[Ongoing] The Last Promise -Aimiya (6/??)
Title: The Last Promise (6/??)
Author: Ica_90
Beta by: icedragontmr
Pairing: [friendship] Aimiya, [one-sided (?)] Sakuraiba, Juntoshi [mentioned in some chapters]
Genre: Friendship, Angst, college-life
Rating: PG-13
Summary: a story revolves around the friendship of the two boys, friendship begins from an unexpected meeting, but none of them knows of how it’ll end.
Disclaimer: the word ‘fiction’ should explain everything. I own the plot, not the real character/human.
a/n: for beloved twitter nakama and sakuraiba shipper riida91 diahlee486 and nadzsanz
I’m not surprised to see an empty bed next to me when I wake up in the morning. Knowing him these past years, Aiba-chan usually absorbs himself in something else if he had something on his mind. But what's unexpected is note on my table, with my name on it in Aiba-chan’s handwriting.
“Sorry. I need some time. If I stay, then I have to see him doing my PA job. I don’t think I can act professional after what you’ve told me last night. Sorry for not waking you up. I’m going back to Chiba, I’ll come back after a week. - Aiba Masaki”
I fold the note, putting it back on the table before I lean my back into the chair.
Love is stupid, I tell myself. Why did god create love in the first place, when the person we love never has the same feelings in return? To be honest, no I don’t believe in love. I’ve experienced it enough, heartbroken by girls again and again.
Of course my best friend is hurt. He’d been hoping. But I couldn’t blame anyone aside from myself. If I didn’t encourage him last time.
I know it’s impossible for a straight, elitist guy to fall in love with a common, gay guy. Sakurai-san holds a big family name in which he needs to take care of, to make sure that he does nothing that may ruin the name. But why I never went against it when Aiba-chan told me about his feeling towards the man is a big mystery for myself too. Maybe because I wanted him to be happy, but then I realized falling in love with someone name Sho Sakurai will never lead him to a happy life. Instead, it hurts him, like what happened now.
I pull out my phone, dialing his number. But it didn’t go through. The call went to his voicemail instead and I hung up as I have nothing to say. Sighing, I put my phone back in my bag, getting ready for classes.
Nothing happens on the first day after he left. Or maybe I was lucky because I didn’t meet Sakurai-san that day. I spend my day with Yumi or the other two but I couldn’t stop thinking about my best friend, wondering if he is alright. But no matter how many times I try to call him, it fails and by the end of the day, I give up calling him. I just leave him a text message, asking him if he is fine, that if he needs anything he can just tell me.
But I never get a reply.
And nothing happen in the second day too. I saw Sakurai-san several times that day. Though it was never direct contact, I could see him glancing at me or sometimes staring at me with a frown.
“Aiba-kun… I haven’t seen him yesterday. Is he alright?” Jun-kun asks me during lunch time. Shrugging, I shake my head.
“I don’t know,” I reply, short, causing Jun to frown a little.
“What do you mean, you don’t know? You’re roommates aren’t you?”
“He went back to Chiba yesterday. All of sudden, without any notice. He just left me a note, so please don’t ask me anything further because I don’t know anymore than that,” I reply, starting to feel annoyed.
I see Ohno-san shake his head.
“I’m sorry.” I frown.
“What are you apologizing for?”
“I should have warned him. It’s normal for someone to fall for Sho-kun. With his name, his achievements…”
“But it’s not normal for a man to fall in love with another man. You shouldn’t blame yourself, Ohno-san. You barely know Aiba-chan. We’ve been best friends for almost a decade, but I still couldn’t read the man well,”
Our conversation ends there. I ask my leave there, heading up for class.
My hate towards the arrogant man grows by day. These things wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t give any hope to Aiba-chan. Of course someone will feel something if day by day, he treated him nice, cared for him or took him for dinner every now and then. Maybe for some people, going out together is normal, but not for Aiba-chan. Maybe part of what happens now is his mistakes as well. He had set his eyes on the man since the first time they met. Aiba-chan may deny it, but I know him even though he never voiced it out loud.
The hell only begins on the third day of Aiba's absence.
I remember Aiba-chan telling me to stay away from trouble. That I should control my anger towards the senior when he approaches me in the cafeteria. But maybe, Sakurai-san had reached his limit. I was eating alone when he suddenly sat in the empty chair in front me. I was startled at first, but I remained calm, ignoring the cold stare from the man.
“Where’s Aiba-san?” he asks me in a short tone of voice. I shrug.
“Aren’t you the boss? Why don’t you know?” I mock him, making him flinch a bit.
