Nino Mod (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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ninoexchange2019-06-26 09:57 pm
nino_mod) wrote in ninoexchange2019-06-26 09:57 pm
Entry tags:
fic for ltgmars!
For: ltgmars
From: :3.
Title: Lovesick Leave
Pairing/Focus: Sakurai Sho/Ninomiya Kazunari
Rating: R
Word count: 13,531
Warnings: Rude words courtesy of Nino, a pinch of smut
Summary: Nino got harassed on the bus. Despite his tiny, cute and weak appearance, he caught the culprit instantly and handed him to the police. Probably.
Notes: Hi Inez, I hope you’re satisfied with my little fanfiction. Sorry if there are a lot of mistakes!
--xxx--
Nino scrunched up his nose, feeling uncomfortable by the pollution on the street. Morning streets in Tokyo were always crowded and busy, full of hustle and bustle. Buses and trains were packed, filled with people who had stress written on their faces.
God, he hated this. He should have opposed the transfer program. Sure, Tokyo was way better in Kyoto in some ways, as Tokyo was the centre of Japan. But for Nino himself, he had already found his comfortable spot in Kyoto. A cozy and cheap living space near the office, a nearby supermarket with many discounts, and a game shop that often gave him half off, just because the owner liked Nino.
He should not have been tempted by the bigger salary in Tokyo. Tokyo itself was fine. He didn’t have any objections to it in the first place, but if he thought back, it would be really difficult for him to find a comfortable spot like he found in Kyoto. When he realized that, he was already at this crowded bus stop, waiting in line.
It was Nino’s third day in Tokyo and he still hadn’t found his comfortable places to go. He spent the last three days walking around his new neighbourhood, trying to find the nearest supermarket and game shop. He also sent a short greeting to few neighbours—Nino was a proper adult after all.
Oh well, at least he had Aiba, who transferred along with him. He could order him around later.
After minutes of waiting, the bus finally appeared. Dozens of people immediately filled in the bus without mercy—God, Kyoto wasn’t harsh like this!—and Nino hadn’t even had the chance to grasp the bus’ handle. Luckily, after some struggles, he succeeded in getting on the bus.
Nino thought that the war had already ended when he succeeded in getting on the bus, but it turned out that he was wrong. The bus was packed as there were more people getting in. Sweat was everywhere and Nino could hardly control his balance as his tiny body was pressed back and forth. Nino made a mental note that he would go to the office earlier starting tomorrow. Even though he hated the idea of waking up early, he just couldn’t bear this everyday.
As he mentally mourning about the change of his life, Nino suddenly felt a hand on his butt. To be said that it was accidental was a bit suspicious because the position of the hand was so fitting against his butt. Nonetheless, Nino tried to ignore it. It was probably accidental as everyone was literally touching each other in this packed bus, so couldn’t be helped.
But when the hand suddenly groped his butt firmly, Nino knew it was nothing ordinary. Once, twice .... it was enough. He instantly grabbed the hand on his back, put it up on the air and turned around.
“THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING? SEXUAL HARASSER!”
Nino screamed so loud that all eyes in the bus were on him and the harasser.
The owner of the hand—apparently a guy— made a shocked expression. Panic swam in his brown eyes and his sweat dripped quickly. As he tried to put his hand down, he responded, “N-no, you got it all wrong—”
“—Don’t fuck with me!” Nino cut the man off and slapped him with his free hand. He didn’t care if everyone was a bit creeped out—he was mad and he had the right to be mad. He then walked toward the driver and said, “Sir, could you please stop by the nearest police station? I would like to hand him over.”
The bus driver nodded and continued driving. Luckily, there was a police station just five minutes away. Nino got off the bus, still gripping the culprit’s hand tightly. The man didn’t stop saying that it was wrong and he did nothing but Nino didn’t listen. Well, there was no culprit that would admit their sins, right?
Despite his tiny figure, Nino forced the bigger culprit to follow him to the police station. People were always looking down on Nino about his body and appearance. Sure, he seemed weak and small, but he could actually fight and had some strength. He hated people who looked him down like that, so he wouldn’t let this culprit escape and make sure he would get the proper punishment. Or even more.
--xxx--
They arrived at the police station. The culprit was still complaining but Nino kept pulling him towards the entrance.
“I would like to hand in a sexual harasser.” Nino pushed the man so that the police officer with thick eyebrows could see him clearly. “This guy harassed me on a bus just now.”
“I really appreciate your bravery for handing in the culprit, sir.” The police seemed composed but his eyes were on alert. “Please have a seat there and I will prepare some files.”
Seconds later, the officer appeared again with some papers and a pen in his hand. As he sat in front of Nino and the culprit, he began the interrogation. “Your name is?”
“Ninomiya Kazunari.”
“So, Ninomiya-san, could you tell me how he did it?”
“Yeah, he basically gropped my butt a few times in the crowded bus. At first I thought it was accidental because the bus was quite packed, but no, I believe he did it on purpose.” Nino explained the event with anger in his eyes.
“I didn’t! Please believe me! It wasn’t me who touched your butt!” The culprit insisted.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, shut up, you!” It was only half past eight in the morning, but Nino had already cursed a hundred times.
“Calm down.” The police tried to calm Nino down while scribbling on the papers. “Do you have any evidence?”
Nino’s eyebrow quirked. “Evidence?”
“Yes. Well, since happened on public transportation, maybe you could bring one or two passengers that witnessed the incident.”
Nino’s shoulders slumped bit by bit. That’s true... Now that I think of it... But Nino was so worked up when he was on the bus earlier. He had been thinking about handing the culprit to the police but he hadn’t thought about evidence whatsoever.
“I don’t... I was panicking, you know? I didn’t think about evidence or proof. I just caught him red-handed and I think that’s enough.” Nino tried to persuade the handsome policeman but he just smiled.
“Ninomiya-san, I’m afraid I can’t do anything if there’s no proof that this gentleman has sexually harassed you.” The police started to explain and Nino grew disappointed. “At least, if you had brought one or two people that were with you on the bus, I could proceed with the inquiry.”
