( #2 ) MAGIC IN YOUR EYES
♥Valentine's gift for
arashikuro♥
Title:Magic in your Eyes
Rating:PG
Genre:Romance, Fluff, Humor, a pinch of Angst
Summary:Nino didn’t expect that the person he was looking for was someone he hated most.
Notes:There is a cameo of V6’s Nagano Hiroshi ^^
Author’s Notes:arashikuro, I hope you like it ^o^ It was really fun writing your prompt :) I may add an epilogue for this next time since I wasn’t able to fulfill your smutprompt :> Anyway, please enjoy the fic~
"Do you really have to go?” Little Nino whispered while crying.
“We need to.” Little Sho apologetically answered.
“But we’ll meet again someday, I’m sure of it.” Sho put out his pinky finger in front and gestured for Nino to do the same.
“Promise me, you’ll be the best magician out there. I promise I’ll become one of the best teachers.”
They hooked their pinky fingers together.
“And one day we’ll meet again.”
“Promise.”
*
“Ninomiya!” The loud call from his teacher took him out of his dreamland. Nino groaned and slowly looked up, his fuming and glaring teacher came into view.
“This is your last warning!” His teacher, Sakurai Sho, sternly said before going back to the board. Nino made a face at Sho’s back.
Stupid Sho-chan..
With the drowsiness totally out of his system, Nino gazed outside his window, not at all interested in the lesson. He hated school.
He shouldn’t even be here in the first place. He was already 27, dammit! But due to his work, he had stopped school a lot of times already and his manager insisted he finished at least senior high school. The only good thing he liked in school was that no one ever suspected a thing since his looks made him look like a 17 year old.
Nino ran out of the lecture hall the moment the bell rang. Though in a hurry, he didn’t miss the disappointed and angry look Sho gave him. Nino did not give any heed to it and made his way out of the building and to the parking lot. His manager was waiting for him there to brief him about his new work.
*
Ever since a little kid, Nino was fond of doing magic which his late father taught him. He would show it to his family and friends until his skill in doing magic was spread thoughout town. MAHOU, an organization of magicians, heard of his talent and asked him to show them what he knew. Amazed by the tricks Nino did, the organization took him under their wings as a trainee. Best of the best magicians were his mentors and they gradually honed his magic skills until it was almost flawless. When Nino’s mother died of cancer when he just entered junior high, the organization provided him shelter and served as his foster family since his only family was his parents.
On Nino’s first public show, the audience already loved him; enticed with his magical performance and allured with his good looks. In no time, his talent spread over the world and he became a world-wide sensation. His work made it possible for him to travel in almost every corner of the world, share his talent to more people. But amidst the fame he had, no one, except the organization, knew his real identity.
*
“Nino! Here.” His manager, a kind and warm-hearted man named Nagano Hiroshi, beckoned Nino to where his car was parked.
“Nagano-san, what’s my next work?”
“You won’t believe this!” Nagano excitedly said, pausing slightly for an effect. "You’ll be doing a performance tour in 5 countries in a row!” Nino now mirrored Nagano’s excited look. Nagano handed some papers to Nino before he continued his explanation.
“Your first stop is in the Philippines for 2 days, a day in London, 2 in Taiwan and US, and a homecoming performance in Tokyo. “
“So when is it?
“Next week.”
“Next week?!” Nino exclaimed. He can’t believe he’ll be travelling again, away from school.
“That’s right. Pack your bags; I’ll get you later at midnight. The school knows already, so no need to worry about that.” Nagano said with a smile. Nino hugged him tight while giving his thanks. Then Nagano drove him home to start packing.
Nino lived in a Share house with 4 other people, one of them was Sho.
“I’m home~”
“Oh, you’re back early. Sho-chan is not with you?” Aiba greeted. He was a veterinarian and Sho’s friend since high school. Aiba was a very cheerful person.
“I.. uh, needed to do something so I left early.” Nino lied and gave a weak smile. Even his roommates didn’t know he was a magician. “Where are the others?”
“Still at work. Satoshi said he’ll visit his exhibition.” Aiba replied, showing Nino the cute kitten he was holding.
“Okay.” Nino replied and went inside his room.
The other two of his roommates were Jun Matsumoto and Satoshi Ohno. Jun was a very famous fashion designer with a bit of a temper while Satoshi was an out-spoken and humble painter. Nino had been living with the four of them for almost a year and got along well will except Sho.
With a sigh, Nino looked though his messy room and fetched his suitcase from his dresser. He opened it and placed it beside his bed before he rummaged through his drawers for the things he’d need: a spare of clothes, disguises, costumes, cards and other magic paraphernalia.
Nino was so absorbed in packing and cleaning his room that he did not notice it was getting late. He heard a knock on his door.
“Nino? Dinner’s ready.” It was Jun.
