become a reality.

No one, except Sho, knew how I felt about the entire thing.
And no one except him understood how much I felt for he had felt the same way as I did. Of course I can’t say for sure whether or not we were the only ones feeling this.

I reached the door of our dressing room as I tried to throw off what was running through my mind just a while ago and proceeded to grabbing the door knob. Before I could even touch it, the knob moved from me and the door swung open revealing a tall figure with slopping shoulders wearing a suit.

“Nino.”
“H-Hey.”
“You going home?”
“Yeah.” I slipped inside and located my bag.

Which was nowhere to be found.

Then I realized the room’s surroundings were a bit different from the Arashi dressing room. If anything, it had an air of Sakurai written all over it.

“What did you need in my dressing room, Nino?”
“Shit. I went in the wrong room.” I muttered. Shit.
“That’s pretty rare of you to be dazing into the sunset, Nino. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were Captain, but you? Are you not feeling well?”

I remained standing stupefied at my mistake and quickly turned around to leave but was stopped short by a Sakurai face staring right at me, hands on his hips. I knew when he did that. It was always when he was sensing something was definitely not right. If it weren’t for the many years we knew each other, I would not have sensed him holding out his hand reaching for my forehead.

Which of course means I didn’t sense it.

His hand was on me before I could even snap out of my reverie. My eyes widened to the size of pancake platters to the feel of rough yet smooth skin grazing over mine. His eyes stared right at me with obvious concern but I was slowly thinking about something else. Something from the far past.

Was it around 2009? Of course it was. How could I forget? It was that one time where we starred in the same movie. Any fan would remember that drama series we both starred in. Yep. The one where I played the poor older brother and he played the rich young master. Somehow, it was the perfect role for both of us, especially for him who was born a noble, the eldest son to a politician and a university professor.

It was the early morning. I was weary from the previous day from all the appointments, photo shoots and vocal sessions wit the group, the noon after I was with the director of the drama series. Sho was with Aiba, as always. Until then, I never really cared where Sho was. We were close, but unlike his closeness with Aiba, I was on a different scale.
We talk yes. We have fun and we have our moments when fans squeal over our...what do they call it? Ship? Although, I don’t understand what that means. But when it comes to Aiba, it’s like a summer crush for him and I had Ohno to think about. Frankly. I felt a little bit for him and I thought I still do.

But that drama changed all that.

He waltzed in the location all in his morning aura. It was a Monday morning, just a little after 8 for out first shooting session and you could literally see the bags under his eyes. He wore a simple midnight blue t-shirt and khaki short pants. Slung over his slopping shoulders was a large black duffel bag filled with all the day’s necessities. He had shades on and his obvious bed hair on his head. He walked in absorbed in the script on one hand and drinking his coffee on the other all while he greeted every single staff on location. I remained seated on my actor’s chair as if playing with my DS, but actually staring at him the entire time. I watched him as he sat a little farther away from me and chatted with the director on his role. Looking at him now, he definitely was a lot more different than he was back in the day. Same slopping shoulders, but less of that rebellious aura he used to have.

Maybe because he lost that ridiculous pompadour of his.

It was the normal kind of day. I’d been with him, and with the rest of the members in Pikanchi and Pikanchi Double so I thought everyday would be a normal day.

But the moment he started delivering his lines and immersed in his role as Mimura Takuya, it definitely felt like like an entirely different Sho.

For a second, I thought he looked kind of cute with his small smiles and occasional blunders. How his small slip ups never brought him down, how he made a joke out of everything, but when everything became serious he would always turn a blind eye to any imperfection. In the many years that we had been together, I knew he was like that. But it was only then that I realized how precious these small things would become to me.

Our hang-outs and small talks became more recent and more lively. People, magazines, even the fans have become more aware of how close we’ve become. I even surprised myself by becoming the most aware in a lot more ways. It wasn’t here that everything about him changed. I loved being around him the most. I subtly started to call him by his name. By adding a little suffix at the end . He didn’t mind. And I was more than happy to oblige. I wished it had ended there. But the heart wants what it wants, no matter how much we try to hide it. I was not one for romantic escapades; that was their job, not mine. And I know romance is a big no-no in this business and the one thing I needed was a giant scandal that could possibly ruin my career and could have me kicked out of the agency, not to mention the responsibilities that go along with it.

And I know myself. I hate responsibilities.

It must seem so ironic seeing as I am an idol, a member of Arashi even and it was natural for us to have the most jobs. I get it. But still, the idea of responsibility, of having to take care of my own ass and answer to all actions and decisions? It’s not something I prefer over a warm blanket and my fully charged DS or any kind of girl (or boy) sleeping beside me to greet me a good morning after a hot night of passionate sex.

So when I did wake up to a naked figure sleeping beside me, I thought I must’ve been the most drunk person in the world to go against what I despised the most.

Current Mood: nostalgic
Current Location: My Castle
Current Music: One Life

I've been busy the past few days since I'm currently in college right now. But I've been up and running with the updates on my fanfics and of course with Arashi (Hurray for their Japonism!) So here's a Yama I've been working on for a while now. I'll try my best to update as fast as I can. Love Lots guys <3 Sorry for the cussing found here. Hihi.

Everyone stops and stands still when we hear a loud thud from the far back. WE all turn to the sound of any heavy object fallen down only to be amused with the sight of a particular member of Arashi on his buns on the floor, his face contorted in pain and was caressing his lower back. The four of us let out a snicker at the familiar sight and stop when he throws us a pissed of glare. He gets busy standing up but can’t seem to do it and lets out a sigh of annoyance. I chuckle and dash toward the fallen Sakurai, his slopping shoulders slowly coming into view.

“Are you alright, Sho-kun?” I bend down to inspect the damage. I hear the footsteps of the remaining three rush towards us, still trying to repress the laughter nearly escaping them. “You’re not that hurt, are you Sho?”

I extend my hand to help him up and he takes it after a few seconds of hesitation.

“I’m fine Riida. Just great.”

Nino pops from behind me and gives a short chuckle. “He’s always done this, he’s gotten so used to it.”

“Zip it, Ninomiya.” and proceeds to giving him a pissed of glare. Ninomiya throws his hands up and backs off, going back to practice.

“That asshole’s so gonna get it from me. Just wait till you’re the one on your buns. I’ll tell the entire Jimusho how stupid you looked. Hell, I’ll even take a picture and print lots of copies of it and hang it all over the hallways. Wait till the Jr’s see those, huh!?”

Nino quickly spins around a a joking look on his face. He let’s his tongue out. “If that’ll EVER happen. Although, honestly I doubt it could.”

“Just you wait, Ninobitch.”

“Watch it, Sakudick.”

You could literally see the sparks of electricity light between them. And before they could do any damage, Jun and Aiba quickly grabs the two, Jun holding Sho and Aiba holding his bestfriend.

“Break it up you two!” They both said in unison while struggling “The concert’s in three weeks and we haven’t got this choreography down pat! Riida do something!”

I just stood there and watched, at a loss of what to do. I was Arashi’s Riida but, I never was one for doing any action. It would usually be the others doing stuff for me, leading the conversations. True, I would sometime be in charge of things, like our choreography, everyone looks to me in the instant. Other than that, I was the silent type. And the one usually doing all the talking would be, Sho. Sho the klutz, Sho who can’t cook. Sho who could never make it to the top of the cliff.

Precious Sho. Precious, precious Sho.

-------------------------------

I was never the better dancer. Between the rest of Arashi, I was the klutz. I had the image of a manly figure but a failure at everything and anything physical. And I will not deny how bad I am at it. It was an image I was willing enough to share with the fans and for my job. But there comes times where I can see the limit of my built up image slowly coming into view. During those times, Ohno would be there to constantly remind me to always take it easy and I struggled in the arms of MatsuJun who was desperately trying to keep me from hitting Nino straight in the face, all the while keeping my focus on Riida who stood there, flustered and obviously at the loss at what to do, yet Aiba and Jun still trying to get Ohno to do something. His face is blank and then he lets out the most adorable laughs of laughs.

Ah, he was never the active kind of person in the group. He has his ways in the spotlight but most of the time he is seen as a quiet person. Never speaking unless spoken to. Yet when he opens his mouth, the words that come out blend so beautifully with his harmonic voice. It was truly wonderful. I could listen to it all day. Even as Nino and I were split apart, my eyes wandered to Riida and what he was doing. I literally melted when he stood beside me, all smiles and understanding. The Kaze trio left to get something to eat from the other studio, and probably to have fun with the juniors and the seniors, while Riida and I were left alone and we sat on the wooden floor of the studio while we wait for the three of them.

“You sure you’re alright?”

“I thought I told you I’m fine.” He moved away and just nodded in agreement.

“Okay then.”

“Sorry, I’m messing up a lot lately. It’s slowing everyone down.” Beside me, a short chuckle escaped his lips and I stared at him like I thought I wasn’t being serious. He dabbed imaginary tears away.

“I’m sorry. It’s just you take Nino too seriously. You know how he can be.” “Still, I feel bad about it, Riida.”

“You’ve always been like this.”

“Like what?” I looked at him questioningly.

“Always taking the blame for everything even if you don’t have to. That’s very Sho-kun like.”

I felt myself blush all the way to my ears at the compliment he just shot at me. I wanted to say something cool, just to try to keep up the cool guy act. But all the came out was a simple, “Uh...”

