[One-shot] It's you, it's love {Rumors side-story} (Part 2)
Title: It's you, it's love {Rumors side-story} (Part 2)
Pairing: Sakuraiba, OhnoxSho
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, fluff, mild angst
Length: ~9,600 words [what? just realized it myself!]
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story :) Sakuraiba belongs to Arashi.
Summary: Sho had observed the other boy since the first time they met, and they were subconsciously drawn into each other. Though, Sho had a special person with him already, and this was time for him to consider seriously about ‘love’.
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Sho felt terrible.
What did he do? He repeatedly asked himself but still, he couldn’t find the right answer. When he came back out of the store the day before, Aiba was nowhere to be seen. When he was waiting cluelessly for the boy, he received Aiba’s message, informing him that he had something really important to do and that he was sorry.
Sho had stared in disbelief at the message. A bud of hope bloomed inside his chest. Maybe Aiba had feelings for him too and had gotten depressed when saw Ohno and him at the store? The thought made him feel excited, but the excitement scared him. What was he thinking!? Hurting both Aiba and Ohno, both of whom were the most important people in his life? What kind of person was he?
He had tried calling Aiba since the day before, but the other boy didn’t pick up or return his calls. Sho was frustrated. He knew that he had to make clear his feelings to both boys.
But first of all, he needed to know what he wanted exactly.
Sho knew that he liked Aiba. No, he loved him. No one had ever made Sho feel like this before; even though all the emotions Aiba had made him feel were weird, but they were also more pleasant than anything he had ever felt. He didn’t know since when did it happen, but he wanted to meet the other boy all the time, to see the sunny smile and bright grin, to fill his life with colours and to feel hyped up by the other boy’s high tension. Sho had never felt like that with anyone before, not even Ohno. He loved Ohno, but only as a close friend, an irreplaceable one. However, deep down Sho knew that he didn’t love Ohno the same way he loved Aiba. There was desire whenever he thought about Aiba, which made his hand tingled. He wanted to feel the boy’s hair, to hold his hand tightly, to make contact with his skin. The somersaults he felt whenever Aiba grinned at him and the way he blushed under the boy’s gaze… these were clear enough. He wanted to be with Aiba, because there were many things about him that Sho wanted to know, wanted to discover. Also, Aiba made his heart dance in the happiest way possible.
However, Sho felt guilty when he thought of Ohno, the boy didn’t do anything wrong to deserve this. Sho was the one who initiated their relationship, and now he was also the one who ended it. Ohno always indulged him - the boy did whatever Sho wanted and didn’t even once complain. And now, Sho was going to break his heart.
But he knew that he couldn’t keep lying to Ohno. He wanted them to continue to be friends, and so he shouldn’t lie to Ohno anymore.
He called Ohno, the day after the incident with Aiba. He gathered all the courage he could muster to invite Ohno out for dinner. He didn’t know how Ohno would react. It was his fault, after all.
Even though he had come fully prepared, the hurt burning in Ohno’s eyes was too much for him to bear. The moment he told Ohno the truth, he felt Ohno’s intense gaze on him. Ohno was angry, he could tell, even though the other boy didn’t show it on his face. Ohno was very good at controlling his feelings, but being with Ohno for so long, Sho was able to see through the calm front. However the vulnerable look Ohno shot him made it hard for him to keep looking at those eyes. Ohno didn’t talk much in general. Similarly, this time he only quietly asked a simple “why?”. Sho knew that Ohno was holding himself back from crying from the way his voice broke, but he chose to tell him the truth. He didn’t dare look into Ohno’s eyes when he mentioned Aiba, about how he met the boy and how he felt about him. He continued on with how he came up with his decision, and what he really wanted. Ohno was still looking at him, and he didn’t move a muscle, which made Sho tense even more. Thick silence fell between them when Sho finished talking, and he raised his head a little to steal a glance at Ohno. Ohno’s eyes were wavering with sudden emotions and this time, he didn’t try to hold them back. A lone tear rolled down his cheeks as he stared sadly at Sho, and Sho reached out his hand subconsciously. But Ohno swiped Sho’s hand away before he could wipe the tear away and looked at him again with unreadable eyes.
“I’m fine,” Ohno finally said in a quiet voice, his face was calm again. “Do whatever you think is for the best, Sho-kun.”
“But, Satoshi…”
“I’m really okay,” Ohno repeated, and this time his tone was determined. Sho shuddered. Ohno had a mysterious ascendancy which he barely showed, but when he did, it could stop anyone from breathing.
“Let’s break up.”
The day after, Sho found out that Ohno had returned to Tokyo. He didn’t call the other boy because he knew that he was probably the last person Ohno wanted to see right now. So he decided to give him some time to sort out his feelings, until he could accept Sho’s decision to be with Aiba and be his friend again. Sho knew he was being selfish, but if he didn’t tell Ohno his feelings, he would be even more selfish.
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“Stop crying, will you??” Nino snapped from his spot, clearly annoyed with Aiba’s never-ending sobbing which was ruining his peaceful time on the terrace.
“But… but…” Aiba didn’t finish his words. He bit his lips to try to stop crying, but he wasn’ t successful. He heard Nino sighed loudly beside him and then felt the boy shifting closer to him and wrapping an arm around his waist.
“Come on,” Nino rubbed his back comfortingly “You can find someone else better!”
Aiba didn’t answer. He didn’t think like that thought. Nino sighed again.
“He’s an unlucky person, you know.”
“Eh?”
“To give up on a boyfriend like you,” Nino said in assurance. “He must be an idiot.”
“He’s not…” Aiba mumbled.
“Aiba-chan~!!!!” Nino growled.
Before Aiba could reply, his phone was ringing inside his pocket. He tugged it out and stared at the screen. Nino stole a look at the name and raised an eyebrow.
“’Angel’???? What the hell??”
Aiba ignored Nino’s mocking voice, and stared at his phone in panic.
“What should I do?? What should I do??”