Nino seemed irritated at the officer. Before he thought about tracking down the bus, he remembered something. “Ah, that’s right! You can see the footage from the bus’ surveillance camera. I believe every bus should have at least one!”
The police nodded. “We can do that too, but the procedure of asking for the footage from the bus company will take a bit of time. Usually it will take three days or so.”
“Yeah, whatever, be it!”
“That means I can’t arrest this man right now.”
Nino got down on his knees and took the police’s hands in his. “Sir, please,” he tried to sound weak and trembling. “I’m the victim here. You said earlier that I am much appreciated for catching the culprit red-handed right? Please do something about this!”
“Please get up. I can’t do anything at the moment.”
Nino kept looking at the officer with puppy dog eyes, hoping that the man will melt and grant his wish. The culprit, who was in a business suit, suddenly replied, “I mean, if there’s surveillance footage,then I would be saved. I’m not the one who groped your butt, damn it!”
“Oh no, you can’t run from this, you prick. The footage would be evidence to imprison you!” Nino shouted back at him. “Don’t you dare run away!”
“I told you I’m not the culprit! How many times do I have to tell you?!”
“Gentlemen, please.” The officer interrupted their fight before it got worse. He asked Nino to sit back on the seat and told the culprit to be composed. Silence followed them afterward for a few minutes, with the three of them sitting still yet emotional. The police seemed to have a bit of a hard time deciding, seeing how he scratched his thick eyebrows a few times.
Just before Nino was about to say something, the officer broke the ice with an agreement.
“All right. Well, while it’s true that there’s no evidence of sexual harassment, I may sentence this man to house arrest.”
“House arrest?!” The brown haired man flinched. “Wait, but then I can’t go to work!”
The officer nodded and explained further. Basically, during the next three days, the man would not be allowed to go more than 100 m. away from his house. He would wear a locked bracelet with an alarm to keep him in place.
“This is the kindest option I can offer as we wait for the footage,” continued the officer with a firm tone. “If you indeed harassed this man, I will charge you with a crime. If you’re not, then I will release you.”
“Sir, hang on!” The culprit didn’t seem satisfied. “How can you trust this man so easily? You can trust me! I swear I didn’t do anything! I was just trying to save him instead!”
“Oh-ho, trying to save me? Now you’re running out of trump cards, huh?” Nino voiced his anger.
“It’s true that we don’t have any evidence, but as an officer, I can’t let you free to run away if you really did it.”
“Look, I won’t go anywhere. I have work to do. And hell, I didn’t even do it in the first place!”
“Sorry, sir. Once again I will say that this is the kindest option I can offer. You will just be at home for three days and nothing will happen to you. As for your work, I can call your office for you—”
“—NO! Please no. Okay, okay! I will handle the office myself!” The man shrieked and slumped down on the chair he was sitting while Nino couldn’t hide his victory smile.
Nino got up from his seat and fixed his tie. “Now if you would excuse me. Today is my first day at a new job so I can’t be late. Charge him, imprison him, I don’t care. Just don’t let this pervert guy touch me ever again.”
“You can come back here in three days. Also, here is my card, just in case.” The officer smiled widely. “Have a good day, Ninomiya-san.”
Nino looked at the name card and nodded. “Thank you, Matsumoto-san.”
--xxx--
“Why does misfortune always follow you in Tokyo?”
Aiba snickered, looking at how miserable his best friend was. From the uncomfortable living place—where the supermarket and game shop are much further than his old place— to getting harassed on his first day going to the office, and somehow having to fit himself in the new department without anyone’s help.
Nino grumbled grudgingly while sipping his can of black coffee. “Maybe you took all of my luck. Get off of my life, you dumbass.”
“God, no! It’s your own fault. I told you many times to always smile and laugh. You see, happiness comes from the inside first, then the outside follows suit!” Aiba replied with his usual wide smile. “You’ve become grumpier ever since we came to Tokyo last week. C’mon, things will get better for sure!”
“Only idiots who would smile at times like these.” The tiny man rolled his eyes as he spoke. “Hearing your awesome stories made me jealous.”
His office mate who happened to be his best friend was transferred to this Tokyo branch office, too. Aiba was in marketing while he himself was in IT. But somehow his luck had been given completely to Aiba, as Aiba experienced the normal, happy events ever since they came to Tokyo.
“I mean, if I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t complain about the distance between the apartment and the supermarket. It was quite close, you just hate to go out.” Aiba tried to defend himself. “Also, I think it’s a coincidence that your department head is on sick leave. You could ask for an office tour later when they’re back again, right?”
Nino said nothing and just stared at the coffee can he held. To be honest, he had quite a hard time for the past three days in the office. The department head that was tasked to introduce him was suddenly on sick leave, so he had to figure out stuff himself. The fellow staff were nice, but they didn’t have much time because apparently they all were catching up with deadlines.
Stuff like office areas or getting to know the departments and the people... not to mention, the most important things: how to do his job. What kind of software they use, what are the forms he has to fill, and how to work set up his office computer. Good thing that he could grasp everything without anyone helping. He still couldn’t get used to it, especially since he couldn’t get along with his coworkers as he just didn’t give a fuck, but he gradually understood it.
Actually, the branch manager came to welcome him, once. At first he didn’t believe that the man with the sleepy,dreamy face was his boss, but it seemed so. The man just escorted him to his personal work space, and that was it.
“Here is your work space. Your department head is supposed to introduce you to things, but unfortunately, just now he called in sick. I’m not gonna replace him, so, hmmm, yeah, figure it out on your own.”
“I’m sorry, Ohno-san, could you at least—”
“Well, do your best!”
Nino used most of his energy not to punch his own boss, who was literally yawning and walking away from him. Getting fired at the first day of the job wasn’t cool at all.
“About the harassment thing, well, I can’t say anything except I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re not traumatized.” Aiba added slowly with a sad face.
“It’s okay.” Nino smiled slightly. Ah, he just couldn’t stand seeing his best friend sad like that. It wasn’t like Aiba at all. “Now that you mention it, I should come to the police station today to see the surveillance footage. Do you want to come?”