‘”Uh...”’? Is that all you can do, you bumbling idiot?!

“I know!” I snapped out of my reverie as an enthusiastic Riida briskly stood up and took my hand. As if the compliment he just gave away wasn’t enough to make me red in the face, I completely turned into a tomato with a simple gesture like holding hands. Well, technically we are.

“Kn-know what?”

“I’ll be your personal mentor!” He replied, his eyes shining as bright as a million stars.

“Ha?!”

“I know the choreography better than anyone of us. Well duh, since I choreographed it. But anyway, I could give you a crash course! I’ll help you personally with all the dancing the steps the timing even help you improve the other dances in time for the Digitalian. It’s perfect!”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Of course, Sho-kun! You’re very special to me!” He said with a huge grin on his face. But true to my nature, I quickly attempt to decline. “You don’t have to do that! I can just add in more effort when I get back home. You have a lot of things to do.”

“Nonsense! I want to do this. And I thought it would be a good chance for the old folks to go out together once in a while.”

At this, I agreed. I still kept on mumbling at how he shouldn’t be wasting his time helping me, and he would spout some ridiculous excuse while flashing me his smile. And every time, my heart would skip a beat. I might have been complaining, but inside, I thought my heart and practically every single one of my organs began their own rave party.

--------------------

It was a shot in the dark. I knew he would try to reject me, tell me he wasn’t worth the time and that he would try to do better. It was just like him to do that but I wasn’t hearing any of it. I was lucky enough to actually blurt out a pretty good excuse to get him to agree despite the nerves churning in and out of my stomach. He finally said yes after a few (maybe even more) tries.

“So when do you want to start, Sho?”

“Huh? Why ask me?”

“Well you might be busy and I wouldn’t want to get in the way.”

“A-Anytime is fine really. You won’t get in the way. Just make sure to tell me in advance, okay?” I beamed with glee. Knowing Sho and his busy schedules, and not surprisingly organized schedule, he would never want something foreign, and I mean FOREIGN, to enter into his intricate collection of time tables and accurate measurements. The very idea I got him to accept my invitation, was more than an honor. If anything, I think it made me blush at the thought that he would make time for me. I couldn’t say anything much but just nod happily.

“Then keep your schedule tomorrow evening open, okay?”

“What? Tomorrow evening? Why?”

“Oh and...” I leaned in closer to him, just enough for our noses to touch each other. “...no turning back now, Sho.” I say in a sing-song voice. I lean back and quickly run out the practice room, lightly leaving a mark on Sakurai’s cheek, blushing from ear to ear.

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: 伝えたいこと　<3

There was a stirring beside me and as a whiff of breeze wept through me. My eyelids felt heavy and my throat was parched. I’m pretty sure my eyes were closed, but I could

pretty much tell the feel of the sun’s warmth on them. I felt the stirring again, this time with a faint sound being murmured.

“...Sho...I love you...”

I suddenly shot up at the voice and the words that were said, ruffling the sheets. I was too bothered by what I had just heard to even notice the now beginning to surge through pain somewhere in my body.

And then I felt it. In the one place I never expected it to be, yet found reasonable to be.

A stinging pain on my bottom. I screamed and winced and landed flat on my right, earning a muffled sound from something fleshy underneath.

Wait. Flesh?

My hands involuntarily moved towards a spot close to my head. I was still in the comfort of my bed, and covered by the blanket. This hand touched the fleshy surface and moved it from on point to the other. What was more surprising was the moan I received in return.

I didn’t dare to look up, as the events of last night suddenly started to sink in.

“The night’s still young, Sho.”

I blushed a hundred times red and slowly proceeded to removing my hand and my head from where it were, however both were pulled back down by two strong hands taking my head in one hand and my hand in his other as he seductively whispered near my ear.

“Don’t stop now, Sho. You looked like you were enjoying it.” I flushed at the deep bedroom voice and suddenly hoped I would just go back to sleep and pretend nothing ever happened.

But lo and behold, I just lay stiff as rock, unable to form the right words.

“Sho?”

With all my strength (and embarrassment), I jerked backwards and pushed my sleeping companion away. I must have put in a little too much oomph in it as I heard the ruffling ofbed sheets falling to the other side of the bed followed by a loud thud.

The silence was deafening.

“Why are you the mad one, Sho? You weren’t the one pushed of the bed!
“Oh shut up, asshole! Why are you even on my bed!? MY bed!”
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? After all the sweet sounds you made while I---”
“IF YOU DON’T STOP RIGHT NOW I MIGHT JUST PUSH YOU OFF THE WINDOW.”

He slid closer to me and took me by the chin. He lifted it up so our eyes would meet. “If you dislike it so much, why aren’t you pushing me away now?”

All of the sudden, all the strength I thought I already had evident in the shove I gave him was suddenly gone as he crashed our lips together, drowning both of us in our first good morning kiss. I let myself relax as our tongues danced inside each others’ mouths, hungrily feeding off on whatever strength the other had. Once the kiss was broken, we were a panting mess.

Tired, yes. Happy? Most definitely.

For a few seconds all we did was stare into the eyes of another, both of us grinning like idiots. Even I knew it was not my nature to be happy over something sappy. But realizing this was something I wanted and wished for so long, I was pretty satisfied with the flow of events. Unknowingly, I found myself laughing in spite of myself. It was true when I said I had unconsciously wanted him to hold me as much as he had and to continue to. I wouldn’t mind. In the end, we were both holding back. Why we did that, it’s a mystery to me now. None of us had wanted to stay apart, but the course of life instructed us to. As we kissed one more time, I felt all the restrictions he had once held thrown out the window.

Every single regret he once had didn’t matter anymore and not surprisingly, so was mine. We ended the kiss reluctantly and I let out a small sigh and flashed Nino a smile.

“Good morning, stupid attendant.”

“Good morning, Sho.”

The events that transpired right after are lost to me.

But I’m pretty sure I was more than happy to have my unspoken contract finally signed.

“No turning back now, Sho.” He whispered in my ear. I shuddered all the way down to the spine and shamefully let out a moan of mixed pain and pleasure as he nibbled on my earlobe.

“S..stop...Nino...ngh...I said stop.!” I tried to worm my arms from his grasp but somehow, the action was doing less, and he was doing more. He moved to my neck and started peppering them with kisses and bites. The sound caught in my throat as he nipped on my chin and up towards my lip. He licked my bottom lip, causing me to moan. Seeing his chance he slid his tongue in and explored my moist cavern, a battle for dominance ensued in the intricate dance of our tongues intertwining.. He continued until we were both out of breath and he released our mouths, both of us heavily panting.

“I’m sorry, Sho.”

“What the fuck? You’re saying sorry NOW?! “I said in between breaths. “You’ve already started, then get it the hell over with!”

“I’ll be gentle. I promise.”

I prodded his chest and felt the warm skin underneath his white shirt. He sighed to my touch. “I thought I told you I’m not a fragile piece of glass.” I leaned up to him and gave him a quick kiss on the lip. His eyes were round saucers, that much I could tell.

“Sho...”

“You were right.”

“Right about what?”

“I wanted this.” I pressed my lips on his and wrapped my arms around him. He gratefully returned my kisses and yet another battle for dominance continued. He held me close by the waist, our lips never leaving each others. I moaned in the kiss. Even as we kissed, I could feel his hands slowly reach for the buttons of my shirt and started quickly undoing them. I held his face in my hands, bringing him closer to me still.

“Sho...” he whispered, as he started licking my neck. I let out a sigh as he murmured my name in his low bedroom voice.

“Nino...your...shirt...off...” he stopped to look at me and I felt red as soon as the words left my mouth. He grinned and took my hand in his and brought it to his chest. “Do it for me. Undress me.”

I blushed but hesitantly complied so I sat up started to undo his buttons while he stared at me. My hands quivered at the thought. He must’ve realized it as he grabbed my hands and lifted my chin. “Enough.” and he kissed me. “I’m past my limit.” And he simply ripped his shirt off and threw it to the side and started ripping mine off. I didn’t even have the chance to stare at his chest as he peppered kisses all over my torso He played with my nipples. He was going too fast. I took a handful of his hair shamefully moaned.

“Stop. Don’t play with them, Nino...ah~” He was sucking off one of them and gave equal attention to the other, twirling it and circling his finger around it. “Nino...augh...too much...mmph.”

“It’s not enough for me.” he moved his hands lower until he reached the hem of my brief and grazed on my now wet with pre-cum dick. “Just your nipples and your already this wet, it’s passing through your brief.” His lips moved down and I felt something moist lick my member still clothed in my underwear. I winced in pain as the blood rushed from my face all the way down. I was panting heavily. He was putting me on the edge as he continued licking it.

“Nino...stop teasing..do it already. “

“Impatient. But we have to prepare you first.”

“P-prepare?! What..ahhh!”

My underwear came off and now I was full naked and at the mercy of Nino.

“You’re pretty hard, Sho. Was it my touch that made you this way?” I tried to speak but the words never left as he held fast to my penis and started rubbing it up and down. “Or was it someone else on your mind that turned you on? Masaki perhaps?”

I started at him wide-eyed. “Like hell I’m ever gonna fantasize about that arse!” I shouted but was quickly reduced to a slutty fit as he took me in his mouth. “Shit...Nino...that’s..no...”