“Sure. I’ll be there in a moment!” Nino left the almost finished luggage and went out of his door and almost bumped into Sho, whom just arrived. Sho jumped in surprise while Nino silently cursed and glared at him before heading to the dining room. Jun, Satoshi, and Aiba were already eating; the small TV near the cabinets was on. Nino took a seat in between Satoshi and Jun.
“What are you guys watching?” Nino asked between spoonfuls.
“News; Aiba said he was waiting for something.” Jun answered. Aiba nodded and went back staring at the TV. By that time, Sho entered the dining room and took a seat beside Aiba. The dining room was filled with silence for a few minutes before Aiba excitedly pointed at the TV screen.
“That’s him, Sho-chan! He’s the one I told you that fits the description you gave!” Aiba bounced up and down in his seat. Nino looked at the TV screen and almost dropped his spoon. On the screen was Kuro, his pseudonym as a magician.
World famous prodigy magician, Kuro, is set to have a performance tour in five countries. The last performance will happen in Tokyo.” The TV announcer said and a VTR about the said magician was played. Nino froze in his seat.
“Description? What are you talking about Aiba-chan?” Ohno asked.
“Sho-chan is looking for his childhood friend and also his childhood crush,” Sho elbowed Aiba, “and the descriptions he told me more or less matched with that magician.” The others nodded and curiously looked at Sho, all except Nino.
“Hmm, I don’t know. He looks younger than us.” Sho said. The TV was showing an old video of Kuro in one of his shows. He had blonde hair at that time and was wearing a top hat and thick-framed glasses. They looked at the TV screen again and continued watching.
“Nino, are you alright?” Ohno noticed that Nino had been silent the whole conversation and seemed to have paled.
“N-no, I.. uh, yeah. I’m alright.” Nino chuckled nervously and continued to eat. The others seemed to have believed his lie.
“I know! Let’s go watch his performance!”Aiba happily invited them. Jun immediately agreed; Sho checked his schedule on that day in his cellphone before saying he’ll go; Ohno nodded quietly. They were all expectantly looking at Nino.
“I… can’t go.” Nino told them. He looked down to avoid eye contact. Eye contact weaken his proficiency to lie.
“Aww, why not?” Aiba asked with a pout and his puppy eyes. Though it didn’t work on Nino
“I’m visiting my grandparents that week…”
“Too bad. Next time, let’s all watch it together, okay?” Aiba said with an understanding smile. Nino nodded, though he was not sure if he would be able to do that.
*
It was 10 to midnight.
Nino carefully opened his door and peered outside. No one was awake. He exhaled and was ready to haul his luggages out when Sho’s door burst open.
“Nino, is that you?” Sho squinted at him and yawned. Nino froze in place and slowly nodded.
“You should be sleeping right now or else you’ll fall asleep in my class again…” Sho slurred, it seemed that he was sleep talking. Nino waited for Sho to finish blabbering and entered his room, which took a few, agonizing minutes, before he quickly yet quietly dragged his suitcase out of his room and out of the house.
He immediately spotted his manager’s car and hopped in.
*
Grandma just called. She wanted me to go there as soon as possible. Sorry guys. Says the brightly yellow sticky note posted on Nino’s door.
*
On their way to the airport, Nino’s thoughts went back to Sho and Aiba’s conversation over dinner. Sho was looking for someone, his childhood love… Aiba thought that Kuro was probably the one he was looking for…
No way…. Could it be?
Now that he thought about it, the pieces fall into place. Sho was a teacher, he also had those sloping shoulders and now he was looking for someone, someone who Aiba said was possibly Kuro…
Sakurai Sho was thatSho-chan?!
*
Little Nino was under a shade of a tree, sobbing. He had a fight with his mother. He ran away from home, stumbled over a rock and scrapped his knee. It was bleeding a bit but his little pride didn’t want him to go back home.
He didn’t know how long he was there but suddenly someone approached him. A boy of his age, with sloping shoulders and plump lips was worriedly looking at him.
“Are you alright?” Asked the boy, he was probably talking about his bleeding knee. Nino just sobbed more.
“My mom can stop the bleeding for you.” The boy offered.
“She can?” Nino asked sincerely, he already stopped crying by then.
“Yup! Let’s go, I’ll take you there.” The boy smiled widely at Nino, helped him stand up and carefully walked them to his house.
“Thank you for your help.” Nino whispered.
“You’re welcome! I’m Sho by the way.”
"Then I’ll call you Sho-chan.” Nino smiled at Sho.
“My name is too long so call me Neen instead, everybody does.”
Since then, the two were inseparable until the day Sho’s family moved out.
*
"Nino! Were here!” Nagano shouted from outside the car. Nino seemed to have fallen sleep.
“I’m coming!” He shouted back. Looking at the window, he saw that they were in front of the airport. Then he remembered Sho.