“Sure! I will accompany you after work!” Aiba replied, his cheerfulness back again like nothing happened at all.
The lunch time ended seconds after Aiba talked about how beautiful his fellow worker was. Aiba promised to continue his story later while Nino just nodded briefly. Not that he actually cared about the chick... if Aiba really got her, then he would properly listen. Right now, he still had problems that bothered him, and he should fix them as fast as possible.
Back at his cubicle, again surrounded by people working hard. Hell, what kind of deadline were they facing? Did they even take a break earlier? He wanted to help them but how?
Nino sighed as he faced his own computer. So far, he did the formal jobs he usually did in the Kyoto branch. He was sure he was transferred here to help them finish whatever project they were currently working on, but somehow a certain department head had no responsibility and got sick.
“Oh, Sakurai-san, you’re back!” yelled one of the workers excitedly.
Upon hearing that, Nino sensed that this Sakurai-san must be the sick head department. As the other workers stood up to greet the man, Nino followed suit to look properly at his new boss.
“I’m terribly sorry for leaving you like this. I’m fine now. Now where’s this new transfer? I must tell him so he can help you guys.”
“He’s over there! Ninomiya-san, come forward, please.” A fellow worker gestured at him to come forward. But to her surprise, Nino didn’t move an inch from where he stood. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped so hard it touched the floor.
“What the fucking hell...” Nino whispered so low no one could hear him. No, this can’t be real. Why was his life in Tokyo this miserable and unfortunate? What kind of sin did he commit?
The man standing in front was no different from Nino. He couldn’t hide his shocked face and gasps of panic when the petite cute man he had cursed for the past three days appeared to have become subordinate.
Silence killed time for a few minutes. The tension was weird and awkward as Nino and the boss just stared at each other with shocked expressions. When a few of the workers started to murmur something, the gallant man coughed a little.
“Come to my office right now.”
Nino flinched and automatically replied, “No.” Well, he didn’t want to be alone in a room with him, of course! It was too late when he realized other workers were staring at him weirdly and whispered things like disrespectful and arrogant. “No, I mean, I... I was just... I-I would appreciate it if you showed me around the office while explaining my job. It cuts time that way, am I right?”
The boss stared at him for a moment before nodding awkwardly. “Yeah, sure, come with me.”
--xxx--
“This is the branch manager’s room.”
“This is the smoking room if you need it.”
“This is this floor’s toilet. Actually, if we measure it thoroughly from our department, the upstairs’ toilet is closer. So if you need to go to the toilet badly—”
“How much?”
Sakurai Sho stopped his speech as Nino interrupted him. “Excuse me?”
“How much did you pay Matsumoto-san to let you free?” Nino started to rampage as he stopped walking. He then chuckled darkly. “Or did you seduce that handsome officer?”
“Watch your mouth. I’m your boss. I could fire you right here, right now.” Sho spoke and tried to suppress his anger.
“Well, I would rather choose to lose my job than to work with a harasser,” Nino replied and rolled his eyes, uninterested.
“Like I said, watch your mouth.” Sho said it again. “I didn’t pay Matsumoto nor do things to him. The surveillance footage was finally delivered this morning and it was shown that I. Was. Not. Guilty.”
To Sho’s surprise, Nino instantly laughed. “Ha. Nice one. I was sure your hand was literally groping my ass. Remember, I’m the victim here. I’m the one who felt it.”
“It was a perverted old man beside you who did that. I was behind you, and noticed it. So I was trying to push off his hand when your hand suddenly gripped mine.” Sho explained the event thoroughly. Nino pretended he didn’t hear it and continued to walk through the office corridor.
Nino put his hands in his pockets. “You can go fuck yourself with your lame excuses. I will still go to the police station this evening to make sure the policeman is fine and untouched by some perverted weirdo.” Nino then glanced sideway to meet Sho’s eyes. “And to continue the inquiry for you to be properly sentenced.”
“Oh, you should do that. I intended to tell you to go to the police station after all.” Sho retorted.
After hours of work of piling papers, evening finally came and workers were going home one by one. Aiba was about to visit Nino’s department when he saw his best friend already outside in the parking lot. Moreover, he was with someone Aiba didn’t know.
Despite being left alone, he wasn’t sad at all. He examined the gentleman through the window. “Ooh, he’s quite hot. You go, Nino-chan!” giggled Aiba as he saw Nino get in the man’s luxury car.
To be honest, Nino didn’t really agree to ride in Sho’s car. But Sho was persistent and kinda shoved Nino into his car. He had no choice as the parking lot was already vacant, so no one would help him if he screamed. They rode to the police station in complete silence as Nino tried to sit as far as possible from Sho.
They arrived at the police station in a couple of minutes. Nino immediately went to the front desk and asked for Matsumoto-san, while Sho was walking behind him unhurriedly.
“Good evening Sakurai-san, Ninomiya-san. This way, please.” Matsumoto greeted them and gestured to them to come to a certain room. As they followed and sat down, Matsumoto then showed them the said footage.
The policeman with thick eyebrows sighed before he started to speak. “As you can see, the footage clearly shows that it wasn’t Sakurai-san who assaulted you, Ninomiya-san.” He pointed at the old man beside Nino. “This old man did it and Sakurai-san was about to slap the old man’s hand. But at the same time, you turned around and caught Sakurai-san’s hand.”
“...”
Nino could hardly believe the video in front of his eyes. Nino had always been sure that the footage would be a winning trump card for him to legally punish Sho, but it turned out that...
Meanwhile, Sho said nothing and sipped the coffee that was just served instead.
Nino’s mind went blank, like oh my fucking god what did I do to deserve all of these unfortunate events consecutively??? His face grew paler and he didn’t know what to think, let alone answer Matsumoto’s further explanation. He got harassed and he caught the wrong person. In addition of that, the wrong person happened to be his fucking new boss. Oh, wow. God must be so bored at the moment that He decided to play with Nino’s life for a bit.
“Ninomiya-san?”
