Beneath the... (Chapter 13)
Title: Beneath the…
Rating: G for this chapter.
Characters: OT5 (All Arashi members as brothers)
Genre: AU, drama, family, angst
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine~
Summary: 2 years ago Osayama Satoshi was involved in a terrible accident that made him lost partial of his memories. Even though he survived the impact, he becomes mentally incapable and has to depend on his younger brothers to lead normal life. What he didn’t expect when waking up though was to find all his once caring brothers had turned into people who were completely different from his memory. Sho has changed into a hot-tempered workaholic, Kazunari becomes an introvert who refuses to talk with anyone, and Jun drowns himself in party, alcohol and women every single night. To make it even confusing, nobody in the house is allowed to speak about Masaki who for some unknown reasons has disappeared without a trace.
Will Satoshi find the answer he is seeking for in the end? Or something…is actually is hidden beneath the mess?
A/N: Their surname is Osayama. Un-betaed!
Chapter 13 : Beneath the wall
Sho moves his eyelids as he feels a pleasant warmth radiate against his skin. The very rare sensation of calmness that he hasn’t felt for a long time urges him to open his eyes though he quickly closes it back due to the stabbing light that immediately come to his sight. Even after he gives another attempt later, everything is still blurry and confusing until he recognizes a long IV drip above him. As he follows the tube, he eventually notices that it is actually connected to his arm before he realizes about the presence of Jun on the chair next to his bed who seems very focus reading a book. Frowning by the unusualness, Sho looks at the book cover and reads ‘Office Management’ is written on it. His face however instantly turns to pale by that as he finally remembers about what had happened in the company as he struggles to get up from his bed to no avail. His movements though are not left unnoticed by Jun who immediately drops his reading.
“Sho? Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?” the younger man worriedly asks as he hastily stands next to the bed. Yet, he is completely ignored by Sho who seems very panic regardles efforts to calm the older one down. The youngest brother is very close to reach for the emergency button when Sho later tries to pull the tubes out of his hand if not because the latter is stopped by a strong pain that suddenly struck him on chest. Already whimpering painfully by that, the bedridden man nearly falls hard to the bed if not because Jun manages to catch his body on time. The freelancer then helps his brother to lie down back, eyes at the same time still worriedly watch over the slightly older man.
“What-what time is it?”
The fact that it is the first thing Sho says after waking up makes Jun frowns.
“10 in the morning…”
“Good. I still can make it.”
The young CEO heaves his relief sigh as he forces himself to get up again. Yet, he is stopped immediately by Jun before he can move much.
“You have to rest. The doctor doesn’t let you to stress yourself.”
“I don’t have time for that now. I have meeting to attend tomorrow. I can’t let those *sshole handle it themselves-” the stress already caught him up as he begins to wheeze. Witnessing that behavior at the same time leaves Jun torn, but knowing that he will have to tell the truth sooner or later, he realizes that he doesn’t have a choice. Sighing, he then pats his brother’s shoulder to make the latter looks at him. The desperation that clearly shows behind Sho’s exhausted eyes however clenches his heart bitterly as he forces himself to speak.
“The meeting was two days ago, Sho. You were unconscious for four days.”
Jun can't help but feel sorry toward his brother when see the obvious change on the expression. After all, judging from Sho's previous paranoid behavior alone, he realizes how important the meeting that the latter was supposed to attend is. The ward is quiet as the older man seemingly tries to digest what his younger brother just said before eventually startles from whatever thing in his mind.
“There’s another meeting ahead. I have to make preparation for that.”
The sight of Sho panicky forces himself to get up again makes Jun frown. He nearly opens his mouth to give a piece of his mind about the unhealthy working style, but seeing how disorientated Sho is right now makes him feel sorry for the other man instead.
“Sho, you’re not in condition for that. I get that you’re worried with what they are going to do, but it’s not worth it to risk your life. Let’s just focus on getting better now and maybe the doctor might release you earlier.”
“I don’t have that much time. The workers need me.”
“What are you talking about? Of course they can survive a few weeks without you. After that you will be in charged again so -”
“Wait. A few weeks? What do you mean?”