“Pick it up, you idiot!”
“But… But…”
Nino was the faster to react. He pushed the answer button and held the phone to Aiba’s ear. Aiba widened his eyes and sputtered into the mouthpiece.
“Mo…Moshi Moshi?”
“Aiba-kun?”
“Hai...”
“Can I meet you today? I have something to tell you.”
“But, I…”
Aiba could hear Nino’s angry mumble near his ear. But this might be the last time he could meet Sho, and after that Sho would return to Tokyo. What if Sho never come back here again? The thought of not being able to meet Sho again bothered him very much.
“Please, Aiba-kun… I have something to tell you…” Sho insisted, and Aiba gave up.
“Yeah… when could we meet?”
Nino rolled his eyes in disbelief beside him, but Aiba ignored.
“Can I meet you right now?”
“Oh, okay…”
“Where are you? I’ll go there.”
“Let’s meet at the park, okay?”
“Okay. Bye bye, Aiba-kun.”
”Bye bye.”
He hung up the phone. The idea of Sho actually wanting to meet him sent warmth all over his body, and Aiba’s lips involuntarily broke into a smile. He shoved his phone into his pocket, and when he turned to Nino, he realized the other boy was staring at him.
“…What?”
“What does he want anyway?”
“I don’t know…”
And he really didn’t know.
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Sho tried to counter his anxiousness while he was waiting for Aiba at the corner of the street near the park. They had come here together - Sho he had a chance to find it cute that Aiba loved animals, the boy grinned and shouted in excitement whenever they moved or ate or simply slept. Being with Aiba, Sho never felt bored. The other boy had his ways to increase Sho’s tension. Even though they both laughed and shouted like idiots whenever they were together, but to Sho those were the happiest moments in his life.
When Aiba showed up from afar, clearly breathing heavily from strenuous running, Sho’s heart couldn’t help but beat furiously. Seeing Aiba like this, and knowing that he had no choice but to tell Aiba his true feelings, Sho felt anxious. He seemed to lose his ability to think and talk properly when Aiba raised his head to look at Sho with a grin (and a little shy, if it wasn’t Sho’s imagination). Aiba waited patiently for him to say something, but his mouth didn’t co-operate with his brain.
“Sho-chan?” Aiba hesitated. He tilted his head and furrowed his brows, both actions which Sho found attractive.
“I… Masaki, I want to ask you something…”
The way he called Aiba surprised even himself. Aiba didn’t protest though, he just widened his eyes, and Sho could see his confusion through those brown eyes. Sho smiled weakly, his hand rubbed his cheeks nervously as he continued with a low voice.
“Actually, I… You remember my boyfriend? The one I told you… the other day?”
He saw Aiba swallowed hard. The boy shifted his eyes from him and looked around, clearly perplexed. Then Aiba smiled sadly at him and nodded.
“I remembered,” Aiba mumbled, lowering his head and stared at the ground. “He’s… cute, ne, and he…”
“…We broke up yesterday.” Sho interrupted, his voice soft but it clearly hit Aiba hard. The boy immediately raised his head and stared at him in disbelief, his lips parted as though he was going to ask Sho something. But Aiba didn’t say a word. He was waiting for Sho to continue, and Sho thought he should explain.
“We are … were best friends,” Sho bit his lips. “And… we decided to get together in a relationship... But… I have just realized that… I don’t love him the way we both thought we did.”
“…What way?” Aiba suddenly asked.
“I thought I desired him,” Sho said, closing his eyes trying to compose himself. He didn’t know if he should tell Aiba this, but he wanted to be honest. “But… when I met someone else, I know I’m wrong. I love Satoshi, but only as a friend.”
“You…already met someone?” Aiba gasped. He stepped backwards, but Sho hurriedly caught his hand. The boy was panting, and Sho didn’t know it was from his run or his anxiousness.
“I do…” Sho said, his hand tightened on the hold, his eyes never left Aiba. It was like the whole world had disappeared, and Sho didn’t care if people were looking at them disapprovingly. There was only Aiba and himself standing here, connecting through each other’s eyes, and understanding the unvoiced feelings they had both held back for so long in their heart.
Silence, and then Aiba’s hoarse voice brought them back to reality.
“Sho-chan,” Aiba said weakly when he struggled and released his hand from Sho’s grip, not noticing the disappointment in the latter’s eyes “You should tell that person about this… The one who made you break up with your boyfriend, ne? It’s not me who you should…”
“What if I tell you that one is you?” Sho cut him off with a serious look, and he saw Aiba stiffened with sudden realisation.
“What?!” Aiba spluttered.
“What if that person is you?” Sho repeated and took a step closer to Aiba. This time Aiba didn’t move backwards.
“But… but…”
“Masaki…” Sho sighed and took Aiba’s hands in his “I feel so helpless.”
“…Why?”
“I can’t stop myself from loving you,” Sho confessed, and he blushed at his own dramatic words. He lowered his head and rested on Aiba’s shoulder “I… I’m sorry, I thought I hurt you… that day, when you saw me and Satoshi…”
Aiba didn’t say anything and the silence made Sho felt insecure, he raised his head and stared at Aiba’s face.
“Masaki…?”
Aiba suddenly burst into tears. He sobbed uncontrollably, and because his hands were still held onto by Sho, he wiped his cheeks hastily with Sho’s palms.
“Sho-chan is stupid,” Aiba hiccupped. “Sho-chan is so stupid.”
“Eh? Why…”
But Aiba’s embrace cut him off as he felt Aiba’s arms throw around his neck and pulled him closer. Sho closed his eyes and enjoyed their closeness while his hand rubbed Aiba’s back gently in tiny circles.
Aiba was still sobbing when he spoke again, and Sho had to listen carefully to what he said in order to understand.
“I thought you didn’t like me.”
“That’s not true…”
“I thought you thought of me as troublesome.”
“That’s not true either.”
“I thought you would forget me right away when you return to Tokyo.”