“I'm giving you your reward. You shold just sit back and enjoy.” He licked the tip and continued sucking me off. Unable to say or think of anything, I merely gripped the sheets, my head moving side to side. Then I felt something foreign enter me, and electricity urged through my body. He had entered a finger.

“Ouch! That hurts, fucking idiot!”

“I’m sorry, Sho. Bear with it for a while. “ The pain was completely lost on me as he took me by the mouth once again. I throw my head back from the pain and pleasure.

“Hey Sho, I put in my second finger. It feels so warm inside of you. I can’t wait to dig inside deeper.”

“Sh-shut up! Ah!” He plunged in another finger and scissored my inside, prodding in every corner and finding the right spot and when he did I let out a scream.

“Ah..it’s here?” He prodded on the same spot and I was reduced to jelly. My mind was blank. Even when he took off his fingers and put his tongue in. I kept a hold of his hair pulling him closer.

“Nino...it’s dirty...”

“It’s beautiful.” He kept rubbing my cock and teasing my insides, something in my belly was churning.

“Nino...I’m cumming...” I continued his ministrations and I let out a spurt of white

I panted to the climax. I looked at him now fully naked, his erecting standing in the air.

“What the fuck is that?”

“Just your reward for being a good master.”

“Oh shit.”

“The night’s still young, Sho.”

“Wait...wait...No!”

Throughout the night ,in the light of the full moon, the only sound that could be heard was the sound of skin slapping against skin and the faraway moans of two resounded in the walls of a huge mansion somewhere in an isolated mountaintop. The smell of sweat and sex lingered throughout the room and the heat of two bodies now finally one was all that remained to greet the morning sun.

“...-ster...Master...Young Master...Sho!”

A faraway voice urged me to wake from my slumber and lazily flap my eyelids open. It took a while for me to fully recognize my surroundings, having been accustomed to the total darkness. At first, all I saw was a blurry mosaic picture but slowly, the shape of a familiar glass chandelier hanging overhead made deduced me to believing I was in my room, in the comfort of my own home. I swiveled my head from side to side to make sure I really was in my room, but I had no doubt in my mind I was at home.

I returned to looking at the ceiling feeling safe when I sense something stirring beside me. By my bedside, a black fuzzy head lay asleep right next to my left side. I try to stand up to try and make sense of who it was beside me and to maybe punch some sense into him if ever he tried to get on my bedside. Raising my hand and balling it into a fist but stopped short.

“...Sho.”

It was enough for me to lose the power in my fist and revert it into a somewhat gentler caress.

“What the hell do you want. Nino?” I say quietly.
He must have heard me as I felt the other jerk and he slowly raises his head, locking eyes with mine.

From how he looked, Nino had stayed close to me the entire time I recuperated. He had bags under bloodshot eyes. You’d think he was high. His hand gripped mine and his mouth twitched trying to form words. I was still too tired to fully voice out my thoughts, but I will reprimand him once I get that back.

Nino started to slowly move away. He stood up and took the wet towel resting on my forehead and dipped it into the bowl with ice floating on water. As he took it from my head, I noticed him quivering lightly. I looked at him questioningly and when I tried to sit up, he dropped the towel inside the bowl and scrambled to get me back down lying on my bed.

“Young Master, please don’t push yourself.” He tried to shove me back down, but I stiffened and I wouldn’t give in so now he was the one with a questioning look on his face. He let out an exasperated sigh as he finally complied once I shot him a death glare and continued fiddling with my wet towel still submerged in the water.

“Don’t tell me what to do, stupid attendant. I’m not some fragile piece of glass.”
“I acknowledge that fact very much, Young master. You’ve proved it to me that night.”

That night?

“Why do you---” I stop midway through my sentence and jump to the sound of splashing water. Nino knelt by my bedside, my blanket moving to his direction from his hands gripping it and moving it down with his weight.

“You shouldn’t do that, young master. Going off on you own like that. What would’ve happened if we hadn’t saved you in the nick of time, hm?”

“N-Nino. I’ve only been asleep for a day, it’s not as if I lapsed into a deep slumber.”

He raised his head and looked to me with a serious look in his eyes. “You’ve been asleep for three days.”

“I...what?” I stammered. I quickly located my digital clock and checked the date. It was true: I HAD been asleep for three days! And Nino wasn’t crying. He had been awake, watching me for three days without even a wink of sleep.

“Nino, I...---”

“You’re as stupid as you were back in the day.” He scoffed at the end sentence.

“Excuse me?” A hint of annoyance evident in my voice.

“You were stubborn and you wouldn’t listen when I told you not to peer too close to the the lake. By the end of the day, you would and you’d end up drenched and dripping and I’d get a mouthful from Old Man Mike.”

I was pretty hyped about the idea of freedom after all.

“You’d run and eventually trip on small rocks even when I told you again and again to watch where you were going. You were a handful even from before and I thought you would settle down when you grew up so I put up with it.”

As he continued to reminisce on the old days, his face twisted into a mix of a pissed off parent who’s child did not turn out the way they raised him and an annoyed friend that has had enough of his pal’s crazy shenanigans.

“Well...I did...”

“And then you just drop your guard and let yourself get kidnapped.” He started slowly rising and inching his way closer to me. His eyes now contained a dangerous glint. I move backwards only to find myself entrapped on both sides by his arms acting like some kind of prison cell.

“You already have my utmost attention, so what more do you want?” The blood rose to my face as the weight of his words started to dawn on me. I lifted my arms to push him away, but he quickly grabs me by both wrists and with the strength of his body, pushed me down on the bed, ruffling the sheets beneath us. I put up a struggle, but his weight and with the fatigue that still remained evident in my system, that was a plan gone wrong.

“What the hell, Nino?! I’m incapacitated here! This is foul play!”

“I know.”

“Then get the fuck off already!”

“You were as incapacitated when those assholes nabbed you from the garden, weren’t you?!” He maintained the eerie calm in his voice however with an added threat to it. “I believe you have enough willpower to withstand me.

Then something struck me as odd.

How did he know I was taken from the garden? I don’t recall him running after me.

And then a thought, although maddening, hit me. And when I realized that that could’ve been the only way, I sick feeling settled in my gut.

“You...” I gathered all my strength and put it in my arms to push his weight off of me. “YOU SAW EVERYTHING!

He was quiet for a second as he continued to stare at me with his unchanging eyes and when he finally opened his mouth, I wished I had a knife sitting in the palm of my hand.

“I saw everything.” He said, slowly.

“My vision blurred and the anger already present began to flare up even more. “You saw...and you just WATCHED?!”

“I thought it was the right thing to do.”

“Don’t fuck with me!”

“I’m not. Not yet that is.”

“You simply stood there and watched me get kidnapped and brought to some unknown location and yet you did nothing?! What were you thinking?! I nearly died! You practically betrayed me!”

“You nearly died, but you DIDN'T die. That in itself is a difference.”

“That’s not a good enough excuse for you just watching me get kidnapped. You fucked up the one job of protecting me and---!”

“Tell me then, what good would it have done had I come down and took those guys head on? I would be in the same boat as you and we’d have an equal chance of dying. I acted out what was the wiser of the two and had the men take you along with the tracker I installed in your coat. I think my course of action deserves a little more gratitude rather than the whining of a spoiled little master!”

“If you think I’m spoiled, then why don’t you leave?!”

“Because it’s my job.”

I had known the answer even before he had said it, but the moment the very words left his mouth, I was reduced to a bumbling idiot unable to form the right words, and my chest hurt like hell.

We were silent, and I simply bent my head down to stiffle the sounds. I was probably as disappointed as I was going to get as I hadn’t realized he had addressed me by name again.

“Sho?”

“Job?” Of course it’s your job. It’s obvious. Why’d I have to go and ask some stupid question? Why...?”

And then the dam burst.

“Sho!? Why are you crying!?” He held out his arms to take me in an embrace and I shrug them away. “Hey...”

“Enough with your excuses! What the hell do you want from me exactly?! You could resign but you didn’t You rile me up and make me think you stayed because you actually care. But in the end it’s just your JOB.”

“What are you talking about? Of course I care! I...”

“If you wanted to do your job, you shouldn’t have acted like I was worth more than just you ‘spoiled young master’!”

I hadn’t realized the gravity of what I had just foolishly blurted out. It wasn’t until I saw the expression of shock Nino had did the blood rush to my face and I was blushing a thousand shades of red.

“Ah...I mean...that’s not...”

“You brought this upon yourself, Sho.”And his lips left mine as quickly as it came. “No turning back now.”

Oh shit.

I felt a throb in my head as I began to regain consciousness. My eyes slowly fluttered open and my nose tingled as the smell of rusting metal and old man smell penetrated my nostrils. Once I had gotten my eyes to open, I tried standing up, but found that I couldn't. This was because I was tied to a chair, with something rough like a heavy rope to my wrists.

Where was I? How did I get here? Wasn't I supposed to be at home, resting after that dinner with Aiba Masaki? Then what? Nino woke me up, we got into a fight.

That's right, he tried to take me. He was on my bed, and he started ripping me off my garments. I looked to my side and realized I was still clad in my coat and just wearing my trousers. My white shirt which had been clean a while ago was now covered in dirt. Wait, what happened before I got here? Ah, after that, I ran out the mansion and out to the garden...

It had all come back to me. I was kidnapped!

But who? I had made too many enemies in my lifetime, it could be anyone.