Sho’s horror look makes him become even more confused than ever. He knows that the man is a workaholic, but he will never guess it will be until this extent.
“The doctor said there’s a complication with your heart. It still can be treated, but only if you’re getting enough rest. Right now Kazu is watching the company for you. And we will take turn until you recover, so calm down.”
Much to Jun’s relief, Sho does stop struggling. Yet, the already pale man somehow turns weirdly quiet as he drops his gaze to his lap, clearly disturbed by whatever thing in his mind. He doesn’t know how long has passed as his older brother just lost in his own thought before he hears the latter muttering to himself.
“It’s too late…”
“What? What do you mean?”
Instead of receiving an answer, he is ignored by Sho who look so disorientated. He frowns even deeper once notice the growing fear on the older man’s look, what more when he starts to grip hard the bed cover like his life depending on it. The rare sight of the second brother looks so anxious and shaken by something worried him as he then sees the latter looks at him with clear desperation.
“I really can’t wait that long. I have to go back to work.”
“Sho, leave it to us. We will take care about it.”
“Do you think you and Kazu can do much? The two of you have never involved directly with the company before, so don’t take what they can do lightly. Unless you’ve experienced their dirty tricks yourself, you will only make fool of yourself in front of them later. Both of you are really naïve if you think just watching it over can prevent anything from happening- ” Sho however doesn’t manage to finish his sentence when he is caught by his stress again that makes him to whimper painfully instead. As he wheezes and tries to calm himself down again, the agitate Jun who is standing next to the bed at the same time already grits his teeth hard to hold himself from retorting. He is so fed up with the older man’s stubbornness now. The fact that the latter even still can put that mess up company ahead his own health as priority just enrages him more. The atmosphere inside the ward is heavy as the two brothers refuse to listen to each other until Jun got startled by a sudden call to his phone. It takes only one glance on the caller ID to make the younger man’s face pale as he ponders to himself about something. The troubled expression doesn’t slip from Sho’s tired eyes as well even though the younger brother quickly hides it once notices the other one’s gaze.
“I seriously don’t understand about you and your obsession with the company. Did you realize that your workers seem more like your family than us?” with that the younger man hastens to outside while picking up his phone. Seeing the door is being slammed closed before him at the same time just makes Sho to sigh heavily as he tries to get up from the bed again. Unfortunately, his entire body refuses to listen as it only ends him up falling back to the bed with a pathetic whimper every time instead. Cursing by the helplessness, he hit the mattress with all his might before throwing his frustrated gaze outside of the window. Tears unconsciously appear on his eyes when he fails to stop a painful, old memory from playing before his eyes that has been mercilessly haunting him until that very second of his life.
“Hell, no. I won’t.”
The young Sho growled while glaring at his bedridden father. The old man on the other hand sighed for the nth time by the stubbornness as he sat up on his bed with the help from his mistress. At that time, the second son was still a rebellious young man with piercings and dyed golden hair just so he can get rid of the good boy image that always stick on their family name. He would give anything as long as he can escape that suffocating expectation.
“Please, Sho. I need to put someone’s name on the agreement. I can’t let the company falls to the directors.”
“So what if it falls to them? I don’t want to have anything with your so called beloved company. To hell with it!”
“Sho, it’s built by your grandfather. The legacy will over if there is no one from our family come to step up. And you’re the only suitable candidate now as my biological son. We can’t guarantee everything will remain same if outsider replaces my position.”
“You know what? Maybe if you see us as your REAL responsibility before, I might consider about it now. But where were you when we’re waiting all night long to celebrate someone’s birthday? Have you ever come to school parents’ meeting day? Our school entrance ceremony? Our graduation days? Heck, you don’t even bother to ask how Kazu’s doing when he undergoes the surgery before and now you expect me to work for that sh*tty company of yours?! Not even in f*cking hundred years!!!” he then stormed out of the ward, ignoring every single thing that came from his father afterward. That was the second time their father was bedridden in hospital after the medical examination showed that his health was worsening, yet he can’t believe it that the latter still had his brain full with works even at this moment. That is why he hated anything related to their family’s business and already vowed to never get involved with it, ever. The company was the reason why he and his brothers had been neglected by their own father and constantly teased by children of their age.