“Mm, did you think of anything that is true, Masaki?”
“I thought you might’ve liked me and I was going to confess… just before I saw you and your boyfriend…”
“Masaki,” Sho chuckled. “I do love you.”
“Me too, Sho-chan.” Sho could feel Aiba grinned as the other boy buried his face into his neck. Aiba’s cheeks were wet and his hair was ticklish but Sho didn’t mind. Being able to hold Aiba like this was more than he could ask.
When Sho looked up at the sky, a shooting star flew past. Instead of making a wish, he smiled and closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth that they were sharing. He had already gotten his wish, what more could he wish for?
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It was time for Sho to return to Tokyo. Saying goodbye to Aiba was the most difficult thing he had ever done. After the confession, they went out together every evening. For Sho it felt like he was in heaven. He sometimes stole a kiss on Aiba’s forehead, just to see the other boy ducked his head in shyness. And sometimes when Aiba was in a good mood he would pretend to kiss Sho by holding Sho’s head with both his hands. They would both laugh and Aiba’s kiss would never end romantically. It was always until Sho felt unable to wait anymore, then he would stop the other boy from messing around and kissed him firmly on his lips, and they would both melt into one another. Sho smiled when Aiba’s giggle died out immediately and the boy would tense up when their lips touched, but after that Aiba would relax and allow Sho to lead.
Therefore when they were standing there, hand in hand with tears in Aiba’s eyes, Sho felt it was extremely hard to leave. He sighed when he looked at his watch and knew that it was time to finally say their farewell. He put down his suitcase and turned to Aiba. His hand rested on the latter’s cheeks and he said in assurance.
“I’ll come back.”
Aiba sobbed. Sho leaned in to kiss his forehead lightly.
“I’ll call you everyday, until we meet.” Sho promised, and he heard Aiba’s murmur.
“Huh?” Sho asked again since he didn’t catch any of Aiba’s words.
“Send me a Tokyo hamburger,” was all Aiba said, and Sho’s lips cracked into a smile.
“I will. Though I don’t know if they’ll let me send it. It could spoil, you know.”
“Then bring it here yourself.” Aiba pouted and wiped his tears away. He smiled despite his sobs, and he hugged Sho tightly again, “I’ll wait for my present.”
“Okay,” Sho laughed and hugged Aiba back, his hand didn’t want to break the contact with the boy’s body “I’ll miss you.”
“Me too.” Aiba sighed and released Sho. At that moment Sho had already had a lonely feeling when the warmth had suddenly disappeared. He reluctantly let Aiba go, and took his suitcase. He smiled at Aiba one last time and waved.
He would surely missed Aiba, everyday, every single moment. And now Sho knew what Jun meant. This feeling must be ‘love’.
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When Sho returned to Tokyo, he was surprised that Ohno had gone. That, he hadn’t expected. He couldn’t find the other boy anywhere. Even Ohno’s mom told him that she was told to keep it from him.
“Is anything wrong, Sakurai-kun?” She asked uncertainly. “He said he wanted to start a new life … to become independent, and so he transferred school. He has left for two days already. And he said he wouldn’t come back so soon. He had already applied for a school and would go there for the coming school year.”
“What? But… it’s only a month to the next school year! How…?”
“He told me it’s easy to get accepted, it’s a small school after all…”
“Why did he do that?” Sho scratched his head miserably. But he knew that he might be the reason why Ohno had left. Maybe Ohno wanted to get away from him… to avoid him for breaking his heart. It’s my fault, Sho thought painfully. Now that Ohno didn’t want him to know where he went… How could he apologize? He would definitely do it, no matter how many times he had to do it he would apologize to Ohno until the latter forgave him. He would do anything for Ohno to be happy, except to continue being his boyfriend - because Sho knew clearly that they would only hurt each other more by binding each other into the relationship.
That day, and many days after Sho tried countless times to call Ohno, but the other boy either turned off his phone or ignored his calls. This put Sho in a frustrated mood and he didn’t know what to do; he even forgot to call Aiba as promised. He thought about the places Ohno might go. He even called Ohno’s uncle to ask if he was there, but all his efforts were in vain.
Therefore when Aiba called him - it was a month later and the new school year had already started - his mood lightened when he heard the other boy’s voice.
“Sho-chan?”
“Masaki, I’m so glad that you called…”
“Are you okay? You sound tired…!”
“I’m not really okay…” Sho admitted and threw himself onto his bed, and rolled over to his side. “Satoshi left.”
“What…?”
“He left to somewhere that I’m not supposed to know. And now… tell me what I should do, Masaki…”
“… Have you called him?”
“I did! But he didn’t pick up my calls…”
“I’m sorry, Sho-chan…” He heard Aiba’s sigh, “It’s because of me…”
“No,” Sho cut him off firmly. He hated when Aiba sounded depressed. “Forget it, Masaki. I’ll find him later, don’t worry. Tell me something happy to cheer me up.”
“Oh, okay,” Aiba said thoughtfully. “Well, there’s this new student who’d just transferred to my school, you know? And the most important thing is he is rumored to be gay…”
“Like you and me?” Sho chuckled softly.
“Yeah, like you and me…” Aiba giggled at the other end.
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“Sho-chan? I have something to tell you. It’s important! Please call me back!!”
Sho frowned at Aiba’s voice message and immediately pushed the call button. School had ended some time ago but because he was doing some research he had to stay back in school. He happened to check his handphone during his break and there were ten messages from Aiba with the same message.
“Masaki? What’s wrong?”
“Sho-chan!!!” Aiba’s voice cracked from emotion, “I think I found Satoshi!!!”
“What?? How? Where?” Sho shouted in excitement, he totally forgot that he was in the library and his friends stared at him in shock. Sho suddenly realized and walked to some private place.
“My school!!! The new student!! I met him today!!!” Aiba’s words were incoherent, but Sho got it all.
“The new student??” Sho repeated “The one who’s supposed to be gay?”
