[Multichapter] Dreamcatcher ～瞳を閉じて君を描くよ～ (chapter 1/9)
Title: Dreamcatcher ～瞳を閉じて君を描くよ～
Author: tsuchi8562
Beta: andreja1989 << Thank you so much ♥
Special thanks for: syunikiss1990 for kicking my butt to continue this story when I wanted to drop it and for yuuki_saya for throwing ideas at me when I needed them.
Pairing: Fukushi x Ninomiya, Matsumiya
Genre: romance, psychological drama
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A/N: Written to my friend (sorry it took so long). I had hard times with writing it and wanted to drop the story but I managed to finish it with help. I hope you can enjoy it (no matter how cruel I was in there)…
*MASTERPOST*
The wall was really cold but it was the only thing that could support him right now, as his knees were shaking. He pressed his back harder to the rugged surface just to be sure he won’t collapse while his beloved senpai are making wonders with his tongue in the place he wouldn’t allow anyone to touch…
“S-souta-kun…” The younger boy moaned quietly the latter’s name and soon after bit his lower lip. He shouldn’t make any noises, even if it’s late they are in public place. He looked down at black hair gently moving in the wind, looking like raven’s wings. His hand involuntary moved to touch this silky like wisps but when his legs started to tremble more, he grabbed the edge of wooden cupboard. He felt his hard member dive deeper in Souta’s mouth and the vacuum getting tighter around it. The thought where did the older one learn such things started to create in his mind but was successfully pushed away by approaching climax. Soon he felt familiar warmth in his abdomen, the same he felt every time he was playing with himself and he spurted inside the latter’s mouth, feeling both ashamed and a bit happy.
“Happy birthday, Kazu…” The older one smiled and wiped his lips while standing up. His hand touched the younger one’s face gently.
“It’s tomorrow… My birthday…”
“I know, but we won’t meet then, right? I have match in Fukuoka, we’re leaving early in the morning.” Souta looked at the latter and chuckled. “Pull up your pants, you will catch a cold…”
“S-sorry…” Kazunari mumbled, feeling his cheeks get even deeper shade of red than they already had. It was his first time with a boy, as well as the day when everything got clear to him, just at the magazine said, before his sixteen birthday. Even if it was only one day…
“I need to go back home… Guess we’ll see each other in few days, ne? Have fun tomorrow. Bye~!”
“As much as I can have fun in that house…” The younger one whispered to himself and sighed. He waited few more minutes before he went out from the recess for old festival’s decorations at the back of their school and dashed towards home, hoping nobody noticed he was not in his room.
***
Ninomiya Kazunari started to suspect he prefers boys three years earlier when he noticed that sneaking into woman's onsen to peep gave him no pleasure his classmates saw in it. Instead he found it quite disgusting. Through months he started to explore that part of his personality, trying to figure out who he really was. Even though his first crush from kindergarten was petite blond girl from France after that he didn't feel anything more to any girl he had met. His heart fluttered only while observing his older colleague on football training and he was getting more and more sure that he is gay. The thought scared the hell out of him but not only because homosexuality is seen by society as sin… Ninomiya’s father was more than strict and demanded obeying in every aspect of his children’s lives. As a former soldier of French Foreign Legion discipline close to terror was the only way he could raise his daughter and son as a single parent. Kazunari was a good student but he didn’t have any friends. Most of the time he was sitting alone in his room or in public library studying and looking for more information regarding himself. Hiding under the desk, reading books and articles which were supposed to help him find the truth he learned that the answer he is looking for will be found before he turns sixteen. He didn’t expect that things will go the way it did though.
Ninomiya had a crush on his senpai Fukushi Souta since forever. At first he thought he is just jealous and wants to become athlete himself but with passing time and gathering more knowledge about himself the younger boy could finally call the feelings he had. Of course the older one, as a football player, was surrounded by dozens of his faithful fangirls and he could have any of them so Kazunari didn't make any move. The bunch of groupies wasn't the only reason obviously he still was afraid of his body’s reactions and he didn’t have any proof that his senpai has the same preferences. However few weeks ago something weird happened. Fukushi sat next to him on the train home and they had a nice and strange conversation. Souta seemed to know what was troubling Ninomiya but he didn't say anything straight. Until...