As he walked along the corridor, all the hospital staff either hurriedly moved from his path or avoided from meeting his gaze due to fear. He however ignored all the reactions and was about to reach the main door when he heard his father called for him from behind. Cursing by the unwanted attention that the elder just made in there, he immediately turned around with his furious look while the other one apologized to the nurses there for the trouble. Later, he didn’t have a choice but to follow his father who signaled him to move to somewhere more private to talk from outsiders’ ears.
“It’s fine. If you don’t want to do it, then it’s fine.” the older man said as soon as they were far enough the lobby. Yet, the fact that his father will easily agree with his wish just like that made the son to frown deeper. His suspicious unfortunately came to alive when his father continued.
“But can you please replace me to watch over the company for a while? Just report me immediately if the directors do anything suspicious.”
Had enough with it, Sho instantly snapped at the old man. He argued all the point his father gave until he couldn’t longer restrain his temper and stormed out of the building. The last thing he heard was the other one talking about his worries with the risk that his subordinates will face after this though that was actually far from Sho’s concern. The son felt too angry to care about anything else and just rushed back to their house - the only place that always can make him feel in ease with his brothers in there.
After that argument, he never came to visit their father again. Instead he just spent most of his time with studies, joining university activities, or hanging out with his brothers or friends. Things seem to return to normal for a while until he went home after a short drink with his classmates two weeks later. He was waiting for the traffic light to change behind the crossroad at that time when he noticed the presence of a drunken man on the other side, walking dangerously close with the busy road. Watching how the man swayed a little back to the roadside later made him calm down a bit, but the second he saw the latter stepped into the road while gulping down his booze, his face instantly turned to pale. Sho didn’t even manage to open his mouth and scream when a car already moving straight to where the man was standing at, hitting the vulnerable man with a dreadful impact right in front of his eyes. Honks and terror screams broke into the dark night as he witnessed the man then dropped motionless on the ground, his blood slowly staining all over the road.
Everything then turned to hectic when everyone tried to find a way to help as Sho finally could gather himself and rushed to the man’s side. His whole being was shaking when he repeatedly tried to reassure the man that help will come soon, ignoring the fact that he was now dirty with the latter’s pouring blood as well. He only grew a bit calmer when heard approaching siren until he was startled by the man’s sudden grip around his hand. Wanting to show his support, he returned the hold tighter before he was surprised by the man’s weak smile and whisper despite clearly in the verge of death at that moment. For some reason his gaze then fell on the man’s stained with blood business card which was lying right next to him, Osayama Co. was written on top of it.
Frustrated, Sho rolls to his side and pull his already messy bang hard. It was after the poor man’s funeral he eventually finds out that the latter was actually used to be his father’s very talented negotiator. The poor man however was fired for his strong loyalty toward the president as soon as the directors temporarily took over the position, leaving the man unemployed and unable to support his family. The fact that he was in desperate need to pay for his daughter’s university study fee didn’t help the situation much which people said became the very reason why the man started to drink a lot that night.
However, nobody except for Sho actually knew the reason behind the fatal incident. Even if others will say it is wrong or call him out for hiding a very important truth, he continues to keep the secret to himself until this very second. After all, that is the very least he can do for the unfortunate man to make sure that his family will get the compensation they deserve and lead a better life, just like what the man hoped for.
Because…life insurance can be redeemed for various reason, but not suicide.
“With this…I can afford her…again…”
***
“Good afternoon!”
Masaki cheerfully greets all the staff in the bakery who immediately returns it with same enthusiasm. After changing into his working attire, he comes to the front area and begins to put freshly baked bun into its slot. It had been days since the talk with his mother and her offer is the last thing that he wants to think about now. Later while he is checking on the store’s profit flow, all the staff receives a pleasant surprise visit from the head of the branch manager who is well-known for his father-like charm. Since there is still no customer to entertain, the middle age man starts to share some funny experiences and tips related to their job which makes the store fill with laughers until a man suddenly enters. Everyone then immediately turns to greet the customer and is ready to resume their except for Masaki who just remains unmoved.
