Returning rain: Part 1
Title: Returning rain
Author: reyahh321
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Angst
Pairing: Aiba-centric. Sakurai Sho x Aiba Masaki... read further to know! *grins*
Length: Multi-chaptered. (Short!)
Disclaimer: I don't own Arashi... It a back track of their life, specifically Aiba's... but I just made it up according to my imagination.
Summary: Aiba reminisces his love for someone. The dark sky and rain reminded him for it.
A/Notes: Hello, I've updated again! (so soon?) Yes. Because I wanted to share it to you already! *hugs*
This is a mini-chaptered fic. Time and setting? mid-2009.
This fic is beta-ed only by me. Forgive me for any fail writings.
“Ouch”. An empty bottle of water flew and just hit my head.
“You’re late!!!” Nino roared.
I sighed. He’s mad at me again.
Ninomiya Kazunari, my forever long time childhood friend. Ever since we met after I auditioned and worked as a junior in Johnny’s jimusho, we’ve been together for as long as I can remember. Since he was my closest best friend ever, people tell us often that we’re like real brothers. Brothers who have fun, who tease and who hit each other (not so seriously). He wins and beats me most of the time, but I’m fine by it though. I guess we just understand and love each other too much.
“Ahaha. Sorry Nino.” I laughed it out so that Nino won’t notice anything weird about me, which I doubt he’ll not notice.
“So, where’s uhmm Sho?” I glanced at the room, and wasn’t able to find him.
“He just went to the restroom while waiting for you. So don’t say you’re not the late one. He’s been here since 6 am.” Nino replied. I rolled my eyes and sat down on the seat in front of him.
“Would you please kindly explain to us why you’re late? I DID remind you last night that we need to be early. And what is up with the shades? Where’s the sun inside this fluorescent lighted room we have?” Nino spoke, sarcastically while playing his DS.
After our last 10th anniversary stadium concert yesterday, we had a small celebration with the staffs and the juniors, no drinking session or whatsoever. It’s because we were told by our managers that we need to have a meeting today in preparation and planning for the other major dome tours so everyone must be early. Nino reminded me that for 10 times before we went our separate ways going home. That’s why he’s mad at me, but I know I didn’t forget.
10 years. I never thought time flies so fast.
“I uhh, got traffic.”
“…and for the shades… I just felt like trying it on once in a while.” I lied. I couldn’t say to him I just cried. Sorry Nino.
Nino glared at me. “Now I’m curious. Also, I have never seen those shades before. Where’d you buy it?”
“Well, Riida invited me out one time and we ate ramen together. He asked me then to help him in buying his art supplies, and then we saw the shades at one shop and as a thank you for helping him, he bought it for me. Ne, Ohno-ku--Ouch! Stop it! That hurts you know!” Another bottle went flying and hit my head again. This time it’s not empty though.
“Serves you right! And what do you mean… Riida invited you ramen and he…bo-bought that shades for you?!” he shrieked. Nino’s tone was higher now, it’s normal, but scary. I saw how he stopped playing with his game, looked directly at Ohno. Ohno-kun was sitting on the chair next to me, busy checking out his phone for the good spots for fishing this summer.
“Oh-chan! When was this?!”
I stayed silent, glanced at Ohno-kun beside me. He gulped. I guess Nino didn’t know about it.
He stopped using his phone, closed his eyes and pretended to sleep next to me.
I tried my best holding Nino back for strangling Ohno-kun on his neck. God, I’m so not in the mood for this. I should have not said that.
Nino had always been in love with Ohno. I know that because we’re best-best friends. And it’s already obvious how much he likes him, with all the skinship they have. I swear, these two are just meant to be. But lately, I noticed and can’t help wondering why Ohno doesn’t want to spend some time with Nino in private. I mean, they’re okay with the closeness together, but when Nino invites Ohno out with just the two of them, he rejects him. Maybe Riida wants to be alone sometimes, so I totally feel bad for Nino, but not as bad as I’ve always felt for myself.
We then heard a grumble sound from someone who just approached, sitting near the firm table behind us, with arms crossed.
I frowned. Jun...
