Title: The Purple Pharmacy (2/3)
Length: One shot (split in 3 parts)
Setting: AU
Pairing: Sakumoto, Jun x male OC
Word counts: 8000++
Rating: PG-13
Note: This is a birthday fic for my beta
ivenclaire 1/3 >> 2/3 >>
3/3 For the next working days, Sho was busy as usual but he found that the days were lacking colours, especially that particular purple. Even a few of his peers noticed his gloominess, particularly Aiba, even though he was only seeing him for a few minutes before Aiba went to Tokyo for a week to attend a financing conference.
That afternoon, he had a pretty free, extended lunch break since one of his clients made a cancellation. All he did as he sat on his desk was drawing an Anpanman on an A4 paper. Instead of a red circle for both of its cheeks, Sho used purple highlighter on one of it. He sighed. Red, his most favourite colour looked so nice opposite purple, Matsumoto’s most probably favourite colour.
He wondered whether he was alright, still pining for a taken man.
He sighed again while dropping his face onto the table. He was really hopeless.
*
Sho didn’t know what happened but he found himself inside the same pharmacy again. He shook his head, nearly laughing to himself on how dire the situation was. So dire that he had unknowingly walked himself here to get a glimpse of the man that filled his nights with desire just to satisfy his craving heart. He didn’t know he was such a masochist until now.
Unluckily, Matsumoto wasn’t there at his usual place behind the counter. But there was another man in a white coat that was perched behind it, his face facing downward looking busy with something on his hand. Meanwhile, the Ohno guy was beside him, managing the register cash.
Sho was convinced that he was the same guy who was with Matsumoto in the restaurant.
His curious heart was winning. Therefore, he grabbed something on the shelf - not condoms this time - but it was a Je l’aime shampoo. He walked to the counter, approaching Ohno who was greeting him politely. Sho flitted his eyes to the other man. His nametag said ‘Ninomiya’. Oh so this was the other Pharmacist, Ninomiya Kazunari? He wondered whether Matsumoto was here, he might be in the office like last time or they took turned to manage the shop.
Ohno probably had noticed that he was searching for something or someone behind his back. “Matsumoto-san isn’t in today.” Sho’s eyes went wide with shock. He was busted. Ohno’s statement made Ninomiya looked up at him and he seemed to recognize him right away.
How could Ohno know that he was looking for Matsumoto? Was he too obvious?
Meanwhile, the Ninomiya guy unlatched himself from his prominent seat, putting down a 3DS on the counter - how could he play games in the middle of working? Sho fleetingly thought - and came face to face with Sho, beside Ohno. Sho became uncomfortable with the smirk perched on Ninomiya’s lips right now. He smelled trouble.
“Ah the condom guy. How may I help you, mister-“ He dragged the word ‘mister’ and Sho understood immediately that he had to reveal his name - and what with the condom nickname that Ninomiya been calling him just now? How did he know anyway? Probably he had his suspicion already.
“… Sakurai. I’m Sakurai,” Sho answered quickly, wanting to erase that horrendous nickname from sticking to him.
“Ah I’m glad I won’t be calling you a ‘condom guy’ anymore.” Sho cringed. Meanwhile Ninomiya continued smirking. “So Sakurai-san, it seems that you might becoming our regular customer. How about registering for our membership card?”
That was a slick business strategy to take more cash from him but Sho couldn’t help himself from signing the membership application immediately. As a member card holder, he was entitled for discounts on selected days and accumulate points upon purchase for him to redeem something later. Well that was fair enough. At least he would be getting the benefits. And he would have further reason to come regularly. To see a certain Matsumoto Jun was probably his main goal eventually.
So now that he knew who the other guy was, Sho’s depression wasn’t as severe as before. Ninomiya was Matsumoto’s business partner. He might or might not be in a relationship with Matsumoto but at least he wasn’t a mysterious man to him anymore. He could observe who this guy was to Matsumoto when he came to the pharmacy again next time. And he got all those opportunities that he didn’t want to waste.
The next time Sho went to the shop, Matsumoto was there at his usual place. He smiled as Sho put a bottle of multivitamins onto the counter. Sho flashed back his own smile.