“Why are you here?”
His unwelcome tone surprises his coworkers. Masaki however just ignore the bewildered stare as he returns the man’s look with a cold one.
“Madam asked me to come and remind you about her offer, Masaki-sama. We hope you can consider it. We are really looking forward to see you work along us.”
All the bakery staff grows even confused to hear that. Fully aware that he has nowhere to hide anymore this time, Masaki immediately torn his gaze away from the man in suit while sighing heavily.
“I have no interest to follow her step. Go back and tell her that.”
“But I believe you should take more time to think, Masaki-sama. Don’t rush things. Trust me, this is not only madam’s wish, but mine, the directors and the president as well. We believe in your capability, Masaki-sama.”
Not wanting to talk or even think about the matter now, Masaki chooses to not say anything. Meanwhile seeing the lack of response, the man catches the sign and decides to not force the topic further. Thankfully the awkwardness doesn’t stay for long since the other staffs have customers that they need to attend as well which leave everyone with works to do. Masaki himself takes that very chance to occupy his mind with something else by entering the storage room to retrieve some stuff. He however doesn’t realize that the branch manager is actually following him behind since a while ago until the wise man suddenly speaks.
“Are you okay, Osayama-kun?”
The concern tone startles Masaki from his own thought - both due to the unexpected presence and calmness after the incident. Doesn’t trust himself to say anything just yet though, Masaki on the other hand just nods and continues to gather the things he needs.
“I don’t mean to interfere with your private life, but from my observation the man seems like he is working for a good company. And since he just said that it is the higher up who offers you a job, they must be really hoping for you to work for them.”
“Please don’t listen to whatever they say, sir. Their real intention is just to use me. I prefer to work in here hundreds times more.”
“So is this place, Osayama-kun. They only hire people who are useful for them. In fact everyplace are like that. It’s all about give and take. What you can give is what you will receive.”
Masaki just sadly pout to hear that.
“So I’m not needed here anymore…”
“No, it’s not like that. Trust me, you’re one strong man for not instantly give up your position now like the previous managers. I believe you also understand how difficult to handle this area since the situation in here isn’t the same as others. Also, I’m very proud with your talent in accounting and your attitude toward your staff. You were praised by the more senior managers because of that, do you know that?”
Masaki quickly lifts his gaze due to surprise to hear that before shaking his head. That sight makes the older man smile as he pats the young man who he already considers like his own son on the shoulder.
“I still remember your expression when you asked for this position a year and half ago. You look very desperate…like you’re trying to run away from something. I will feel very happy to have you keep working in here, but I also believe that your capability is more than this, Osayama-kun. You can’t remain working in here for your entire life. You need to find for a more stable job for a better future.”
The advice makes Masaki loss of words. Never even for a slip of second after he moves into that area that he will feel bother to think about what the latter just said. For him, what matter the most is he loves toward his job even if he doesn’t make enough to survive with it. The storage room then falls into silence for a while when Masaki continues to lose within his thought until the man reassuringly grips his shoulder.
“Just decide what feels right for you, okay?”
Before Masaki can answer it, the door is opened by one of the workers.
“Osayama-kun, there are guests come to see you.”
Masaki can’t help from frowning by the second unexpected visit of the day. Yet he doesn’t manage to think deeper about it when his superior already tells him to go and see the waiting guests. Leave to no other option anymore, Masaki only can drag his heavy step toward the door. He was one one hundred percent sure that it is someone from LAB again who only come to repeat the same wish, offer or whatever his mother told them.
However, as soon as he steps outside, he immediately stills. His eyes opens wide due to shock as he continues to stare at the two persons who he will never expect to see in his entire life again…
…While Sho’s secretary and the senior accountant who examined his calculation two years ago bow down and return his surprise look with a hopeful one.
***
>For those who are rooting for Masaki, I advice to prepare yourself for the next chapter. There is a big revealation waiting ahead.
>Now we understand the reason behind Sho's unhealthy working style is due to trauma. Will he overcome it?