His mind still couldn’t comprehend the sudden revelation. The person he sought in years had been at his side all along. But Nino decided not to tell him that time. The teacher was still fairly mad at him so Sho might not believe him.
Clearing up his thoughts, Nino got out of the car and collected his luggage from the trunk. He had work to do and he’ll leave his personal matters on a later date.
*
Nino just finished his first performance at the fourth country. He had a great time in each country with the warm welcome of the audience and media alike. Aside from doing magic, Nino really like travelling a lot.
Still, he can’t help but get nervous because after the next night’s performance, he’ll be going home. Days passed by too quickly and Nino didn’t want to face Sho soon.
Guess I don’t have a choice…
*
“Ladies and gentlemen, Kuro!” The emcee happily exclaimed followed by a loud clapping from the audience. Nino took a deep breath before walking out on stage.
With some unknown reason, Nino lost his only glasses used for disguising a few minutes before the show. Nagano suggested he perform without it but Nino knew his cover will be blown if he did that. His make-up artist then suggested him to wear some color contact lenses and she painted a star and a tear-drop just below his eyes as his disguise.
I should’ve borrowed someone else’s glasses!Too late, he was already on stage.
The audience did seem to mind his new appearance; he might say they adored it. Nino hoped that no one would discover who he really was. Before he started his performance, he caught sight of his roommates a few rows from the middle. He hela staring contest with Sho, who looked surprised. Shaking the unnecessary thoughts away, Nino started his show and amazed his audience with the new tricks he prepared just for his homecoming.
*
“I’m home…” Nino tiredly mumbled as he went inside. As usual, Aiba was the first one who greeted him.
“Nino!” Aiba literally jumped to him and gave Nino a bear hug. “Where have you been? We were so worried!”
“Aiba-san, let go. You’re suffocating me-“
“Oh, sorry.” Aiba let him go with a sheepish smile though his hands were still on Nino’s shoulders. “So?”
“What? I left a note on my door didn’t I?”
“But almost a month without any contact-“
“Really?” Sho cut Aiba off with his sarcasm.
“An emergency I can accept, but why haven’t you gotten in touch with us? Maybe you were just lazing around town, partying just because you hated school.”
Nino didn’t want to deal with sarcastic Sho that time. But the stress and tiredness from his work made him irrational and made him answer Sho’s sarcasm. “And what if I did, Sakurai-sensei? Would you spend your time scolding me? Just for your knowledge, though I know you already knew, you are not the boss of me!” Nino escaped Aiba’s hold and dragged himself to his room.
“Why you-“
“Stop it Sho-chan! Let him rest for a while, okay?” Aiba held on to Sho and coerced him to leave Nino be.
*
After taking a nap, Nino went out to have some dinner. The 4 was already there, talking about their experience in watching Kuro perform.
“Sho had his mouth wide open when he saw Kuro on stage!” Aiba teased which earned him an angry pout from Sho.
“But Kuro was really amazing, wasn’t he?” Ohno added.
“And his style, it suited him well.” Jun nodded at his fashion observation on Kuro.
Hearing them talk about him made Nino lose his appetite. Among other things, he hated lying, especially to people who had been part of his life for almost a year already. He was about to turn around and go eat outside when Aiba noticed his presence and beckoned him over. He took his usual seat and thanked Jun for the meal.
He didn’t really have an appetite and the fatigue from work was getting worse every second.
“When did you arrive? We missed you.” Ohno said and gave Nino a pout. He answered him with a weak smile. Aiba answered for him instead.
“So, how was the performance? Pretty damn good wasn’t it?” Nino mumbled as he took a small bite of Jun’s curry. He didn’t notice he slipped until he saw the confused look the others gave him. The fatigue seemed to have affected Nino.
“W-what? I was there too!” He spat out. Another slip he didn’t intended but at least the others believed him.
Damn! My head hurts that I keep slipping!
“Sorry, I’m not feeling well today.” Nino excused himself and slowly headed to his room. He can’t afford another slip otherwise more problems will ensue.
*
After the tour, Nino’s schedule seemed to get back to normal. His works then were usually scheduled during weekends or after school though he noticed that Sho was getting suspicious about him.
Sho caught him several times secretly talking to Nagano on his phone. There were also times when he would get caught sneaking out at night. But what puzzled Nino was that Sho just sternly stared at him every time he catches Nino’s move. He didn’t scold him, nor reprimand him. He didn’t talk to him about it or tried to ask Nino was he was doing. Sho just kept glaring at Nino which pissed him off to no end.
But then, after doing a small show in a secluded theater one weekend afternoon, Nino wasn’t at all surprised to know that Sho trailed him all the way there and was waiting for him at the corner. Same as always, he was glaring at Nino and had a look on his face like he just discovered one of Nino’s dirty secrets.
“Let’s go home, we need to talk.” Sho said and walked to his car. Nino silently followed. The ride home was eerily quiet.
