Unnecessary Secret [25/?]
“My friends in school have two parents,” Shori climbed to Jun’s lap, “Why do I only have you?”
Spring ‘01
Shori’s growth is a miracle for me. He can smile now. His first smile is the most beautiful thing I ever seen. Is it coincidence that his first smile was on your birthday, Sho chan?
“Look at his peaceful face. He’s so beautiful, isn’t he?” Jun said one day, when finally Shori fell asleep on Aiba’s hands after hours of crying. Eyes fixated fondly to the sleeping baby.
“Uhn. He is,” Aiba answered. He moved the baby side to side slowly. The house was so peaceful, sorrow and resentment were already long buried under the joy of having tiny Shori around.
“Too bad he couldn’t have complete family,” Jun didn’t know why he blurted it out suddenly. He shut his mouth when he realized.
Awkward silence filled the air.
Aiba shuffled on his feet. He had planned this for a long time now, but he never had enough courage nor the right timing to do it.
The loneliness in Jun’s eyes gave him the final push, “Then let me be his father.”
Aiba himself was surprised by how easy the words slid from his mouth. Especially when he realized how calm he was when saying it.
Jun looked up to Aiba immediately. Shocked. Absolutely didn’t see it coming.
“Hah? Come again?”
Aiba averted his gaze from Shori to Jun. He smiled, “Marry me, Jun chan. Then he can have a complete happy family.”
Jun gaped. The words felt so weird to his ears. Aiba, out of all the people in the world, proposed to him; his longest best friend proposed him with his son from another man in his hands.
It took few seconds before he could answer, “What’s that even, Masaki? Don’t talk non sense here.”
“I love you. I always do. And I love Shori chan, you know that. So this is not non sense. Nope, not even close.”
Jun’s eyes widened. The knowledge that slowly seeped to his brain hit him like a huge hammer.
Always do?
“Since when?” he gulped.
“Kindergarten? Elementary? First time we met? I don’t know. As long as I remember, there’s not even one day where I don’t love you,” Aiba really didn’t know what’s in him to make him talk so easily. Almost carefree, even.
Jun froze. He stared at Aiba with mix of shock and disbelieve.
“So, marry me?” Aiba asked. A little anxiety grew inside him, but he was prepared for any outcome possible for a long time.
Actually, he was kind of already knew what Jun’s answer would be.
“I..,” Jun was speechless. His mind blurred.
Aiba chuckled, “Is it really that surprising, Jun chan? Everybody knows. Even Okada senpai.”
His hope was getting smaller every second spent.
“I can’t, Masaki. I’m sorry,” Jun answered with apologetic expression. Deep inside, he can only hope that it would not ruined their friendship.
I knew it.
“Nah, it’s okay,” Aiba answered. A little smile curled up in the corner of his lips.
Jun shuffled on his feet, didn’t know what to do. The newfound knowledge was too shocking for him.
Aiba noticed the awkwardness that lingered. He giggled while putting Shori to his crib slowly. He patted Jun’s shoulder.
“Come on, don’t be all awkward like that. It’s still me, Jun chan, the usual me. The usual me is the in-love-with-you me, nothing changed. I’ve been like this for as long as you know me, so come on, don’t throw that look on me.”
“I’m sorry, Masaki,” Jun repeated. Guilt invaded his heart like some incurable disease.
“Yeah, yeah, I forgive you,” Aiba patted Jun’s shoulder once again then proceeded to leave Jun’s room. Just when he’s about to pass the door he stopped, turned, and winked, “But if you want to change your mind, you know where to find me.”
That night, after Satoshi and Okada came back from their office, Okada found Aiba drinking beers in the roof. He loosened his tie and sat next to Aiba, waiting until the younger willing to spill anything that was bothering him.
“I proposed to Jun,” Aiba finally opened his mouth.
Okada’s eyes furrowed, “Hm?”
“Yeah, I proposed him and he rejected me. No surprise in that,” Aiba giggled bitterly.