I was now fully awake and trying to get out of my bounds when I heard footsteps creeping closer and closer. Two? No, six footsteps. 3 people were inside. The sound became louder and louder until it came into a stop. The place I was being held was dark saves for the only light that shone on me like a spotlight. The footsteps had stopped in front of me, and I could see the tip of a gentleman's shoe.

"Look at you. You look so beautiful from where you are, Sho-chan."

My blood curled and my stomach churned. I was still groggy, but I could never mistake that voice, or that pet name. Only one person called me that, much to my disgust.

The figure moved forward, revealing my dinner party just tonight: Aiba Masaki. Accompanying him was two of his lackeys, bodyguards at his rear.

The anger rose in me as I found my voice. "Let me go, right now Masaki--mmmph!" He quickly swiped from his tux a piece of cloth and gagged me. With my hands restrained, I couldn't take off the gag, even if I wanted to. All I could do now was listen and watch.

"I wanted to talk it out, Sho-chan but you so rudely left in the middle of our little dinner date." He leaned down, our faces inches from each other. "Frankly, I was a little insulted." He moved his head to my right and licked the outside of my earlobe.

Muffled sounds came from my mouth instead of the screams of disgust.

"Ah, you're quite sensitive, aren't you Sho-chan? But be patient. We'll get there later." He moved away and snapped his fingers. His guards came to me and started beating me up, slapping me and hitting me, taking a hand-full of my hair and pulled my head back. While it was all going on, he stood there at the side, just watching the inhumane way I was treated by his own.

I could feel myself lapse into another unconscious state of mind when he snapped his fingers again and the beating stopped. I was glad enough to be able to take a breather.

I was badly beaten up, and I was aching everywhere. I couldn't see them, but I could literally feel the bruises where they were. My wrists too were starting to ache from the course rope. Aiba took me by the hair and pulled my head back to look at me. He eyes were red. From what, I wouldn't know. But I do know one thing: He wanted to kill me.

"Don't lose your consciousness now, little master. This is nothing, compared to what my father went through with you and your sorry excuse for a father." He growled, and jerked my head backwards. "You don't know the pain my father had gone through before he died."

He began to beat me in the stomach and each time I would yelp in pain, he would strengthen his blows. "Your family pushed him to do what he did. Partnership? Hah!"

He landed another blow, this time I could feel my insides churning inside me. "What 'partnership'?! You put all the liabilities on my father's shoulders so of course he would try to get a little asset. But what happened!? Huh!? You called him a thief and hunted him down! All for getting a measly number from your gigantic company! You buried us in debt, you freaking sons of a bitch!"

He landed his last blow and I in turn, lost whatever I had eaten that night. It was silent then he took off my gag. "I rose up from the poverty, after father died. I supported my mother alone. But she died too. I was alone. And now you're going to pay on behalf of your father. I'm sure he loved you dearly. So this will probably send him to the brink of death as well.

"My father...?" I managed to get out.

"That's right. I'll kill his precious son, and then when the news gets to him, he'll be so depressed to run any of his businesses. It's killing him psychologically."

"Then you're doing it the wrong way."

"Huh!?"

"That arse...he doesn't even look at me. Not once...did he ever...ever play with me. He was no father to me."

"Really now? Then you don't care if he died, then."

"BUT." I continued in between gasps. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have gotten then chance...to be normal. If he held me close enough I would probably be trapped in the own confines of my home."

While all the beating had been going on, I had been busy trying to undo the ties on my wrists. I didn't retaliate, until now when the ropes had finally been undone. I should thank my scoutmaster for this.

I flailed my hands to the side. Aiba’s eyes widened with shock but quickly tried to recover. He must not have expected the ropes to be undone that easily. Fortunately, the metal chair I was tied to had wooden splinters sticking out, probably from when it was still being constructed. A little friction was all I needed under the watchful angry eyes of my captor. With his focus and composure gone down the drain, it gave me a chance to tackle him down. I lunged forward taking all the strength I had in me and pushed him down. His wrists I kept down with my hands and with my lower body, kept him from using his legs from kicking me off.

From both sides, I could hear his lackeys come at me. I had nothing on me to keep me safe and I thought for sure that would be my end when suddenly, one of them were thrown across me, in effect throwing down the other.

In one fell swoop all three perpetrators were on the floor, two of them stacked on each other. I looked to the direction where the first guard had come from and saw Nino standing there, behind him were the rest of the Sakurai family guard.

I had never been relieved to see anyone in my life.

"Sho! Sho!"

But I had no time to celebrate now. The fatigue that had left me somehow managed to find its way back and I found myself spiraling into the abyss of sleep. The last thing I remember was being cradled in the warmth of familiar arms and the deep baritone voice that kept calling my name.

"Ni...no."

It was 8 in the evening when I stumbled through our front door in search for a place to lay a weary man’s head. The nearest couch was a few steps away from the side of the door, but my knees could barely carry my weight all the way there. Relief surged through my body when I felt the warm soft cushions slowly enveloping me. I didn’t even bother to hang my coat on the coat rack and just threw it on the floor next to me. My eyes were beginning to shut and I could feel myself succumb to the ghost of sleep when I felt a shadow loom over me. My eyes shot open revealing an unknown figure. I raised my hand to push against the body but it caught me by the wrist. I still couldn’t see his face but the familiar deep baritone voice and the way it addressed me made it all too easy to recognize who it was.

“Young master, you’ll catch a cold if you sleep here.”

My eyes were starting to make out who it was. “Nino?” I asked.

“Let me escort you to your room, sir. “ He spoke to me as if in a whisper, his hand still holding my wrist and supporting my weight. “Can you stand on your own, sir?”

I tried to stand but ended up back on the floor. Damn it, my legs felt like jelly. I wonder why I was so tired.

“Please excuse me, sir.” And with one fell swoop, I was off the floor, being carried bridal style by Nino. My ears turned red at the intrusion of privacy, and my heart was racing, I could literally hear the beats in the ears. I turned red even more when I realized Nino could probably feel it too.

“W-W-W-What are you doing, stupid attendant!?” I stammered as I managed to get the words out. “Put me down right now!”

“I can’t do that sir.”

“A-And why’s that?! Put me down, you little shit! That’s an order!” I was struggling, squirming to get away from this despite the knowledge of dropping to tiled floors.

“I can’t do that. Now please stop struggling.” He started walking towards the stairs, still carrying me, his arms supporting me and one of them carrying my briefcase

Shit, if he doesn’t put me down, my heart won’t be able to take much more.

My body went rigid and I calmed down and no longer squirmed. Apparently, Nino was surprised by my sudden change in attitude and stopped just before he could take the first step on the stairs.

“Young master?”

“Put me down.”

“Sir?”

“PUT. ME. DOWN.” I ordered, raising my voice to a minimum but enough to make him submit. “NOW.”

He looked at me in contemplation whether to listen to me or to disobey me. I remained my eyes on him, giving him that threatening look.

But he stubbornly goes for the latter. “That’s not going to work, young master.”

“You fucking idiot, are you even listening to me?!” With the entire ruckus I was making, I was sure to awaken any sleeping servant or at least my father. I’ve never been glad to know my father was somewhere overseas. When he didn’t reply to me, I started struggling again. “You’re always like this! You never EVER listen to me!”

I think I must’ve pressed the wrong button when his eyes suddenly turned into a dangerous kind of glare. I didn’t need to ask him, if he was mad at me.

His eyes were enough to tell me so.

Suddenly, we were striding past doors and hallways in great speed. I could tell we were heading for my bedroom. When the door of my chamber came into view, Nino opened the door with strength and threw me to the bed, the sound of foam sinking under my weight and the ruffling of my blanket was all I heard before he climbed onto my bed, slowly taking off his vest and undoing his tie. He was mad. He was furious. But why?

“Idiot! You could’ve broken my door!” Before I could retaliate any further his body loomed over me, his eyes still piercing and mad. One moment he was just on top of me, holding my wrists down with his hands and my body held down by his own. “The hell is wrong with you--?!”

“I’m sorry for not listening, YOUNG MASTER.” The tone with which he used to emphasize the last two words was a tone of someone who had his last nerves of steel ripped apart forcefully mixed with malice and an animalistic growl that uncannily reminded me of my dinner companion tonight. “Unfortunately for you, I will not be listening to your demands any time in the future.”

I tried kicking him but my legs had now way as he was still holding me down as he lowered himself on me and clashed our mouths together. “Not now. Not ever.”

I tried to struggle against him, but he bit my lower lip and I let out a sound much that of a moan. I felt his tongue meet mine and they were locked in a dance. He released me and glared at me. “It’s no use struggling, Sho. You know you’ve wanted this.” I shuddered as the name rang in my ears.

He called me by my name. He called me ‘Sho’.

As his hands starting to roam over me, undoing my tie and taking my buttons off, he moved his tongue away from me and started licking my ears. I squirmed underneath him, trying to keep his attention away from the obvious growing bulge down there. He moved his tongue lower and started licking and peppering my neck with kisses.

“Ow! Stop this...mmh...Nino....No...S-Stop it---ah!” He moved his attention to my nipples, erect from the continuous torture he was doing to my neck. One hand tweaked my right side and the other made its way down to the bulge in my pants, slowly caressing it. My eyes started to tear up as he continued his ministrations. My mind was now blank. Then I realized my hands were now freed and were gripping the sheets. I slowly lifted one up and gave him a good slap.

He stopped. We were both panting, sweat trickling down our skin. Now that he had let me go, my mind wandered to what he had said.