“Quiet!” Jun interrupted. “Nino, we already know that you’re jealous with Aiba for not being invited by Ohno, so please stop that and get to work. We should be preparing because it’s our anniversary guys. Stop playing around.”
Jun was busy talking to the managers and the concert planners just a while ago but he stopped when he noticed the way we were acting.
Nino and I apologized with a bow. Nino then smacked Ohno-kun’s head, and he woke up, bowing towards Jun too.
But then my shades fell off. Oh no.
“Why are your eyes like that?” Nino exclaimed when he saw my puffy eyes.
Damn. I shouldn’t have cried. I didn’t know I cried while I was asleep last night.
“I cried listening to music. You know I easily cry.” I reasoned, ignoring Nino’s curious stare while getting my shades from the floor.
Jun then stood and walked towards me, held my face and said,” Aiba-kun, you should try placing a cold compress on your eyes.” I blinked.
Matsumoto Jun. I’ve known Jun since we were Juniors. I have always respected him, and even though he’s younger than me, he’s still my senior when I entered the world of Johnny’s Entertainment. Jun is a very kind person, and he gets mad sometimes, but since Ohno, Nino and I have been hitting each other too much on small things, he can’t stay still and want to end this silliness before it becomes uncontrolled.
Even though he’s the youngest, he’s been taking care of Arashi for as long as I remember. And even if I wanted to hate him, I just couldn’t.
I just nodded and apologized again to the three for making them worry.
Nino took the shades from my hand, placed it inside his bag, and before I started to whine, I saw Ohno abruptly grab something from the first aid kit, opened the cooler we have nearby, and took some ice. He placed the ice inside the compress and hurriedly walked towards me. He pressed it near my eyes, and then he smiled at me.
“Thank you Riida. I appreciate it really.” I beamed and hugged him.
Ohno Satoshi is our leader who is usually reserved, staring at what seems to be nothing, and almost, always sleeping. But even though he’s a quiet man, he’s an incredible and amazing person, who tremendously changes once he’s doing art, or when he sings and performs on stage. Ohno-kun might be somewhat strange as many people believe him to be, but I have always liked that about him, being weird and all. Other than being Arashi’s loving leader, I see him as a very good and caring friend, which he really is. For his presence makes me calm at some point, and I love him for his simple acts of appreciation, and just being there for us.
After the whole 3-minute-chaos, we’ve settled down in our respective seats. While Ohno-kun was still gently pressing the cold compress on my puffy eyes, we heard the door open next to us, revealing Sho, who just came back from the restroom.
He’s here. Act normal. “Oh. Good morning, Sho-chan.” I greeted.
He just glanced at my face for a second, nodded and smiled.
“Good morning.”
He then went directly and sat beside Jun, who was sitting in front of me.
This is just too much. I turned around not facing Sho.
That is it? No words of worry or wonder? I couldn’t help but pout.
For many years, I’ve done my best to hide my feelings for him. Yes, I guess I did a good job on hiding my feelings for this guy who’s dense about it at all.
I’ve always been in love with him for as long as I can remember, while he doesn’t. I know that for a long time already, and since l was able to hide this fact for a long time, I should be given an award for it.
Yeah, right. I was awarded for it. More like slapped the award in front me.
I suddenly felt fingers brushed and touched my face. Riida. Ohno-kun.
I could feel Ohno’s warm gentle touch, and as I stared at his sleepy yet calm eyes, we seemed to be able to communicate with each other… with no words being said.
Are you okay? I saw how he expressed his worry for me with a sympathetic face.
I gave him a big smile, but he just stared back and gave me a faint smile. I couldn’t lie from Riida, because he knows my smile isn’t real and my eyes aren’t lying. I didn’t want to say anything as the meeting started, so I just held his other hand, squeezed it softly, then I let him go.
He just nodded.
I guess he understood that we’ll talk about it later.
************************************************************
After the whole day meeting, I was so tired, not only because of the plans the people made, but because I couldn’t help but feel jealous with Sho and Jun.
Sho-chan had a great time conversing with Jun during the meeting. They shared some of their conversations once or twice with us, but later on, they’d have an engrossed talk on certain things I’m guessing Riida, Nino and I can’t relate.