“If I knew, I wouldn’t bother meeting a commoner like you,” he replied, annoyed. “I asked you nicely, Ninomiya-san. Where’s he? He left without notice, abandoned all of his jobs…”
“First of all, Sakurai-san,” I interrupt. “That PA of yours is human, if you haven’t noticed. He needs rest. And most of the jobs can be done by you. And if you don’t remember, he almost failed his classes last year just because he is too “passionate” doing those tasks for you, when almost everything can be done by yourself."
I pause, observing the man’s reaction. I only continued when I felt that it was safe for me to do so. But I ended up saying more than necessary.
“And secondly, just because you know he is a gay doesn’t mean that you should give him any hope. He likes you and it hurts him when he sees you with some random chick that you can fuck with whatever money you have.”
Shit. What have I been saying? It wasn't something he should have known.
I saw the man smirk.
“It’s not my fault if he falls for me, Ninomiya,” he pauses. The smirk on his face never fades. It looks proud on him, like he’s telling me ‘I won’. “I should have guessed, you’re the one who forbid him to work for me. You want him for yourself, don’t you?”
I don’t reply. I keep staring at him as he leans his back to the chair, his lips wearing a mocking smile. For a while, we keep staring at each other. It disgusts me when he looks at me, up and down, it annoys me. I feel like punching him.
“You lost, Ninomiya-san. I didn’t intentionally give him a reason to like me. Yet he still fell for me. Don’t you think that he’s an idiot?”
I gritted my teeth, trying to hold myself from punching the jerk sitting in front of me. He was proud of what he was saying.
“Haaahhh…” he sighed. “I wonder what makes him think that I gave him hope. Was it the dinner? Or the gift that I gave him? Or maybe because I allowed him to call me 'Sho-chan'? Like seriously, how stupid can he be? What makes him think that I will fall for him? I am Sho Sakurai. The son of the biggest trading company owner. Do you think that I will fall for a gay? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“You should shut your mouth now, Sakurai-san. Before…”
“Before what?” he cuts me off. “You’re gonna punch me? I warned you before haven’t I?”
He pauses, smirking when he sees me fall silent. I gritted my teeth even harder, trying to hold myself back from making the situation any worse. At the moment, I just want him to stop and go away from me. At the same time, I promised myself that I’m going to stop whatever feelings that my best friend has on that man before everything become worst than now. But the next moment Sho Sakurai opened his mouth to speak, nothing but insults left his mouth.
“You can have him for yourself, Ninomiya-san. I know you’ve been hiding your orientation by dating a girl. It’s not that I really care about it anyway. You can use anyone to hide it. And I’m sure your best friend won’t mind it either. He's nothing but a slut that easily falls for anyone willing to give him something. In my case, money.”
I couldn’t contain my anger anymore. Maybe I am harsh towards Aiba-chan. I call him an idiot all the time. But never once have I called him a slut. To hear that from someone who barely knew him, someone that took him for granted for the last year, I didn't have the will power to restrain myself any longer.
The reflex came so quickly. I grabbed him by his collar, pulled him to stand from his seat before pushing him aside. I don’t remember how, but the next thing I know I'm on top of the man, his lip bleeding and I keep punching his face again and again before someone, maybe someone who happened to be there pulled me away from him, holding me from beating him up.
I didn’t know where I got the courage but it’s such a satisfaction to see the shock on his face.
“I told you before, Sakurai-san. Even if it cost my life here, I won’t let you to insult my friend. He’s not a slut. You’re a jerk. A true man will respect everyone. Not giving him hope only to see him suffering later. I’ll make sure you regret what you said today, Sakurai-san. Got it memorized?” I throw him a disgusted look, before I pulled myself away from the people holding me tight. I grabbed all my stuff, then leave the scene without take a second look at my surrounding.
I know I’ve made a mess with Sakurai-san, and I’m ready for the consequences. Maybe being beaten up by his gang, or maybe expelled from the university. But whatever happens, I’d say I was satisfied enough to finally be able to teach that man a lesson. He shouldn’t mess up with other people's lives, that he should have at least some respect for others. Most importantly, I taught him about how precious Aiba-san is to me.
***
I wake up in the afternoon the next day after receiving a notice of suspension from the university regarding what happened the day before. I smirk. So he used his power for that, huh?
A week suspension, and I know the impact it'll have on my future. While part of me regrets it, another half of me was glad. Well, at least I can have some days off to find Aiba-chan, ensuring that he’s alright.