“You know you’ve wanted this.”

I did. I do.

But not like this.

He just stared at me and then shuffled off the bed to retrieve my coat. He draped it over my shoulder and then turned his back at me.

After he had nearly raped me, he just turned his back on me. I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. I needed to be alone. Gripping the side of my coat, I scrambled off my bed and darted past him. I went for the door but stopped to give him my words of disgust.

How nostalgic. It was like I was reliving the night I nearly lost a friend. I was running this way, not caring where my feet would take me. I just ran and ran. The fatigue that took over my body felt as if it had dissipated completely. I was breathing heavily as I ran. I continued until I couldn’t anymore and stopped to take a breather. When I had completely recovered, I realized I had come to the labyrinth of plants I used to play in with Nino, barefoot and only with my coat draped over me.

I walked in through the maze as my mind wandered off back to the days of youth when I would play hide and seek with Nino and our servants. In the hot day, after playing too much with water guns, we would be greeted with a cheerful old Michael with scones and cold juices. And then we would play again, this time with the water hoses. I would recall the mess we made of Mrs. Dolby’s precious daisy patch after we stumbled into it while re enacting the historic Civil War we had just learned from class.

Those were such good times.

I looked to the ground and returned to the scene I left inside. Nino had such a sad look on his face. I know that face. He doesn’t shot it often, but I knew he was hurt, and regretting what he had done to me. And frankly, he was right. I had wanted that. I wanted him to take me away from that horrid place and bring me somewhere else where the Sakurai name had nothing to do with anyone.

We could live a normal life, toiling for our everyday food and working our hardest in normal jobs. It sounded a lot more pleasant than the supposedly comfortable life I had.

Maybe I should go back inside. Tell him what I really felt and then tonight, we could go sneak out the back door with a few cash in hand and all our necessary belongings.

I spun around, ready to run back to the mansion when suddenly from behind me, arms wrapped around my waist and a handkerchief was immediately on my mouth. It must’ve been something sprayed on the handkerchief because the moment I inhaled, my head started spinning and then darkness.

Aiba Masaki, son of late President Masaki of Masaki Corp. ran to meet me with a giant grin on his face just somewhere close to the ushering counter. The male, although probably in his mid-30’s had this aura of youth, yet somewhat alluring charm. It must have been the suit he wore, I noted. His hair had a clean cute and, from where I stood as he came closer to me, he had a good scent on him. What was it? LouVui? Calvin?

“I’m so glad you could make it, Sho-chan~!” His arms suddenly enveloped me and then he was snuggling me. I swear my face became a thousand shades of red, as the stares of once peaceful diners were on the unsettling scene of two males in professional uniforms hugging each other inside an otherwise professional restaurant. He must have felt me struggling as he let go of me, but not my shoulders and was now looking at me with concerned eyes. “I was about to call the cops if you didn’t arrive within 5 minutes!”

I straightened my suit and tie and cleared my throat, returning to my usual demeanor. “I would appreciate it if you weren’t so rash, Mr. Masaki.”

“Don’t be so formal with me Sho-chan~ Aiba is good enough!”

“Uh-huh.”

He then took hold of my coat and case on one hand and took my hand with his available one, while dragging me to his table.

The table he chose was secluded spot where private talks were possible without the intervention of third parties or prying ears around. I took note of my surroundings and the ambience of the restaurant. It felt so much like a South Mediterranean themed restaurant, with jazzy music and a breathtaking view of the city. And outside balcony provided an outlet for smoking or lazy chats over dinner as they felt the breeze from 5 storeys high. It was a wonderful restaurant.

At the same time dangerous, as I realized that this night wouldn’t be so pleasant as the air around the restaurant.

“Well?”

I stopped surveying as my companion cut off my train of thought.

“Well what?” I asked, looking at him questioningly.

“Don’t I have just the best taste in restaurants? I was here a few days ago with a few political friends and when I first stepped in it, I knew I just HAD to get you in here! I have to know what you think, Sho-chan. Do you like it?”

The waiter came to pour us a drink and to hand us the menu. I opened it and took in the dishes before replying. “I’m honored you thought of me. It is indeed a fine restaurant, and the food is no less exciting.” I put down the menu and gave him a small smile. “You have a fine taste for restaurants.”

His face suddenly lit up and let out a sigh of relief. “I’m so glad! Ah, have you chosen your order?”

“Yes I have.” The waiter came and took our orders. I had eaten during our campaign planning stages so I settled for something light, just raw herring and dessert.

The waiter left and came back with our wine. As he poured the wine, I made sure our eyes would not make contact. Only when he left again, and I was sipping on my wine, did he start a conversation.

“You’re so wary of me, Sho-chan. “

“I would also appreciate it if you wouldn’t put thoughts in my mind, sir.”

“Then look me in the eye! You’re so cold tonight. It’s like you don’t know me, after all we’ve been through.”

“Cut to the chase, Masaki.” I soon regretted saying that, when I finally made contact with his eyes and I see that his expression has changed to the verge of the playful smile at the beginning of the night to something more cunning and calculating.

Aiba rested his chin on his clasped hands and let out a mock smirk as our eyes locked onto each other. “I’m glad you liked my choice, Sho-chan.”

The way he emphasized ‘Sho-chan’ made me shiver internally. “It fits its name, no?” I fidgeted in my seat as he continued his sentence.

“Sta. Monica.”

We both knew what it meant. The mere mention of the word was once taboo in our company, after the incident. Neither party had any intention to relive such an adversary.

I was now eyeing him suspiciously inside. If he thinks this is intimidating me, he’s got another thing coming. He then held up his hands as if in surrender to his crime.

“Don’t mistake me, Sho-chan. If you’re thinking about that then rest assured, I have no intention to make us both think that way, though I must admit, the name is a nostalgic sound.” He stopped to take his pocket handkerchief to dab at the imaginary tears in his eyes. “I found myself tear up at remembering my dear old man visited by Death himself.”

“There you go again, putting thoughts in my head.” I carefully took a sip of my wine, keeping my head focused downward.

“Am I wrong?”

“I am a man of politics. A businessman’s world is the least of my concerns.”

I could just feel him grinning at me. “You truly are a formidable opponent in talks like this.”

I maintained silence on my part as the food finally arrived in no less than an hour. I was glad for the intervention of the heavenly scents piercing my nose.

The tension was rising faster than I expected it to go.

I glance up quickly to see that his expression hadn’t changed or at least reverted back to its usual cheerful demeanor. In fact, his eyes were now those of a predator lying in wait in the shadows watching his prey, unaware that it was slowly making its way to enemy territory.

And I just happened to be that prey.

It was silence between us, saves for the sounds of utensils clanging against each other, and murmurs giggles from either sides from the diners. The operatic sound of Italian music filled the room. I jerked inwardly as the as the voice across me sounded.

“Shall we move onto business?”

I didn’t look up but continued to cut through the herring on my plate.

“I’ll set it straight: Leave the Mayoral run. Forfeit and hand over the office to me. “

I knew it.

“This is quite a shrewd way of telling your enemy off, Mr. Masaki. I took you to be more than this.”

“Indeed.”I pause for a second before responding. I put down my utensils and heave a sigh.

“I understand. “

His face was blank but I could tell he was taken aback by my response.

My response that I wasn’t done with.

“I understand now how imperative it is for me to win the Mayoral seat once again and to make sure it doesn’t fall into the hands of the wrong. Cowards do not deserve that office.” I made sure to emphasize the word ‘coward’ just to provoke him.

I fumbled in my coat for my wallet and took out three hundred bills and lay it on the table and stood up, my case now also in hand. “Thank you for the evening, but I have campaign plans to attend to. Elections are just around the corner. “

And with that I turned and left the man and my unfinished dessert. I called for the car to be brought in front and I exited the restaurant, without looking back.

Only when I was safely inside the confines of the Montero and was driving away from the scene did I sneak a peek at the restaurant from the side mirror. Looking at it now, I was able to admire the simple exterior of the restaurant in comparison to the extravagant interior.

At the back of my mind, I was reminded by my dinner companion. He was indeed the twin of his predecessor: Unpredictable.

I’m glad I didn’t let my guard down by that cheerful demeanor. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to spot the death glare he had been giving me when I stepped out the car. The Masaki family was like that of the restaurant’s build: Sparkling on the outside, but rotten to the core on the inside.

-----------------------------

Back inside the restaurant, the man left behind by his companion remained at his seat, punching in a few numbers in his mobile. A few seconds later, men emerged from within the crowd of diners and surrounded him as he cut his last piece of meat.

“Leaving me was rude, Sho-chan. I was planning to talk it out peacefully, but now you leave me no other choice. “He carefully popped the piece of meat inside his mouth and savored the meat’s juices as it flowed and filled his mouth with flavor.

And just like that meat, he was going to savor every last bit of moment he would be spending with his precious Sho-chan.

“Get the plans ready. The deal is off.”

A sound of a fork piercing through well-done was all that echoed in the empty cubicle.

Nino remained at in the mansion and remained my attendant; he studied in the same school as I did until high school.

Being in the family of the Sakurai meant all male servants and attendants would be part of running our empire and thus, Nino was opted to study in the Business Management sister school of mine, Keio University: Hiyoshi Campus. As for me, my father decided I take up politics and put me up to study in Keio University: Mita Campus. If I were still the young me, I would’ve been crying in Nino’s arms and begging my father to let him study in the same school as me.