I glanced at them once in a while, but then I certainly saw him blushing after Jun whispered something to his ear.
I decided to look away. I regret crying over a stupid dream about him.
Suddenly, a DS was shoved in front of my face. Nino seemed to notice my not-so-pleased face during the meeting, and I sometimes wonder if he knows. But then, I guess my expressions are too obvious, that’s why he worries about me. I mean he even gave me his DS… He doesn’t usually lends it to anybody, but he sure lets me play with it when he knows I’m feeling down.
I thanked Nino by giving him my smile and a gleeful laugh. Instead of listening to the plans for the upcoming concert event, I tried focusing on the screen of the DS in front of me, with hopes that I DO NOT notice how him and Jun talk to each other so closely… Yet sadly, that plan did not work.
I’ve always hated this one-sided feeling. But I guess it’s my fault after all. For years, I never have thought Sho-chan would like men. I guess I did hope he liked men, but his feelings weren’t exactly directed to me, but to Jun after all.
Aiba, you should have just learned your lesson by now. I planned to go home and walk out the door, so I said my goodbyes to them, but then Ohno grabbed me.
Oh yeah. I did say we’ll talk about it later.
Ohno then called Nino’s attention and requested, “Nino, can I talk with Aiba-kun at your place?”
“uh, I guess so. Come on, let’s go.” replied Nino, and went to grab his things, including mine.
“But I-“ I was about to protest when Nino covered my mouth with his hand. Ohno and Nino didn’t even let me say anything and just took both my arms and led me out of the door.
“Hey, don’t forget that we’ll meet again tomorrow at lunchtime, okay?” Jun reminded, as we got out of the room and stepped on the elevator.
I saw Ohno-kun glanced back at Jun, and replied, “We got it! We’re off!“, then the elevator doors closed.
************************************************************
I stared at my wristwatch. It’s almost 11 pm. After all the struggling I did, the three of us ate out, went to a bar after an hour or so, and later on, we’ve somehow reached Nino’s apartment, sleepy... and exhausted.
I’m too tired to go home, so I guess I’ll settle at Nino’s, for now.
Nino unlocked the door, got inside while Riida and I followed. I immediately walked towards Nino’s favourite white couch. I sat down, knees tucked, with both hands covering my face.
I sensed Nino was close, rubbed my back and sat beside me, while Ohno came, kneeled in front of me and asked kindly, “Hey. Is something wrong, Masaki?”
I trembled after hearing my name. After a long unexplainable day, I couldn’t bear the mixed feelings I had to show them, and I knew that I couldn’t lie to them anymore so I just… cried.
Next thing I noticed, Nino’s hand stopped, and I heard Ohno exhaled deeply.
I wonder if they knew the reason for my tears.
I felt tons of emotion was still within me after crying my heart out. I guess it’s time to tell them the truth I’ve hidden a long time ago.
We all sat down, legs crossed on the carpeted floor. I placed a cold towel on both eyes that Ohno prepared for me, while Nino tried to calm me down by continuously rubbing my back. I gave out a long sigh, and after a minute of silence, I decided to speak out my mind.
“Ohno, Nino… I am…” I held my breath for a while, placed the towel on the tray beside me. I gripped my hands down, trying to stop it from shaking, then I told them, “I w-was in love with Sho…”
Ohno just looked at me and stayed silent, while Nino kept staring down at my trembling hands. He slowly removed his hands from my back, took my shaking hands, raised it in front of his eyes, glanced at Ohno for a second, before looking back straight to my eyes.
“No.”
Huh? I furrowed.
“You’re still in love with Sho.”
“W-What do you mean?” I was confused.
“Don’t deny it. We know.” Nino gave me a soothing smile.
I was startled. I felt a tear flowed down my left cheek, and I noticed Ohno came a bit closer, wiped it away with his right thumb.
“We know Ma- Aiba-kun. We’re not sure if Jun knows, but we’re telling you already. We know.” Ohno replied, with a slightly off smile.
How come they know? I guess I was too obvious. They know, yet he doesn’t know.