“Yes!!! And guess what? He’s hanging out with my friend Nino!!”
“Why didn’t I think of that??” Sho widened his eyes in shock. “How could I not think of Satoshi when you mentioned that…”
“But he’s bullied here, Sho-chan.” Aiba suddenly said, serious. Sho felt his heart constrict.
“Why?” He breathed.
“It’s kind of annoying, the students here. They bully every new student. But they seem really interested in Ohno-san.”
“Oh God…” Sho rubbed his temples, feeling totally helpless. He wanted to be there, to protect Ohno from all the bullying, but it was easier said than done.
“I’ll try to help him,” Aiba said reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I know most of the students here. But it’ll take a while for them to leave Ohno-san alone.”
“Thank you, Masaki, really. I don’t know what I can do for him now…”
“Let me help you,” Aiba grinned, and Sho felt his heart starting to calm down. Aiba gave him the secure feeling that Sho always felt safe whenever Aiba was around. “In exchange, would you please help me with something, Sho-chan?”
“Anything for you.” Sho smiled.
“Listen, I think my friend Nino might have some feelings toward Ohno-san here, and they are kind of in denial…”
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Ring.
“…Moshi moshi?”
“Sho-chan?”
“Masaki, it’s nearly one a.m.…!”
“I know, but I’m so excited I can’t sleep!!!” Aiba exclaimed, and Sho could picture his big bright grin on the other end of the line.
“So, the rumor works?” Sho turned to his side and lazily put the pillow on his head.
“Yes! You’re a genius, Sho-chan! They finally made up today! The part where Nino ran straight to Ohno-san’s classroom was really surprising, I didn’t even know Nino could ever become that angry!”
“It’s you who came up with the rumor,” Sho chuckled, feeling his eyelids getting heavier. “I just gave you the idea.”
“So I’m the genius!” Aiba giggled, and Sho couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “And, Sho-chan, you’re going come here next month, right?”
“Yes, I have a survey to do at Osaka. I’m so lucky.” Sho grinned, and he could feel the sleepiness starting to fade away. Thinking about being able to meet Aiba again made his heart fluttered. Moreover, maybe he could also meet Ohno, and could properly apologise to him.
“I have a plan,” Aiba whispered and Sho widened his eyes, focusing on the conversation. His sleepiness was forgotten. “Sho-chan, when you come here will you call Ohno-san at around noon? Then, ask him out.”
“Why noon?” Sho frowned in confusion. “He’s at school at that time.”
“Yes, that’s why.” Aiba grinned mysteriously.
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A month later…
“Sho-chan!” Aiba grinned at him and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Sho felt that all his tiredness from the flight had faded away as he once again had Aiba back in his arms. “Welcome back.”
“I’m back.” Sho beamed. And when he pulled back he handed Aiba a small bag.
“What’s this?” Aiba asked curiously and opened it.
“Your Tokyo hamburger,” Sho shrugged. “But I’m not sure if it’s still good though.”
Aiba beamed at him. Sho was surprised at how he could melt into happiness every single time Aiba smiled. Aiba then hugged Sho again and giggled.
“I love you, Sho-chan!”
“Me too, Masaki.”
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“Did you call Ohno-san, Sho-chan?”
“Yeah, he sounded really reluctant when he agreed to go out with me…” Sho sighed.
“Of course he did,” Aiba giggled. “Nino was there, and he definitely didn’t want Nino to know about you.”
“Eh? Nino was there?”
“Yes, they’re always together ever since that last incident, you know, when I made up the rumor,” Aiba grinned, satisfied.
“Is there anything between them…?” Sho asked curiously.
“Go meet Ohno-san and you will find out, Sho-chan!”
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“Masaki, let’s go to the park!”
“Like Nino and Ohno-san?”
“Come on, Masaki, let’s have a date today, okay? I want to be with you!”
“Just one more thing, Sho-chan,” Aiba grinned. “I think it’s time for them to realize their feelings for each other. Since we’ve helped them so much already!”
“Yeah. Remember when I went out with Satoshi - the time you asked me to call him when Nino was beside him - and I asked him to come back to Tokyo? He didn’t even listen to me. I think he doesn’t want to come back. He has found Nino here.”
“I think so too. Nino never admitted it, but well, I can tell. Nino had never looked at someone so gently before. He is just so stubborn.”
“So what should we do now?” Sho smiled, and Aiba turned to him, a hint of smile on his lips.
“You need to meet him again, Sho-chan. And I need to make up… let’s see, another rumor is good enough, right?”
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“Am I great at acting?” Sho asked happily. Sho and Aiba had been secretly observing Nino and Ohno who were walking out of the cabin hand in hand. Happiness was evident in their eyes.
“Yes, you were really great, Sho-chan,” Aiba giggled beside him. “I bet they aren’t suspicious about anything!”
“Yeah,” Sho gave Aiba a satisfied smile. “But really, I was surprised that Satoshi had transferred to your school!”
“Me too. I was extremely surprised when I found out that Nino was hanging out with Ohno-san!”
“But the most important thing is they like each other. How coincidental!!”
“Yeah... Making them realize their true feelings was difficult ne, since both of them didn’t want to admit it…but we still succeeded in the end!” Aiba beamed.
“But, are you sure that the students in your school have stopped bullying Satoshi?” Sho asked seriously.
“Yeah, I told them to leave him alone. I’m the president of Student Council, you know.” Aiba shrugged with a complacent smile.
“No, you are not!” Sho burst into laughter at Aiba’s joke, and he reached out to ruffle Aiba’s hair playfully.
“I’m still wondering what Ohno-san would say if he knew that I’m the one who took his Sho-kun away.”
“Well, he won’t mind,” Sho grinned assuredly, “since he already has Nino!”
They both laughed and stood up from their spot; Sho suddenly leaned in to give Aiba a chaste kiss on his forehead .
“Now it’s time for you and me,” he grinned.