“Yes, yes. I hear you,” Nino answered lowly. He suddenly had no confidence to face Sho who was sitting beside him. He then heard Matsumoto sigh, so he looked at him, scared.
Matsumoto folded his hands. “While you got my sympathy for being assaulted, you’re still responsible for this matter.”
“I’m... I’m sorry.” Nino lowered his head.
“Sakurai-san.” Sho faced the police as he was called. “It’s not entirely Ninomiya-san’s fault, but in case you were offended by what happened over the last three days, you can sue Ninomiya-san for wrong accusation and wrong arrest.”
Sho glanced at his side for a moment. Nino looked like he was ready to go to hell, judging by how much sweat was on his pale face. He probably thought this was the worst thing that could happen to him.
A few moments passed in complete silence. It felt like forever for Nino while Sho was very quiet, deciding on Nino’s life or death.
“No, I don’t think I will sue him.” Sho finally answered and it surprised Nino so much that he turned his head. Sho faced him too but his expression was unreadable, so Nino was a bit confused.
On the other hand, Matsumoto seemed surprised too. “That’s very generous of you.” The policeman complimented Sho and it made him smile a bit.
“Actually, we just found out earlier that we’re kind of ... related.” Sho explained his reason briefly. “So I think I will settle this between me and him personally.”
“Is that so?” Matsumoto smiled slightly and got up. “I hope there won’t be any violence involved. I think this has ended, so both of you can go home.”
After receiving a flood of apologies that had been said by the police all afternoon, Sho bid goodbye and left the police station. Nino followed him, but he stoppedat Sho’s car.
“What’s wrong? I will take you home. Come in,” called Sho from the driver’s seat.
“What ... what are you going to do to me?” Nino asked in trembling voice. “Are you going to bully me? Are you going to hurt me? Make me your slave? Oh, you’re definitely going to fire me!”
“Hey, calm down!” Sho got out of his car, but Nino was already running away. Sho was about to track him down, but he left him in the end. It seemed that Nino needed a bit of time to digest what had just happened.
--xxx--
Nino didn’t want to go to work, but he had to.
After what happened yesterday, he shivered thinking of how much worse his work life would become. He still hadn’t told Aiba what had happened.. The cheerful man bombarded Nino with messages that mostly asked about the hot guy he was with yesterday. God, if only Aiba knew his situation right now—if he did,he wouldn’t put all those lovely stickers.
Sho didn’t want to sue him. It was obvious that Sho wanted something from him. If Sho took the case to court, Nino could be imprisoned or something, right? The fact that he didn’t want to sue him meant that Sho wanted him. Or it could be that Sho wanted to use this case to threaten him, and Sho would do to Nino as he pleased.
Nino slapped his own face and tried to be composed. All he had to do was just believe that nothing bad would happen to him again. Seconds after he inhaled and exhaled slowly, he suddenly remembered that he literally ran away from Sho when the inquiry was done yesterday.
“Aaaahhhh shit ... How am I supposed to live from now on?” Nino hit his own head on the nearby wall a few times, before walking to the lift as some of the frontliner girls watched him in confusion.
Nino slowly entered the IT department and greeted everyone lowly.
“Good morning, Ninomiya-san!” greeted the woman in the cubicle to his left. “Sakurai-san was here earlier. He was looking for you.”
“D-did he say what he wanted to do with me?” Nino tried to be composed but stuttered in the end. The woman shook her long hair cutely.
“No. He just asked me to tell you when you arrived to meet him in his office.”
“I see. Thank you, Yoshitaka-san.”
Nino felt his feet become heavy as he walked to his boss’ room. God, he couldn’t stop being nervous and scared. He admitted that he still hadn’t prepared for the worst, even though last night he was already imagining some bad scenarios. Nevertheless, Nino arrived at the door and knocked twice. He heard a voice from inside beckoning him in, so he slowly entered the room.
When Nino was completely in Sho’s room, he noticed there were some piles of papers towering on the desk. Between the two towers, there was Sho who was casually working on something. He seemed to work in a fast and effective way. It charmed Nino for a bit before a baritone voice broke the moment.
“You see these towers?”
“ ... Yes.”
“This is what happened when I was in a very busy period, but a certain someone kept me at home for three days.”
Nino lowered his gaze. His heart was thumping very hard and it hurt him so much. “I’m terribly sorry, Sakurai-san.”
“Apologies wouldn’t make up for the lost time, you know.” Sho rolled his eyes, not amused.
“I know I couldn’t take back the time. I ... I would do anything for you to make up for my wrongdoing.
Nino couldn’t stop his trembling when he felt Sho marching toward him slowly. “Really? Anything?” Sho asked as he came closer and closer.
“Uhm, yes, ... I guess.”
Sho was already in front of Nino when he answered that. His head was just inches away, and Nino was sure he would hit something on Sho’s face if he lifted his face now. Before he could think any other bad thoughts, he suddenly felt a pang of pain on his forehead.
Nino immediately lifted his face to find out that Sho had just flicked his forehead. Sho’s expression was unreadable but Nino could see a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Stop working on your current project. You are to help me with this shit.”
Nino answered shortly. “Y-yes, understood.”
“I want these to be done in a week, or less.” Sho then pointed to a vacant place beside his desk. “I will ask for an extra desk and chair here. You are not allowed to do any kind of work except this.”
Nino nodded while sighing in relief on the inside. All of the bad scenarios that were in his head vanished instantly. At least the punishment he had wasn’t really bad after all.
“Good. Now go back to your desk and I will call you again after all the preparation is set.”
Nino excused himself and went back to his cubicle with a relieved face.
During lunch, Nino told Aiba about everything that had happened. Aiba listened to him with much interest and laughed heartily in the end. Nino scolded him for not being sympathetic, but then Aiba just defended himself and looked at the bright side as always.
“I mean, wow! Your story is definitely interesting and thrilling! Also the boss is quite nice and hot, don’t you think?” Aiba smiled widely while munching his sandwich. “Nothing interesting has happened to me recently, except that I finally got to invite Satomi-chan to dinner tonight.”