“We both know you’ve been secretly hiding your feelings for him, but we still waited for you to tell us. Now, you said you were in love with him, but we never knew when you started falling for him.” Nino added, while rubbing my hands that continued to tremble.
“We’re best friends Aiba-chan. I know you’ve got secrets you won’t tell me, and I respect that. But always remember, we’re always here for you. Oh-chan here couldn’t stay still anymore when we saw your face earlier, so forgive us for dragging you here in my apartment” Nino conceded.
“I guess you know me too much.” I sighed, with all the revelations brought to me all at once. “Thank you Nino, Riida. I guess I am truly grateful for what you did a while ago.” I flashed a weak at them.
“Hey, we’re not best friends if I didn’t care for you, so stop crying already.” Nino smirked.
“I’m sorry for making you guys worry.” I felt so ashamed, I kept staring down.
“We are sorry too, Aiba-kun. We are sorry because we weren’t able to do anything when you’re hurting here.” Ohno pointed his finger at my left chest, somehow directly to my heart.
I felt a slight tingle inside my chest.
“But it’s been 10 years already. Now, I’ve decided to keep this feeling to myself… and move on.” I told them.
The room was silent. I felt weak.
“So, before I start forgetting my feelings for him…Do you want to know how I fell for Sho?” I said, with arms crossed.
Nino lifted my face and spoke,” Aiba, we’re not forcing you to open up, but we’ll gladly listen to you when you’re okay with it.”
I grabbed and circled Ohno and Nino with my slender arms, giving them my ever-big hug.
“Thank you, really.” I breathed. I felt their quiet smile behind me, telling me it’s going to be alright.
After breaking the hug, I steadily set my mind, calming myself down, trying to remember where and when my feelings of love for him happened.
“It started when we were still juniors back then…”
part II
************************************************************
Another author's note: Hi again! It's Part 1 of Returning rain~ and it's still Aiba's POV.
Author: reyahh321
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Angst
Pairing: Aiba-centric. Sakurai Sho x Aiba Masaki... read further to know! *grins*
Length: Multi-chaptered. (Short!)
Disclaimer: I don't own Arashi... It a back track of their life, specifically Aiba's... but I just made it up according to my imagination.
Summary: Aiba reminisces his love for someone. The dark sky and rain reminded him for it.
A/Notes: Hello, I've updated again! (so soon?) Yes. Because I wanted to share it to you already! *hugs*
This is a mini-chaptered fic. Time and setting? mid-2009.
This fic is beta-ed only by me. Forgive me for any fail writings.
“Ouch”. An empty bottle of water flew and just hit my head.
“You’re late!!!” Nino roared.
I sighed. He’s mad at me again.
Ninomiya Kazunari, my forever long time childhood friend. Ever since we met after I auditioned and worked as a junior in Johnny’s jimusho, we’ve been together for as long as I can remember. Since he was my closest best friend ever, people tell us often that we’re like real brothers. Brothers who have fun, who tease and who hit each other (not so seriously). He wins and beats me most of the time, but I’m fine by it though. I guess we just understand and love each other too much.
“Ahaha. Sorry Nino.” I laughed it out so that Nino won’t notice anything weird about me, which I doubt he’ll not notice.
“So, where’s uhmm Sho?” I glanced at the room, and wasn’t able to find him.
“He just went to the restroom while waiting for you. So don’t say you’re not the late one. He’s been here since 6 am.” Nino replied. I rolled my eyes and sat down on the seat in front of him.
“Would you please kindly explain to us why you’re late? I DID remind you last night that we need to be early. And what is up with the shades? Where’s the sun inside this fluorescent lighted room we have?” Nino spoke, sarcastically while playing his DS.
After our last 10th anniversary stadium concert yesterday, we had a small celebration with the staffs and the juniors, no drinking session or whatsoever. It’s because we were told by our managers that we need to have a meeting today in preparation and planning for the other major dome tours so everyone must be early. Nino reminded me that for 10 times before we went our separate ways going home. That’s why he’s mad at me, but I know I didn’t forget.
10 years. I never thought time flies so fast.
“I uhh, got traffic.”