But my suspension only lasts a few hours. In the evening, a university staff member delivers a notice to me, a notice saying they rescind the suspension notice. When the staff member leaves, I was confused for a moment. Both Oh-chan and Jun-kun come to my room soon after. Only then did I realize that I have a friend powerful enough to go against the university rules, or maybe control the University's decision.
Ohno-san didn’t talk a lot, but the two of them approach me. One of them drags me back to the room, while the other closes the door and the three of us sit in silence.
“So he went back to Chiba because he was hurt?” Jun-kun begins. “And you confronted Sakurai-san for hurting your best friend? That’s so brave of you.”
I didn’t know if it was really a compliment or sarcasm. He didn't look like he was mocking me. I shake my head, roll my eyes, annoyed.
“Wrong. I didn’t confront him. He met with me and started asking about Aiba-chan then he insulted him. And yes, I can’t control myself, so I decided to punch him,” I explained lazily, making my way towards the table inside the room, sitting away from the two currently sitting on the beds in the room.
I couldn’t face them after knowing they were the ones that helped me out of my situation. Ohno keeps silent, as if he’s gonna fall asleep any moment soon. But he’s not, instead he keeps staring at me, and I start feeling creepy.
“Geez. Stop staring me. I’m not gonna pay you with my body after what you did for me.”
“You’re welcome,” Oh-chan replied sarcastically. “I don’t ask for anything in return, Nino. I’m sure that you didn’t notice, but I saw what happened. And I knew he deserved to be hit. After everything he's done.”
The sleepy man stands from his seat and walks towards me before he puts one of his hands on my shoulder, patting it a few times.
“I promised myself that I will never use my family's influence in the University. But if it weren't for you, I’m sure my days here won’t be as fun.”
I look at him, confused. Jun-kun was wearing the same expression as me. But then, the senior laughs.
“Jun-kun won’t have a rival if you leave,” he says with a laugh, causing Jun to blush. I roll my eyes again.
“Seriously? I thought I told you that I’m not a gay?” I direct my words to Jun who’s laughing silently. I shook my head when I heard Ohno-san chuckling by my side.
“Because you’re cute. It’s a waste that you’re not gay or at least bisexual.”
“You seriously need to shut up, old man. Unless you want tape on your mouth, then keep on talking. And you, you seriously need to stop thinking that I’m gonna take your boyfriend away, because I definitely won’t!” I said, before Jun replied with a laugh.
”That can’t be help. This old man is too fond of you. He keeps saying you’re cute and everything,” he said, making the senior laugh at the reaction his boyfriend gives. I shook my head, thinking of how silly they can be.
But then I fall silent. The other two do as well.
Friends. I never thought I would use that word when I first came here. People have been saying how hard it was to approach me that I keep giving them a hard time. It was always Aiba-chan who stayed by my side, no matter how harsh my words were to him. But watching the two men inside my room, giggling together, somehow I feel blessed. Without realizing it, I utter my words in a very low tone.
“Thank you,” I say it slow, but manage to be heard by the two who then turned to look at me. Somehow, they smiled.
“Best friends didn’t say thank you, Ninomiya-kun.” Ohno-san patted my shoulder again while Jun walked towards me before the two of them stand by my side.
“Then, what should I say?”
“Hmmm, that’s a tough question,” Ohno-san said, smugly. “Maybe something like, ‘I’m hungry. Can someone treat me with something to eat?’” he continued, looking at the youngest among us as he said that causing the man to widen his eyes.
“What a stingy old man!” Jun replied, earning a laugh from all of us.
“Nevermind that, Nino. Let’s go somewhere. It’s suffocating here, don’t you think? My treat,” Ohno-san said, dragging the two of us out from my room. I heard Jun whining behind me, but all I do is smile by myself, unable to suppress how grateful I am to have these two as my friends.
But at the same time, I keep wondering if Aiba-chan is okay. I fish out my phone from my pocket while sighing, frustrated as I received nothing from him.
“Aiba-chan. I almost got expelled. But don't worry. Ohno-san helped me. Please tell me that you’re fine. We’re so worried about you. I am worried. Get back to me ASAP.”
I type him a message and send it before pushing my phone back into my pocket, following the pair with the word "best friends" in my mind.
****
It was two days after that, I woke up with a knock on my room door. I couldn’t help but wake up with a ‘tch’ as I walk to the door, revealing Sakurai-san standing in front of my room.