Okada saw the glint of sadness in Aiba’s eyes. The sadness mingled with the loneliness he often witness flashing in those pretty eyes. He suddenly felt terrible. He had a sudden urge to hug the slender man and caress him and protect him from the world’s cruelty. He wanted to assure him that everything will be okay, everything will be just fine. He desired to erase all the pain and lift all the burden that Aiba had. He really had the words ‘don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll protect you.’ in the tip of his tongue.
Then there, Okada realized that he despised the idea of sad Aiba and he cherished Aiba’s happiness. He got it.
I’m in love with him.
*******
Summer ‘02
Shori can already walk and talk. He’s an active kid, he even made friends with few neighbors. People said he looks just like me. But, Sho chan, those wide eyes are yours, not mine.
Satoshi couldn’t believe his eyes. His body turned into a solid statue as his eyes found a little figure that he knew very well. That he still remembered even after over two years of separation. The figure that he still longed to after all this time. His favorite object of his art. Ninomiya Kazunari.
The younger man was standing in front of his office’s receptionist, while Satoshi eyed him from one way mirror window of VIP waiting room close to the lobby. He stared intently, as if he would like to carve every single detail of the man in his head permanently.
“He’s getting skinnier,” Satoshi whispered unconsciously.
“Is it alright like this? Don’t you want to meet him, Satoshi kun? He’s been to almost all of our offices all around the world in this and the last summer,” Okada asked from behind him.
“I can’t show up in front of him, you know that,” Satoshi snapped. Bitterly.
The object of their conversation started to make agitated gesture. His stubby hands waved to every possible direction. The vein in his neck showed up. He was screaming.
“Il suffit de me dire où se trouve Ohno Satoshi, putain de merde! (Just tell me where the hell is Ohno Satoshi, goddamit!)” he cursed in French, “Le fils de votre DIRECTEUR! Votre putain de futur PDG! Je veux savoir où il est, et, VOUS ALLEZ ME LE DIRE!! (Your CEO’s son! Your fucking next CEO! I want to know where he is and YOU HAVE TO TELL ME!)”
Satoshi’s eyes widened and glimmered in awe. He never knew Nino could talk in French. His heart warmed for a slightest moment then turned cold again.
But then again, what the hell do I know after leaving him for so long?
Satoshi turned his body around, didn’t want to enlarge the damage that was already made in his scarred heart.
“Tell the security to kick him out.”
“What?” Okada didn’t sure of what he heard.
“You heard me loud and clear,” Satoshi said firmly and walked away with million pieces of his heart spilled all along the way.
*******
Winter ‘03
Shori turned three recently. He’s the cutest and nicest three years old ever. I take him to my fashion designing classes and he never made a scene. Also, his curiosity is amazing.
“Congratulation,” Okada suddenly showed up next to Aiba.
Aiba smiled, “Thanks, Senpai.”
His eyes scanned the crowd fondly, and stopped at Jun who carried Shori in his hands with Satoshi beside him.
“First restaurant in French, huh? And you’re still 20! Your mom must be really proud.”
“I can’t believe I made it, though. Maybe it was all because my desire to stay here and accompany Jun is so big that I can make it in the end,” Aiba chuckled, “My mom won’t let me stay if I didn’t do this.”
“What can I do..,” Okada’s voice was so small and carried by the wind.
Aiba turned his head to Okada, “Hm?”
“What can I do to make you look at me like that?” Okada gave a little sheepish smile to his champagne, didn’t feel comfortable to meet Aiba’s pretty eyes.
“I love you, Aiba kun. I want you to know that.”
Aiba was dumbfounded. He was shocked. He didn’t know what to do and what to say. He just froze.
“It- it’s not like I’m asking you out or anything.. I just want you to know,” Okada looked up, finally looking to Aiba properly. He smiled, “I know you’re still looking at his direction, waiting for him to finally turn to you and answer your feelings towards him. But, I want you to know that I’m doing the exact same thing towards you. I love you, and I am waiting for you to love me too.”
“Senpai..”
“I’m not pushing your or anything. Just.. just look at my direction every once in a while, would you? You deserve to be loved too,” Okada took Aiba’s hand in his, “And maybe one day you’ll love me back.”