Upon arriving, Sho dragged him inside.
“I knew it! You’re hiding something, aren’t you? I talked to your classmates; they said you didn’t have any relatives anymore. Then you sneak out almost every night and those phone calls you were secretly having..”
“Ok fine!” Nino had had enough. “I was working. My work has a really unpredictable schedule that’s why I sneak out. Happy?!” Nino shouted at Sho.
“Working?!” Sho also raised his voice. “You’re not even legal! What the hell were you thinking …”Nino couldn’t believe it. Even Sho had been fooled by his youthful look. He had a hard time not to laugh right then and there but managed to keep his cool.
“What?! I’m fucking 27 for your information! Geez, that’s why you’ve been treating me like a kid…”
“Huh?” This took Sho off guard. He really thought Nino was just a teenager. “But school…”
“I had to repeat several times because of my work. A 27 year old in Senior High… Bet you’re laughing inside right?” Nino smirked. “I already accepted I’m dumb. I hate school, isn’t it obvious?” Nino bellowed. The sudden rush of anger made him want to get out of the house which he did.
He ran and ran through the city with no particular destination. He just wanted to clear his head. When he felt exhausted, he rested by the shade of the tree near the river. The sun was setting in the horizon. Nino didn’t notice the tears which flowed from his eyes. He hugged his knees and rested his head.
Maybe…. Just maybe, like before, Sho would find me…
*
Sho, don’t leave me!” Little Nino bellowed as he watched Sho’s silhouette disappear among the people in the airport.
“What the-“ Nino suddenly jerked awake. He was still under the tree, it was already dark. Sho wasn’t there either.
He wouldn’t come… I shouldn’t have hoped
With a sigh, he stood up and stretched his sore limbs before going back to the city. Somehow the night breeze was calming him along with the shops lit up at night. He continued to aimlessly walk when he suddenly heard a child crying.
“Hey little one. What’s wrong?” Nino asked the child. She just continued crying. Nino smiled and snapped his fingers in front of the girl; a flower appeared on his hand. This caught the girl’s attention and made her smile, Nino gave her the flower.
“Are you lost?” He asked in a soft voice and the girl nodded.
“Let’s take you to the police then. They’ll help you.” Before Nino and the girl reached the police, someone, probably her mom, ran towards them and hugged the girl.
“Thank goodness you’re alright!” The mom said and carried her. “Thank you for finding my daughter. “She said to Nino. Nino smiled back in response.
“Nii-chan?” The girl called before they got far.
“Thank you for the flower.” Nino smiled at her and waved them goodbye.
“Nino…” he heard someone call for him after they left. It was Aiba with Sho at his side. It seems that they saw what just happened.
“Let’s go?”Aiba said and gave him a smile. Nino just nodded and followed him to his car. Once they arrived, Nino quickly went inside and locked himself in his room.
He went to where his bag was and took his phone. He texted Nagano-san to reschedule his work that week. He didn’t feel like working, he didn’t even want to go out of his room.
*
Nino decided to go out and eat some dinner when his stomach grumbled for the nth time that night. It was already 10 in the evening so his roommates were probably asleep by then. He slowly opened his door only to reveal Sho, who was about to reach and knock on his door. Nino was about to close his door when Sho’s hands stopped him from doing so.
“Wait, Nino. I’m really sorry. Hear me out?” Sho pleaded. Nino sighed and let him in. They both sat on the floor, Nino leaning on the side of his bed while Sho was sitting cross-legged.
“I’m really sorry Nino.” Sho looked at him, he was really apologetic.
“It’s alright now. Don’t worry about it.” Nino was about to show him out when Sho held onto his hand, halting him altogether.
“Please, just tell me one thing. You’re Kuro, right?” Nino stiffened but there was no use lying.
“I am.” Nino didn’t expect to see Sho smile.
“You should’ve just told us, we’d understand. I wouldn’t have shouted at you if I knew…” Nino sighed and sat back again.
“I would have said it but my manager told me not to tell anyoneabout it. Well, the principal knew about it, otherwise I would already been kicked out of school.” Nino chuckled sadly at his joke. Sho surprised him once again when he suddenly hugged him.
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Huh?”
“It was your dream right? To become a famous magician.” Nino pushed Sho a bit so that they were facing each other.
"You knew? When did-“
“I saw you at the riverside awhile ago.” Sho shyly said. “You were hugging your knees under the tree and it made me remember the first time we met.” Sho smiled at Nino. Nino’s body was overflowing with happiness and made him cry tears of joy. He hugged Sho tightly.
“I missed you…” Nino mumbled between sobs.
“Me too. I wouldn’t have expected to meet you again like this.” They stayed like that for a while before Nino spoke up.
“Hey Sho?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.” Nino blushed as the words left his mouth. Sho made Nino face him.
“I love you too. Always had, forever will.” Sho inched their faces together and sealed their lips together.