I could feel my jaw drop but closed it while observing the man. It wasn’t the Sho Sakurai that I know. Instead of wearing his usual proud face, he looked as troubled as ever. I saw how he peeked into my room, trying to find the familiar face of his bullied assistant, and watched him sigh when he couldn’t find him.
“He really did leave, huh?” he said, his tone more a statement than a question. I nodded, still not letting the man enter the room.
My punch to his face left some bruises on his cheek. It’s no wonder that I received the suspension notice. Sighing, I utter my apology to the man.
“I’m not saying sorry because I’m afraid of you. I’m sorry because I did an inappropriate thing to a senpai. So, I’m sorry.”
“You're not the one who should be apologizing. I’m sorry.” Wait. Am I hearing this right?
“I was wrong. I said things that I shouldn’t say. A lie, obviously. Aiba-san isn’t what I said. I said all that maybe because I wanted to anger you…”
And then he paused, a desperate look in his eye.
“Is Aiba-san alright? I tried to call him, but he didn’t pick up.”
“I don’t know. He didn’t pick up my call either, or even reply to my messages,” I told him coldly as I walk into my room, leaving the door open for the man to walk into the room.
“I hurt him, didn't I?” I look at him in disbelief. Is the man is too dumb to realize or does he just pretend to not knowing anything?
“Let’s not talk about it? Things happened, and I don’t think you can turn back.”
“It’s true…”
Silence.
“I have something to ask,” he begins once again. “About you and Aiba-kun...”
I eyed him curiously.
“I want to know if the rumors I've been hearing about the two of you are true,” he said. I raise an eyebrow, questioningly.
“What about us?” His mouth opened at once, but closed afterwards, maybe unable to find the proper words. He changes the topic afterward.
"I’m sorry, Ninomiya-san.” He paused, biting his lower lip. “But you shouldn’t be worried about the two of us. I hold my family name. Between the two of us it is impossible anyway.”
If I could, I would have loved to kill this guy with my bare hands at this very moment . But thinking that I was just saved from a suspension, I keep my desire inside, looking at the man with distaste.
“You know it’s impossible. So please, stop giving him room to hope that something will happen.”
He looked at me, blinking, confused.
“You should know him by now, Sakurai-san. Aiba-chan is a soft hearted person. He's naïve. He takes everything seriously. Especially when you do something nice for him. He is stupid, I agree. But that is who he is. Now that I know your stance in this situation, please stop taking advantage of him."
I pause.
“Whatever rumors you heard about the two of us, they aren't true. I don’t know where you heard these things, but I’ll tell you once again, Sakurai-san. That man that you’ve been bullying is precious to me. I’ll protect him with my whole life, and I won't regret it if something bad were to happened to me while I’m doing that.”
I saw him nod after I finish speaking. And then, nothing left our mouths again.
He stood from his seat, heading to the door. But before he leaves the room, he turns back to me.
“It wasn’t me who ordered your suspension. It was my dad. I was wrong, I decided to ignore it, but my father just saw the bruises on my face and …”
“You don’t have to explain. You’ve shown me how people with power will do anything they want.” Sho-san flinched a little when he heard me. “Apology accepted. I still have classes. So, if you could leave now, I would truly appreciate it.”
“Could you please tell Aiba-kun to meet me once he comes back? I really… Never mind. Just ask him to see me when he’s ready.”
And then he leaves without looking at me.
****
Aiba-chan comes back a week after, cheerful as ever, like nothing happened to him. We didn’t talk about it. I didn’t ask him what he did, and he never asked me about the suspension. He did actually, but he didn’t ask me directly. Instead, he went straight to Ohno-san, asking him about it before thanking the man for saving me. Well that’s what Ohno-san told me.
He works for Sho again, and I can proudly say after all that happened, he still works professionally. He talks less about Sho nowadays and it seems like Sho gives him quite a lot of free time. I take that as an advantage to take Aiba to hang out with Ohno and Jun. And sometimes, it’s only the three of them when I'm out with my girlfriend.
The lovesick look on his face from before was no longer there. I pity him for once but I’m glad. He told me that he had to think clearly about it, putting some sense inside his own head that him and Sho could never have a relationship, regarding their social status. Aiba told me he knows where he stand, and he will always remember that.
Though it sounded sorrowful when he said all that, somehow I felt glad for him. At least he won’t get hurt by this man.
Or maybe I was just hoping too much.
________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I'm putting this on hold. give me 3 weeks, for me to finish writing all the chapters and beta read. i've done the ending, and the epilogue (which is something to feel glad) just i need to write the part before that. so... including next chapter... 7 chapter to end.. see you next 3 weeks..
extra note : i'm continuing my ohmiya fic though.