Now, for the first time in a long time, my father actually does me a favor.

Being in separate schools meant, I couldn’t have time to Nino. We wouldn’t be seeing each other except when really needed. The necessary times increased right after the death of Michael, though. But even with his death, nothing changed.

Our relationship had gone as stale as our long ago friendship.

However, as an effect to the cause, both of us left our college lives with flying colors. And while the hostility is there, I would be helping him out in running the businesses, and he would with my schedules, in spite of our heavy burdens.

I just wanted it to remain this way. True I was still bitter, I didn’t want this to go on, and I wanted so much to be friends with him again. But if I did that, I would be sacrificing the many years I’ve held myself back.

Yes this was fine.

I was fine.

“Sir, are you listening?”

“Ah, sorry, I had other things on my mind. Could you repeat that?”

Nino closed his notebook and sighed. “Sir, I’ve repeated it to you 3 times already. You must learn to remove such things from your mind during your briefings.”

“I get it. Nino.” I snapped. “Now repeat that. I’m listening already.”

Not that he’s changed though. The bratty tone in his voice still remained.

“Please listen this time. At 10:00 there’s a cocktail party at Matsumoto Manor, It’s to celebrate Mr. Matsumoto’s son’s engagement into the Satoshi Family. Remember that this will seal the business partnership between the Matsumoto Corp and the Satoshi Holdings. 11:00, you will be speaking at the opening of the new Bank and attending it’s Induction Ceremony. After which you will proceed to the main branch office, where your father would like to speak to you. “

“No doubt to ask for more ‘hands’”

“You’re hands are thoroughly appreciated. “

“Continue.”

“The rest of the day until 6:00pm will be a time of planning for your next campaign. The election period is right around the corner. I’ve already spoken to your campaign officers. They will be here at 12:30, therefore it will be a lunch meeting. That is all.”

“What’s going on at 6:00?”

“A dinner. With Mr. Masaki.”

“Oh shit. I forgot about that.”

Aiba Masaki is our family’s business partner and somewhat rival in the political world. You could say we have a love hate relationship.

Well, who can blame me? After they nearly bankrupted us thanks to the late Masaki, Aiba’s father, nearly running off with our business deal, it’s no wonder father has been wary of them. It took us months trying to track him, which meant putting all operations on hold. Glad to know Nino was around, or without him, no one would be left to take charge.

We found him off the coast of Sta. Monica his bankbook in hand and wallowing in the smell of women, booze and rotting flesh.

No liabilities but the Masaki Corp shut down temporarily.

That was two years ago, until suddenly a Masaki emerged from the dark and became my rival for the position of Mayor. I won by a landslide, but there was a rise of business partnership deals between ours and the Masaki’s. At first, father was reluctant to give in to the deal. But after a few more pushes, father agreed and now we have yet another business friendship.

I, for one, would rather not see the young man’s face. First of all because I can no longer trust him, and I felt bad for Nino taking care of me at the same time running the company, it wore him out greatly, and I worried for him. Second, he had this ridiculous smile that never seemed to leave his face, making it impossible for me to read his expression and what he was thinking.

Moreover, every time I looked at him, he reminded me of Nino’s smile, which I rarely saw nowadays.

I was in my room fitting my tuxedoes when Nino came in, his notebook still in hand. “Good work today, Sir. The car is ready for you anytime.”

“Thanks.” I grabbed my coat and strode past him and started walking towards the car, him walking behind me.

The ride to the restaurant was silent. We sat next to each other, but neither of us said a word. All the resounded was the sound of the roaring engine and the sound of cutting wind. I looked out the window, watching the city lights and passerby's blur.

We’re like kids.

“H-Hey. You’re coming along?”

“Am I needed?”

“Well if you want to.”

“That’s not for me to decide, young master.”

You sneak! You said that on purpose!

“Fine. Then you can stay here. “

“As you wish.”

I hate this about you. Nino. Don’t you know how to read the situation anymore?

Or are you just holding back?

I seriously wanted to scream the chauffer to drive faster. The ride was taking too long and when we did get there I thought I would heave a sigh of relief.

Nino stayed behind and I made my way to my upstairs where I was greeted by an obnoxious smiling idiot waving at me at the far end of the resto.

“Sho-chan!”

You’re too loud idiot.

As I made way to him, something nagged me at the back of my head.

I don’t know. Somehow, I felt something ominous fill the air.

“Have a seat~!”

And that tone didn’t make it any better either.

It all happened two weeks after Nino and my little play date. Ever since then, it was all sunny days and cheerful days whenever we would get the chance, if we weren’t anywhere near the mansion, we were out exploring some unknown place or climbing trees, and discovering hidden places in the mansion. If it were raining, you'd find us playing military or hide and seek in the many rooms of the house.

Due to him being young and my attendant, he was granted the privilege to study in my school. This gave us more chances to play with each other.

After school was always my favorite. We would hit the arcade, eat a few snacks before coming home or playing in parks. Study time became playtime.

The people in the mansion had also grown accustomed to our shenanigans and would play along with our games and pranks on many occasions I can even recall arriving home with Nino dripping wet and slipping on the floor.

Right in front of my father.

I think that was what triggered it.

One night, I had gotten up to answer the call of nature.

The mansion was dark around that time and most of the people were sleeping. And while I had the sudden urge to wake Nino up and pull pranks on everyone, I wasn’t at that level of naughty yet.”

I made my way through the dark hallway when I saw a small ray of light shine through the living room door. Peeking, I see my father, Michael and some late night visitors, all old geezers.

Business never sleeps, huh. I turned to leave but stopped when I hear the mention of my name. I crept closer to get a better audio.

“Your son...Sho was it? He’s quite the prankster isn’t he?”

“Well, he is young. And pranks can teach him a thing or two about strategy.”

“Who’s the kid with him? The kid with a weird curve of a smile?”

“Oh him. His attendant. I learned from Intel that he was the one that instigated these play dates. ”

“He was? Isn’t that good?”

“Play dates are good, but too much is not good. I don’t intend for little Nino to stay around my little boy and be the reason his future doesn’t come true."

“What are you saying then? Throw him out?”

“I like Nino and my son likes Nino. But if he continues spending time with him like that, I might just be forced to do just that.”

Hearing that, I thought I would scream.. I backed away from the door and ran. I didn’t want to hear anymore.

I didn’t care where I was headed.

I didn’t want to face the fact that my only real friend was now in danger of being taken away from me, all for giving me the chance to be a normal person

I found myself in my room after all the running, sniffing and drowning myself in tears.

I tried to stifle my sobs but apparently, I was loud enough to be heard by Nino who slept next door.

“Sho?”

“Nino? Is that you?”

He stepped inside my room and crept closer to me. “What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare? There, there.”

I pulled myself out from under the sheets when I felt his hands in my head caressing it gently, in hopes to calm me down. I look at him, his face glowing under the dim shade.

“Want me to sleep here with you?”

when I felt his hands in my head caressing it gently, in hopes to calm me down. I look at him, his face glowing under the dim shade.

“Want me to sleep here with you?” he smiled at me, he smiled at me with so much gentleness, I thought I would drown more in the comfort a male child of my age would offer.

Yes! Please help me to get out of this nightmare. I’m scared; were the words resounding in my heart.

But I foolishly chose the words that echoed in my head.

Reluctantly, I roughly shoved his hand away and glared at him. Feeling threatened, Nino backed away from me. “Sho?”

“Don’t call me that. “

“W-what?”

“Don’t be so familiar with me, servant! You’re just my attendant!” my face was now contorted in anger and in trying to hold back the tears.

No!

“But you told me to...”

“Told you what?! Huh?!”

Stop this!

“Sho, what’s gotten into you?” He tried to move closer to me, his hands reaching out to me. I push it away again.

“Don’t touch me!” I huffed, tears in my eyes.

I don’t want this! Nino, please. Help me.

“I understand. My apologies” he stood from my bed along with the warmth his hands brought.

No. No no no no. Don’t listen to it, Nino. Caress my head more. Talk to me more. Please. Don’t leave.

“Then I shall take my leave now.”

Don’t say it. Please.

He left my bedside and head towards the door.

“Have a good night...”

Please. Please.

“...young master.”

The words sounded in my ears and the pain spread throughout my body.

Once again, the tears welled up in the corner of my eyes, and cried myself to sleep, my voice screaming uncontrollably in the pillows.

From that time on, it was as if the world had lost its luster.

The night of the party, after my unsuccessful attempt to escape, I was escorted back to my room by Michael along with my new attendant at my beck and call, as quickly and as quietly as they could in hopes that the party going on at the other side of the wall would not be alarmed. I reluctantly agreed and put my plans of running away on temporary hold.

As a usual routine, Michael would come into my room to tuck me in like always, but when the door to my room opened I lifted my head from the I had in hand to see a young face wearing the same suit Mike wore, but fitted for his size.. He strode in carrying my usual comforter pillow.

“Time for bed, Young Master.”

“D-Don’t call me that.”

“Why?” He turned to me as he finished fiddling with my night lamp. “You are my master, are you not?”

He continued with what he was doing, my eyes following his every move. It was as if, as he strode to every corner of my room to prepare me for bed, he knew what he was doing and what was to come next. Like he had been in my room before?

That certainly wasn’t the case right.

“Moreover...” he turned to me again. “...It is a show of respect, is it not?”