Aiba looked down to where his hand were enveloped by Okada’s warmth.
“Don’t worry, I won’t hate Jun or anything. He’s my young master, afterall. I’ll also do my best to keep him and Shori chan happy. Because their happiness is your happiness, right?” Okada smiled in an assuring fashion before walk away, “Happy birthday, Aiba kun.”
Aiba needed more than ten minutes to regain his ability to move back. His heart never felt so warm.
*******
Fall ‘05
Shori enrolled to kindergarten. He’s smart, his teacher praised him and his friends like him. He’s really your son after all, Sho chan.
“Papa,” little Shori tugged Jun’s sleeve.
“Yes, Angel?” Jun asked. He moved his focus from his newest clothes design to his one and only son.
“My friends in school have two parents,” Shori climbed to Jun’s lap, “Why do I only have you?”
Sharp pain felt in Jun’s heart.
The time has come, eh?
“Is it wrong to have only me, sweetheart? Are you saying that I’m not enough?” Jun mocked a frown, hoping that he could escape from the conversation.
“No, no, Papa is the best!” Shori shook his head cutely, “But my friend Marius said it’s weird to have only one parent. He said everyone has two parents, except if one of them is dead. Is my other papa dead? Or is it Mama?”
Jun sighed. Shori was too smart even when he’s just a kindergarten student.
“You only have one papa, darling. It’s me. Only me.”
“But-”
“Only me, Shori,” Jun repeated, fiercer.
Shori tilted his head. Confused.
“It’s weird. I have one papa but three Oji san. Why don’t we make one of them my other Papa? Can I have Satoshi oji chan as my papa?”
Jun chuckled, “No, dear. You can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because Satoshi oji chan is Papa’s Nii chan. He can’t be your papa. He can only be your Oji chan.”
“And Aiba oji chan? I love him, he’s kind and funny and loves me. And Papa doesn’t call him Nii chan so he’s alright, right?” Shori beamed.
“No, he can’t be your papa too, dear,” Jun brushed his son’s hair lightly.
“Why?”
Jun was baffled by the question. He remembered Aiba’s proposal few years ago, the one that still bugged him some times. He instantly felt troubled, Aiba’s face swarming in his head.
Yeah, Jun. Why?
Jun shook his head to clear his mind, “Come, Son. Let’s just sleep.”
“But you haven’t answered yet.”
“I won’t answer and you won’t ask about it anymore.”
Because I also don’t know the answer.
*******
Summer ‘06
Shori finally got to see his father. Sato nii chan came home with a magazine with you and Nino kun in it today, Sho chan. If only Shori knew that the handsome men in the cover was his father and his uncle.“I’m halfway to get you home, Oh chan,” Nino’s voice swarmed into Satoshi’s ears. He didn’t expect that Nino would leave him another voice mail. But the fact that he kept his old cellphone active proved that he secretly hoped for it.
He stomped his feet furiously. He passed every cubicle in an ice cold expression he always had that earned him the title of ‘Ice Prince’. He was almost arrived to his office’s door when his eyes caught some kanji in a magazine. He stopped his step as he saw the photo on the cover and turned to the magazine owner.
“Where did you get this?”
The whole room silenced. It’s a super rare occasion that their boss uttered some words outside the meeting.
“I.. I subscribed some Japanese magazine, Sir,” the owner of the magazine - a half Japanese girl - stuttered.
Satoshi took the magazine and observed it. His eyes didn’t deceive him, it’s indeed Nino.
“May I have this?” Satoshi asked, unfocused.
“Y-yes, Sir.”
Satoshi left without words and barged to his office room. Behind him, Okada chanted some apology to the girl.
Satoshi’s hands were shaking. His eyes were blurred. He grabbed the magazine with overflowing emotion.
Nino’s face was there in the magazine. Eyes focused and expression serious. Next to him, Sakurai Sho gave a diplomatic smile in his doctor outfit.