END
arashikuro♥
Title:Magic in your Eyes
Rating:PG
Genre:Romance, Fluff, Humor, a pinch of Angst
Summary:Nino didn’t expect that the person he was looking for was someone he hated most.
Notes:There is a cameo of V6’s Nagano Hiroshi ^^
Author’s Notes:arashikuro, I hope you like it ^o^ It was really fun writing your prompt :) I may add an epilogue for this next time since I wasn’t able to fulfill your smutprompt :> Anyway, please enjoy the fic~
"Do you really have to go?” Little Nino whispered while crying.
“We need to.” Little Sho apologetically answered.
“But we’ll meet again someday, I’m sure of it.” Sho put out his pinky finger in front and gestured for Nino to do the same.
“Promise me, you’ll be the best magician out there. I promise I’ll become one of the best teachers.”
They hooked their pinky fingers together.
“And one day we’ll meet again.”
“Promise.”
*
“Ninomiya!” The loud call from his teacher took him out of his dreamland. Nino groaned and slowly looked up, his fuming and glaring teacher came into view.
“This is your last warning!” His teacher, Sakurai Sho, sternly said before going back to the board. Nino made a face at Sho’s back.
Stupid Sho-chan..
With the drowsiness totally out of his system, Nino gazed outside his window, not at all interested in the lesson. He hated school.
He shouldn’t even be here in the first place. He was already 27, dammit! But due to his work, he had stopped school a lot of times already and his manager insisted he finished at least senior high school. The only good thing he liked in school was that no one ever suspected a thing since his looks made him look like a 17 year old.
Nino ran out of the lecture hall the moment the bell rang. Though in a hurry, he didn’t miss the disappointed and angry look Sho gave him. Nino did not give any heed to it and made his way out of the building and to the parking lot. His manager was waiting for him there to brief him about his new work.
*
Ever since a little kid, Nino was fond of doing magic which his late father taught him. He would show it to his family and friends until his skill in doing magic was spread thoughout town. MAHOU, an organization of magicians, heard of his talent and asked him to show them what he knew. Amazed by the tricks Nino did, the organization took him under their wings as a trainee. Best of the best magicians were his mentors and they gradually honed his magic skills until it was almost flawless. When Nino’s mother died of cancer when he just entered junior high, the organization provided him shelter and served as his foster family since his only family was his parents.
On Nino’s first public show, the audience already loved him; enticed with his magical performance and allured with his good looks. In no time, his talent spread over the world and he became a world-wide sensation. His work made it possible for him to travel in almost every corner of the world, share his talent to more people. But amidst the fame he had, no one, except the organization, knew his real identity.
*
“Nino! Here.” His manager, a kind and warm-hearted man named Nagano Hiroshi, beckoned Nino to where his car was parked.
“Nagano-san, what’s my next work?”
“You won’t believe this!” Nagano excitedly said, pausing slightly for an effect. "You’ll be doing a performance tour in 5 countries in a row!” Nino now mirrored Nagano’s excited look. Nagano handed some papers to Nino before he continued his explanation.
“Your first stop is in the Philippines for 2 days, a day in London, 2 in Taiwan and US, and a homecoming performance in Tokyo. “
“So when is it?
“Next week.”
“Next week?!” Nino exclaimed. He can’t believe he’ll be travelling again, away from school.
“That’s right. Pack your bags; I’ll get you later at midnight. The school knows already, so no need to worry about that.” Nagano said with a smile. Nino hugged him tight while giving his thanks. Then Nagano drove him home to start packing.
Nino lived in a Share house with 4 other people, one of them was Sho.
“I’m home~”
“Oh, you’re back early. Sho-chan is not with you?” Aiba greeted. He was a veterinarian and Sho’s friend since high school. Aiba was a very cheerful person.
“I.. uh, needed to do something so I left early.” Nino lied and gave a weak smile. Even his roommates didn’t know he was a magician. “Where are the others?”
“Still at work. Satoshi said he’ll visit his exhibition.” Aiba replied, showing Nino the cute kitten he was holding.
“Okay.” Nino replied and went inside his room.
The other two of his roommates were Jun Matsumoto and Satoshi Ohno. Jun was a very famous fashion designer with a bit of a temper while Satoshi was an out-spoken and humble painter. Nino had been living with the four of them for almost a year and got along well will except Sho.
With a sigh, Nino looked though his messy room and fetched his suitcase from his dresser. He opened it and placed it beside his bed before he rummaged through his drawers for the things he’d need: a spare of clothes, disguises, costumes, cards and other magic paraphernalia.
Nino was so absorbed in packing and cleaning his room that he did not notice it was getting late. He heard a knock on his door.
“Nino? Dinner’s ready.” It was Jun.