>Thank You SO much for stiil reading! Comments are loved!
Rating: G for this chapter.
Characters: OT5 (All Arashi members as brothers)
Genre: AU, drama, family, angst
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine~
Summary: 2 years ago Osayama Satoshi was involved in a terrible accident that made him lost partial of his memories. Even though he survived the impact, he becomes mentally incapable and has to depend on his younger brothers to lead normal life. What he didn’t expect when waking up though was to find all his once caring brothers had turned into people who were completely different from his memory. Sho has changed into a hot-tempered workaholic, Kazunari becomes an introvert who refuses to talk with anyone, and Jun drowns himself in party, alcohol and women every single night. To make it even confusing, nobody in the house is allowed to speak about Masaki who for some unknown reasons has disappeared without a trace.
Will Satoshi find the answer he is seeking for in the end? Or something…is actually is hidden beneath the mess?
A/N: Their surname is Osayama. Un-betaed!
Chapter 13 : Beneath the wall
Sho moves his eyelids as he feels a pleasant warmth radiate against his skin. The very rare sensation of calmness that he hasn’t felt for a long time urges him to open his eyes though he quickly closes it back due to the stabbing light that immediately come to his sight. Even after he gives another attempt later, everything is still blurry and confusing until he recognizes a long IV drip above him. As he follows the tube, he eventually notices that it is actually connected to his arm before he realizes about the presence of Jun on the chair next to his bed who seems very focus reading a book. Frowning by the unusualness, Sho looks at the book cover and reads ‘Office Management’ is written on it. His face however instantly turns to pale by that as he finally remembers about what had happened in the company as he struggles to get up from his bed to no avail. His movements though are not left unnoticed by Jun who immediately drops his reading.
“Sho? Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?” the younger man worriedly asks as he hastily stands next to the bed. Yet, he is completely ignored by Sho who seems very panic regardles efforts to calm the older one down. The youngest brother is very close to reach for the emergency button when Sho later tries to pull the tubes out of his hand if not because the latter is stopped by a strong pain that suddenly struck him on chest. Already whimpering painfully by that, the bedridden man nearly falls hard to the bed if not because Jun manages to catch his body on time. The freelancer then helps his brother to lie down back, eyes at the same time still worriedly watch over the slightly older man.
“What-what time is it?”
The fact that it is the first thing Sho says after waking up makes Jun frowns.
“10 in the morning…”
“Good. I still can make it.”
The young CEO heaves his relief sigh as he forces himself to get up again. Yet, he is stopped immediately by Jun before he can move much.
“You have to rest. The doctor doesn’t let you to stress yourself.”
“I don’t have time for that now. I have meeting to attend tomorrow. I can’t let those *sshole handle it themselves-” the stress already caught him up as he begins to wheeze. Witnessing that behavior at the same time leaves Jun torn, but knowing that he will have to tell the truth sooner or later, he realizes that he doesn’t have a choice. Sighing, he then pats his brother’s shoulder to make the latter looks at him. The desperation that clearly shows behind Sho’s exhausted eyes however clenches his heart bitterly as he forces himself to speak.
“The meeting was two days ago, Sho. You were unconscious for four days.”
Jun can't help but feel sorry toward his brother when see the obvious change on the expression. After all, judging from Sho's previous paranoid behavior alone, he realizes how important the meeting that the latter was supposed to attend is. The ward is quiet as the older man seemingly tries to digest what his younger brother just said before eventually startles from whatever thing in his mind.
“There’s another meeting ahead. I have to make preparation for that.”
The sight of Sho panicky forces himself to get up again makes Jun frown. He nearly opens his mouth to give a piece of his mind about the unhealthy working style, but seeing how disorientated Sho is right now makes him feel sorry for the other man instead.
“Sho, you’re not in condition for that. I get that you’re worried with what they are going to do, but it’s not worth it to risk your life. Let’s just focus on getting better now and maybe the doctor might release you earlier.”
“I don’t have that much time. The workers need me.”
“What are you talking about? Of course they can survive a few weeks without you. After that you will be in charged again so -”
“Wait. A few weeks? What do you mean?”