"Ninomiya-kun, can I ask you a question?" The older boy showed his best smile and all Nino could do was to nod. "What would you do if I kissed you right now?"
"W-w-what?" Kazunari gasped and felt the blood coloring his cheeks. It was right after the time he realized he is in love with his senpai. The latter just smiled and pushed Ninomiya into dark corner, somewhere behind a café. Before the younger one managed to react in any way his lips were claimed by the other boy and their tongues danced in a sloppy, wet and very sweet kiss. It wasn't Nino's first time but this caress was nothing comparing to the wet smooch he shared with a girl on one of summer festivals in his town. It was a lot more pleasurable and sent bunch of butterflies in his stomach. Homosexuality is a sin, a disease which needs to be cured or exterminated from earth a thought hit him suddenly. Kazunari heard these words a lot, hurt by them many times. However at this time nothing mattered, just the sweet lips pressed to his...
"Hey, breathe..." Souta chuckled and patted the latter on his back. Just then Kazunari noticed he was holding air in his lungs, afraid to exhale and make this beautiful scene disappear. "You okay?"
"Y-yeah, I am fine... I am fine..." Ninomiya smiled weakly and pressed his back to the wall. This was the day their secret relationship started and even though the younger one still had doubts and fight with himself, after what happened the day before his birthday everything was clear like a diamond.
Kazunari got back to his room getting in through an open window, praying silently to stay unnoticed. He knew that any of excuses he could think of won’t be forgiven and his father will lock him up in the cellar again with no light and food for two days. Fortunately the house was quiet when he sneaked inside his bed and exhaled the air he had in his lungs till now. Nino’s thoughts went back to the events from not so long ago, when his boyfriend was giving him early birthday gift. Boyfriend. The word flashed in front of his eyes like a bright silver neon and made a small smile decorate his face. Through all of his life he never felt as happy as in this moment, realizing he is in love with the older boy and somehow sure the latter feels the same. Ninomiya’s father of course was the problem but at this moment Kazunari wanted to enjoy the thought and memories, cherish them like a biggest treasure and hide somewhere deep enough so they can’t be found by anybody. Overwhelmed he fell asleep around midnight, feeling fortunate that the next day was off.
“Kazunari, you know the drill.” Ninomiya Jiro stated with his firm voice, looking at his only son. This was the time when the younger one will state all his plans for next week, the more detailed the better. It was some kind of tradition or more like the head of the family liked to have everything organized and this was his way of getting know what his kids are doing. The man leaned back in his chair, sipping his black coffee and making sure his cane won’t fall on the floor. Jiro was wounded during a fight he had with some American back in the Legion and since then he couldn’t properly walk as his right knee was damaged. When the silence prolonged, the oldest one in the room frowned and cleared his throat showing his impatience. Kazunari took a deep breath and put his fork down, trying not to forget anything he was about to say.
“From Monday till Thursday school from 8:30 am till 15:00. After that English on Monday and Wednesday till 18:00. Tuesday is free from any additional classes but after school I am going to the library to write an essay for history classes. Friday is a day of the school trip to Kyoto, I will be back on Tuesday evening…” The boy cut the sentence. He knew very well it was not enough, that his father requires more information like what he will do when he will be at home, alone in his room. He didn’t want to imagine telling lies and he couldn’t say that he will be messaging with his boyfriend or just simply think about him. He was ready for any questions or another screed about how closed he is and that he should talk more about himself and his feelings. How could he, when he is the biggest sinner and defiler in the family who can bring only shame? Instead he received only one question.
“School trip? This Friday? I think we already talked about it…” The head of the family frowned even more and looked at the silent till now daughter, Shiori. The girl was three years older than her brother and she didn’t continue her education. She found a job and moved out from home, tired of Jiro’s attitude and treatment she got from his side. Nevertheless she was coming every now and then for breakfast, trying to ease the younger boy’s life in this house and helping any way she could. Moreover it was Nino’s birthday so Shiori wanted to wish her brother all the best and give him a present.