In the dim glow from my lampshade, I stared at him, making contact with those same piercing dark eyes, still drawing me to him. I snapped out of my reverie as I felt him tap both my shoulders and gently pushed me down onto my pillows while simultaneously pulling my covers up.

“Good night, young master.”

He gave me one last look and turns to leave, but my voice stops him in him midway through the door.

“Sho.”

“I beg your pardon, sir?”

“C-Call me Sho.”

He smirked at me. “You told me the same thing not too long ago, young master.”

“Only when we’re alone. I mean...” I bury myself in my sheets. “Don’t you find it strange calling me ‘young master’ when we’re about the same age? Just Sho is fine. “I said my words barely audible under the thick blanket.

“Well...”

“That’s an order. “

I thought I was going to faint when I heard faint chuckling coming from his direction. It worsened when could feel for sure he was looking at me with that ridiculous grin on his face.

If I could bury myself even deeper than I was right now, I would.

“I understand.”

“If you do, then tell me properly.”

“As you wish, Sho.”

And with that the sound of doors drummed in ears and I was left to feel my heart pounding loudly in my chest.

The next morning, I was greeted with the usual sun and birds chirping from outside my window.

But instead of an old man coming in with my breakfast in bed, I was greeted by a Nino.

“I’ve brought your breakfast, Sho.”

As he set the miniature table before me, I could practically breathe the formality emanating from his being. I sighed in exasperation.

He turned to me with a worried look. “Is something wrong, Sho?”

“Drop the formalities when we’re alone, idiot. We’re the same age.”

“...”

“That’s an order.”

“O-kay. If you say so.”

“Wow. The change is so great.” I looked to him in mockery.

“And order IS an order.”

“Guess so. So what am I doing today?” I took a sip of my morning milkshake. “It’s a Saturday. I bet the old man’s making me go to his parties again. I have had enough of that.”

“On the contrary, I was told to tell you to stay home and play.” He hands me a letter and I cringe at the sight of it.

“He won’t even come into his own son’s room and delivers his greetings through a letter. The arse.” I pry the envelope open and hear chuckling again. I turn to Nino, literally holding the laughter in.

“What the hell’s so funny?” I snapped

“Aha, nothing. Just that ‘arse’ isn’t necessarily layman’s term.”

I beamed. “It makes me sound cool so butt out.”

“Yeah yeah.” He still wore the ridiculous grin on his face as he started to clean up.

“Well it says here I can stay at home and do whatever I want. No tutors. No parties. Nothing.” I put the letter back inside the envelope and toss it to the garbage can. I lie back down on the bed feeling the fluffiness of my pillows.

“So today is a normal Sho, huh?”

“What?”

“You’re not young master Sho today.”

“Hah, I guess so.”

“Then let’s go!”

He yanks the covers back and pulls me up to my feet picking out clothes while I stood there dumbfounded.

“What in fuck’s name are you doing, Nino?”

“Put on these clothes.” He shoves a set of clothes to my chest and pushes me to the bathroom.

“What the hell!?”

“Just do it! And hurry up.”

“Okay! Okay fine!”

Coming out of the bathroom, I am now wearing a tucked in white button down shirt and brown khaki pants. I look around for Nino, now nowhere to be found when sounds of feet kept coming closer to my room. In the doorway, there was Nino in blue and white striped casual shirt and brown shorts.

“Can you please explain what we’re doing?”

“We’re going out to be normal.” And just like that were out the door, dashing through the hallway and running out to the garden.

What he meant by being normal was playing in ponds, catching bugs and literally...having fun.

I’ve never had so much fun in my life. I didn’t expect I would be having this much fun getting myself into scrapes and getting scratched all over.

Yes we did get what we had to in the end.

But at the end of the day?

I was pretty much happy.

I would treasure that day. Until now it was sketched in my mind.

A fine Saturday morning. The weather was great, the flowers were all in bloom, the creek was bubbling and two young boys ran through a labyrinth garden, kites in hand.

Such a fine day that was.

It was.

Until it all went downhill.

He will grow to be such a fine young man.

He takes from his father.

He might even BECOME his father.

He will, won’t he?

Can they not talk of anything else? The world’s leaders are struggling to keep the peace and all they’re discussing is about the future of the potential heir to the family’s dynasty of businessmen. Of all the pressing matters and environmental dilemmas and all they think about is that. Pathetic.

The life I live is a curse. I don’t understand why people would wish to have the life I have.

It’s nothing but people deciding for your well-being, fathers that barely have the time to play catch ball but have all the time in the world to smile and be nice to foreign dignitaries, mothers that care only for themselves and would rather be out in the ungodly hours than to be reading to her son a bedtime story and tucking him to bed. Strangers act as if they know you better than you know yourself.

How is this life a dream?

This party is no exception.

Fine drinks, lazy chats and all around smiles.

I wonder what they’re like once the night’s over.

“Young Master, are you enjoying yourself?”

I quickly snap out of my reverie to a gentle fatherly voice I’ve known since the day I was born.

“If you mean enjoying this wall I’m leaning on, then yes Mike. I am. Immensely.”

He chuckles at my remark. “Well then if young master Sho would not hesitate to leave this wall he is so greatly enjoying, please do come with me. The Master calls for you.” And he smiles. I, on the other hand, cringed.

A sudden surge of frustration started to build up inside of me. Now what did he want? I sigh and move forward to my father’s direction, Michael at my tail, as I prepared the fakest party smile I have.

“Michael.”

“The lady in apricot is the wife of our hotel’s Singapore Branch, Mrs. Dina Yuan. Her husband is back in Singapore. To her right, is her younger brother, Xiao, the Singaporean Mafia Boss. To her left, her older brother, Vice president of our Singapore branch.”

“Good.”

“Ah, and there is the young man! He is indeed a sweetheart. My husband hopes to have a young one like him. “

“A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Yuan. I hope you have been enjoying yourself.” I take her hand and kiss the ring, as always, charming the ladies as my father have taught me.

“You have raised him well, Gian. If he weren’t so young, I would’ve taken him for myself.”

Pedophilia, huh?

“I’m sure I would’ve loved to have you as my mother. But father has plans for me, don’t you father?” I fling my arms around his waist in an act of affection but let go the instant his eyes lowered. “And I intend to see it through.”

“Business, I believe?”

Well, duh.

“Oh no. He has a brighter future than that. No. I intend to bring him into politics.”

Wait. What?

“The Sakurai Corp could use a hand in the world of Politics.”

“Spoken like a true businessman, Gian! Hahaha! Sho? Is something wrong sweetie?”

Mrs. Yuan’s hand crept closer to my face but I slapped it away, my face contorted with horror. "Don't touch me!"

Here he goes again, trying to decide for my life. He never asked me what I wanted.

And as always I have no choice.

“Young Master.”

I could feel myself convulsing, even as Michael dragged me away from the company. I turned to my father’s direction, to see him forming a twisted smile. I turned back down and sprinted out of the dinner hall.

Back at the dinner hall, everything went back as if nothing had happened.. On one side of the hall, the eccentric family man still continued with his socialization and conversing with the earlier party that had been so rudely interrupted by his son's selfish needs.

“Will he be okay, Gian?” the lady looks to him, her face showing signs of forced concern for the young lad.

Said family man just scoffs, and takes a sip of his drink. “He will. Michael will see to him. Don’t worry.” he smirks.

I dashed to my room and grabbed a chest and took all my necessary belongings.

This wasn’t going to go on forever, not if I have anything to say against it.

Once I was happy, I left my room, dragging the giant bag I had out the lobby, praying no one would see me leaving this hellhole.

Once again, I was wrong as a tiny voice whispered in the dark and made me stop atop the stairs, dead in my tracks.

“Where are you going?”

“Just going out to get some fresh air.”

“And with such a big bag?”

“It’s my seat.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were running away.”

“What?!”

“Bulls-eye.” His voice sounded as if in mockery and confidence that completely matched my own.

“Am not!”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

What do I do? If he comes with me, all my chances of leaving are as good as gone.

“Do what you want. Who the hell are you anyway?!”

“Oh-hoo. Me?...” loud clapping sounds filled the dark and empty lobby as the figure neared the only light that entered through the ceiling window.

A boy, looking as young as I was, around 7 or 8 years old with straight black hair, his mouth forming a mysterious curve and eyes as dark and deep as the Amazon forests.

“I’m Ninomiya Kazunari. Nino.”

For a while I was stunned at the sight before me.

It was an unfamiliar feeling, if anything, one that a child of my status shouldn’t even be feeling, but I couldn’t quite place it.

“And you?”

It took me a few seconds to register whatever he just said before letting out the words, stammering. “Sh-Sho. Sakurai. Sho.”

“Sakurai...Sho?”

“Just...Sho is fine.”

He smirked. “I see. Sho then. I thought you were on your way to get some ‘air’?”

“I...uh....”

“Young Master!”

The familiar gentlemanly voice replaced my own shy and faltering tone as Michael neared me.

“What have you been doing, Young Master?! I thought you were in your room but I saw that—“ he stopped as he examined the young man below the stairs.

“My word, is that you little Nino?”

“Hey Old Man!” he waved at Michael, the latter flashing him a gentle smile.

I snapped. “Hey! Don’t be disrespectful!”

“It is alright, Young Master. I am quite accustomed to such names he calls me. But I see you haven’t changed a bit, little one.”