Nino ignored Aiba’s comment about Sho, and his eyebrows quirked as he tried to change the topic. “You worked so fast. How beautiful is she, I wonder?”
This Ishihara Satomi girl who happened to share a department with Aibawas apparently very beautiful and endearing. According to Aiba, her dresses were so pretty and charming. Not only that, she had a cheerful smile that stole his best friend’s heart on the first day of the job. They had several things in common, and were getting along nicely.
“I will tell you soon! And don’t change the topic suddenly, Nino-chan, tsk tsk.” Aiba moved his index finger back and forth.
“What the fuck. How could you expect me to like that boss?”
“I mean, he’s so nice! So kind! So hot!” Aiba nudged his arm playfully. “I’ve known you for a long time, Nino, and this one is definitely your type.”
“Shut the fuck up. I’m going back.” Nino bid his usual grumpy goodbye before going back to work.
--xxx--
It was his third day here, in Sho’s room, helping with whatever Sho needed him to do.
His desk was placed on the left of Sho’s, with his desk facing Sho’s side while Sho’s faced the door. He was clearly at a disadvantage because he could see Sho’s figure clearly when he looked straight. The universe was really trying to play with him, apparently.
Nino then remembered his friend’s statement. Well, if he really, really, reaaaallly had to confess, he was indeed interested in Sho a little bit, physically. He had this normal and slim body, but if examined more thoroughly, a well-built body could be seen. He wasn’t too short nor too tall, but tall enough against Nino. He had a very handsome and sadistic type of face, which usually turned Nino on.
That was, if Nino didn’t meet Sho at the wrong time.
Physically speaking, Sho was a perfect score. Nino had actually known that since the first day they met at the police station, but at that time anger was more dominant in his emotions, so he put that feeling away. Now that the case was already solved, he tried to ignore the attraction that once again sparked in his mind.
Sho’s nice personality just made it worse. He was actually a very gentle and easy-going type. He was pretty popular in the company as most of the workers admired his work ethic and personality. On the second day Nino worked in Sho’s room, he was sure that Sho didn’t have any ulterior motive, as he imagined. He was just that nice.
Nino sighed unconsciously. If only Nino hadn’t met Sho in such an incident, he was sure they would have hit it off. But no, not in this situation where he was at fault for imprisoning his own boss. He would be considered creepy and weird. No victim would respond to a person who had them wrongly arrested.
“You’re looking at me.” Nino’s daydream was suddenly broken when Sho turned his head to meet his brown eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Nino tried to calm down and got back to work. Nino still felt Sho’s gaze on him intensely, like he wanted to pierce through him.
“Say,o you still ride on that bus?”
Nino lifted his face up at the sudden question. He nodded shortly before Sho groaned lowly, displaying his disagreement. “You should rent a car or something. Harassment could happen to you again.”
Nino quirked one of his eyebrows in confusion. Was this man just concerned about him?
“Just in case, I took the earlier bus at seven, so the bus wasn’t particularly crowded.” Now he was confused at himself because he answered the question without hesitation, as if trying to soothe his boss. “I can’t waste money on a rental car and I didn’t get traumatized from that one incident.”
Nino saw Sho was grinning at him before he continued to ask. “Now that you mention it, why did you take a bus that day? You have a car, right?”
“My car was broken and I didn’t realize it until I started the engine that day. Sucks. After calling my usual acquaintance to fix it, I went to work by bus.” The man in a gallant suit sighed before slumping in his chair. “Though I didn’t go to the office for three days because some interesting events happened.”
Nino shivered a bit, but then he decided to be honest. “I’m afraid I can’t change what’s already happened. What I can say now is I’m thankful for your kindness for allowing me to keep working.” He paused for a moment, biting his lip. “Also, for the rude words I said.”
“I’m not that kind. I will work you to death from now on.” Sho turned his body to face Nino completely, and his hand supported his chin as a smirk adorned his beautiful face. “So I need you to stop admiring me and get your ass to work.”
Oh shit, that sudden change from nice gentleman to a devil man with sadistic vibes. No, don’t do that, Sakurai. Nino tried his best not to melt at the moment and went back to scribbling notes after apologizing.
Days continue to pass and Nino was still helping Sho. Right on the seventh day, which marked a week after the punishment Sho gave to Nino, he still hadn’t finished everything completely. His tasks were never ending and Nino wondered if this was really Sho’s daily life.
Nino started to panic as he realized that and still had a bunch of papers left to do. Sho didn’t say what he would do if Nino didn’t get it done on time, but Nino was sure Sho wouldn’t be pleased hearing that. He glanced at the clock; it showed that it was already half past nine in the evening. The office was completely vacant as the workers had already went home hours ago.
Meanwhile Sho was still at his desk too, working like there was no tomorrow. Usually he would tell Nino to go home, and Nino would comply. But this time, when Sho ordered him to continue the task tomorrow, Nino refused and insisted to finish the task today.
“Nino, it’s already late. Go home already.”
“A little bit more and I will go home, sir.” Nino answered firmly, even though his whole body was screaming the need to rest and sleep. Eyebags adorned his cute small face, he looked paler, and his shoulders slumped more heavily. Doing overtime work for a week really got to him.
To be honest, Nino wasn’t really sure if he could maintain this for another day. Hell, he didn’t even think he had the energy to go home tonight. But this was his responsibility, and he must atone for the sins he did.
Without Nino himself realizing, his vision started to blur and his head began to spin. He didn’t even recognize that Sho had spun his chair and was now standing in front of him. Both of Sho’s hands were on his seat handles as Sho’s face approached his.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
Sho squinted his eyes. Nino was about to say something about this awkward situation before Sho abruptly pushed himself away and folded his hands. He then started to snicker, and it grew louder gradually.
“Anything funny?” Nino began to feel irritated as Sho didn’t stop chuckling.
“Yes. You,” answered Sho with much amusement. Nino still couldn’t grasp the situation while Sho tried to calm down. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have laughed.”
“You’re laughing at my misery?”