“I believe Kazunari should go to the trip.” Nino’s sister stated firmly. Even though Jiro was still the ruler in this family, he had some kind or crumbles of respect to the girl probably for her courage to oppose him. The oldest man took a deep breath and shook his head, clenching his hand on the head of his cane so hard his knuckles became white.
“You are perfectly aware what is happening on trips like that! Alcohol, fights, wrangles… I won’t allow my only son to lose his reputation of a good student. It will be better for all if he stays home and studies. That’s my final word!”
“Mum wouldn’t let that happen. You know she would let him go to the trip and wished him fun.” The daughter tried to talk calmly and quietly but still a tremble was audible in her voice. Their mother died of heart disease when she was eight and Kazunari five years old and since then father was raising, or more like training them. Jiro didn’t like any conversations about his late wife, cutting each and every one of them with the same sentence.
“She was weak! She didn’t know how to handle both of you and that’s why she died, out of worry. I said Kazunari won’t go and he won’t go.” The head of the family raised his minim and hit the floor with loud thud, as he always did when he wanted to emphasize his position. It was useless to try to convince him, he won’t change his mind no matter how strong and rational arguments will be said. School trips are root of all evil and Nino can’t go. Simple as it is. Through all breakfast the youngest member of the family didn’t utter a word, listening to his sister and father. He knew very well he won’t be able to go but still hoped that Jiro changed his mind because of his birthday. He forgot that his dad doesn’t celebrate birthdays, finding them useless and for the weak. Shiori bit her tongue and didn’t comment their father’s remark in any way and waited for him to leave before she turned to the younger boy.
“You will go to that trip, no matter what. Even without his permission. Kazu-kun I…”
“It’s okay sis, I don’t have to go…”
“No, you have to. Have you ever attend in any school trips or festivals? You are missing a lot. I don’t want you to regret anything… Just go, I will try to soften him.”
“You know it’s not possible Shio-chan… I will go to the library and study, as always… After school I will get to a university somewhere far away and won’t depend on him anymore.” Kazunari smiled weakly on the thought. He doubted in each and every word he just said but he wanted to convince his sister he will be okay. Even if it was a lie…
“Just go. I know that you want to, no matter what you say. I will be here when you come back. You may not believe it but he is a tiny bit afraid of me…” The girl winked and send his brother a smile. “Treat it as a birthday gift from mum…”
***
If Nino didn’t know why exactly he listened to his sister and now was standing on the train station, the sight of Fukushi gave him the answer. Kazunari’s heart skipped a beat when he saw the older boy in jeans and checkered shirt looking more handsome than every time before. Souta smiled to his boyfriend but didn’t come closer, hanging out with his teammates. All football team was laughing from what their ace just said and they seemed to have a lot of fun. Well, all except one of the players.
Yamada Ryousuke was standing a bit further away, clenching his fists on the handle of his bag, trying to smile. Ninomiya looked at him only for few seconds before they got in the train but the look at his face made cold chills run down his spine. Fukushi got in last, making sure that all the seats with his classmates will be occupied and sat next to Nino, making himself comfortable and brushing his arm against the latter few times accidentally. Through most of the way they didn’t talk to each other and pretended they feel a bit uncomfortable with each other’s company but they still managed to exchange few sentences every now and then, mostly about the weather and hotel they will stay at. When Ninomiya got sure no one is observing them, he dared to ask about the weird behavior of one of Souta’s classmates.
“He hates me for what happened in Fukuoka the other day. Indeed he scored two goals, one was cancelled due to offside but I got all the glory and fame because I scored the winning goal… He will get over that soon though, nothing to worry about… Better tell me how you want to solve the problem of separate rooms?”