“Ninomiya Kazunari: The New CEO of Sakurai Company
Sakurai Sho (27), the only heir of Sakurai Company, announces that he has officially given his position as CEO of the company to his half-brother Ninomiya Kazunari (24) today.”
Satoshi’s heart burnt. All of the memories went back to his mind. With all the logic remained in his frantic head, he was sure it had something to do with Nino’s voice mail earlier.
What’s the meaning of all this, Kazu?
*******
Winter ‘07
Shori will go to elementary school soon. Time sure flies. Ne, Sho chan? Maybe I should give Shori a new father?
“What’s wrong?” Okada asked when he noticed Jun was spacing out.
“Hm? Ah, nothing, Senpai. Where’s the others?”
“Satoshi in the museum and Aiba kun in his restaurant,” Okada answered, “Come on, don’t change the topic. I know something is bothering you.”
“Ah..,” Jun hesitated.
“Well, Shori been asking for another father lately.”
“Really? Oh, kids,” Okada giggled, “Don’t think too seriously about it. It won’t last that long. Sooner or later he will forget it.”
Jun threw a short smile, “But.. I don’t know.. Maybe it would be nice to provide him a complete happy family. He envies his friends, I know it. Should I get married?”
Okada got alerted, “Marriage requires two person, Jun kun. Do you have someone in mind?”
“Masaki.”
Okada felt his heart deflated to nothing. He had to use all of his willpower to not run and abandon the scene at once.
“Ah, I see.”
“But.. I don’t know. I’m not sure yet,” Jun absentmindedly played with his food.
“Decide it when you’re 100% sure, Jun kun. You’re putting your, Shori’s, and Aiba kun’s life on stake here,” Okada said in a serious tone, “You have to be sure that you’re ready for it. I mean, you have to really forget your past and all.”
Okada paused a moment then continued, “Do you even in love with him, Jun kun? Because it will be unfair for him if you don’t. And I’m sure he will be sad if that’s the case.”
And, hell, I won’t forgive you if you make him sad.
“But if you’re already sure about it, then I’m happy for both of you.”
Because Aiba kun’s happiness is all that matters to me. Nothing else.
Jun looked up to Okada. He sighed, “Well, I guess I need some more time to think about it. Don’t tell anyone about this, Senpai. Especially Masaki and Shori.”
Okada managed to nod before walking out and trying to recollect his broken heart.
*******
Summer ‘08
Shori is an elementary school student now. He will turn 8 this fall, and probably he will spend his 8th birthday in Japan. Oh my, I really don't think this is a good idea. What should I do if some day he meet you, Sho chan?
“You have to come home, Satoshi,” his mother’s voice was decorated with urge, “You have to handle this company.”
“I can’t do it yet, Mom,” Satoshi answered. He didn’t want to disappoint his mother, but the idea of living so close with Nino made him crazy.
“You have to, Son. It’s getting worse. Competitor is snatching our clients since two years ago. They are giving the exact same contract with half the price.”
“What? That’s insane, Mom. They will go bankrupt in no time.”
“And I don’t think you want that to happen, Son.”
“Huh?” Satoshi got confused.
“It’s Sakurai Company. It’s Nino kun, Satoshi.”
Satoshi felt his organs stopped working. The world became distant and his head swirled mercilessly.
He let his phone dropped to the floor before running out from his room. With shaking body, he declared to everyone who’s happened to be in the living room.
“We’re going back to Japan.”
25th! Sorry for the delay xD
So, so, so... 8 years have passed. And by the end of this chap, Shori is almost 8, Jun is almost 24, Aiba is 24, Satoshi and Sho is 29, Nino is 26, and Okada is 32.
Whoa, everyone has grown up! We started with Jun still 11, remember? :") *wipe tears* Thanks for lilisan31 and sweetrose501 for betaing and for the prompt! Lots of love for you girls!
And of course, thanks to you all who read this! Comments are loved!