Sho’s horror look makes him become even more confused than ever. He knows that the man is a workaholic, but he will never guess it will be until this extent.
“The doctor said there’s a complication with your heart. It still can be treated, but only if you’re getting enough rest. Right now Kazu is watching the company for you. And we will take turn until you recover, so calm down.”
Much to Jun’s relief, Sho does stop struggling. Yet, the already pale man somehow turns weirdly quiet as he drops his gaze to his lap, clearly disturbed by whatever thing in his mind. He doesn’t know how long has passed as his older brother just lost in his own thought before he hears the latter muttering to himself.
“It’s too late…”
“What? What do you mean?”
Instead of receiving an answer, he is ignored by Sho who look so disorientated. He frowns even deeper once notice the growing fear on the older man’s look, what more when he starts to grip hard the bed cover like his life depending on it. The rare sight of the second brother looks so anxious and shaken by something worried him as he then sees the latter looks at him with clear desperation.
“I really can’t wait that long. I have to go back to work.”
“Sho, leave it to us. We will take care about it.”
“Do you think you and Kazu can do much? The two of you have never involved directly with the company before, so don’t take what they can do lightly. Unless you’ve experienced their dirty tricks yourself, you will only make fool of yourself in front of them later. Both of you are really naïve if you think just watching it over can prevent anything from happening- ” Sho however doesn’t manage to finish his sentence when he is caught by his stress again that makes him to whimper painfully instead. As he wheezes and tries to calm himself down again, the agitate Jun who is standing next to the bed at the same time already grits his teeth hard to hold himself from retorting. He is so fed up with the older man’s stubbornness now. The fact that the latter even still can put that mess up company ahead his own health as priority just enrages him more. The atmosphere inside the ward is heavy as the two brothers refuse to listen to each other until Jun got startled by a sudden call to his phone. It takes only one glance on the caller ID to make the younger man’s face pale as he ponders to himself about something. The troubled expression doesn’t slip from Sho’s tired eyes as well even though the younger brother quickly hides it once notices the other one’s gaze.
“I seriously don’t understand about you and your obsession with the company. Did you realize that your workers seem more like your family than us?” with that the younger man hastens to outside while picking up his phone. Seeing the door is being slammed closed before him at the same time just makes Sho to sigh heavily as he tries to get up from the bed again. Unfortunately, his entire body refuses to listen as it only ends him up falling back to the bed with a pathetic whimper every time instead. Cursing by the helplessness, he hit the mattress with all his might before throwing his frustrated gaze outside of the window. Tears unconsciously appear on his eyes when he fails to stop a painful, old memory from playing before his eyes that has been mercilessly haunting him until that very second of his life.
“Hell, no. I won’t.”
The young Sho growled while glaring at his bedridden father. The old man on the other hand sighed for the nth time by the stubbornness as he sat up on his bed with the help from his mistress. At that time, the second son was still a rebellious young man with piercings and dyed golden hair just so he can get rid of the good boy image that always stick on their family name. He would give anything as long as he can escape that suffocating expectation.
“Please, Sho. I need to put someone’s name on the agreement. I can’t let the company falls to the directors.”
“So what if it falls to them? I don’t want to have anything with your so called beloved company. To hell with it!”
“Sho, it’s built by your grandfather. The legacy will over if there is no one from our family come to step up. And you’re the only suitable candidate now as my biological son. We can’t guarantee everything will remain same if outsider replaces my position.”
“You know what? Maybe if you see us as your REAL responsibility before, I might consider about it now. But where were you when we’re waiting all night long to celebrate someone’s birthday? Have you ever come to school parents’ meeting day? Our school entrance ceremony? Our graduation days? Heck, you don’t even bother to ask how Kazu’s doing when he undergoes the surgery before and now you expect me to work for that sh*tty company of yours?! Not even in f*cking hundred years!!!” he then stormed out of the ward, ignoring every single thing that came from his father afterward. That was the second time their father was bedridden in hospital after the medical examination showed that his health was worsening, yet he can’t believe it that the latter still had his brain full with works even at this moment. That is why he hated anything related to their family’s business and already vowed to never get involved with it, ever. The company was the reason why he and his brothers had been neglected by their own father and constantly teased by children of their age.