“W-what?” Kazunari gasped and his cheeks most probably turned red, since they became hot. The older one started to laugh and soon the atmosphere changed, since one of the students started to hand out drinks and sandwiches. Through all way to Kyoto Ninomiya didn’t have a chance to talk with Fukushi and probably that was better. He couldn’t stop thinking about the question from before, wondering if the latter was serious or was it some kind of joke. Did he really plan this to happen there? Their relationship was still fresh and Nino wasn’t sure he was ready for this step but on other hand he was curious how sex between two men looks like. Of course he read a bit about it and even once saw a video tape with gay erotic movie but that wasn’t enough to kill his curiosity. Before he even noticed he was already in his room with few other classmates, sitting on the floor and staring at one point, thinking about his boyfriend. Kazunari was already seen as loner and outsider so nobody paid attention to him, leaving him be and not bugging him with anything. Just once one student asked him if he want to go to the huge bath downstairs but he declined, mumbling he is tired. The truth was he was afraid he will see Souta there as well, probably naked and his body will act on his own. Besides Ninomiya doesn’t trust his body at all to be in one tub with other naked boys with no incident. Regular shower in the bathroom should be enough.
“I won’t lie I didn’t wait for you…” The older boy’s voice sounded surprisingly close. Kazunari was sitting on the bench in front of the hotel, observing other colleagues playing Daruma-san. He didn’t reply anything, couldn’t find the right words anyway. For a longer while they were sitting in silence, Fukushi moving closer to the younger one until their thighs touched. “You won’t talk to me through whole trip? Want me to pretend I don’t know you?”
“No, of course not…” Nino mumbled and took a deep breath. He acts like a kid, embarrassed of his stupidity and silliness and he should stop. How come Souta can be so mature and grown-up when he is only less than a year older than him?
“I know this is awkward and very difficult for you, that’s why I want to give you space. I know nobody can find out about us but I want to use this trip to getting closer to you. Both physically and emotionally.” Souta looked around to check if nobody pays attention to them and sighed with relief when both students and teachers were too occupied with game and a small quarrels between the contestants. “Only if you want though…” The older one said firmly and got up, joining the game and leaving Nino with his thoughts. Of course he wanted! He felt his affection to the latter grow with each day and even though they are not that long with each other, he was sure that soon enough he will be able to use the “L” word. Wasn’t that equal with making love with his boyfriend? Wasn’t it natural order of things? But how on earth they can do it here, in hotel full of people, with constant guardian eyes on them?
“Ninomiya-kun, you don’t want to join?” Teacher’s voice brought him back to the reality.
“No, sensei. I think I will go to my room and go to sleep…” Kazunari bowed gently and excused himself. This was the moment when he regretted coming here. Yes, he enjoyed being alone but since he earned himself an important person this started to bother him a bit. Nino still didn’t feel like becoming friends with anyone but at the same time he wanted to have fun with his schoolmates on the trip between sightseeing. He never did that before so before he dived in the dreamland he decided to play with other students more. He will be grounded forever anyway after he gets back home…
Days were passing by very quickly, as always when you have a very good time. Kazunari was laughing and running around with his colleagues like never before, being happy just thanks to it. It seemed that Fukushi likes this Ninomiya more than the previous one and he showed it with sweet kisses every time they managed to find a dark corner. Time in Kyoto was shrinking with mad pace and yet Souta didn’t make any move except those cute caresses every now and then. He didn’t even get back to the subject through whole trip and Nino started to think that it was all a joke but when their last night in the hotel came the older boy almost dragged him away from his new friends in unknown direction. Fukushi was silent during half of the way when Kazunari couldn’t handle the muteness anymore and snapped.
“Where are you taking me?!”
“Shh… Don’t shout. You will see soon enough… And hurry, we don’t have much time.” Souta winked and speeded up, making the latter follow him faster as well. When they stopped in front of some old, small building everything became clear. Ninomiya’s heart started to beat faster and he was afraid the other one can hear it. So that was it… This will be his first time, here in cheap motel somewhere in the middle of the city. “Only if you want to…” Souta whispered and grabbed the younger one’s hand firmly. He didn’t pull him or force him to go inside in any other way, Kazunari’s legs moved on their own as if they had their own will. His body showed he wanted it even though he still had a small piece of fear in his heart. The older boy led them to a narrow room with bed only for one person. Kazunari was so tensed it actually caused him slight pain and he couldn’t move an inch from where he was standing. All sounds became one quiet murmur; he knew his senpai is saying something but he couldn’t differ the words.