“You know, taking fruits will get you a fair amount of vitamins into your body so you don’t have to take pills.” Sho found that Matsumoto had started the conversation between them.
“Oh, really? So, what kind of fruit do you suggest?” asked Sho back. He probably could ask more questions to make Matsumoto prolong the conversation.
And the strategy was a success. They had a very lively one-hour talk. Previously, Sho didn’t know much about what a pharmacist actually does besides dispensing medication but now he sorts of understand that as part of healthcare provider, a pharmacist’s job entails a wide range of knowledge about all sort of topics. Matsumoto gave his professional opinion on Sho’s question in layman terms so that it was easy for Sho to understand. Sho was blown away. The more words Matsumoto was giving, the more respect Sho had for him.
Sho found himself falling even further.
*
Sho took opportunities to stalk - no, he meant to see Matsumoto or Jun, as he found himself frequently calling him like that in his head - quite a few times after that. Only professionally though as Sho hadn’t got the gut to ask Jun out yet. He didn’t even dare to ask him about his private life. They never talk privately either and Sho didn’t know what Jun’s feelings towards him really was. He couldn’t embarrass himself further by asking if he didn’t know what Jun thought about him. He didn’t dare to ask about it too. Hearing rejection would be the worst thing ever. The only consolation was that by this time, Sho was convinced that Ninomiya wasn’t Jun’s boyfriend when Ninomiya himself told him out of the blue during one of his routine visits. That made Sho so relieved.
However, Sho had managed to make Jun exchanged business cards with him. He was in constant giddiness that he now own Jun’s phone number, although Sho assumed that it was a work number, but it was still Jun’s number nevertheless. Nevertheless, he never tried dialling it.
It was Friday and Sho was just getting off work. When he dropped by, Jun was there, as usual. But Sho noticed, behind the professional look something was off with him. They had a conversation again, but they were kept being distracted by Jun’s phone that he kept behind the counter. Even though it was in a silent mode but it kept vibrating incessantly. Eventually, Jun had to excuse himself, grabbing his phone and went inside. His face was immediately replaced by Ohno, who was looking at him unassumingly.
“You can talk to me if you want.” Ohno said monotonously at Sho but he kept staring at the clock on the wall. It was nearly 10.30 p.m and the shop was supposed to close half an hour ago. Sho knew that it was time for him to go so he took his leave. He couldn’t miss the happiness on Ohno’s face that he could close the shop right now.
Sho walked slowly towards his apartment block. When he turned to a corner, his feet stopped because he recognized him even when he was facing his back. It was Jun, involved in a heated conversation with another guy. It clearly wasn’t with Ninomiya this time. This guy was taller than him and was looking rather handsome.
While standing a few feet away Sho was observing them. It was too far to catch their conversation. And the illumination from the shops wasn’t enough for them to notice if Sho was looking so Sho stayed at his place. A few pedestrians walked by, further hiding Sho from their notice and Sho assumed that they won’t see him anyway. They were arguing but they still able to control their own voices to keep them from disturbing others. Sho saw how the other guy kept grabbing Jun’s arm to drag him to the car behind them but Jun kept resisting. It made Sho felt uncomfortable. It was clear that Jun was really upset and irritated.
He didn’t realize since when did he took the steps towards them when suddenly Sho was already beside Jun and the guy.
“I think you should stop what you’re doing. It’s clear that he didn’t want to go with you.” Sho was actually amazed how stable his voice was. Both of Jun and the guy froze.
Sho suddenly noticed how imposing the other guy was when he was confronted with him looking down at Sho like Sho was a cockroach.
“Who are you? Go away and mind your own business!” The guy snarled at him. Meanwhile Jun was looking rather shocked and apologetic at him.
It was weird but Sho found his courage out of the blue after seeing Jun’s distress face. He must protect Jun from whoever this guy was and that encouraged him even further.
“I’m Sakurai Sho and I’m Matsumoto Jun’s friend. I see that you wanted to force him to go with you and I think that’s not a right way to treat him, whoever you are.”