“Sure. I’ll be there in a moment!” Nino left the almost finished luggage and went out of his door and almost bumped into Sho, whom just arrived. Sho jumped in surprise while Nino silently cursed and glared at him before heading to the dining room. Jun, Satoshi, and Aiba were already eating; the small TV near the cabinets was on. Nino took a seat in between Satoshi and Jun.
“What are you guys watching?” Nino asked between spoonfuls.
“News; Aiba said he was waiting for something.” Jun answered. Aiba nodded and went back staring at the TV. By that time, Sho entered the dining room and took a seat beside Aiba. The dining room was filled with silence for a few minutes before Aiba excitedly pointed at the TV screen.
“That’s him, Sho-chan! He’s the one I told you that fits the description you gave!” Aiba bounced up and down in his seat. Nino looked at the TV screen and almost dropped his spoon. On the screen was Kuro, his pseudonym as a magician.
World famous prodigy magician, Kuro, is set to have a performance tour in five countries. The last performance will happen in Tokyo.” The TV announcer said and a VTR about the said magician was played. Nino froze in his seat.
“Description? What are you talking about Aiba-chan?” Ohno asked.
“Sho-chan is looking for his childhood friend and also his childhood crush,” Sho elbowed Aiba, “and the descriptions he told me more or less matched with that magician.” The others nodded and curiously looked at Sho, all except Nino.
“Hmm, I don’t know. He looks younger than us.” Sho said. The TV was showing an old video of Kuro in one of his shows. He had blonde hair at that time and was wearing a top hat and thick-framed glasses. They looked at the TV screen again and continued watching.
“Nino, are you alright?” Ohno noticed that Nino had been silent the whole conversation and seemed to have paled.
“N-no, I.. uh, yeah. I’m alright.” Nino chuckled nervously and continued to eat. The others seemed to have believed his lie.
“I know! Let’s go watch his performance!”Aiba happily invited them. Jun immediately agreed; Sho checked his schedule on that day in his cellphone before saying he’ll go; Ohno nodded quietly. They were all expectantly looking at Nino.
“I… can’t go.” Nino told them. He looked down to avoid eye contact. Eye contact weaken his proficiency to lie.
“Aww, why not?” Aiba asked with a pout and his puppy eyes. Though it didn’t work on Nino
“I’m visiting my grandparents that week…”
“Too bad. Next time, let’s all watch it together, okay?” Aiba said with an understanding smile. Nino nodded, though he was not sure if he would be able to do that.
*
It was 10 to midnight.
Nino carefully opened his door and peered outside. No one was awake. He exhaled and was ready to haul his luggages out when Sho’s door burst open.
“Nino, is that you?” Sho squinted at him and yawned. Nino froze in place and slowly nodded.
“You should be sleeping right now or else you’ll fall asleep in my class again…” Sho slurred, it seemed that he was sleep talking. Nino waited for Sho to finish blabbering and entered his room, which took a few, agonizing minutes, before he quickly yet quietly dragged his suitcase out of his room and out of the house.
He immediately spotted his manager’s car and hopped in.
*
Grandma just called. She wanted me to go there as soon as possible. Sorry guys. Says the brightly yellow sticky note posted on Nino’s door.
*
On their way to the airport, Nino’s thoughts went back to Sho and Aiba’s conversation over dinner. Sho was looking for someone, his childhood love… Aiba thought that Kuro was probably the one he was looking for…
No way…. Could it be?
Now that he thought about it, the pieces fall into place. Sho was a teacher, he also had those sloping shoulders and now he was looking for someone, someone who Aiba said was possibly Kuro…
Sakurai Sho was thatSho-chan?!
*
Little Nino was under a shade of a tree, sobbing. He had a fight with his mother. He ran away from home, stumbled over a rock and scrapped his knee. It was bleeding a bit but his little pride didn’t want him to go back home.
He didn’t know how long he was there but suddenly someone approached him. A boy of his age, with sloping shoulders and plump lips was worriedly looking at him.
“Are you alright?” Asked the boy, he was probably talking about his bleeding knee. Nino just sobbed more.
“My mom can stop the bleeding for you.” The boy offered.
“She can?” Nino asked sincerely, he already stopped crying by then.
“Yup! Let’s go, I’ll take you there.” The boy smiled widely at Nino, helped him stand up and carefully walked them to his house.
“Thank you for your help.” Nino whispered.
“You’re welcome! I’m Sho by the way.”
"Then I’ll call you Sho-chan.” Nino smiled at Sho.
“My name is too long so call me Neen instead, everybody does.”
Since then, the two were inseparable until the day Sho’s family moved out.
*
"Nino! Were here!” Nagano shouted from outside the car. Nino seemed to have fallen sleep.
“I’m coming!” He shouted back. Looking at the window, he saw that they were in front of the airport. Then he remembered Sho.
His mind still couldn’t comprehend the sudden revelation. The person he sought in years had been at his side all along. But Nino decided not to tell him that time. The teacher was still fairly mad at him so Sho might not believe him.