NEXT
Author: Ica_90
Beta by: icedragontmr
Pairing: [friendship] Aimiya, [one-sided (?)] Sakuraiba, Juntoshi [mentioned in some chapters]
Genre: Friendship, Angst, college-life
Rating: PG-13
Summary: a story revolves around the friendship of the two boys, friendship begins from an unexpected meeting, but none of them knows of how it’ll end.
Disclaimer: the word ‘fiction’ should explain everything. I own the plot, not the real character/human.
a/n: for beloved twitter nakama and sakuraiba shipper riida91 diahlee486 and nadzsanz
I’m not surprised to see an empty bed next to me when I wake up in the morning. Knowing him these past years, Aiba-chan usually absorbs himself in something else if he had something on his mind. But what's unexpected is note on my table, with my name on it in Aiba-chan’s handwriting.
“Sorry. I need some time. If I stay, then I have to see him doing my PA job. I don’t think I can act professional after what you’ve told me last night. Sorry for not waking you up. I’m going back to Chiba, I’ll come back after a week. - Aiba Masaki”
I fold the note, putting it back on the table before I lean my back into the chair.
Love is stupid, I tell myself. Why did god create love in the first place, when the person we love never has the same feelings in return? To be honest, no I don’t believe in love. I’ve experienced it enough, heartbroken by girls again and again.
Of course my best friend is hurt. He’d been hoping. But I couldn’t blame anyone aside from myself. If I didn’t encourage him last time.
I know it’s impossible for a straight, elitist guy to fall in love with a common, gay guy. Sakurai-san holds a big family name in which he needs to take care of, to make sure that he does nothing that may ruin the name. But why I never went against it when Aiba-chan told me about his feeling towards the man is a big mystery for myself too. Maybe because I wanted him to be happy, but then I realized falling in love with someone name Sho Sakurai will never lead him to a happy life. Instead, it hurts him, like what happened now.
I pull out my phone, dialing his number. But it didn’t go through. The call went to his voicemail instead and I hung up as I have nothing to say. Sighing, I put my phone back in my bag, getting ready for classes.
Nothing happens on the first day after he left. Or maybe I was lucky because I didn’t meet Sakurai-san that day. I spend my day with Yumi or the other two but I couldn’t stop thinking about my best friend, wondering if he is alright. But no matter how many times I try to call him, it fails and by the end of the day, I give up calling him. I just leave him a text message, asking him if he is fine, that if he needs anything he can just tell me.
But I never get a reply.
And nothing happen in the second day too. I saw Sakurai-san several times that day. Though it was never direct contact, I could see him glancing at me or sometimes staring at me with a frown.
“Aiba-kun… I haven’t seen him yesterday. Is he alright?” Jun-kun asks me during lunch time. Shrugging, I shake my head.
“I don’t know,” I reply, short, causing Jun to frown a little.
“What do you mean, you don’t know? You’re roommates aren’t you?”
“He went back to Chiba yesterday. All of sudden, without any notice. He just left me a note, so please don’t ask me anything further because I don’t know anymore than that,” I reply, starting to feel annoyed.
I see Ohno-san shake his head.
“I’m sorry.” I frown.
“What are you apologizing for?”
“I should have warned him. It’s normal for someone to fall for Sho-kun. With his name, his achievements…”
“But it’s not normal for a man to fall in love with another man. You shouldn’t blame yourself, Ohno-san. You barely know Aiba-chan. We’ve been best friends for almost a decade, but I still couldn’t read the man well,”
Our conversation ends there. I ask my leave there, heading up for class.
My hate towards the arrogant man grows by day. These things wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t give any hope to Aiba-chan. Of course someone will feel something if day by day, he treated him nice, cared for him or took him for dinner every now and then. Maybe for some people, going out together is normal, but not for Aiba-chan. Maybe part of what happens now is his mistakes as well. He had set his eyes on the man since the first time they met. Aiba-chan may deny it, but I know him even though he never voiced it out loud.
The hell only begins on the third day of Aiba's absence.
I remember Aiba-chan telling me to stay away from trouble. That I should control my anger towards the senior when he approaches me in the cafeteria. But maybe, Sakurai-san had reached his limit. I was eating alone when he suddenly sat in the empty chair in front me. I was startled at first, but I remained calm, ignoring the cold stare from the man.
“Where’s Aiba-san?” he asks me in a short tone of voice. I shrug.
“Aren’t you the boss? Why don’t you know?” I mock him, making him flinch a bit.