“Why do you care? I’m his boyfriend and I’ll do whatever I want with him!” Sho’s flinched a little hearing the word ‘boyfriend’. He was suspecting it when he saw them together just now, but he thought if he was really a good boyfriend to Jun they won’t be having this kind of argument out in the open. Sho could see Jun was trying to keep away his ‘boyfriend’ from eating Sho’s face with how near they were from each other. The more he saw Jun’s miserable face, the more he wanted to keep Jun away from this bastard that clearly didn’t deserve him.
“If you’re his boyfriend like what you’re claiming yourself to be, you won’t be doing this thing to Jun. And the term ‘boyfriend’ doesn’t entitle you to do whatever you want to him. Jun is clearly doesn’t agree with you too.” Sho, calling Jun without suffix had further riling up the man. The man turned toward Jun, and Jun who was staring at Sho before was quite startled.
“Jun, are you cheating me with him?!”
For a moment, Jun was pretty speechless when facing the baseless accusation. Then, it seemed like a bomb had dropped. Jun slapped the guy angrily.
“It was you who is a cheater! Don’t you dare you accuse me the same!”
“Clearly, with him defending you like this, you have probably slept with him!”
“I’m not as low as you!”
“Then who is this man?!”
“Like he said, he’s a friend!”
“A friend that called you Jun like he owned you?!”
“Nino and Ohno also called me Jun, and I’m not cheating with them!”
“Why you!”
Sho who was just watching them threw nasty words towards each other automatically threw his body in between them, covering Jun with his frame. He felt a slap grazing the back of his head. He couldn’t do anything when he felt himself being grabbed from behind and in an instance found himself facing the angry guy before he realized he was down on the street. Jun was screaming his name, and this time it was Jun who grabbed his boyfriend away from Sho. The guy tried to hurt Jun too but a few passers-by had started to gather around them and it seemed that the police had also being called.
*
It stings so badly, Sho thought as he was given a cold pack inside the police station when he was giving his statement. Bruises were already forming, he could feel it. Jun was sitting quietly beside him. His face was down, but to Sho’s relief he looked rather calm.
“I’m sorry for involving you in this.” Jun said silently as they walked together a few hours later. “Ken actually was a sweet person.” Jun paused. Clearly the past tense gave things away. That ‘Ken’ right now was detained by the police. It was up to Jun to press charges.
“It just that he had changed ever since I saw him in bed with another woman. It’s obvious that I’m nothing to him…” Sho had to crane his ears to hear Jun but he got the gist. Jun was cheated. Jun was hurt deeply by that bastard and Sho felt overwhelming protectiveness towards him.
“I’m sorry…” Jun whispered before he went silent. Even in the low illumination, Sho noticed Jun was nearly tearing up. He really wanted to give Jun a hug now but he restrained because that would be awkward.
“Hey, it’s okay. He won’t hurt you again, I’ll make sure of that. I’ll protect you.” Sho paused for a while, realizing what he had said. He was dreading Jun’s reaction but it seemed that Jun did not show any negative reaction towards his connotation.
“Thank you.” That was all Jun said before he went silent again.
They walked further, in the quiet street, heading to the main road so they could call up a taxi to bring Jun home. Things became more awkward. Sho couldn’t break the silence, since he didn’t know what to say to comfort Jun. But when suddenly a big sob came out from the person beside him, it startled him so much. Without thinking Sho immediately turned towards Jun and grabbed him, covering him with his arms in the biggest hug he could give. Sho could feel how Jun’s entire frame froze for a split second before he let himself being hug. Sho tightened his hug when Jun leaned further into his chest to cry.
It was like a drama scene. They were hugging in the middle of a garden, just a few feet away from the main street, with no one around Sho was half-expecting a romantic music to play to accompany them. Okay he was supposed to be comforting Jun not to take advantage of the situation but he couldn’t help it. Jun felt so close to him, as close as he ever imagined.
Now that Jun had finally free from the bastard’s clutches, he was open once more. It was up to Sho to take up that opportunity.