Part 1
Pairing: Sakuraiba, OhnoxSho
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, fluff, mild angst
Length: ~9,600 words [what? just realized it myself!]
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story :) Sakuraiba belongs to Arashi.
Summary: Sho had observed the other boy since the first time they met, and they were subconsciously drawn into each other. Though, Sho had a special person with him already, and this was time for him to consider seriously about ‘love’.
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Sho felt terrible.
What did he do? He repeatedly asked himself but still, he couldn’t find the right answer. When he came back out of the store the day before, Aiba was nowhere to be seen. When he was waiting cluelessly for the boy, he received Aiba’s message, informing him that he had something really important to do and that he was sorry.
Sho had stared in disbelief at the message. A bud of hope bloomed inside his chest. Maybe Aiba had feelings for him too and had gotten depressed when saw Ohno and him at the store? The thought made him feel excited, but the excitement scared him. What was he thinking!? Hurting both Aiba and Ohno, both of whom were the most important people in his life? What kind of person was he?
He had tried calling Aiba since the day before, but the other boy didn’t pick up or return his calls. Sho was frustrated. He knew that he had to make clear his feelings to both boys.
But first of all, he needed to know what he wanted exactly.
Sho knew that he liked Aiba. No, he loved him. No one had ever made Sho feel like this before; even though all the emotions Aiba had made him feel were weird, but they were also more pleasant than anything he had ever felt. He didn’t know since when did it happen, but he wanted to meet the other boy all the time, to see the sunny smile and bright grin, to fill his life with colours and to feel hyped up by the other boy’s high tension. Sho had never felt like that with anyone before, not even Ohno. He loved Ohno, but only as a close friend, an irreplaceable one. However, deep down Sho knew that he didn’t love Ohno the same way he loved Aiba. There was desire whenever he thought about Aiba, which made his hand tingled. He wanted to feel the boy’s hair, to hold his hand tightly, to make contact with his skin. The somersaults he felt whenever Aiba grinned at him and the way he blushed under the boy’s gaze… these were clear enough. He wanted to be with Aiba, because there were many things about him that Sho wanted to know, wanted to discover. Also, Aiba made his heart dance in the happiest way possible.
However, Sho felt guilty when he thought of Ohno, the boy didn’t do anything wrong to deserve this. Sho was the one who initiated their relationship, and now he was also the one who ended it. Ohno always indulged him - the boy did whatever Sho wanted and didn’t even once complain. And now, Sho was going to break his heart.
But he knew that he couldn’t keep lying to Ohno. He wanted them to continue to be friends, and so he shouldn’t lie to Ohno anymore.
He called Ohno, the day after the incident with Aiba. He gathered all the courage he could muster to invite Ohno out for dinner. He didn’t know how Ohno would react. It was his fault, after all.
Even though he had come fully prepared, the hurt burning in Ohno’s eyes was too much for him to bear. The moment he told Ohno the truth, he felt Ohno’s intense gaze on him. Ohno was angry, he could tell, even though the other boy didn’t show it on his face. Ohno was very good at controlling his feelings, but being with Ohno for so long, Sho was able to see through the calm front. However the vulnerable look Ohno shot him made it hard for him to keep looking at those eyes. Ohno didn’t talk much in general. Similarly, this time he only quietly asked a simple “why?”. Sho knew that Ohno was holding himself back from crying from the way his voice broke, but he chose to tell him the truth. He didn’t dare look into Ohno’s eyes when he mentioned Aiba, about how he met the boy and how he felt about him. He continued on with how he came up with his decision, and what he really wanted. Ohno was still looking at him, and he didn’t move a muscle, which made Sho tense even more. Thick silence fell between them when Sho finished talking, and he raised his head a little to steal a glance at Ohno. Ohno’s eyes were wavering with sudden emotions and this time, he didn’t try to hold them back. A lone tear rolled down his cheeks as he stared sadly at Sho, and Sho reached out his hand subconsciously. But Ohno swiped Sho’s hand away before he could wipe the tear away and looked at him again with unreadable eyes.
“I’m fine,” Ohno finally said in a quiet voice, his face was calm again. “Do whatever you think is for the best, Sho-kun.”
“But, Satoshi…”
“I’m really okay,” Ohno repeated, and this time his tone was determined. Sho shuddered. Ohno had a mysterious ascendancy which he barely showed, but when he did, it could stop anyone from breathing.
“Let’s break up.”
The day after, Sho found out that Ohno had returned to Tokyo. He didn’t call the other boy because he knew that he was probably the last person Ohno wanted to see right now. So he decided to give him some time to sort out his feelings, until he could accept Sho’s decision to be with Aiba and be his friend again. Sho knew he was being selfish, but if he didn’t tell Ohno his feelings, he would be even more selfish.
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“Stop crying, will you??” Nino snapped from his spot, clearly annoyed with Aiba’s never-ending sobbing which was ruining his peaceful time on the terrace.
“But… but…” Aiba didn’t finish his words. He bit his lips to try to stop crying, but he wasn’ t successful. He heard Nino sighed loudly beside him and then felt the boy shifting closer to him and wrapping an arm around his waist.
“Come on,” Nino rubbed his back comfortingly “You can find someone else better!”
Aiba didn’t answer. He didn’t think like that thought. Nino sighed again.
“He’s an unlucky person, you know.”
“Eh?”
“To give up on a boyfriend like you,” Nino said in assurance. “He must be an idiot.”
“He’s not…” Aiba mumbled.
“Aiba-chan~!!!!” Nino growled.
Before Aiba could reply, his phone was ringing inside his pocket. He tugged it out and stared at the screen. Nino stole a look at the name and raised an eyebrow.
“’Angel’???? What the hell??”
Aiba ignored Nino’s mocking voice, and stared at his phone in panic.
“What should I do?? What should I do??”
“Pick it up, you idiot!”