As he walked along the corridor, all the hospital staff either hurriedly moved from his path or avoided from meeting his gaze due to fear. He however ignored all the reactions and was about to reach the main door when he heard his father called for him from behind. Cursing by the unwanted attention that the elder just made in there, he immediately turned around with his furious look while the other one apologized to the nurses there for the trouble. Later, he didn’t have a choice but to follow his father who signaled him to move to somewhere more private to talk from outsiders’ ears.
“It’s fine. If you don’t want to do it, then it’s fine.” the older man said as soon as they were far enough the lobby. Yet, the fact that his father will easily agree with his wish just like that made the son to frown deeper. His suspicious unfortunately came to alive when his father continued.
“But can you please replace me to watch over the company for a while? Just report me immediately if the directors do anything suspicious.”
Had enough with it, Sho instantly snapped at the old man. He argued all the point his father gave until he couldn’t longer restrain his temper and stormed out of the building. The last thing he heard was the other one talking about his worries with the risk that his subordinates will face after this though that was actually far from Sho’s concern. The son felt too angry to care about anything else and just rushed back to their house - the only place that always can make him feel in ease with his brothers in there.
After that argument, he never came to visit their father again. Instead he just spent most of his time with studies, joining university activities, or hanging out with his brothers or friends. Things seem to return to normal for a while until he went home after a short drink with his classmates two weeks later. He was waiting for the traffic light to change behind the crossroad at that time when he noticed the presence of a drunken man on the other side, walking dangerously close with the busy road. Watching how the man swayed a little back to the roadside later made him calm down a bit, but the second he saw the latter stepped into the road while gulping down his booze, his face instantly turned to pale. Sho didn’t even manage to open his mouth and scream when a car already moving straight to where the man was standing at, hitting the vulnerable man with a dreadful impact right in front of his eyes. Honks and terror screams broke into the dark night as he witnessed the man then dropped motionless on the ground, his blood slowly staining all over the road.
Everything then turned to hectic when everyone tried to find a way to help as Sho finally could gather himself and rushed to the man’s side. His whole being was shaking when he repeatedly tried to reassure the man that help will come soon, ignoring the fact that he was now dirty with the latter’s pouring blood as well. He only grew a bit calmer when heard approaching siren until he was startled by the man’s sudden grip around his hand. Wanting to show his support, he returned the hold tighter before he was surprised by the man’s weak smile and whisper despite clearly in the verge of death at that moment. For some reason his gaze then fell on the man’s stained with blood business card which was lying right next to him, Osayama Co. was written on top of it.
Frustrated, Sho rolls to his side and pull his already messy bang hard. It was after the poor man’s funeral he eventually finds out that the latter was actually used to be his father’s very talented negotiator. The poor man however was fired for his strong loyalty toward the president as soon as the directors temporarily took over the position, leaving the man unemployed and unable to support his family. The fact that he was in desperate need to pay for his daughter’s university study fee didn’t help the situation much which people said became the very reason why the man started to drink a lot that night.
However, nobody except for Sho actually knew the reason behind the fatal incident. Even if others will say it is wrong or call him out for hiding a very important truth, he continues to keep the secret to himself until this very second. After all, that is the very least he can do for the unfortunate man to make sure that his family will get the compensation they deserve and lead a better life, just like what the man hoped for.
Because…life insurance can be redeemed for various reason, but not suicide.
“With this…I can afford her…again…”
***
“Good afternoon!”
Masaki cheerfully greets all the staff in the bakery who immediately returns it with same enthusiasm. After changing into his working attire, he comes to the front area and begins to put freshly baked bun into its slot. It had been days since the talk with his mother and her offer is the last thing that he wants to think about now. Later while he is checking on the store’s profit flow, all the staff receives a pleasant surprise visit from the head of the branch manager who is well-known for his father-like charm. Since there is still no customer to entertain, the middle age man starts to share some funny experiences and tips related to their job which makes the store fill with laughers until a man suddenly enters. Everyone then immediately turns to greet the customer and is ready to resume their except for Masaki who just remains unmoved.