“Hey, if you don’t want to we don’t have to… It’s okay…” The older one smiled and pinched Nino’s side to get his attention and distract him from his anxiety.
“I want… It’s.. My first time and… I am a bit afraid, that’s it. But it’s normal, ne?”
“Maybe this will help you?” Souta smiled weakly and pressed his lips to the latter’s. The kiss was slow and gentle, getting more intense and passionate with each second, making the blood in Kazunari’s veins boil. All doubts disappeared, replaced with pleasure and anticipation. The fear was still there, of course, but faded to acceptable level. Ninomiya got himself pushed delicately towards the bed and didn’t even notice when he found himself lying on the bed half naked. Nino didn’t know where Fukushi learned all the things and how come he seems to be so experienced but those questions were swept away by the sensation on his skin.
Kisses spread all over his body, confirming his sexuality and making him sure about his identity. The pain he felt was burning and at some point he thought he won’t take it anymore but when some part inside him was rubbed and he saw stars behind his tightly closed eyelids he unconsciously spread his legs more. When finally Souta pushed inside him he forgot about the ache, focusing only on the sensations, wanting to be even closer to the latter even if it wasn’t possible. After he stained his chest with hot semen and the other one movements became shallower, suddenly he started to tremble. He felt cold and also he was scared because right now there was no way back. Kazunari will have to hide his true self through all of his father’s life and live in fear.
“Kazu, you’re okay?” Fukushi’s voice was muffled as if he was very far away. The younger one nodded at first, just to shake his head soon after.
“I don’t know…”
“Damn, I should wait longer. I am sorry… Though this won’t help much now…”
“No, it’s not that… It’s not about us. I finally found myself and I will have to hide it from everyone… That scares me a lot.”
“Well, yeah… We will need to be careful at school and in public places but it will be okay at my place. My mum can’t wait to meet you and…”
“Wait… You told your mother about me?! You told that I am your colleague from school, right?” Nino’s eyes widened and he sat up, looking straight at the latter.
“Well, no… I told her that there is somebody I like more than others and I think I want to go out with him… She asked me about you so I told her.” Souta frowned not understanding the younger one’s shock. Probably he couldn’t understand why people are so surprised when they hear his parent accepts the way he is, even if the bigger part of society condemns it. “Shouldn’t I?”
Ninomiya breathed faster, as his lungs shrunk and couldn’t accept as much air as before. What if his father finds out? He can’t! He will kill him, he is capable of that! Jiro kept him in the isolation for five days for getting back home half an hour later than he should. What he can do when he finds out that his son is gay? Nino’s father got his brain washed by soldiers and priests in the Legion and now from time to time he acted like a fanatic catholic man. That man wouldn’t stand the thought that his child is homosexual and would rather have Kazunari dead… Slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, Ninomiya told the older boy about his doubts and path of finding himself, about his family and his father. He didn’t tell that his father was a tyrant though, afraid of the latter’s reaction. As a reply he got a tight hug, soft kiss on his head and assurance that everything will be fine.
“Will it?” Nino whispered to himself when he was alone, back in his hotel room. He couldn’t sleep, staring in the darkness above him and trying to figure everything out. Today was his first time with the boy he loved. Even if it was filled with fear and he felt embarrassed when he recalled everything, he felt happy and fulfilled. The only thing he regretted was not saying he loved Fukushi but he will still have time to do it, right? Soon after he will come out from that dark and cold cellar… Cold sting pierced his heart and he had to sit up, putting his hand to the chest and hoping the pain will disappear. This time it won’t end with just couple of days there… He will spend a very long time in the dark, damp room with one meal a day and a bucket in the corner. There will be no chance of seeing Souta or contact him in any way. The older boy won’t know more than school - Kazunari is sick and he can’t leave the house. Or Kazunari is sick and he is in hospital in the mountains… After a week or so Fukushi will forget about short, skinny and not so handsome boy and will find new boyfriend. His senpai slept with him but he didn’t even say he loves him… You were tricked. Ninomiya heard his own voice inside his mind and anger filled his veins. He got up just to calm down and not let tears flow. As quietly as he could he went out the room, not wanting to wake up anybody and went to big terrace, letting cold wind hit his face. Just after he sat on old couch he noticed he is not alone there. Few meters away Souta was watching stars.