Clearing up his thoughts, Nino got out of the car and collected his luggage from the trunk. He had work to do and he’ll leave his personal matters on a later date.
*
Nino just finished his first performance at the fourth country. He had a great time in each country with the warm welcome of the audience and media alike. Aside from doing magic, Nino really like travelling a lot.
Still, he can’t help but get nervous because after the next night’s performance, he’ll be going home. Days passed by too quickly and Nino didn’t want to face Sho soon.
Guess I don’t have a choice…
*
“Ladies and gentlemen, Kuro!” The emcee happily exclaimed followed by a loud clapping from the audience. Nino took a deep breath before walking out on stage.
With some unknown reason, Nino lost his only glasses used for disguising a few minutes before the show. Nagano suggested he perform without it but Nino knew his cover will be blown if he did that. His make-up artist then suggested him to wear some color contact lenses and she painted a star and a tear-drop just below his eyes as his disguise.
I should’ve borrowed someone else’s glasses!Too late, he was already on stage.
The audience did seem to mind his new appearance; he might say they adored it. Nino hoped that no one would discover who he really was. Before he started his performance, he caught sight of his roommates a few rows from the middle. He hela staring contest with Sho, who looked surprised. Shaking the unnecessary thoughts away, Nino started his show and amazed his audience with the new tricks he prepared just for his homecoming.
*
“I’m home…” Nino tiredly mumbled as he went inside. As usual, Aiba was the first one who greeted him.
“Nino!” Aiba literally jumped to him and gave Nino a bear hug. “Where have you been? We were so worried!”
“Aiba-san, let go. You’re suffocating me-“
“Oh, sorry.” Aiba let him go with a sheepish smile though his hands were still on Nino’s shoulders. “So?”
“What? I left a note on my door didn’t I?”
“But almost a month without any contact-“
“Really?” Sho cut Aiba off with his sarcasm.
“An emergency I can accept, but why haven’t you gotten in touch with us? Maybe you were just lazing around town, partying just because you hated school.”
Nino didn’t want to deal with sarcastic Sho that time. But the stress and tiredness from his work made him irrational and made him answer Sho’s sarcasm. “And what if I did, Sakurai-sensei? Would you spend your time scolding me? Just for your knowledge, though I know you already knew, you are not the boss of me!” Nino escaped Aiba’s hold and dragged himself to his room.
“Why you-“
“Stop it Sho-chan! Let him rest for a while, okay?” Aiba held on to Sho and coerced him to leave Nino be.
*
After taking a nap, Nino went out to have some dinner. The 4 was already there, talking about their experience in watching Kuro perform.
“Sho had his mouth wide open when he saw Kuro on stage!” Aiba teased which earned him an angry pout from Sho.
“But Kuro was really amazing, wasn’t he?” Ohno added.
“And his style, it suited him well.” Jun nodded at his fashion observation on Kuro.
Hearing them talk about him made Nino lose his appetite. Among other things, he hated lying, especially to people who had been part of his life for almost a year already. He was about to turn around and go eat outside when Aiba noticed his presence and beckoned him over. He took his usual seat and thanked Jun for the meal.
He didn’t really have an appetite and the fatigue from work was getting worse every second.
“When did you arrive? We missed you.” Ohno said and gave Nino a pout. He answered him with a weak smile. Aiba answered for him instead.
“So, how was the performance? Pretty damn good wasn’t it?” Nino mumbled as he took a small bite of Jun’s curry. He didn’t notice he slipped until he saw the confused look the others gave him. The fatigue seemed to have affected Nino.
“W-what? I was there too!” He spat out. Another slip he didn’t intended but at least the others believed him.
Damn! My head hurts that I keep slipping!
“Sorry, I’m not feeling well today.” Nino excused himself and slowly headed to his room. He can’t afford another slip otherwise more problems will ensue.
*
After the tour, Nino’s schedule seemed to get back to normal. His works then were usually scheduled during weekends or after school though he noticed that Sho was getting suspicious about him.
Sho caught him several times secretly talking to Nagano on his phone. There were also times when he would get caught sneaking out at night. But what puzzled Nino was that Sho just sternly stared at him every time he catches Nino’s move. He didn’t scold him, nor reprimand him. He didn’t talk to him about it or tried to ask Nino was he was doing. Sho just kept glaring at Nino which pissed him off to no end.
But then, after doing a small show in a secluded theater one weekend afternoon, Nino wasn’t at all surprised to know that Sho trailed him all the way there and was waiting for him at the corner. Same as always, he was glaring at Nino and had a look on his face like he just discovered one of Nino’s dirty secrets.
“Let’s go home, we need to talk.” Sho said and walked to his car. Nino silently followed. The ride home was eerily quiet.
Upon arriving, Sho dragged him inside.
