Title: Indispensable
Author: hanez
Pairing: Akame
Supporting Characters: Ikuta Toma, Yokoyama Yuu
Rating: PG 13
Genre: Angst, Romance
Summary: When you are in love, you express your feelings to your beloved. It can simply be a kiss on the cheek, a hug, a flower or just a smile. Kazuya and Jin are in a relationship and have lived together for a year but not once did Jin express his love towards the other. Jin thought that Kazuya would understand but even someone as patient as Kazuya would in the end, reached his limits.
Extra: Fashion Designer Kazuya & Childcare officer turned model Akanishi Jin.
Note: This is a multi-chapter version of Indispensable one-shot. Please read that first if you have not. I may change some stuff here and there but the ending would certainly be the same as that of the one-shot.
Special Note: Dedicated to sumomo_yuki! Happy Birthday, Yuki!!!~
-
“Why … Why am I all alone in this pitiful world? Why …?”
“Onii-chan?”
A toddler’s voice brought Jin back to the real world. He bit his lips and hastily wiped away his tears before looking at the younger boy with a bright smile on his face. Jin tried to show his cheerful side to the children here although he truly felt otherwise. His smiles were forced at certain times but when seeing the genuine smile and laughter from the children, it brought warmth to his heart.
“Yes, Juri-chan?”
The five year old toddler touched Jin’s hand, flashing him a curious look. “Onii-chan crying?”
“No.” Jin shook his head, letting out a laugh. “Onii-chan not crying, dust got into onii-chan’s eyes. It’s alright now, Juri-chan.”
“Really?”
“Hmm.” Jin nodded.
“Then … can onii-chan play with Juri?” The toddler’s eyes brightened up, tugging on Jin’s hands. “No one wants to play with Juri other than onii-chan. Please, onii-chan?”
“What about your friends, Juri-chan? You can ask them to play with you.”
“They’re not Juri’s friends.” Juri muttered softly.
Jin wanted to say something but Juri interrupted him.
“Juri have no friends here. Juri have no family, no one. Juri will be alone forever, right?”
That was what Jin’s thoughts as a child, thinking that he’d be alone all his life. Somehow his beliefs were true, each and every of them were true. He, Akanishi Jin, had no family or friends in this life of his. Sometimes he even wondered why he was even breathing and alive.
“Juri …”
“Juri’s family won’t ever come back, right onii-chan? They left Juri here all alone.”
Jin pulled the toddler to his chest and hugged him tight, giving him comfort. “They left you to be in a better place. You have to smile and be happy for their sake. You don’t want them to cry for you up there, right?”
Juri shook his head.
“Then smile, okay?”
“Hmm.” The toddler nodded, sniffing.
Jin ruffled Juri’s hair lovingly, flashing a smile coming from his heart.
He understands now why the children needed hope, for without hope, they would not be able to move on with their lives. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t have any hope, or purpose in his life, it would be enough if he showers hope to the children and be their shining light.
I’ll be there for you.
-
All Kazuya’s credit cards were cut even his bank account under Kamenashi had been frozen, Kazuya knew that his father was going to do that the minute he decided to step out of Kamenashi Mansion. So he had planned ahead, withdrawing some amount from his account, and created a new one in a different bank, one that he knew his father would not be able to touch.
Right now, he goes by the name ‘Kazuya’, everyone calls him that. He didn’t want to be called Kamenashi, not wanting to be influenced by his own surname. Most importantly, Kazuya wanted everyone to treat him just as himself, not because he is a Kamenashi.
No one knows that he is the heir to Kamenashi Holdings, and he’d want to continue keeping that a secret, for as long as possible.
“Riiiiiing!!!!!”
Kazuya was awoken by his alarm clock. He stole a glance at it, realising that it was time to go to school. He closed his eyes again for a full minute, sighing when time was up. Getting up from the futon, Kazuya immediately heads towards the bathroom.
Kazuya woke up at 7am every morning, he had breakfast, did all the house chores himself before heading for fashion school. He finished school at 5pm, on certain days, he was released earlier. After school, Kazuya would heads for work.
He took advantage of the weekends, working full-time morning shift. When there were no projects due, Kazuya even worked overtime on weekends, earning more money. It was tiring and painful but Kazuya didn’t care. All that matter was to finalise his dream.
He worked hard.
At the end of the day, he would collapse on his futon but thinking of the benefit he would gain from his hard efforts made him smile, made him want to work even harder. Because the Kazuya now, the person he is becoming, have a goal that he’d want to reach out for.
It is waiting for him.
-
“Happy lonely 20th birthday to myself.” Jin thought to himself, alone in his room in the orphanage. The other boys went playing outside while Jin remained in the room, drowning in sorrow. “Everyone looks forward to this day but apparently … I don’t.”
Being twenty too meant that he was allowed to leave this place he called home, he couldn’t even remember how his old home looked like. Jin didn’t want to leave, he didn’t want to be an adult, and he would forever wants to stay in this comfort zone of his. He couldn’t even imagine being in the outside world on his own.
The lights suddenly went out causing Jin to freeze in his position.