“You can’t sleep either?” He asked quietly without turning to the younger boy. Tall, dark silhouette didn’t even move an inch.
“How did you know it’s me?”
“I recognized your footsteps…” Souta turned around but the latter still couldn’t see his face in the darkness. Nino stayed silent for a while, gathering bits of courage to yell at the other one or just simply say it’s over but the right words couldn’t come to his mind. He took a deeper breath and opened his mouth, but then he closed it again, not sure what he should say.
“I can’t sleep. I was rolling on the futon so Yamada-kun threw me out because I didn’t let him sleep…”
“Is he still mad at you?” Ninomiya asked quietly, not knowing why he wanted to know in the first place. This wasn’t the most important thing right now anyway.
“I don’t care. I just did my job. Don’t you want to know why I can’t sleep?” Fukushi asked out of sudden and a smile could be sensed in his voice. Kazunari shook his head, not caring if it can be seen. “I will tell you anyway… I can’t sleep because I forgot to do a very important thing today.”
“What’s that?” The younger boy moved a bit, making some space for the latter who suddenly sat next to him.
“I forgot to give you this… Guess we took too much time in that room…” Souta chuckled and handed the latter a box with cute red ribbon attached to it.
“What is it?” Nino frowned and looked at the gift, wondering how to open it without ripping the paper.
“Come on, open it!” The older boy suddenly got excited. Ninomiya carefully opened the box and saw a weird wooden bangle with thin, short chains attached to it. On the end of each silver string big glass beads were shining in dimmed moonlight and on one of them long, black feather was dancing in the wind.
“What is it?” The younger one frowned, trying to recognize the object. He had a feeling he saw something like that somewhere before but he couldn’t put a finger on it.
“It’s a dreamcatcher.” Senpai answered while taking it out of the pack. “You are supposed to hang it in the window and it will catch all the bad dreams you have, allowing to pass only the good ones. I thought you should have one, so I made it for you.”
“You made it? You didn’t buy it, but made it?” Kazunari opened his mouth in slight shock.
“Yes… I read that the bought ones don’t work. You have no idea how the priest from the temple was mad at me for taking that feather…”
“I don’t know what to say… I will place it in my window. Thank you! I love you!” Nino smiled and placed the dreamcatcher back in the box. Just then he realized what he had said and his cheeks burned again. He wanted to take it back, just so he could say it again at more proper time, in better way than now…
“I love you too.” Fukushi said firmly, smiling widely and pressing his lips to the latter’s. It was just a wet peck on the lips, lasting no longer than few seconds but Ninomiya was sure it just sealed their relationship. “We should get back before they start looking for us.”
“Goodnight…” Kazunari whispered and got back to his room, hiding the present under the bed and trying to remember he will have to pack it back to his backpack tomorrow morning.
***
“Fukushi-kun, move away!” Teacher’s voice sounded very loudly and firmly. “I said, move away! Yamada-kun, get in the train. Now!”
“W-what’s going on?” Ninomiya asked one of his classmates quietly. He walked behind the whole group and stopped for a while to tie his laces and didn’t see the fight between two older students.
“Yamada said something to Fukushi and he just snapped… I don’t know what it was though…”
“Okay everybody, get in the train, there is nothing to see here. Come on, get on…” The teacher almost pushed the students inside, including Nino who was worried about his boyfriend and wanted to stay but he knew very well he can’t. He just sat near the window and looked through it, trying to catch anything from the situation but he couldn’t hear anything. All he could do was wait and ask the latter about it.
“You tell your friend that he hits like a girl…” Yamada sat in front of Ninomiya, pressing wet tissue to the corner of his mouth. Kazunari didn’t say a word, instead he kept staring through the glass, hoping he will understand more from this situation. Meanwhile Yamada continued.