“I knew it! You’re hiding something, aren’t you? I talked to your classmates; they said you didn’t have any relatives anymore. Then you sneak out almost every night and those phone calls you were secretly having..”
“Ok fine!” Nino had had enough. “I was working. My work has a really unpredictable schedule that’s why I sneak out. Happy?!” Nino shouted at Sho.
“Working?!” Sho also raised his voice. “You’re not even legal! What the hell were you thinking …”Nino couldn’t believe it. Even Sho had been fooled by his youthful look. He had a hard time not to laugh right then and there but managed to keep his cool.
“What?! I’m fucking 27 for your information! Geez, that’s why you’ve been treating me like a kid…”
“Huh?” This took Sho off guard. He really thought Nino was just a teenager. “But school…”
“I had to repeat several times because of my work. A 27 year old in Senior High… Bet you’re laughing inside right?” Nino smirked. “I already accepted I’m dumb. I hate school, isn’t it obvious?” Nino bellowed. The sudden rush of anger made him want to get out of the house which he did.
He ran and ran through the city with no particular destination. He just wanted to clear his head. When he felt exhausted, he rested by the shade of the tree near the river. The sun was setting in the horizon. Nino didn’t notice the tears which flowed from his eyes. He hugged his knees and rested his head.
Maybe…. Just maybe, like before, Sho would find me…
*
Sho, don’t leave me!” Little Nino bellowed as he watched Sho’s silhouette disappear among the people in the airport.
“What the-“ Nino suddenly jerked awake. He was still under the tree, it was already dark. Sho wasn’t there either.
He wouldn’t come… I shouldn’t have hoped
With a sigh, he stood up and stretched his sore limbs before going back to the city. Somehow the night breeze was calming him along with the shops lit up at night. He continued to aimlessly walk when he suddenly heard a child crying.
“Hey little one. What’s wrong?” Nino asked the child. She just continued crying. Nino smiled and snapped his fingers in front of the girl; a flower appeared on his hand. This caught the girl’s attention and made her smile, Nino gave her the flower.
“Are you lost?” He asked in a soft voice and the girl nodded.
“Let’s take you to the police then. They’ll help you.” Before Nino and the girl reached the police, someone, probably her mom, ran towards them and hugged the girl.
“Thank goodness you’re alright!” The mom said and carried her. “Thank you for finding my daughter. “She said to Nino. Nino smiled back in response.
“Nii-chan?” The girl called before they got far.
“Thank you for the flower.” Nino smiled at her and waved them goodbye.
“Nino…” he heard someone call for him after they left. It was Aiba with Sho at his side. It seems that they saw what just happened.
“Let’s go?”Aiba said and gave him a smile. Nino just nodded and followed him to his car. Once they arrived, Nino quickly went inside and locked himself in his room.
He went to where his bag was and took his phone. He texted Nagano-san to reschedule his work that week. He didn’t feel like working, he didn’t even want to go out of his room.
*
Nino decided to go out and eat some dinner when his stomach grumbled for the nth time that night. It was already 10 in the evening so his roommates were probably asleep by then. He slowly opened his door only to reveal Sho, who was about to reach and knock on his door. Nino was about to close his door when Sho’s hands stopped him from doing so.
“Wait, Nino. I’m really sorry. Hear me out?” Sho pleaded. Nino sighed and let him in. They both sat on the floor, Nino leaning on the side of his bed while Sho was sitting cross-legged.
“I’m really sorry Nino.” Sho looked at him, he was really apologetic.
“It’s alright now. Don’t worry about it.” Nino was about to show him out when Sho held onto his hand, halting him altogether.
“Please, just tell me one thing. You’re Kuro, right?” Nino stiffened but there was no use lying.
“I am.” Nino didn’t expect to see Sho smile.
“You should’ve just told us, we’d understand. I wouldn’t have shouted at you if I knew…” Nino sighed and sat back again.
“I would have said it but my manager told me not to tell anyoneabout it. Well, the principal knew about it, otherwise I would already been kicked out of school.” Nino chuckled sadly at his joke. Sho surprised him once again when he suddenly hugged him.
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Huh?”
“It was your dream right? To become a famous magician.” Nino pushed Sho a bit so that they were facing each other.
"You knew? When did-“
“I saw you at the riverside awhile ago.” Sho shyly said. “You were hugging your knees under the tree and it made me remember the first time we met.” Sho smiled at Nino. Nino’s body was overflowing with happiness and made him cry tears of joy. He hugged Sho tightly.
“I missed you…” Nino mumbled between sobs.
“Me too. I wouldn’t have expected to meet you again like this.” They stayed like that for a while before Nino spoke up.
“Hey Sho?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.” Nino blushed as the words left his mouth. Sho made Nino face him.
“I love you too. Always had, forever will.” Sho inched their faces together and sealed their lips together.
END