“What’s happening?” Jin whispered, suddenly realising that the place had became eerily quiet. Had the others gone out without him, forgotten that he was still here? That couldn’t be, he thought, getting up from his bed and hesitantly heads towards the door.
Jin turned the doorknob slowly.
“Surprise!!!!!!”
Confetti were thrown at him, a large chocolate cake with lighted candles was presented to him, right in front of his face. Jin blinked, trying to process the scene. Sato-san smiled, telling Jin to blow the candles. He did as he was told, still in dazed, as cheers erupted.
“Happy 20th birthday, onii-chan!!!” The younger children congratulated, flashing a happy smile to him. Jin could not help but smile at them.
“I … I thought …”
“You thought we have forgotten? Then that meant our surprise worked!” Sato-san clapped her hands happily. “Good job, all of you!” She looked down at the children.
“That’s great!”
“Come on, Akanishi-kun. Let’s celebrate your birthday in the main room. We’ve prepared everything for you.” Sato-san patted him on the back, guiding the children and him towards the room.
Jin smiled, he laughed with his fellow members of the orphanage, eating his birthday cake and simply having fun together. At some point, Jin thought how cliché it was. It almost seemed like his birthday party was also be his farewell party, having to leave the orphanage soon.
Jin knew that a whole new world is waiting for him, a world full with mysteries and excitement but … he didn’t want any of that. Jin didn’t want to have to leave the orphanage, leaving this place meant he had to move on with his life, and he didn’t want that, he didn’t want to move on.
Jin is completely at ease with the world he is in now.
-
Seeing that the children had fallen deep into sleep, Jin switched off the light and closed the door gently. He packed his bag, saying goodbye to the caretakers before heading towards the exit.
“Tadaima.” Jin said once he entered his apartment. He made it a custom to say it, not wanting to be reminded that he lives alone. It was just Jin’s way of easing his loneliness.
“Ah, I’m so hungry!”
He placed the food he had bought on the small desk, as he settled down on the mat.
“Itadakimasu!”
Jin clapped his hands, and began indulging on his food with a smile on his face.
Living in a new home doesn’t mean that he had moved on, he never will forget his past. Jin is living life to the fullest for one thing, to make the unfortunate children like him, happy. If he was able to put just a smile on their faces, Jin was content.
It is not fair to have such a bad past but life itself is unfair, isn’t it?
-
Year 2005
Three years had passed. Kazuya graduated from school and earned himself a diploma in fashion design. In fact, he had gained several interests of fashion lovers when he had an exhibition showcasing his designs during his last year of school. Many were amazed by his talent.
“Kazuya!” Toma opened the door to his apartment, surprised to see his best friend on the doorsteps.
“Hi, Toma. I wasn’t sure if you’ll be at home but I am glad you are, because I really need to talk to you. Hmm, are you free now?” Kazuya crossed his arms, unsure whether his presence would be accepted by the other or not.
“No, I’m not busy. Come on in, Kazuya.”
Toma handed out his friend a drink and sat beside him on the couch, “What is it that you want to talk about? You seem rather serious. You’re not having any problem, right?” He turned to face Kazuya, flashing a concerned look.
There it comes, the protective older brother Toma is to him.
“No, everything is alright, Toma. Don’t worry. I just want to discuss with you about my future plans.”
“Ah, future plans?” Toma heaved a relief sigh, slumping down on the couch. “You scared me! I thought it was something serious!”
“My future plan is something serious, Toma.” Kazuya pouted.
“I … really didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry.”
“I know.” Kazuya crossed his arms and smiled.
“Hey! Don’t tease me like that, okay!”
Kazuya chuckled, taking out a few sketch books from his bag and handed it out to Toma.
“This is …?”
“Just have a look.” Kazuya answered.
Perplexed, Toma accepted them and began looking at it, his mouth gaped open as he flipped the pages.
“This is … wow, just wow. This is just amazing! Your designs are all brilliant and unique! I never know that you are this talented! It’s like you are born to be in the fashion world!”
Toma’s praises brought a smile to Kazuya’s lips. It meant a lot to have his best friend say all those words.
“I’m creating my own label, will even open an apparel shop soon. I’ve planned way ahead, a year ago to be exact, the designs done and my first collection is near to completion. I just … I need a photographer and I only trust you, Toma.”
Toma nodded and smiled. “Sure, I’ll be your photographer.” He agreed without hesitation.
“You’re agreeing right now? Don’t you need time to think?”
“No, that’s not necessary. I’m a freelance photographer, Kazuya. I work with whoever I want, I choose my own clients. But for you, I don’t mind being your exclusive photographer. I mean, it will be great working with you, my own best friend.”
“Ah, true.” Kazuya nodded, taking a sip of his soft drink.
“You said you’ve found a shop, Kazuya?”
“Hmm, in a shopping complex in Shibuya, the rent is more expensive but I don’t mind as it’s a good location. I want to attract many customers as possible. I have not finalised the contract regarding the shop though, I’ll have to meet the agent this coming Saturday.”
“Do you need any help financially, Kazuya?”