Sho put his hands on his face for a few moments before he inhaled a quite amount of air. “To tell you the truth, your work was done the second day you were here. You’re quite excellent for a transfer staff from Kyoto.”
“... Then what have I been working on for the past five days?”
“Well,” Sho began to wander around his room. “Seeing you get it done so fast satisfied me indeed as a boss. But as a person who wanted to take revenge on you, I just couldn’t let you go easily. How to put it, I want to see you suffer more .... kinda. So I gave my next month’s work to you instead.”
Nino gaped at the man who was standing straight in front of him. Somehow, this man never failed to surprise him, in a worse way, or not. “I don’t know you anymore.”
“I told you, I’m not that kind. I also did warn you about working you to death, so it’s not my fault.”
Nino wanted to pick a fight with this guy, really.
“It was so satisfying to see you suffer. Tell me, how much did you sleep for the past week?”
The smaller man sighed, and sat back harshly. He didn’t understand this man anymore, really. At first, Sakurai Sho looked nice, kind and caring. But as time flew by, he gradually showed his true face. The question was, why did everyone seem to admire this man while in fact he was no better than a snarky man? Perhaps they didn’t know his true face, but then why did he show it to Nino, who had known him for literally two weeks?
Sure, part of it was Nino’s fault, as he did wrong him. But who knew that Sakurai Sho, a nice and gentlemanly boss, would do this kind of torture as a payback? A normal gentleman would hand this case to the police, but the fact that Sho decided to do the payback himself--he was indeed not a common gentleman.
Ninowas irritated at that damn smirk.
But what irritated him most was, the more that smirk grew, the more Nino grew fond of Sakurai Sho.
Nino found his head thumping like a drum, and it was hurt so much he could almost cry. It seemed that the lack of sleep for the past week was really doing a number on him He wanted to argue with Sho more, but his subconscious forced him to close his eyes and moan in pain.
Upon seeing that, Sho patted Nino’s head and pulled his arm. “I’m sorry. I guess I went too far. Let’s grab something for dinner before I take you home.”
Even though Nino wanted to resist, he had no energy left for it. He could walk alone, but he didn’t say anything and just complied what Sho asked him to do. As they arrived to Sho’s car, Sho opened the door for him—Nino couldn’t interpret whether Sho did that as an act of kindness, or just as a trap to lure him in.
They rode in Sho’s car quietly. Sho sometimes peeked at Nino from the corner of his eye, looking at his tired face.
On the other hand, Nino was indeed exhausted. In a normal case, he would protest anything that prevented him from his sleeping schedule, or playing his favorite games. But this case was different, so his hands were tied completely. Sho had the power play and Nino hated being the victim of it.
He still didn’t know what would happen to him after this. It could be better, or it could be worse. Sakurai Sho wasn’t your ordinary man that was easy to read. Oh well, whatever .... it was such a pain to think.
“What do you want for dinner?” Sho asked promptly. When he heard no response, at first he thought Nino was mad or still irritated. But then he heard soft snores, and Sho couldn’t help but to smile sheepishly.
--xxx--
The smell of coffee penetrated Nino’s nose. It was so good that he was instantly addicted to it, to the point that he hoped his morning would be as fine as this from now on. He turned his body to the left, seeking warmth--then he felt his whole body freeze.
Wait, why he did he feel cold? Didn’t he still have his formal work suit on? Also, wasn’t he was about to go to eat with Sho? So why was he lying down?
Uh-oh.
“So you still can open your eyes. I thought you were dead, seriously.”
Nino gasped in panic and immediately sat on the bed. His mind was blank and absent-minded before but now he was full of questions. He stared at his boss who wore a casual peach coloured jumper with baggy pants. Upon seeing that, he also realized that his own clothes had changed to an oversized sweater and pants.
“What the f—” Nino was about to curse and yell but he remembered Sho was his boss. His boss that he owed. In the end he just stared at Sho for a few moments before the man chuckled a little.
“You slept like a log, and I don’t know where you live, so.” Sho explained it briefly like it was the most normal thing in the world. No matter how you looked at it, their situation was far from normal.
Nino’s eyes were still on alert. “Yo-You didn’t have to be so kind to change my clothes.”
“It’s okay, I didn’t do anything.” Sho answered reassuringly. “Come, I’ve prepared breakfast for you.”
Nino rolled up the sweater’s overlong sleeves before following Sho suit.
Actually, Sho’s apartment was surprisingly rather small, but with elegant touches here and there. It was perfect for a single salaryman like Sho. When they reached the kitchen, a simple but nice dining table appeared before them. There were two plates on the table with toasted bread and cheese, and some milk to go with it.
While Nino still couldn’t grasp the situation, nevertheless he ate the breakfast in silence as he was very hungry because he skipped dinner yesterday. After a few moments, he spoke to express his thankfulness. “Thank ... you, sir. I guess.”
“No need to be so formal. We’re not in the office.”
Nino scrunched up his nose, thinking for a bit. “Yeah, but I mean, I just can’t suddenly say like, fuck you or something, right? Because that’s what I’ve been feeling for you recently.”
“Well, we have to go on a few dates first before we fuck each other.” Sho chuckled as he saw Nino’s choke on his drink. “Also, usually it’s me who does the fucking, for your information.”
“I don’t need that information.”
“Sure thing.”
Nino then gradually grasped what happened yesterday and he started to get irritated again. He put the bread down and his eyes shot piercingly to Sho’s brown ones. “But you were the cause I was like this though.”
“You know very well that you can’t complain.”
“....” Nino sighed heavily. “Well, whatever. With this, we’re even.”
“Who said that I’m done with you?”
“Excuse me?”
“No, no. I’m actually still not satisfied with yesterday’s payback. You don’t know how it feels to be humiliated in front of dozens of people for a sin you didn’t commit. You don’t know how it feels to be imprisoned at home for days.”
“All you did was laze around in bed for three days, how the fuck is that difficult?”
“Being monitored every second isn’t very comfortable to experience, especially if you’re being accused of something you didn’t do. Also I’m the type of person who would be dead if I didn’t do productive activities.”