PS: I watched 11 ep of Shori's 49 in one go few days ago. And damn, he's handsome. And young. And so many shirtless scene......................................................... My sis kept whispering, "Papa Jun must be proud for those shirtless scenes........." xD
Chapter 24
Chapter 26
Spring ‘01
Shori’s growth is a miracle for me. He can smile now. His first smile is the most beautiful thing I ever seen. Is it coincidence that his first smile was on your birthday, Sho chan?
“Look at his peaceful face. He’s so beautiful, isn’t he?” Jun said one day, when finally Shori fell asleep on Aiba’s hands after hours of crying. Eyes fixated fondly to the sleeping baby.
“Uhn. He is,” Aiba answered. He moved the baby side to side slowly. The house was so peaceful, sorrow and resentment were already long buried under the joy of having tiny Shori around.
“Too bad he couldn’t have complete family,” Jun didn’t know why he blurted it out suddenly. He shut his mouth when he realized.
Awkward silence filled the air.
Aiba shuffled on his feet. He had planned this for a long time now, but he never had enough courage nor the right timing to do it.
The loneliness in Jun’s eyes gave him the final push, “Then let me be his father.”
Aiba himself was surprised by how easy the words slid from his mouth. Especially when he realized how calm he was when saying it.
Jun looked up to Aiba immediately. Shocked. Absolutely didn’t see it coming.
“Hah? Come again?”
Aiba averted his gaze from Shori to Jun. He smiled, “Marry me, Jun chan. Then he can have a complete happy family.”
Jun gaped. The words felt so weird to his ears. Aiba, out of all the people in the world, proposed to him; his longest best friend proposed him with his son from another man in his hands.
It took few seconds before he could answer, “What’s that even, Masaki? Don’t talk non sense here.”
“I love you. I always do. And I love Shori chan, you know that. So this is not non sense. Nope, not even close.”
Jun’s eyes widened. The knowledge that slowly seeped to his brain hit him like a huge hammer.
Always do?
“Since when?” he gulped.
“Kindergarten? Elementary? First time we met? I don’t know. As long as I remember, there’s not even one day where I don’t love you,” Aiba really didn’t know what’s in him to make him talk so easily. Almost carefree, even.
Jun froze. He stared at Aiba with mix of shock and disbelieve.
“So, marry me?” Aiba asked. A little anxiety grew inside him, but he was prepared for any outcome possible for a long time.
Actually, he was kind of already knew what Jun’s answer would be.
“I..,” Jun was speechless. His mind blurred.
Aiba chuckled, “Is it really that surprising, Jun chan? Everybody knows. Even Okada senpai.”
His hope was getting smaller every second spent.
“I can’t, Masaki. I’m sorry,” Jun answered with apologetic expression. Deep inside, he can only hope that it would not ruined their friendship.
I knew it.
“Nah, it’s okay,” Aiba answered. A little smile curled up in the corner of his lips.
Jun shuffled on his feet, didn’t know what to do. The newfound knowledge was too shocking for him.
Aiba noticed the awkwardness that lingered. He giggled while putting Shori to his crib slowly. He patted Jun’s shoulder.
“Come on, don’t be all awkward like that. It’s still me, Jun chan, the usual me. The usual me is the in-love-with-you me, nothing changed. I’ve been like this for as long as you know me, so come on, don’t throw that look on me.”
“I’m sorry, Masaki,” Jun repeated. Guilt invaded his heart like some incurable disease.
“Yeah, yeah, I forgive you,” Aiba patted Jun’s shoulder once again then proceeded to leave Jun’s room. Just when he’s about to pass the door he stopped, turned, and winked, “But if you want to change your mind, you know where to find me.”
That night, after Satoshi and Okada came back from their office, Okada found Aiba drinking beers in the roof. He loosened his tie and sat next to Aiba, waiting until the younger willing to spill anything that was bothering him.
“I proposed to Jun,” Aiba finally opened his mouth.
Okada’s eyes furrowed, “Hm?”
“Yeah, I proposed him and he rejected me. No surprise in that,” Aiba giggled bitterly.