“If I knew, I wouldn’t bother meeting a commoner like you,” he replied, annoyed. “I asked you nicely, Ninomiya-san. Where’s he? He left without notice, abandoned all of his jobs…”
“First of all, Sakurai-san,” I interrupt. “That PA of yours is human, if you haven’t noticed. He needs rest. And most of the jobs can be done by you. And if you don’t remember, he almost failed his classes last year just because he is too “passionate” doing those tasks for you, when almost everything can be done by yourself."
I pause, observing the man’s reaction. I only continued when I felt that it was safe for me to do so. But I ended up saying more than necessary.
“And secondly, just because you know he is a gay doesn’t mean that you should give him any hope. He likes you and it hurts him when he sees you with some random chick that you can fuck with whatever money you have.”
Shit. What have I been saying? It wasn't something he should have known.
I saw the man smirk.
“It’s not my fault if he falls for me, Ninomiya,” he pauses. The smirk on his face never fades. It looks proud on him, like he’s telling me ‘I won’. “I should have guessed, you’re the one who forbid him to work for me. You want him for yourself, don’t you?”
I don’t reply. I keep staring at him as he leans his back to the chair, his lips wearing a mocking smile. For a while, we keep staring at each other. It disgusts me when he looks at me, up and down, it annoys me. I feel like punching him.
“You lost, Ninomiya-san. I didn’t intentionally give him a reason to like me. Yet he still fell for me. Don’t you think that he’s an idiot?”
I gritted my teeth, trying to hold myself from punching the jerk sitting in front of me. He was proud of what he was saying.
“Haaahhh…” he sighed. “I wonder what makes him think that I gave him hope. Was it the dinner? Or the gift that I gave him? Or maybe because I allowed him to call me 'Sho-chan'? Like seriously, how stupid can he be? What makes him think that I will fall for him? I am Sho Sakurai. The son of the biggest trading company owner. Do you think that I will fall for a gay? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“You should shut your mouth now, Sakurai-san. Before…”
“Before what?” he cuts me off. “You’re gonna punch me? I warned you before haven’t I?”
He pauses, smirking when he sees me fall silent. I gritted my teeth even harder, trying to hold myself back from making the situation any worse. At the moment, I just want him to stop and go away from me. At the same time, I promised myself that I’m going to stop whatever feelings that my best friend has on that man before everything become worst than now. But the next moment Sho Sakurai opened his mouth to speak, nothing but insults left his mouth.
“You can have him for yourself, Ninomiya-san. I know you’ve been hiding your orientation by dating a girl. It’s not that I really care about it anyway. You can use anyone to hide it. And I’m sure your best friend won’t mind it either. He's nothing but a slut that easily falls for anyone willing to give him something. In my case, money.”
I couldn’t contain my anger anymore. Maybe I am harsh towards Aiba-chan. I call him an idiot all the time. But never once have I called him a slut. To hear that from someone who barely knew him, someone that took him for granted for the last year, I didn't have the will power to restrain myself any longer.
The reflex came so quickly. I grabbed him by his collar, pulled him to stand from his seat before pushing him aside. I don’t remember how, but the next thing I know I'm on top of the man, his lip bleeding and I keep punching his face again and again before someone, maybe someone who happened to be there pulled me away from him, holding me from beating him up.
I didn’t know where I got the courage but it’s such a satisfaction to see the shock on his face.
“I told you before, Sakurai-san. Even if it cost my life here, I won’t let you to insult my friend. He’s not a slut. You’re a jerk. A true man will respect everyone. Not giving him hope only to see him suffering later. I’ll make sure you regret what you said today, Sakurai-san. Got it memorized?” I throw him a disgusted look, before I pulled myself away from the people holding me tight. I grabbed all my stuff, then leave the scene without take a second look at my surrounding.
I know I’ve made a mess with Sakurai-san, and I’m ready for the consequences. Maybe being beaten up by his gang, or maybe expelled from the university. But whatever happens, I’d say I was satisfied enough to finally be able to teach that man a lesson. He shouldn’t mess up with other people's lives, that he should have at least some respect for others. Most importantly, I taught him about how precious Aiba-san is to me.
***
I wake up in the afternoon the next day after receiving a notice of suspension from the university regarding what happened the day before. I smirk. So he used his power for that, huh?
A week suspension, and I know the impact it'll have on my future. While part of me regrets it, another half of me was glad. Well, at least I can have some days off to find Aiba-chan, ensuring that he’s alright.