“So you decided to bully me.” Sho laughed a bit at Nino’s statement. He put the fork on the bread, playing with it before he gazed into the smaller man’s eyes.
“It’s not bullying. I would rather call this a search for a proper payback.”
Nino immediately shivered as he saw the glint on Sho’s darken eyes. God, he would never understand this guy.
“Do you see the pile of dirt that’s polluting my precious books and stuff over there? I think you can do something about it.”
--xxx--
Three months had passed since the breakfast event happened. Ever since, there was no end to Sho’s peculiar demands. As the time flew, the demands gradually got weirder and weirder. Nino noticed this and sometimes complained, but when he was about to voice it, Sho would always give him rewards that made him shut up.
Mostly the demands were about work, but it wasn’t as harsh as the first one he was asked to do. He got a normal curfew, even though sometimes he had to stay late along with the man.
To his dismay, the demands didn’t stop at the office. As he was asked to do stuff in Sho’s apartment too, his requests were so weird he couldn’t comprehend at first. One of them was to teach him how to cook, though Sho always failed and in the end they would eat Nino’s cooking as it looked more normal and edible. He was once asked to take care of his freaking house for days when Sho was out of town for a business trip.
The weirdest one would be when he was asked to come to his apartment, and got told to stay on the sofa. As weird as it was, he got this demand almost every weekend.
“Just sit on this sofa for a whole day.” And then Sho would sit beside him and start his usual book reading session. At first, Nino was so irritated and bored to death with the task, but later on he started to bring his game consoles. The two of them would spend the day in silence, and then Sho would treat him to dinner and take him home.
While Sho’s requests were varied, from the easiest, hardest, until the weirdest, Nino still didn’t know the true meaning of Sho’s actions. Was this really a form of bullying? If it was bullying, then why did Sho always say sorry to him if he went overboard, give him various gifts, and took him out to eat?
Nino understand the pattern well, but he just couldn’t find the main reason behind all of it. He would ask for impossible tasks, but then in the end he would treat him to his favorite hamburgers, or buy him the newest games. No matter how you looked at it, this wasn’t a payback at all.
As irritating as it was, the most irritating thing was Nino himself. He would rather die than to admit this, but he started to enjoy this kind of bullying. He couldn’t believe himself that he liked to be treated like this, so sometimes he was determined to clearly tell Sho how he felt. Of course, all of the determination vaporized instantly when he saw that trademark smirk on his damn handsome face.
“Are you okay?”
Nino came back to the real world when Aiba nudged his elbow.
“Yeah, sure, what was it again?” Nino coughed a little and focused his vision to his best friend.
“I said that Satomi and I are going smoothly! I can’t believe this. I’m going to visit her apartment next week! I’m so nervous.”
“That is quite a development, mate.” Nino smiled slightly while sipping on the tequila he held. In his case, he was already visiting Sho’s apartment since months ago, so it couldn’t be counted as a development.
Wait, why did Nino hope there would be any development between him and Sho? What kind of development, anyway?!
“I will wear my best clothes!” Aiba grinned so wide that his eyes almost closed. “How about you recently? Still on the payback game with that good looking boss?”
“Please, not that again.”
Aiba just laughed at his friend who sounded desperate. “Just admit that both of you like each other and settle things down.”
“The fuck are you talking about? I don’t like him. He doesn’t like me.”
“I mean, I wouldn’t count cooking together with teasing banter as bullying. I would totally call that a home date.”
“It’s not a date. We don’t even kiss.”
“But you want it anyway.”
Nino concentrated his effort in not blushing at his friend’s statement. Because really, Aiba voiced out things that he himself was afraid to speak. Rather than admitting it, Nino tended to avoid it using rude words. And unfortunately, Aiba understood him well. That’s why Aiba didn’t get offended at all when Nino was being rude or snarky.
“One of you must break the ice and I believe things will start to go down from there.” Aiba nodded at himself like he was a wise man regarding love problems. “You have the hots for each other but are too stubborn to admit it.”
While Nino tried to dodge the teasing Aiba gave him, his heart was actually beating fast. Aiba wasn’t really a smart person, but he was his best friend and it seemed that he knew him more than he knew himself. No matter how much Nino denied it, deep down he knew that Aiba knew what he was feeling. So it was kind of useless to lie to Aiba.
“.... I don’t know, Masaki.”
Aiba beamed brightly and put his hands around Nino’s shoulders. “Aww, don’t be discouraged. Everything will be decided based on the actions you make.”
Just after Aiba said these words, Sho appeared in the ballroom along with the other department heads. They were escorting the branch manager, as he was to greet all of the workers that had come to this company’s anniversary party.
“Speak of the devil,” Aiba sing-songed.
Damn, could that man get any hotter? Nino felt like his breath was taken away from him when he saw Sho’s whole figure. Wrapped in an elegant suit and blood coloured tie, Sho looked so stunningly handsome. And of course Nino noticed the new extravagant Rolex watch that was hidden behind the sleeve—Nino knew it was new because he was with Sho when he bought it last week.
It wasn’t a surprise that Sho was quite popular. Despite his hard work ethic, his smile was so bright it blinded most everyone in the ballroom. Sometimes, it made Nino wonder if those people knew the true colours of Sho.
But the truth was, somewhere deep down in his heart, he hoped that no one but him knew about Sho’s real character.
The night went long as the party continued. Honestly, Nino hated this kind of social outing. Usually he would make some lame excuse to escape the invitation, so that he could spend his night playing games or sleeping. But ever since he stepped into this branch office, he didn’t slack off even for a day. He didn’t skip any social outings even though he didn’t talk much with people.
People might call this a character development, but deep down, Nino actually didn’t change at all. He was still very much the same Nino. The only difference was that, he found something interesting that could compete with his interest in games. In this case, someone.
Like this anniversary party, for example. Old Nino would make himself excuses, like he suddenly got sick, or had to take care of a family member that suddenly became ill. But the new Nino, he wasn’t stupid enough to let go of the chance to see Sakurai Sho standing brightly in a stunning suit.