“But… But…”
Nino was the faster to react. He pushed the answer button and held the phone to Aiba’s ear. Aiba widened his eyes and sputtered into the mouthpiece.
“Mo…Moshi Moshi?”
“Aiba-kun?”
“Hai...”
“Can I meet you today? I have something to tell you.”
“But, I…”
Aiba could hear Nino’s angry mumble near his ear. But this might be the last time he could meet Sho, and after that Sho would return to Tokyo. What if Sho never come back here again? The thought of not being able to meet Sho again bothered him very much.
“Please, Aiba-kun… I have something to tell you…” Sho insisted, and Aiba gave up.
“Yeah… when could we meet?”
Nino rolled his eyes in disbelief beside him, but Aiba ignored.
“Can I meet you right now?”
“Oh, okay…”
“Where are you? I’ll go there.”
“Let’s meet at the park, okay?”
“Okay. Bye bye, Aiba-kun.”
”Bye bye.”
He hung up the phone. The idea of Sho actually wanting to meet him sent warmth all over his body, and Aiba’s lips involuntarily broke into a smile. He shoved his phone into his pocket, and when he turned to Nino, he realized the other boy was staring at him.
“…What?”
“What does he want anyway?”
“I don’t know…”
And he really didn’t know.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Sho tried to counter his anxiousness while he was waiting for Aiba at the corner of the street near the park. They had come here together - Sho he had a chance to find it cute that Aiba loved animals, the boy grinned and shouted in excitement whenever they moved or ate or simply slept. Being with Aiba, Sho never felt bored. The other boy had his ways to increase Sho’s tension. Even though they both laughed and shouted like idiots whenever they were together, but to Sho those were the happiest moments in his life.
When Aiba showed up from afar, clearly breathing heavily from strenuous running, Sho’s heart couldn’t help but beat furiously. Seeing Aiba like this, and knowing that he had no choice but to tell Aiba his true feelings, Sho felt anxious. He seemed to lose his ability to think and talk properly when Aiba raised his head to look at Sho with a grin (and a little shy, if it wasn’t Sho’s imagination). Aiba waited patiently for him to say something, but his mouth didn’t co-operate with his brain.
“Sho-chan?” Aiba hesitated. He tilted his head and furrowed his brows, both actions which Sho found attractive.
“I… Masaki, I want to ask you something…”
The way he called Aiba surprised even himself. Aiba didn’t protest though, he just widened his eyes, and Sho could see his confusion through those brown eyes. Sho smiled weakly, his hand rubbed his cheeks nervously as he continued with a low voice.
“Actually, I… You remember my boyfriend? The one I told you… the other day?”
He saw Aiba swallowed hard. The boy shifted his eyes from him and looked around, clearly perplexed. Then Aiba smiled sadly at him and nodded.
“I remembered,” Aiba mumbled, lowering his head and stared at the ground. “He’s… cute, ne, and he…”
“…We broke up yesterday.” Sho interrupted, his voice soft but it clearly hit Aiba hard. The boy immediately raised his head and stared at him in disbelief, his lips parted as though he was going to ask Sho something. But Aiba didn’t say a word. He was waiting for Sho to continue, and Sho thought he should explain.
“We are … were best friends,” Sho bit his lips. “And… we decided to get together in a relationship... But… I have just realized that… I don’t love him the way we both thought we did.”
“…What way?” Aiba suddenly asked.
“I thought I desired him,” Sho said, closing his eyes trying to compose himself. He didn’t know if he should tell Aiba this, but he wanted to be honest. “But… when I met someone else, I know I’m wrong. I love Satoshi, but only as a friend.”
“You…already met someone?” Aiba gasped. He stepped backwards, but Sho hurriedly caught his hand. The boy was panting, and Sho didn’t know it was from his run or his anxiousness.
“I do…” Sho said, his hand tightened on the hold, his eyes never left Aiba. It was like the whole world had disappeared, and Sho didn’t care if people were looking at them disapprovingly. There was only Aiba and himself standing here, connecting through each other’s eyes, and understanding the unvoiced feelings they had both held back for so long in their heart.
Silence, and then Aiba’s hoarse voice brought them back to reality.
“Sho-chan,” Aiba said weakly when he struggled and released his hand from Sho’s grip, not noticing the disappointment in the latter’s eyes “You should tell that person about this… The one who made you break up with your boyfriend, ne? It’s not me who you should…”
“What if I tell you that one is you?” Sho cut him off with a serious look, and he saw Aiba stiffened with sudden realisation.
“What?!” Aiba spluttered.
“What if that person is you?” Sho repeated and took a step closer to Aiba. This time Aiba didn’t move backwards.
“But… but…”
“Masaki…” Sho sighed and took Aiba’s hands in his “I feel so helpless.”
“…Why?”
“I can’t stop myself from loving you,” Sho confessed, and he blushed at his own dramatic words. He lowered his head and rested on Aiba’s shoulder “I… I’m sorry, I thought I hurt you… that day, when you saw me and Satoshi…”
Aiba didn’t say anything and the silence made Sho felt insecure, he raised his head and stared at Aiba’s face.
“Masaki…?”
Aiba suddenly burst into tears. He sobbed uncontrollably, and because his hands were still held onto by Sho, he wiped his cheeks hastily with Sho’s palms.
“Sho-chan is stupid,” Aiba hiccupped. “Sho-chan is so stupid.”
“Eh? Why…”
But Aiba’s embrace cut him off as he felt Aiba’s arms throw around his neck and pulled him closer. Sho closed his eyes and enjoyed their closeness while his hand rubbed Aiba’s back gently in tiny circles.
Aiba was still sobbing when he spoke again, and Sho had to listen carefully to what he said in order to understand.
“I thought you didn’t like me.”
“That’s not true…”
“I thought you thought of me as troublesome.”
“That’s not true either.”
“I thought you would forget me right away when you return to Tokyo.”
“Mm, did you think of anything that is true, Masaki?”