*
His phone was quiet, showing no notification. It made Sho felt jittery and anxious. When it sometimes beeped, his heart fell when the calls were coming from his client, not Jun. He had been sending Jun’s messages to ask whether he was alright but there was not a single response from him. To calm his heart, he told himself perhaps his work phone wasn’t with him at the moment and Jun was alright. He felt like he wanted to fly to the pharmacy and find Jun there. In the end, he called the shop himself to ask for Jun. Ohno picked up his call and answered that Jun wasn’t at work. Apparently, he took a week off. He asked whether he wanted to speak to Ninomiya instead and of course he said no and hung up after he said his thanks.
An incoming message came into his Line chat. It was from an unknown number. The only message it had was another unknown number. Then another beep came.
That’s Jun’s number
Call him
Sho was in confusion as he typed, “I’m sorry but may I know who you are?”
He didn’t get the answer, but instead he got another message.
You can thank me later.
A nice treat of hamburger is welcome too
Sho kept staring at the messages especially at the number. So this is Jun’s private number, huh? The sender must either be Ohno or Ninomiya, he thought. His fingers shook slightly as he saved the number into his phone.
Now that he got the number, he chickened out. He forgone calling him directly but decided to just send him a message.
However, he kept typing and erasing his messages without sending. What to say now? He asked himself. What if Jun won’t reply back?
But what if something happened to Jun? He suddenly feels afraid. Anything could happen to a heartbroken man. Without him realizing what he did, he dialled the number.
Hello?
The voice he really was craving to hear answered. Sho’s word stuck in his throat.
Hello??
Then Sho answered.
“Hi.”
Who is this?
“Er… It’s Sakurai.”
Oh.
“Yeah.”
I guess I don’t have to ask you where you got my number. So, what can I do for you Sakurai-san? I’m not at work currently but I’m willing to answer any of your queries.
Sho wished that Jun wasn’t too formal right now. It made him more embarrassed to bother Jun with his call.
“I… I just want to know whether you’re well.”
A pause before Jun answered.
I’m fine. Thank you for asking.
At least Sho felt relieved although he knew the answer was just to placate him.
“Great… Well…I’m sorry to bother you… I’ll see you again… Soon…Yeah.”
Sho nearly cringed at his awkwardness.
There went silent. Sho was ready to say goodbye when suddenly Jun called his name.
Sakurai-san.
“Hmm?”
Thank you.
That two words already encompassed everything, Sho didn’t need to act stupid by asking Jun further on what he meant because he could hear Jun’s gratefulness for him, for his help before and for the call.
Sho smiled, feeling he was appreciated.
“You’re welcome, Matsujun.”
Thing froze. Sho didn’t know how on earth he came out with a nickname. That was rude! He buried his face inside his palm dreading what Jun would say.
Matsujun?
Suddenly he heard Jun’s laugher broken through the speaker. It sounded so nice, it made Sho laughed too, albeit more awkwardly.
“I’m sorry! That was so rude of me! I’m so sorry again. I don’t know what has come over me. I won’t call you Mat-“
Haha it’s alright Sakurai-san. It’s the first time I heard someone call me with that. It’s… nice.
“Nice?” Sho was a bit shocked that Jun didn’t feel offended.
Well, it’s new to me and I think it isn’t that bad.
Sho was so beyond relieved. It was unbelievable that Jun was okay with his blunder.
“So, I’m calling you Matsujun from now on? Is it really okay with you?”
Alright. You can call me that.
And Jun was laughing again. Sho laughed too, and this time the awkwardness evaporated.
Sho thought he already loved everything about Jun, but after hearing his uninhibited laughter for the first time, his feelings went deeper than ever before. To Sho, Jun’s laughter made everything better in this world.
He was in love. He was so convinced of it.
The only problem was Jun feeling the same too?
*
Sho could never asked Jun about that especially just right after Jun’s breakup. It would be inappropriate. However, their conversations progressed so much they moved their communication to the Line chat box. Sho could feel that Jun was getting better and better each day, with how he reacted positively to all his lame jokes, and sometimes Sho could imagine hearing his laughter with all those emojis Jun used to express his amusement.
Jun really loved emojis. One more fun fact he found about his Jun.
His Jun. That has a nice ring to it, Sho thought, smiling widely to himself.