“…and for the shades… I just felt like trying it on once in a while.” I lied. I couldn’t say to him I just cried. Sorry Nino.
Nino glared at me. “Now I’m curious. Also, I have never seen those shades before. Where’d you buy it?”
“Well, Riida invited me out one time and we ate ramen together. He asked me then to help him in buying his art supplies, and then we saw the shades at one shop and as a thank you for helping him, he bought it for me. Ne, Ohno-ku--Ouch! Stop it! That hurts you know!” Another bottle went flying and hit my head again. This time it’s not empty though.
“Serves you right! And what do you mean… Riida invited you ramen and he…bo-bought that shades for you?!” he shrieked. Nino’s tone was higher now, it’s normal, but scary. I saw how he stopped playing with his game, looked directly at Ohno. Ohno-kun was sitting on the chair next to me, busy checking out his phone for the good spots for fishing this summer.
“Oh-chan! When was this?!”
I stayed silent, glanced at Ohno-kun beside me. He gulped. I guess Nino didn’t know about it.
He stopped using his phone, closed his eyes and pretended to sleep next to me.
I tried my best holding Nino back for strangling Ohno-kun on his neck. God, I’m so not in the mood for this. I should have not said that.
Nino had always been in love with Ohno. I know that because we’re best-best friends. And it’s already obvious how much he likes him, with all the skinship they have. I swear, these two are just meant to be. But lately, I noticed and can’t help wondering why Ohno doesn’t want to spend some time with Nino in private. I mean, they’re okay with the closeness together, but when Nino invites Ohno out with just the two of them, he rejects him. Maybe Riida wants to be alone sometimes, so I totally feel bad for Nino, but not as bad as I’ve always felt for myself.
We then heard a grumble sound from someone who just approached, sitting near the firm table behind us, with arms crossed.
I frowned. Jun...
“Quiet!” Jun interrupted. “Nino, we already know that you’re jealous with Aiba for not being invited by Ohno, so please stop that and get to work. We should be preparing because it’s our anniversary guys. Stop playing around.”
Jun was busy talking to the managers and the concert planners just a while ago but he stopped when he noticed the way we were acting.
Nino and I apologized with a bow. Nino then smacked Ohno-kun’s head, and he woke up, bowing towards Jun too.
But then my shades fell off. Oh no.
“Why are your eyes like that?” Nino exclaimed when he saw my puffy eyes.
Damn. I shouldn’t have cried. I didn’t know I cried while I was asleep last night.
“I cried listening to music. You know I easily cry.” I reasoned, ignoring Nino’s curious stare while getting my shades from the floor.
Jun then stood and walked towards me, held my face and said,” Aiba-kun, you should try placing a cold compress on your eyes.” I blinked.
Matsumoto Jun. I’ve known Jun since we were Juniors. I have always respected him, and even though he’s younger than me, he’s still my senior when I entered the world of Johnny’s Entertainment. Jun is a very kind person, and he gets mad sometimes, but since Ohno, Nino and I have been hitting each other too much on small things, he can’t stay still and want to end this silliness before it becomes uncontrolled.
Even though he’s the youngest, he’s been taking care of Arashi for as long as I remember. And even if I wanted to hate him, I just couldn’t.
I just nodded and apologized again to the three for making them worry.
Nino took the shades from my hand, placed it inside his bag, and before I started to whine, I saw Ohno abruptly grab something from the first aid kit, opened the cooler we have nearby, and took some ice. He placed the ice inside the compress and hurriedly walked towards me. He pressed it near my eyes, and then he smiled at me.
“Thank you Riida. I appreciate it really.” I beamed and hugged him.
Ohno Satoshi is our leader who is usually reserved, staring at what seems to be nothing, and almost, always sleeping. But even though he’s a quiet man, he’s an incredible and amazing person, who tremendously changes once he’s doing art, or when he sings and performs on stage. Ohno-kun might be somewhat strange as many people believe him to be, but I have always liked that about him, being weird and all. Other than being Arashi’s loving leader, I see him as a very good and caring friend, which he really is. For his presence makes me calm at some point, and I love him for his simple acts of appreciation, and just being there for us.