Okada saw the glint of sadness in Aiba’s eyes. The sadness mingled with the loneliness he often witness flashing in those pretty eyes. He suddenly felt terrible. He had a sudden urge to hug the slender man and caress him and protect him from the world’s cruelty. He wanted to assure him that everything will be okay, everything will be just fine. He desired to erase all the pain and lift all the burden that Aiba had. He really had the words ‘don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll protect you.’ in the tip of his tongue.
Then there, Okada realized that he despised the idea of sad Aiba and he cherished Aiba’s happiness. He got it.
I’m in love with him.
*******
Summer ‘02
Shori can already walk and talk. He’s an active kid, he even made friends with few neighbors. People said he looks just like me. But, Sho chan, those wide eyes are yours, not mine.
Satoshi couldn’t believe his eyes. His body turned into a solid statue as his eyes found a little figure that he knew very well. That he still remembered even after over two years of separation. The figure that he still longed to after all this time. His favorite object of his art. Ninomiya Kazunari.
The younger man was standing in front of his office’s receptionist, while Satoshi eyed him from one way mirror window of VIP waiting room close to the lobby. He stared intently, as if he would like to carve every single detail of the man in his head permanently.
“He’s getting skinnier,” Satoshi whispered unconsciously.
“Is it alright like this? Don’t you want to meet him, Satoshi kun? He’s been to almost all of our offices all around the world in this and the last summer,” Okada asked from behind him.
“I can’t show up in front of him, you know that,” Satoshi snapped. Bitterly.
The object of their conversation started to make agitated gesture. His stubby hands waved to every possible direction. The vein in his neck showed up. He was screaming.
“Il suffit de me dire où se trouve Ohno Satoshi, putain de merde! (Just tell me where the hell is Ohno Satoshi, goddamit!)” he cursed in French, “Le fils de votre DIRECTEUR! Votre putain de futur PDG! Je veux savoir où il est, et, VOUS ALLEZ ME LE DIRE!! (Your CEO’s son! Your fucking next CEO! I want to know where he is and YOU HAVE TO TELL ME!)”
Satoshi’s eyes widened and glimmered in awe. He never knew Nino could talk in French. His heart warmed for a slightest moment then turned cold again.
But then again, what the hell do I know after leaving him for so long?
Satoshi turned his body around, didn’t want to enlarge the damage that was already made in his scarred heart.
“Tell the security to kick him out.”
“What?” Okada didn’t sure of what he heard.
“You heard me loud and clear,” Satoshi said firmly and walked away with million pieces of his heart spilled all along the way.
*******
Winter ‘03
Shori turned three recently. He’s the cutest and nicest three years old ever. I take him to my fashion designing classes and he never made a scene. Also, his curiosity is amazing.
“Congratulation,” Okada suddenly showed up next to Aiba.
Aiba smiled, “Thanks, Senpai.”
His eyes scanned the crowd fondly, and stopped at Jun who carried Shori in his hands with Satoshi beside him.
“First restaurant in French, huh? And you’re still 20! Your mom must be really proud.”
“I can’t believe I made it, though. Maybe it was all because my desire to stay here and accompany Jun is so big that I can make it in the end,” Aiba chuckled, “My mom won’t let me stay if I didn’t do this.”
“What can I do..,” Okada’s voice was so small and carried by the wind.
Aiba turned his head to Okada, “Hm?”
“What can I do to make you look at me like that?” Okada gave a little sheepish smile to his champagne, didn’t feel comfortable to meet Aiba’s pretty eyes.
“I love you, Aiba kun. I want you to know that.”
Aiba was dumbfounded. He was shocked. He didn’t know what to do and what to say. He just froze.
“It- it’s not like I’m asking you out or anything.. I just want you to know,” Okada looked up, finally looking to Aiba properly. He smiled, “I know you’re still looking at his direction, waiting for him to finally turn to you and answer your feelings towards him. But, I want you to know that I’m doing the exact same thing towards you. I love you, and I am waiting for you to love me too.”
“Senpai..”
“I’m not pushing your or anything. Just.. just look at my direction every once in a while, would you? You deserve to be loved too,” Okada took Aiba’s hand in his, “And maybe one day you’ll love me back.”