“I thought you might’ve liked me and I was going to confess… just before I saw you and your boyfriend…”
“Masaki,” Sho chuckled. “I do love you.”
“Me too, Sho-chan.” Sho could feel Aiba grinned as the other boy buried his face into his neck. Aiba’s cheeks were wet and his hair was ticklish but Sho didn’t mind. Being able to hold Aiba like this was more than he could ask.
When Sho looked up at the sky, a shooting star flew past. Instead of making a wish, he smiled and closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth that they were sharing. He had already gotten his wish, what more could he wish for?
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It was time for Sho to return to Tokyo. Saying goodbye to Aiba was the most difficult thing he had ever done. After the confession, they went out together every evening. For Sho it felt like he was in heaven. He sometimes stole a kiss on Aiba’s forehead, just to see the other boy ducked his head in shyness. And sometimes when Aiba was in a good mood he would pretend to kiss Sho by holding Sho’s head with both his hands. They would both laugh and Aiba’s kiss would never end romantically. It was always until Sho felt unable to wait anymore, then he would stop the other boy from messing around and kissed him firmly on his lips, and they would both melt into one another. Sho smiled when Aiba’s giggle died out immediately and the boy would tense up when their lips touched, but after that Aiba would relax and allow Sho to lead.
Therefore when they were standing there, hand in hand with tears in Aiba’s eyes, Sho felt it was extremely hard to leave. He sighed when he looked at his watch and knew that it was time to finally say their farewell. He put down his suitcase and turned to Aiba. His hand rested on the latter’s cheeks and he said in assurance.
“I’ll come back.”
Aiba sobbed. Sho leaned in to kiss his forehead lightly.
“I’ll call you everyday, until we meet.” Sho promised, and he heard Aiba’s murmur.
“Huh?” Sho asked again since he didn’t catch any of Aiba’s words.
“Send me a Tokyo hamburger,” was all Aiba said, and Sho’s lips cracked into a smile.
“I will. Though I don’t know if they’ll let me send it. It could spoil, you know.”
“Then bring it here yourself.” Aiba pouted and wiped his tears away. He smiled despite his sobs, and he hugged Sho tightly again, “I’ll wait for my present.”
“Okay,” Sho laughed and hugged Aiba back, his hand didn’t want to break the contact with the boy’s body “I’ll miss you.”
“Me too.” Aiba sighed and released Sho. At that moment Sho had already had a lonely feeling when the warmth had suddenly disappeared. He reluctantly let Aiba go, and took his suitcase. He smiled at Aiba one last time and waved.
He would surely missed Aiba, everyday, every single moment. And now Sho knew what Jun meant. This feeling must be ‘love’.
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When Sho returned to Tokyo, he was surprised that Ohno had gone. That, he hadn’t expected. He couldn’t find the other boy anywhere. Even Ohno’s mom told him that she was told to keep it from him.
“Is anything wrong, Sakurai-kun?” She asked uncertainly. “He said he wanted to start a new life … to become independent, and so he transferred school. He has left for two days already. And he said he wouldn’t come back so soon. He had already applied for a school and would go there for the coming school year.”
“What? But… it’s only a month to the next school year! How…?”
“He told me it’s easy to get accepted, it’s a small school after all…”
“Why did he do that?” Sho scratched his head miserably. But he knew that he might be the reason why Ohno had left. Maybe Ohno wanted to get away from him… to avoid him for breaking his heart. It’s my fault, Sho thought painfully. Now that Ohno didn’t want him to know where he went… How could he apologize? He would definitely do it, no matter how many times he had to do it he would apologize to Ohno until the latter forgave him. He would do anything for Ohno to be happy, except to continue being his boyfriend - because Sho knew clearly that they would only hurt each other more by binding each other into the relationship.
That day, and many days after Sho tried countless times to call Ohno, but the other boy either turned off his phone or ignored his calls. This put Sho in a frustrated mood and he didn’t know what to do; he even forgot to call Aiba as promised. He thought about the places Ohno might go. He even called Ohno’s uncle to ask if he was there, but all his efforts were in vain.
Therefore when Aiba called him - it was a month later and the new school year had already started - his mood lightened when he heard the other boy’s voice.
“Sho-chan?”
“Masaki, I’m so glad that you called…”
“Are you okay? You sound tired…!”
“I’m not really okay…” Sho admitted and threw himself onto his bed, and rolled over to his side. “Satoshi left.”
“What…?”
“He left to somewhere that I’m not supposed to know. And now… tell me what I should do, Masaki…”
“… Have you called him?”
“I did! But he didn’t pick up my calls…”
“I’m sorry, Sho-chan…” He heard Aiba’s sigh, “It’s because of me…”
“No,” Sho cut him off firmly. He hated when Aiba sounded depressed. “Forget it, Masaki. I’ll find him later, don’t worry. Tell me something happy to cheer me up.”
“Oh, okay,” Aiba said thoughtfully. “Well, there’s this new student who’d just transferred to my school, you know? And the most important thing is he is rumored to be gay…”
“Like you and me?” Sho chuckled softly.
“Yeah, like you and me…” Aiba giggled at the other end.
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“Sho-chan? I have something to tell you. It’s important! Please call me back!!”
Sho frowned at Aiba’s voice message and immediately pushed the call button. School had ended some time ago but because he was doing some research he had to stay back in school. He happened to check his handphone during his break and there were ten messages from Aiba with the same message.
“Masaki? What’s wrong?”
“Sho-chan!!!” Aiba’s voice cracked from emotion, “I think I found Satoshi!!!”
“What?? How? Where?” Sho shouted in excitement, he totally forgot that he was in the library and his friends stared at him in shock. Sho suddenly realized and walked to some private place.
“My school!!! The new student!! I met him today!!!” Aiba’s words were incoherent, but Sho got it all.
“The new student??” Sho repeated “The one who’s supposed to be gay?”
“Yes!!! And guess what? He’s hanging out with my friend Nino!!”