But my suspension only lasts a few hours. In the evening, a university staff member delivers a notice to me, a notice saying they rescind the suspension notice. When the staff member leaves, I was confused for a moment. Both Oh-chan and Jun-kun come to my room soon after. Only then did I realize that I have a friend powerful enough to go against the university rules, or maybe control the University's decision.
Ohno-san didn’t talk a lot, but the two of them approach me. One of them drags me back to the room, while the other closes the door and the three of us sit in silence.
“So he went back to Chiba because he was hurt?” Jun-kun begins. “And you confronted Sakurai-san for hurting your best friend? That’s so brave of you.”
I didn’t know if it was really a compliment or sarcasm. He didn't look like he was mocking me. I shake my head, roll my eyes, annoyed.
“Wrong. I didn’t confront him. He met with me and started asking about Aiba-chan then he insulted him. And yes, I can’t control myself, so I decided to punch him,” I explained lazily, making my way towards the table inside the room, sitting away from the two currently sitting on the beds in the room.
I couldn’t face them after knowing they were the ones that helped me out of my situation. Ohno keeps silent, as if he’s gonna fall asleep any moment soon. But he’s not, instead he keeps staring at me, and I start feeling creepy.
“Geez. Stop staring me. I’m not gonna pay you with my body after what you did for me.”
“You’re welcome,” Oh-chan replied sarcastically. “I don’t ask for anything in return, Nino. I’m sure that you didn’t notice, but I saw what happened. And I knew he deserved to be hit. After everything he's done.”
The sleepy man stands from his seat and walks towards me before he puts one of his hands on my shoulder, patting it a few times.
“I promised myself that I will never use my family's influence in the University. But if it weren't for you, I’m sure my days here won’t be as fun.”
I look at him, confused. Jun-kun was wearing the same expression as me. But then, the senior laughs.
“Jun-kun won’t have a rival if you leave,” he says with a laugh, causing Jun to blush. I roll my eyes again.
“Seriously? I thought I told you that I’m not a gay?” I direct my words to Jun who’s laughing silently. I shook my head when I heard Ohno-san chuckling by my side.
“Because you’re cute. It’s a waste that you’re not gay or at least bisexual.”
“You seriously need to shut up, old man. Unless you want tape on your mouth, then keep on talking. And you, you seriously need to stop thinking that I’m gonna take your boyfriend away, because I definitely won’t!” I said, before Jun replied with a laugh.
”That can’t be help. This old man is too fond of you. He keeps saying you’re cute and everything,” he said, making the senior laugh at the reaction his boyfriend gives. I shook my head, thinking of how silly they can be.
But then I fall silent. The other two do as well.
Friends. I never thought I would use that word when I first came here. People have been saying how hard it was to approach me that I keep giving them a hard time. It was always Aiba-chan who stayed by my side, no matter how harsh my words were to him. But watching the two men inside my room, giggling together, somehow I feel blessed. Without realizing it, I utter my words in a very low tone.
“Thank you,” I say it slow, but manage to be heard by the two who then turned to look at me. Somehow, they smiled.
“Best friends didn’t say thank you, Ninomiya-kun.” Ohno-san patted my shoulder again while Jun walked towards me before the two of them stand by my side.
“Then, what should I say?”
“Hmmm, that’s a tough question,” Ohno-san said, smugly. “Maybe something like, ‘I’m hungry. Can someone treat me with something to eat?’” he continued, looking at the youngest among us as he said that causing the man to widen his eyes.
“What a stingy old man!” Jun replied, earning a laugh from all of us.
“Nevermind that, Nino. Let’s go somewhere. It’s suffocating here, don’t you think? My treat,” Ohno-san said, dragging the two of us out from my room. I heard Jun whining behind me, but all I do is smile by myself, unable to suppress how grateful I am to have these two as my friends.
But at the same time, I keep wondering if Aiba-chan is okay. I fish out my phone from my pocket while sighing, frustrated as I received nothing from him.
“Aiba-chan. I almost got expelled. But don't worry. Ohno-san helped me. Please tell me that you’re fine. We’re so worried about you. I am worried. Get back to me ASAP.”
I type him a message and send it before pushing my phone back into my pocket, following the pair with the word "best friends" in my mind.
****
It was two days after that, I woke up with a knock on my room door. I couldn’t help but wake up with a ‘tch’ as I walk to the door, revealing Sakurai-san standing in front of my room.
I could feel my jaw drop but closed it while observing the man. It wasn’t the Sho Sakurai that I know. Instead of wearing his usual proud face, he looked as troubled as ever. I saw how he peeked into my room, trying to find the familiar face of his bullied assistant, and watched him sigh when he couldn’t find him.