Aiba looked down to where his hand were enveloped by Okada’s warmth.
“Don’t worry, I won’t hate Jun or anything. He’s my young master, afterall. I’ll also do my best to keep him and Shori chan happy. Because their happiness is your happiness, right?” Okada smiled in an assuring fashion before walk away, “Happy birthday, Aiba kun.”
Aiba needed more than ten minutes to regain his ability to move back. His heart never felt so warm.
*******
Fall ‘05
Shori enrolled to kindergarten. He’s smart, his teacher praised him and his friends like him. He’s really your son after all, Sho chan.
“Papa,” little Shori tugged Jun’s sleeve.
“Yes, Angel?” Jun asked. He moved his focus from his newest clothes design to his one and only son.
“My friends in school have two parents,” Shori climbed to Jun’s lap, “Why do I only have you?”
Sharp pain felt in Jun’s heart.
The time has come, eh?
“Is it wrong to have only me, sweetheart? Are you saying that I’m not enough?” Jun mocked a frown, hoping that he could escape from the conversation.
“No, no, Papa is the best!” Shori shook his head cutely, “But my friend Marius said it’s weird to have only one parent. He said everyone has two parents, except if one of them is dead. Is my other papa dead? Or is it Mama?”
Jun sighed. Shori was too smart even when he’s just a kindergarten student.
“You only have one papa, darling. It’s me. Only me.”
“But-”
“Only me, Shori,” Jun repeated, fiercer.
Shori tilted his head. Confused.
“It’s weird. I have one papa but three Oji san. Why don’t we make one of them my other Papa? Can I have Satoshi oji chan as my papa?”
Jun chuckled, “No, dear. You can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because Satoshi oji chan is Papa’s Nii chan. He can’t be your papa. He can only be your Oji chan.”
“And Aiba oji chan? I love him, he’s kind and funny and loves me. And Papa doesn’t call him Nii chan so he’s alright, right?” Shori beamed.
“No, he can’t be your papa too, dear,” Jun brushed his son’s hair lightly.
“Why?”
Jun was baffled by the question. He remembered Aiba’s proposal few years ago, the one that still bugged him some times. He instantly felt troubled, Aiba’s face swarming in his head.
Yeah, Jun. Why?
Jun shook his head to clear his mind, “Come, Son. Let’s just sleep.”
“But you haven’t answered yet.”
“I won’t answer and you won’t ask about it anymore.”
Because I also don’t know the answer.
*******
Summer ‘06
Shori finally got to see his father. Sato nii chan came home with a magazine with you and Nino kun in it today, Sho chan. If only Shori knew that the handsome men in the cover was his father and his uncle.“I’m halfway to get you home, Oh chan,” Nino’s voice swarmed into Satoshi’s ears. He didn’t expect that Nino would leave him another voice mail. But the fact that he kept his old cellphone active proved that he secretly hoped for it.
He stomped his feet furiously. He passed every cubicle in an ice cold expression he always had that earned him the title of ‘Ice Prince’. He was almost arrived to his office’s door when his eyes caught some kanji in a magazine. He stopped his step as he saw the photo on the cover and turned to the magazine owner.
“Where did you get this?”
The whole room silenced. It’s a super rare occasion that their boss uttered some words outside the meeting.
“I.. I subscribed some Japanese magazine, Sir,” the owner of the magazine - a half Japanese girl - stuttered.
Satoshi took the magazine and observed it. His eyes didn’t deceive him, it’s indeed Nino.
“May I have this?” Satoshi asked, unfocused.
“Y-yes, Sir.”
Satoshi left without words and barged to his office room. Behind him, Okada chanted some apology to the girl.
Satoshi’s hands were shaking. His eyes were blurred. He grabbed the magazine with overflowing emotion.
Nino’s face was there in the magazine. Eyes focused and expression serious. Next to him, Sakurai Sho gave a diplomatic smile in his doctor outfit.
“Ninomiya Kazunari: The New CEO of Sakurai Company
Sakurai Sho (27), the only heir of Sakurai Company, announces that he has officially given his position as CEO of the company to his half-brother Ninomiya Kazunari (24) today.”