After the whole 3-minute-chaos, we’ve settled down in our respective seats. While Ohno-kun was still gently pressing the cold compress on my puffy eyes, we heard the door open next to us, revealing Sho, who just came back from the restroom.
He’s here. Act normal. “Oh. Good morning, Sho-chan.” I greeted.
He just glanced at my face for a second, nodded and smiled.
“Good morning.”
He then went directly and sat beside Jun, who was sitting in front of me.
This is just too much. I turned around not facing Sho.
That is it? No words of worry or wonder? I couldn’t help but pout.
For many years, I’ve done my best to hide my feelings for him. Yes, I guess I did a good job on hiding my feelings for this guy who’s dense about it at all.
I’ve always been in love with him for as long as I can remember, while he doesn’t. I know that for a long time already, and since l was able to hide this fact for a long time, I should be given an award for it.
Yeah, right. I was awarded for it. More like slapped the award in front me.
I suddenly felt fingers brushed and touched my face. Riida. Ohno-kun.
I could feel Ohno’s warm gentle touch, and as I stared at his sleepy yet calm eyes, we seemed to be able to communicate with each other… with no words being said.
Are you okay? I saw how he expressed his worry for me with a sympathetic face.
I gave him a big smile, but he just stared back and gave me a faint smile. I couldn’t lie from Riida, because he knows my smile isn’t real and my eyes aren’t lying. I didn’t want to say anything as the meeting started, so I just held his other hand, squeezed it softly, then I let him go.
He just nodded.
I guess he understood that we’ll talk about it later.
************************************************************
After the whole day meeting, I was so tired, not only because of the plans the people made, but because I couldn’t help but feel jealous with Sho and Jun.
Sho-chan had a great time conversing with Jun during the meeting. They shared some of their conversations once or twice with us, but later on, they’d have an engrossed talk on certain things I’m guessing Riida, Nino and I can’t relate.
I glanced at them once in a while, but then I certainly saw him blushing after Jun whispered something to his ear.
I decided to look away. I regret crying over a stupid dream about him.
Suddenly, a DS was shoved in front of my face. Nino seemed to notice my not-so-pleased face during the meeting, and I sometimes wonder if he knows. But then, I guess my expressions are too obvious, that’s why he worries about me. I mean he even gave me his DS… He doesn’t usually lends it to anybody, but he sure lets me play with it when he knows I’m feeling down.
I thanked Nino by giving him my smile and a gleeful laugh. Instead of listening to the plans for the upcoming concert event, I tried focusing on the screen of the DS in front of me, with hopes that I DO NOT notice how him and Jun talk to each other so closely… Yet sadly, that plan did not work.
I’ve always hated this one-sided feeling. But I guess it’s my fault after all. For years, I never have thought Sho-chan would like men. I guess I did hope he liked men, but his feelings weren’t exactly directed to me, but to Jun after all.
Aiba, you should have just learned your lesson by now. I planned to go home and walk out the door, so I said my goodbyes to them, but then Ohno grabbed me.
Oh yeah. I did say we’ll talk about it later.
Ohno then called Nino’s attention and requested, “Nino, can I talk with Aiba-kun at your place?”
“uh, I guess so. Come on, let’s go.” replied Nino, and went to grab his things, including mine.
“But I-“ I was about to protest when Nino covered my mouth with his hand. Ohno and Nino didn’t even let me say anything and just took both my arms and led me out of the door.
“Hey, don’t forget that we’ll meet again tomorrow at lunchtime, okay?” Jun reminded, as we got out of the room and stepped on the elevator.
I saw Ohno-kun glanced back at Jun, and replied, “We got it! We’re off!“, then the elevator doors closed.
************************************************************
I stared at my wristwatch. It’s almost 11 pm. After all the struggling I did, the three of us ate out, went to a bar after an hour or so, and later on, we’ve somehow reached Nino’s apartment, sleepy... and exhausted.
I’m too tired to go home, so I guess I’ll settle at Nino’s, for now.
Nino unlocked the door, got inside while Riida and I followed. I immediately walked towards Nino’s favourite white couch. I sat down, knees tucked, with both hands covering my face.