“Why are you here?”
His unwelcome tone surprises his coworkers. Masaki however just ignore the bewildered stare as he returns the man’s look with a cold one.
“Madam asked me to come and remind you about her offer, Masaki-sama. We hope you can consider it. We are really looking forward to see you work along us.”
All the bakery staff grows even confused to hear that. Fully aware that he has nowhere to hide anymore this time, Masaki immediately torn his gaze away from the man in suit while sighing heavily.
“I have no interest to follow her step. Go back and tell her that.”
“But I believe you should take more time to think, Masaki-sama. Don’t rush things. Trust me, this is not only madam’s wish, but mine, the directors and the president as well. We believe in your capability, Masaki-sama.”
Not wanting to talk or even think about the matter now, Masaki chooses to not say anything. Meanwhile seeing the lack of response, the man catches the sign and decides to not force the topic further. Thankfully the awkwardness doesn’t stay for long since the other staffs have customers that they need to attend as well which leave everyone with works to do. Masaki himself takes that very chance to occupy his mind with something else by entering the storage room to retrieve some stuff. He however doesn’t realize that the branch manager is actually following him behind since a while ago until the wise man suddenly speaks.
“Are you okay, Osayama-kun?”
The concern tone startles Masaki from his own thought - both due to the unexpected presence and calmness after the incident. Doesn’t trust himself to say anything just yet though, Masaki on the other hand just nods and continues to gather the things he needs.
“I don’t mean to interfere with your private life, but from my observation the man seems like he is working for a good company. And since he just said that it is the higher up who offers you a job, they must be really hoping for you to work for them.”
“Please don’t listen to whatever they say, sir. Their real intention is just to use me. I prefer to work in here hundreds times more.”
“So is this place, Osayama-kun. They only hire people who are useful for them. In fact everyplace are like that. It’s all about give and take. What you can give is what you will receive.”
Masaki just sadly pout to hear that.
“So I’m not needed here anymore…”
“No, it’s not like that. Trust me, you’re one strong man for not instantly give up your position now like the previous managers. I believe you also understand how difficult to handle this area since the situation in here isn’t the same as others. Also, I’m very proud with your talent in accounting and your attitude toward your staff. You were praised by the more senior managers because of that, do you know that?”
Masaki quickly lifts his gaze due to surprise to hear that before shaking his head. That sight makes the older man smile as he pats the young man who he already considers like his own son on the shoulder.
“I still remember your expression when you asked for this position a year and half ago. You look very desperate…like you’re trying to run away from something. I will feel very happy to have you keep working in here, but I also believe that your capability is more than this, Osayama-kun. You can’t remain working in here for your entire life. You need to find for a more stable job for a better future.”
The advice makes Masaki loss of words. Never even for a slip of second after he moves into that area that he will feel bother to think about what the latter just said. For him, what matter the most is he loves toward his job even if he doesn’t make enough to survive with it. The storage room then falls into silence for a while when Masaki continues to lose within his thought until the man reassuringly grips his shoulder.
“Just decide what feels right for you, okay?”
Before Masaki can answer it, the door is opened by one of the workers.
“Osayama-kun, there are guests come to see you.”
Masaki can’t help from frowning by the second unexpected visit of the day. Yet he doesn’t manage to think deeper about it when his superior already tells him to go and see the waiting guests. Leave to no other option anymore, Masaki only can drag his heavy step toward the door. He was one one hundred percent sure that it is someone from LAB again who only come to repeat the same wish, offer or whatever his mother told them.
However, as soon as he steps outside, he immediately stills. His eyes opens wide due to shock as he continues to stare at the two persons who he will never expect to see in his entire life again…
…While Sho’s secretary and the senior accountant who examined his calculation two years ago bow down and return his surprise look with a hopeful one.
***
>For those who are rooting for Masaki, I advice to prepare yourself for the next chapter. There is a big revealation waiting ahead.
>Now we understand the reason behind Sho's unhealthy working style is due to trauma. Will he overcome it?
>Thank You SO much for stiil reading! Comments are loved!