“Why didn’t I think of that??” Sho widened his eyes in shock. “How could I not think of Satoshi when you mentioned that…”
“But he’s bullied here, Sho-chan.” Aiba suddenly said, serious. Sho felt his heart constrict.
“Why?” He breathed.
“It’s kind of annoying, the students here. They bully every new student. But they seem really interested in Ohno-san.”
“Oh God…” Sho rubbed his temples, feeling totally helpless. He wanted to be there, to protect Ohno from all the bullying, but it was easier said than done.
“I’ll try to help him,” Aiba said reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I know most of the students here. But it’ll take a while for them to leave Ohno-san alone.”
“Thank you, Masaki, really. I don’t know what I can do for him now…”
“Let me help you,” Aiba grinned, and Sho felt his heart starting to calm down. Aiba gave him the secure feeling that Sho always felt safe whenever Aiba was around. “In exchange, would you please help me with something, Sho-chan?”
“Anything for you.” Sho smiled.
“Listen, I think my friend Nino might have some feelings toward Ohno-san here, and they are kind of in denial…”
--------------------------------------------------------
Ring.
“…Moshi moshi?”
“Sho-chan?”
“Masaki, it’s nearly one a.m.…!”
“I know, but I’m so excited I can’t sleep!!!” Aiba exclaimed, and Sho could picture his big bright grin on the other end of the line.
“So, the rumor works?” Sho turned to his side and lazily put the pillow on his head.
“Yes! You’re a genius, Sho-chan! They finally made up today! The part where Nino ran straight to Ohno-san’s classroom was really surprising, I didn’t even know Nino could ever become that angry!”
“It’s you who came up with the rumor,” Sho chuckled, feeling his eyelids getting heavier. “I just gave you the idea.”
“So I’m the genius!” Aiba giggled, and Sho couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “And, Sho-chan, you’re going come here next month, right?”
“Yes, I have a survey to do at Osaka. I’m so lucky.” Sho grinned, and he could feel the sleepiness starting to fade away. Thinking about being able to meet Aiba again made his heart fluttered. Moreover, maybe he could also meet Ohno, and could properly apologise to him.
“I have a plan,” Aiba whispered and Sho widened his eyes, focusing on the conversation. His sleepiness was forgotten. “Sho-chan, when you come here will you call Ohno-san at around noon? Then, ask him out.”
“Why noon?” Sho frowned in confusion. “He’s at school at that time.”
“Yes, that’s why.” Aiba grinned mysteriously.
-------------------------------------------------
A month later…
“Sho-chan!” Aiba grinned at him and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Sho felt that all his tiredness from the flight had faded away as he once again had Aiba back in his arms. “Welcome back.”
“I’m back.” Sho beamed. And when he pulled back he handed Aiba a small bag.
“What’s this?” Aiba asked curiously and opened it.
“Your Tokyo hamburger,” Sho shrugged. “But I’m not sure if it’s still good though.”
Aiba beamed at him. Sho was surprised at how he could melt into happiness every single time Aiba smiled. Aiba then hugged Sho again and giggled.
“I love you, Sho-chan!”
“Me too, Masaki.”
-------------------------------------
“Did you call Ohno-san, Sho-chan?”
“Yeah, he sounded really reluctant when he agreed to go out with me…” Sho sighed.
“Of course he did,” Aiba giggled. “Nino was there, and he definitely didn’t want Nino to know about you.”
“Eh? Nino was there?”
“Yes, they’re always together ever since that last incident, you know, when I made up the rumor,” Aiba grinned, satisfied.
“Is there anything between them…?” Sho asked curiously.
“Go meet Ohno-san and you will find out, Sho-chan!”
-------------------------------------------
“Masaki, let’s go to the park!”
“Like Nino and Ohno-san?”
“Come on, Masaki, let’s have a date today, okay? I want to be with you!”
“Just one more thing, Sho-chan,” Aiba grinned. “I think it’s time for them to realize their feelings for each other. Since we’ve helped them so much already!”
“Yeah. Remember when I went out with Satoshi - the time you asked me to call him when Nino was beside him - and I asked him to come back to Tokyo? He didn’t even listen to me. I think he doesn’t want to come back. He has found Nino here.”
“I think so too. Nino never admitted it, but well, I can tell. Nino had never looked at someone so gently before. He is just so stubborn.”
“So what should we do now?” Sho smiled, and Aiba turned to him, a hint of smile on his lips.
“You need to meet him again, Sho-chan. And I need to make up… let’s see, another rumor is good enough, right?”
-----------------------------------------------
“Am I great at acting?” Sho asked happily. Sho and Aiba had been secretly observing Nino and Ohno who were walking out of the cabin hand in hand. Happiness was evident in their eyes.
“Yes, you were really great, Sho-chan,” Aiba giggled beside him. “I bet they aren’t suspicious about anything!”
“Yeah,” Sho gave Aiba a satisfied smile. “But really, I was surprised that Satoshi had transferred to your school!”
“Me too. I was extremely surprised when I found out that Nino was hanging out with Ohno-san!”
“But the most important thing is they like each other. How coincidental!!”
“Yeah... Making them realize their true feelings was difficult ne, since both of them didn’t want to admit it…but we still succeeded in the end!” Aiba beamed.
“But, are you sure that the students in your school have stopped bullying Satoshi?” Sho asked seriously.
“Yeah, I told them to leave him alone. I’m the president of Student Council, you know.” Aiba shrugged with a complacent smile.
“No, you are not!” Sho burst into laughter at Aiba’s joke, and he reached out to ruffle Aiba’s hair playfully.
“I’m still wondering what Ohno-san would say if he knew that I’m the one who took his Sho-kun away.”
“Well, he won’t mind,” Sho grinned assuredly, “since he already has Nino!”
They both laughed and stood up from their spot; Sho suddenly leaned in to give Aiba a chaste kiss on his forehead .
“Now it’s time for you and me,” he grinned.
Part 1