I sensed Nino was close, rubbed my back and sat beside me, while Ohno came, kneeled in front of me and asked kindly, “Hey. Is something wrong, Masaki?”
I trembled after hearing my name. After a long unexplainable day, I couldn’t bear the mixed feelings I had to show them, and I knew that I couldn’t lie to them anymore so I just… cried.
Next thing I noticed, Nino’s hand stopped, and I heard Ohno exhaled deeply.
I wonder if they knew the reason for my tears.
I felt tons of emotion was still within me after crying my heart out. I guess it’s time to tell them the truth I’ve hidden a long time ago.
We all sat down, legs crossed on the carpeted floor. I placed a cold towel on both eyes that Ohno prepared for me, while Nino tried to calm me down by continuously rubbing my back. I gave out a long sigh, and after a minute of silence, I decided to speak out my mind.
“Ohno, Nino… I am…” I held my breath for a while, placed the towel on the tray beside me. I gripped my hands down, trying to stop it from shaking, then I told them, “I w-was in love with Sho…”
Ohno just looked at me and stayed silent, while Nino kept staring down at my trembling hands. He slowly removed his hands from my back, took my shaking hands, raised it in front of his eyes, glanced at Ohno for a second, before looking back straight to my eyes.
“No.”
Huh? I furrowed.
“You’re still in love with Sho.”
“W-What do you mean?” I was confused.
“Don’t deny it. We know.” Nino gave me a soothing smile.
I was startled. I felt a tear flowed down my left cheek, and I noticed Ohno came a bit closer, wiped it away with his right thumb.
“We know Ma- Aiba-kun. We’re not sure if Jun knows, but we’re telling you already. We know.” Ohno replied, with a slightly off smile.
How come they know? I guess I was too obvious. They know, yet he doesn’t know.
“We both know you’ve been secretly hiding your feelings for him, but we still waited for you to tell us. Now, you said you were in love with him, but we never knew when you started falling for him.” Nino added, while rubbing my hands that continued to tremble.
“We’re best friends Aiba-chan. I know you’ve got secrets you won’t tell me, and I respect that. But always remember, we’re always here for you. Oh-chan here couldn’t stay still anymore when we saw your face earlier, so forgive us for dragging you here in my apartment” Nino conceded.
“I guess you know me too much.” I sighed, with all the revelations brought to me all at once. “Thank you Nino, Riida. I guess I am truly grateful for what you did a while ago.” I flashed a weak at them.
“Hey, we’re not best friends if I didn’t care for you, so stop crying already.” Nino smirked.
“I’m sorry for making you guys worry.” I felt so ashamed, I kept staring down.
“We are sorry too, Aiba-kun. We are sorry because we weren’t able to do anything when you’re hurting here.” Ohno pointed his finger at my left chest, somehow directly to my heart.
I felt a slight tingle inside my chest.
“But it’s been 10 years already. Now, I’ve decided to keep this feeling to myself… and move on.” I told them.
The room was silent. I felt weak.
“So, before I start forgetting my feelings for him…Do you want to know how I fell for Sho?” I said, with arms crossed.
Nino lifted my face and spoke,” Aiba, we’re not forcing you to open up, but we’ll gladly listen to you when you’re okay with it.”
I grabbed and circled Ohno and Nino with my slender arms, giving them my ever-big hug.
“Thank you, really.” I breathed. I felt their quiet smile behind me, telling me it’s going to be alright.
After breaking the hug, I steadily set my mind, calming myself down, trying to remember where and when my feelings of love for him happened.
“It started when we were still juniors back then…”
part II
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Another author's note: Hi again! It's Part 1 of Returning rain~ and it's still Aiba's POV.
- You're so sweet for taking time reading this... again! *hugs you tight*
- So it's revealed... Pairings include: Sakuraiba, Sakumoto, Ohmiya, Masatoshi/Tennen pair.
- By the way, one more chapter until this fic ends... (so soon?)
- Well just you wait. There's a secret about this fic on my next post, so if you're curious... please hold on dear reader! Thank you! :)