“No, about that you don’t have to worry. I still have my savings …”
“But it’s still not enough, honestly, right? I know you worked hard these past three years but most of the money went to your house rent, your food and your school fees. Let me pay for whatever expenses you need to set up your dream shop first. When business is good and doing really well, you can pay me back. I’m in no hurry for the money, you know. As long as your dream is fulfilled, I’m more than happy.”
Kazuya looked down, embarrassed. “I’m so indebted towards you, Toma. Thank you.”
“What are friends for?” Toma hit Kazuya lightly on the shoulder, smiling.
Deep in Toma’s heart, he was glad that he had encouraged Kazuya to pursue his dream in fashion because seeing his designs, amazed him truly. The younger one truly had a talent in fashion. Toma was sure that Kazuya would gain success for all the hard effort he had put in.
-
Jin looked at the address written on the paper. He entered the gate when it was confirmed that he was at the right place. He looked to his right, noticing that a few of the children were having fun on the playground. Jin smiled.
“Are you Akanishi-kun?” One of the caretakers approached him.
“Yes, I’m Akanishi Jin.” He bowed.
“Come in.” The caretaker guided him inside the orphanage. Jin took notice of a toddler seated on the floor, her hands holding her knees, her eyes red from crying. The caretaker paused in her steps, following Jin’s direction.
“She’s new here, only brought here yesterday. Her parents were involved in an accident and died. She haven’t adapt fully to her new environment.”
Jin nodded, “Can I … have a moment with her? If you don’t mind …”
“That wouldn’t be a problem, Akanishi-kun. You still have another fifteen minutes till your counselling session. So go ahead. I’ll be in the office if you’re done.” She pointed towards her office and bowed, excusing herself.
“Thank you.” Jin murmured to himself, approaching the young girl and sat down next to her. He patted her lightly on the back, gaining her attention as she looked up at him. “Hi, I am Jin nii-chan. May I know your name, please?”
When he was met only silence, he continued, “That’s not fair. Onii-chan told you my name but you still wouldn’t tell me yours. What should onii-chan do make little girl tell her name. Hmm …” Jin pretended to be in a deep thought.
“Mika” The little girl whispered. “My name’s Mika.”
“Mika … what a nice name. Do you mind if onii-chan joins you, just sitting like this?”
“Onii-chan also sad like Mika?” The toddler blinked at him, teary-eyed.
Jin bit his lips and nodded.
“Onii-chan same like Mika, onii-chan’s parents too died in an accident. I was the same age as you are right now, Mika-chan. Onii-chan cried a lot … but at the end, no matter how much tears onii-chan shed, they won’t bring my parents back. Onii-chan realised the importance of smiling, because by smiling, it made me feel better. I will always look up to the sky and smile, even though they’re not here, I know they’re happy.”
“Really? They’re happy?” Mika asked, finally stopped crying.
“Hmm.” Jin nodded. “For them, I would continue on living because I want to make them happy always.”
“Mika wants to make Mika’s parents happy too!” The toddler said excited.
“Then don’t stop smiling, okay? Rather than asking yourself why your parents left you, isn’t it better to show them that you’re happy with your life so that they wouldn’t worry up there? Always remember to smile, alright?”
A smile appeared on Mika’s lip as she nodded.
“That’s better. See, Mika has such nice smile. Please don’t throw it away.” Jin whispered, his smile mirroring the toddler’s.
Your smile means everything to me.
-
“You sure received lots of flowers, Kazuya.” Toma sat down next to Kazuya on the sofa.
“Yeah.” A smile formed on his face as he looked at the flowers in his shop. They were simply too many of them to count. “I’m really happy that K2’s official opening was a success, Toma. The response were so overwhelming, I honestly didn’t expect that.”
“Well, you really worked hard promoting your shop the last two months.”
“You helped out on a lot too. You have great connection with people so I’m thankful.”
“I’m your employee, Kamenashi Kazuya. I do my best to serve you.” Toma teased causing the younger one to smile brightly at him.
At the age of nineteen, Kazuya become a young successful businessman. He let his identity unknown, letting the media guess about the fantastic designer behind those clothes created. The shop was his but Kazuya never let the public know that the designer is actually him.
-
Year 2006
News spreads out that the owner of K2 is Kamenashi Kazuya, the only heir to Kamenashi Holdings. Kazuya had turned twenty years old, and he realised that it was time to tell the truth so he held a press conference.
Everyone was shocked when they discovered the real identity of ‘Kazuya’. The revelation came as a shocking to the Kamenashi family especially his father, the one who opposes strongly to Kazuya’s interest in fashion.
He hadn’t expected Kazuya to be as successful as he is now.
-
A/N: I wanted to update as many fics before I get busy starting 25th May. I’ll only be able to write on weekends so updates would probably be on weekends as well. The days that I don’t have classes, I’ll try to write. No classes doesn’t mean I’m free though, certainly there are assignments to be due. Updates will surely be slow so I hope you guys still stay with me? I won’t completely stop writing so don’t worry. Lastly, have a great birthday, yuki!!!