Satoshi’s heart burnt. All of the memories went back to his mind. With all the logic remained in his frantic head, he was sure it had something to do with Nino’s voice mail earlier.
What’s the meaning of all this, Kazu?
*******
Winter ‘07
Shori will go to elementary school soon. Time sure flies. Ne, Sho chan? Maybe I should give Shori a new father?
“What’s wrong?” Okada asked when he noticed Jun was spacing out.
“Hm? Ah, nothing, Senpai. Where’s the others?”
“Satoshi in the museum and Aiba kun in his restaurant,” Okada answered, “Come on, don’t change the topic. I know something is bothering you.”
“Ah..,” Jun hesitated.
“Well, Shori been asking for another father lately.”
“Really? Oh, kids,” Okada giggled, “Don’t think too seriously about it. It won’t last that long. Sooner or later he will forget it.”
Jun threw a short smile, “But.. I don’t know.. Maybe it would be nice to provide him a complete happy family. He envies his friends, I know it. Should I get married?”
Okada got alerted, “Marriage requires two person, Jun kun. Do you have someone in mind?”
“Masaki.”
Okada felt his heart deflated to nothing. He had to use all of his willpower to not run and abandon the scene at once.
“Ah, I see.”
“But.. I don’t know. I’m not sure yet,” Jun absentmindedly played with his food.
“Decide it when you’re 100% sure, Jun kun. You’re putting your, Shori’s, and Aiba kun’s life on stake here,” Okada said in a serious tone, “You have to be sure that you’re ready for it. I mean, you have to really forget your past and all.”
Okada paused a moment then continued, “Do you even in love with him, Jun kun? Because it will be unfair for him if you don’t. And I’m sure he will be sad if that’s the case.”
And, hell, I won’t forgive you if you make him sad.
“But if you’re already sure about it, then I’m happy for both of you.”
Because Aiba kun’s happiness is all that matters to me. Nothing else.
Jun looked up to Okada. He sighed, “Well, I guess I need some more time to think about it. Don’t tell anyone about this, Senpai. Especially Masaki and Shori.”
Okada managed to nod before walking out and trying to recollect his broken heart.
*******
Summer ‘08
Shori is an elementary school student now. He will turn 8 this fall, and probably he will spend his 8th birthday in Japan. Oh my, I really don't think this is a good idea. What should I do if some day he meet you, Sho chan?
“You have to come home, Satoshi,” his mother’s voice was decorated with urge, “You have to handle this company.”
“I can’t do it yet, Mom,” Satoshi answered. He didn’t want to disappoint his mother, but the idea of living so close with Nino made him crazy.
“You have to, Son. It’s getting worse. Competitor is snatching our clients since two years ago. They are giving the exact same contract with half the price.”
“What? That’s insane, Mom. They will go bankrupt in no time.”
“And I don’t think you want that to happen, Son.”
“Huh?” Satoshi got confused.
“It’s Sakurai Company. It’s Nino kun, Satoshi.”
Satoshi felt his organs stopped working. The world became distant and his head swirled mercilessly.
He let his phone dropped to the floor before running out from his room. With shaking body, he declared to everyone who’s happened to be in the living room.
“We’re going back to Japan.”
25th! Sorry for the delay xD
So, so, so... 8 years have passed. And by the end of this chap, Shori is almost 8, Jun is almost 24, Aiba is 24, Satoshi and Sho is 29, Nino is 26, and Okada is 32.
Whoa, everyone has grown up! We started with Jun still 11, remember? :") *wipe tears* Thanks for lilisan31 and sweetrose501 for betaing and for the prompt! Lots of love for you girls!
And of course, thanks to you all who read this! Comments are loved!
PS: I watched 11 ep of Shori's 49 in one go few days ago. And damn, he's handsome. And young. And so many shirtless scene......................................................... My sis kept whispering, "Papa Jun must be proud for those shirtless scenes........." xD
Chapter 24
Chapter 26