“He really did leave, huh?” he said, his tone more a statement than a question. I nodded, still not letting the man enter the room.
My punch to his face left some bruises on his cheek. It’s no wonder that I received the suspension notice. Sighing, I utter my apology to the man.
“I’m not saying sorry because I’m afraid of you. I’m sorry because I did an inappropriate thing to a senpai. So, I’m sorry.”
“You're not the one who should be apologizing. I’m sorry.” Wait. Am I hearing this right?
“I was wrong. I said things that I shouldn’t say. A lie, obviously. Aiba-san isn’t what I said. I said all that maybe because I wanted to anger you…”
And then he paused, a desperate look in his eye.
“Is Aiba-san alright? I tried to call him, but he didn’t pick up.”
“I don’t know. He didn’t pick up my call either, or even reply to my messages,” I told him coldly as I walk into my room, leaving the door open for the man to walk into the room.
“I hurt him, didn't I?” I look at him in disbelief. Is the man is too dumb to realize or does he just pretend to not knowing anything?
“Let’s not talk about it? Things happened, and I don’t think you can turn back.”
“It’s true…”
Silence.
“I have something to ask,” he begins once again. “About you and Aiba-kun...”
I eyed him curiously.
“I want to know if the rumors I've been hearing about the two of you are true,” he said. I raise an eyebrow, questioningly.
“What about us?” His mouth opened at once, but closed afterwards, maybe unable to find the proper words. He changes the topic afterward.
"I’m sorry, Ninomiya-san.” He paused, biting his lower lip. “But you shouldn’t be worried about the two of us. I hold my family name. Between the two of us it is impossible anyway.”
If I could, I would have loved to kill this guy with my bare hands at this very moment . But thinking that I was just saved from a suspension, I keep my desire inside, looking at the man with distaste.
“You know it’s impossible. So please, stop giving him room to hope that something will happen.”
He looked at me, blinking, confused.
“You should know him by now, Sakurai-san. Aiba-chan is a soft hearted person. He's naïve. He takes everything seriously. Especially when you do something nice for him. He is stupid, I agree. But that is who he is. Now that I know your stance in this situation, please stop taking advantage of him."
I pause.
“Whatever rumors you heard about the two of us, they aren't true. I don’t know where you heard these things, but I’ll tell you once again, Sakurai-san. That man that you’ve been bullying is precious to me. I’ll protect him with my whole life, and I won't regret it if something bad were to happened to me while I’m doing that.”
I saw him nod after I finish speaking. And then, nothing left our mouths again.
He stood from his seat, heading to the door. But before he leaves the room, he turns back to me.
“It wasn’t me who ordered your suspension. It was my dad. I was wrong, I decided to ignore it, but my father just saw the bruises on my face and …”
“You don’t have to explain. You’ve shown me how people with power will do anything they want.” Sho-san flinched a little when he heard me. “Apology accepted. I still have classes. So, if you could leave now, I would truly appreciate it.”
“Could you please tell Aiba-kun to meet me once he comes back? I really… Never mind. Just ask him to see me when he’s ready.”
And then he leaves without looking at me.
****
Aiba-chan comes back a week after, cheerful as ever, like nothing happened to him. We didn’t talk about it. I didn’t ask him what he did, and he never asked me about the suspension. He did actually, but he didn’t ask me directly. Instead, he went straight to Ohno-san, asking him about it before thanking the man for saving me. Well that’s what Ohno-san told me.
He works for Sho again, and I can proudly say after all that happened, he still works professionally. He talks less about Sho nowadays and it seems like Sho gives him quite a lot of free time. I take that as an advantage to take Aiba to hang out with Ohno and Jun. And sometimes, it’s only the three of them when I'm out with my girlfriend.
The lovesick look on his face from before was no longer there. I pity him for once but I’m glad. He told me that he had to think clearly about it, putting some sense inside his own head that him and Sho could never have a relationship, regarding their social status. Aiba told me he knows where he stand, and he will always remember that.
Though it sounded sorrowful when he said all that, somehow I felt glad for him. At least he won’t get hurt by this man.
Or maybe I was just hoping too much.
________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I'm putting this on hold. give me 3 weeks, for me to finish writing all the chapters and beta read. i've done the ending, and the epilogue (which is something to feel glad) just i need to write the part before that. so... including next chapter... 7 chapter to end.. see you next 3 weeks..
extra note : i'm continuing my ohmiya fic though.
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