“You want to know why he hit me? Because he couldn’t stand the fact that whole school will find out about you two. Oh yes, I saw you on the terrace. I heard him getting out of the room so I followed him. I wanted to check where is he going but I couldn’t dream about what I see there…”
“What do you want from me?” Kazunari asked, clenching his hands in fists and trying to calm down.
“From you? Nothing. Just wanted to let you know what happened and that it’s only the beginning. When the school finds out you two were kissing…”
“You’re delusional.” Ninomiya said firmly and surprisingly calmly. They won’t believe him… He can say whatever he wants but with Souta’s popularity and the fact he always has girls around him, they simply won’t believe him. Right?
“Fukushi said exactly the same thing…” Ryousuke smirked and went back to his seat, letting his classmates to comfort him. Nino was scared even more now. What if everybody will find out? What if his father will learn the truth? Jiro will kill him and Souta for seducing him and making him like that. He won’t even listen to the truth, it won’t matter to him at all… Are they doomed?
“Stop worrying about him, he is just jealous punk.” The older boy sat in front of him, in the same place where Yamada was few minutes ago. He looked worried but smiled despite everything.
“What if he tells them that we…” Nino looked around to see if nobody sees them but nobody paid attention. Older students were busy, talking about the fight and younger ones weren’t interested in that at all.
“He won’t, then he will lose his only argument to blackmail me. He doesn’t care about me, he just wants me to quit from the team. If I do that on my own will, he will keep it for himself. He doesn’t want to cause a scandal in school and bring troubles to the team. Don’t worry. Listen, I need to get back, I guess I have to sit next to Kobayashi-sensei till we reach Tokyo… See you tomorrow, ne?” Fukushi smiled and shuffled back to his seat. Kazunari smiled bitterly and leaned back, getting lost in thoughts.
I won’t see you tomorrow, Souta-kun… I won’t see you in next month at least… I will be sitting in the dark room without light or bathroom… I won’t even have a window to hang dreamcatcher in… I just hope you will still love me when I got out of there… Ninomiya thought and tears welled up in his eyes. He wiped them off quickly and looked at the changing scenery behind the window to engrave it in his memory and heart. Pity he doesn’t have Fukushi’s photo…
When they reached Tokyo his father was already waiting for him, along with his sister. Shiori didn’t dare to look at her brother, having her gaze pierced to the ground. Jiro’s face showed only rage but since he was in public, he couldn’t do anything besides hissing at his son to get in the car. Kazunari didn’t even had a chance to look around and check if the older boy is looking at him but maybe this was better? He wanted to remember his smiling face and have it feed his hope and love when he will be locked in the cellar. Through all the way home none of them said a word, the girl only squeezed Kazunari’s hand from time to time. Even though she had huge sunglasses, purple bruise on her cheek could still be seen. Nino frowned and wanted to say something but she just held his hand tighter and shook her head, asking him to stay silent. Soon the car stopped in front of their house. Jiro’s daughter drove off, leaving father and son alone on the street.
“Take your bag and go home.” The older man said, limping slowly towards the entrance. His son wasn’t even scared, facing the punishment which awaits him. First slap fall on his cheek unexpectedly, causing burning pain. Next one was stronger and Kazunari saw stars dancing around in front of his eyes. Between strikes he heard how ungrateful he is, that he was raised for being somebody better than a simple liar, how weak he is… Words were mixing with slaps, Nino didn’t hear them anymore, praying for the coldness and darkness of the cellar to embrace him. Then everything stopped. His face hurt and he could feel metallic taste of blood on his tongue but he could stand firmly.
“Wash your face and get down. You have three minutes.” Jiro hissed and sat on his favorite chair. Kazunari grabbed his bag and dashed to his room, hiding the gift he got from Fukushi in his closet, under clothes. He washed his face quickly and got down, standing in front of cellar’s door. He turned around to look at his father and murmured two words.
“How long?”
“Until you learn that lying to your father is wrong.” The older man said and pushed his son into the isolation.