“I wish I could say the same for you. ”

“Hey Michael what is going on?” I was utterly confused. “How do you know him?”

“Oh of course. Well, it seems you have met your new personal attendant.”

“My...what?!”

“Hello there, young master Sho. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” He got down on one knee, and looked up to my direction.

I just got myself a personal attendant!

It was love at first sight.

For such a thought to pass through the mind of a young master, it was unbecoming of me.

A cliche expression, yet it was the only one I could think of.

I had enough of my life. He became my escape.

He seeks for company, I yearned for his love.

He was my friend. My brother. My first love.

He was just too far. He was beyond who I was.

I stood there, waiting for him.

His precious hand so close to mine.

But he did nothing.

But I did nothing.

Ding dong!

He groaned in dismay as his doorbell went off just as he was getting to in the groove of practicing for Monday night shift at News Zero. Reluctantly, he stood up and strode to the door to open it to none other than MatsuJun. He gaped at the sight of the man, hands carrying with what seemed to be lunch boxes.

“In this ungodly hour?”

“A chef never sleeps.” He proudly held up the two brightly wrapped containers. “And I think I made too much.” He said, smiling awkwardly.

Sho just huffed. He ushered Jun in, directing him to the kitchen, and prepped the water heater.

“Chocolate, tea or coffee?”

“Uhm...”

Seeing the worried look on Jun’s face, Sho smirked then jokingly put on his best pout. “I’m not good with the grill, but I make a mean caramel macchiato that’ll make Starbucks cry.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Jun smirked.

As Sho prepared coffee for both of them, Jun surveyed the apartment and spied the older male’s workplace in complete disarray. Papers, newspaper clippings all in disarray, as if a tornado had just passed through it.

“I never took you for a messy person, Sho.” He mumbled to himself, inwardly smiling with delight in finding a different side to the man.

From the kitchen he could hear the faint sound the heater made and quickly picked up everything and placing them aside on a bookshelf.

He returned to the living room to see Sho already on the couch and helping himself to the chocolate cream puff he thought he had so thoroughly hidden under piles of beef. He seated himself beside Sho and took a sip of the caramel macchiato.

Passable, I guess. Not that I’d ever tell him, though.

“You should totally open a sweets shop!” Sho exclaimed excitedly in broken sentences as he shoved puff after puff into his hungry mouth.

Jun found himself smiling inwardly again. It was all so endearing.

Watching the older male eat his food, complimenting him again and again, gulping down grub after grub and complimenting him more, it was a privilege he shared only with the other half of the Gourmet Pair.

“The guys and I would come like every day! Oh wait. I’m pretty sure Ninomi’s going to go and make us pay. Either that or he won’t come at---“

Jun had cut him off with a finger to his lips and took it off for a second to produce a miniature heart-shaped piece of chocolate.

Sho eyed him suspiciously. “What?”

“I snagged one from taping today.”

“Heh. Sneaky little kid we got here.”

“My best batch.”

Sho smiled. “Well, if it’s MatsuJun, it must be good.” He leaned in to take the piece into his mouth when Jun suddenly retreats his hand and puts the chocolate in between his lips and gave the older man a naughty wink.

Sho knew that wink and blushes a hundred more shades of red. “I’m not doing that!”

Yes, you will.

“No I won’t.”

May I remind you this was the last one? I was lucky enough to get it.

“Make another one then.”

Persistent, aren’t you?

“W-What?” Before Sho could even as give a shriek, he was hoisted onto the younger male’s lap.
Now their faces are a mere few inches from each other’s, almost so close that they could feel each other’s breath.

Eat it, or I will.

Letting the last of his defences fall, Sho dipped his head slowly, careful not to make any unnecessary contact with the other.

A little bit more, and feeling the pointy base of the chocolate, lifted his head, along with the chocolate and plopped it into his mouth, gulping it down, before their lips could even make contact.

“Hah! I’m more cunning, Mr---mmmph!”

And just like that, he was on the couch lying on his back, with Jun on top and kissing him.

Sho’s eyes were wide with shock as younger male hoisted himself up, breaking the kiss, but never breaking eye contact; on his face, was the widest grin you would ever see.

“The caramel macchiato was good.”

Sho grinned wickedly and crossed his arms. “I told you so.”

I had been irritable all morning.

The moment I woke up, knowing it would be the fourth day of shooting for Kazoku Game, I felt a pang of anger suddenly rise up in my chest. I thought it was only morning sickness as I wasn’t naturally a morning person and that all I needed was a good cup of coffee.

But it didn’t help at all.

I was scowling. I couldn’t concentrate, and I saw even the slightest imperfection in the staff and my co actors.

Not surprisingly though, I did even better for this shoot.

My manager was no help either. He just reprimanded me, telling me I was back to being the jerk I was in my Jr. Days (Oh, those days were precious). He even went as far as to call Mr. Kitagawa, which, by the way, has no effect as he was the type to never mind what his idols did as long as his name would not be tarnished.

Okay, I have to admit, that made me laugh.

The rest of the day was literally the same.

I was relieved today was not a schedule for any of our variety shows or our usual song composition sessions. Otherwise, I could be the death of the group. I certainly didn’t want that to happen.

It was early dawn when I had managed to clear all my appointments. I drove back home to the apartment compound that Mr. Kitagawa had been so generous enough to lend to me for a couple of days for the duration of the shoot.
I manoeuvred my Montero to the parking lot expecting my usual spot to be vacant, when I saw an obnoxious car parked on my otherwise RESERVED space.

I stopped behind the said car and went out of mine to take a closer look at whose car it was.

Porsche Cayman.

Only one person I knew owned this car.

A figure popped out from the opposite side of the car wearing his usual sunny side smile. I stared at the man, waiting for his signature greeting.

“Sho-chan!”

“Aiba.”

“What’s up? Not looking the chipper, are you?”

“Just tired. Now please move your car. That space happens to be my space.”

“No way.”

“What?”

“First come...” Aiba pats the top of his car and looks at me as if teasingly. “...first serve.”

I finally snapped, my eyebrows now forming a ‘V’ on my forehead.

“Listen here, Masaki. Unlike you, I have had the worse days since my workload increased. I have movies and shoots and interviews not to mention News Zero to think about and you and the other three are just lazing around in your own homes doing whatever, while I bust my butt trying to get this world and mine to recognize me and this goddamn group. And as of now I don’t have the slightest mood to deal with you and your shenanigans. So move the fucking car or so help me I will bulldoze it away.”

I must have been really mad to not realize that Aiba had made his way towards me and was now standing inches away. “Scary
Sho-chan~”

I backed off just a bit, trying to look unaffected. “You’re darn right I am! Now move---“

And his lips were on mine. And it left, just as quickly as it came. Just like that kiss we shared on VS Arashi.

Remembering that time added to the scarlet already evident on my face.

“What the hell was that for?!”

“Aw, Sho-chan you look so cute right now~!”

“Sh-Shut up! Don’t try to change the subject here!”

“Wouldn’t think of it! This is part of the subject, Sho-chan!”

“The hell are you on about?!”

His expression changed as his voice now lowered from a cheerful tone to a soft and gentle one. “You had a rough day, huh?”

I was speechless the next when he put his hand on my head and started patting me. I looked to him, on his face a serene and knowing smile spread throughout his face. “Good job today, Sho-chan~!”

Once again, I blush. I look to the ground again to hide the curve now starting to form on my lips. “Don’t pat me.”

“Eh?”

“Don’t get so cocky! You’re only taller than me by a few inches.”

Aiba blinked a few times before putting on that sunny side smile again. “Aha~ Right~!”

“By the way...” Aiba leaned closer, his face now close to mine.

“Sho-chan.”

I thought for sure he was going to kiss me again.

“Wh-what?” I flustered.

“I’m hungry!”

I blinked.

“What did you just say?”

“See, I had been here for an hour and I didn’t go Drive Thru so...Ow! Sho-chan! It hurts! You stepped on me! Why?!”

“See if I care!” And I stomped away.

I didn’t even care about my car still improperly parked.

The rest of that day, I called in leave and stayed at home.

Reading the newspaper.

Watching television.

All while Aiba made me food fit for a king.

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chien_rouge525

May 2017

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Page Summary

Let It Be Chapter 2
Let it Be (A Yamataro Fanfic) Chapter 1.5
Let it Be (A Yamataro Fanfic) Chapter 1
Mountain Love Wonderland (A Yama Night out Wonderland)
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 10 Epilogue
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 9
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 8
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 7
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 6
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 5
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 4
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 3
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 2
An Unspoken Contract Chapter 1
An Unspoken Contract (A SakuMiya Fanfic): Prologue
Of Cakes and Coffee (A SakuMoto Oneshot)
Workaholic (A SakurAiba Oneshot)

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Base style: Leftovers by sforzinda
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Entries tagged with sakurai

Let It Be Chapter 2

Let it Be (A Yamataro Fanfic) Chapter 1.5

Let it Be (A Yamataro Fanfic) Chapter 1

Mountain Love Wonderland (A Yama Night out Wonderland)

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 10 Epilogue

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 9

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 8

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 7

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 6

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 5

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 4

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 3

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 2

An Unspoken Contract Chapter 1

An Unspoken Contract (A SakuMiya Fanfic): Prologue

Of Cakes and Coffee (A SakuMoto Oneshot)

Workaholic (A SakurAiba Oneshot)