An hour had already passed since Nino kept staring at his own boss. Not that he was openly staring, he just glanced continuously when he thought everyone wasn’t looking. Sho himself was so busy socializing, the thing that Nino hated most. But looking at Sho smile and laugh brightly while socializing wasn’t bad at all.
He was constantly being nudged by Aiba to go near Sho. No, he couldn’t do that, could he? Their positions were far, even though their age gap was just four years apart. Sho was a respected department head while Nino was just a transfer staff. No matter how fast they had grown closer in the past months, it was hidden well from the public’s eyes.
“It’s no use if you keep drooling here. Go!” Aiba literally pushed Nino’s back to Sho’s direction while Nino yelped in surprise.
Just as Nino was getting nearer to Sho, a fine lady suddenly showed up and hugged Sho’s elbow gently. Nino halted his walk immediately and observed them in silence. They looked like they got along and the way they smiled at each other, it seemed like that they were happy with each other’s presence.
When the lady kissed Sho’s cheek tenderly, Nino realized something.
A fine man should be matched with a fine lady.
Aah, that’s right. That’s common sense. Nino was the one that had no sense.
Nino came back to Aiba’s place without saying anything. He grabbed the cocktail nearby and gulped it in one go before exiting the party. He could hear Aiba calling for him many times but he didn’t bother to turn his back and answer. He just walked straight to the exit for a sudden need to inhale fresh air outside.
His head hurt, his eyes hurt, his heart hurt.
Why the fuck did Nino feet this way? It was ordinary. Who gave him the stupid idea that Sho might be interested in him, anyway? It was clear that Sho just saw him as a toy to be played with.
--xxx--
“Okay, now I’m certain you’re mad at me.”
Sho said unwaveringly after Nino slammed the door right in front of his face.
“Nino.” Sho called. “Nino, open the fucking door. I’m your boss and I’m giving you an order right now.”
“We’re not in the office remember?” Sho heard Nino’s screaming from the inside. “I told you I would agree to help you if it’s work related, not this kind of shit!”
“But I really need a company to buy monthly groceries. You usually would accept this.”
No response was heard from inside of the apartment. Sho kept knocking on Nino’s door relentlessly, refusing to give up. He didn’t have any idea why Nino’s behaviour suddenly changed recently.
Sho remembered that day, the day after the company’s anniversary. Nino appeared at work, tired with swollen face. At that time Sho hadn’t asked him any weird demands so it was obviously not because of it. Sho considered that maybe Nino had too much to drink at the party, so he was kind of sulky.
But then Nino continued to ignore him for two whole weeks. When Sho was about to ask the reason, it was at the same time when Nino said that from now on he was going to comply with the work related requests only.
This evening was the third Sunday Sho spent without Nino. So he decided to visit Nino’s apartment to force him out as he felt something was lacking from his life. He didn’t know why Nino suddenly was refusing his requests outside of work, but to Sho, Nino’s company was becoming a habit. He always almost forgot that all of this was just a setup to make Nino pay his debt back.
“Nino, please.”
Before he realized it, he had stayed in front of Nino’s door for almost an hour. It was getting late, and his stubbornness gradually shrank. He lost count on how many times he knocked on Nino’s door, to the point that his hand bruised a bit because of it.
As much as Sho was pleased to see Nino being irritated or mad at him because of the tasks he gave, at the same time he didn’t want to see Nino hurt too much. And this time, it seemed that Nino was hurt by him. He didn’t have the slightest idea why, so he had to ask directly. Did he go too overboard with the tasks after all? Or was there anything bothering him?
Sho wanted to know the answer, but if Nino chose not to say anything, then Sho had no choice but to go home.
With slumped shoulders, Sho walked through the parking lot slowly. Sure, he could ask Nino tomorrow at the office, locked in his room. But it just didn’t feel right to use his authority to find out the secret.
“Oh.”
Sho lifted up his face to see a young man looking at him in surprise. Oh wait, he knew this man. If he wasn’t wrong, his name was ....
“Aiba-san, was it?”
“Yes I am!” the cheerful man replied instantly with a bright smile. “Nino wasn’t at home? Or did you just take him home?”
Sho scratched his nape. “Eerrrmm ... Do you have an appointment with Nino?”
“No, not really. I can never make appointments or such when it comes to Nino. He’s the type of person who would avoid any human interactions.” Aiba laughed heartily. “So I just kind of come uninvited. When I want to visit, then I will visit. As simple as that.”
Sho understand well what did Aiba said about Nino. For the past few months, Sho heard about no one else other than this friend named Aiba.
“It’s a surprise that Nino doesn’t get irritated from that.”
“Nino would gets irritated indeed, but he would never have the heart to throw me out of his apartment. Especially if I bring hamburgers with me.”
Sho chuckled softly at the thought of Nino and this Aiba guy spending the day together, with Aiba being loud and Nino complaining.
“Never mind that, please don’t change the subject, sir! I mean, Sakurai-san.” The cheerful man folded both of his hands, trying to act angry.
In the end, Sho had no choice but to tell him the story. He probably was told by Nino too, but at least he wanted Aiba to hear the story from his point of view. Aiba just nodded knowingly and Sho didn’t miss the smirk he made briefly before pulling his arm back to Nino’s apartment.
“I met him at the parking lot.”
Nino couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw two men standing in front of his apartment door. He only expected Aiba to come, so why was Sho here too? They weren’t supposed to know each other, were they? When Nino was about to close the door, Sho was literally shoved into him and almost made him fall on the floor.
“AIBA WHAT THE FU—”
“JUST KISS AND MAKE UP, YOU GUYS!” Aiba shouted out loud after closing the door from the outside. He had grown tired from the bitching Nino had done for the past week and he wanted his friend to face reality already. Now that Nino was occupied, Aiba decided to go to Satomi-chan’s place to eat the hamburger he had brought.
With that, Sho finally got into Nino’s apartment.
Sho was about to reach for Nino’s arm when the other dodged his attempt. It made Sho frown. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong with refusing a request.”
Since it was no use to tell Sho to leave his apartment, Nino kind of gave up and went inside. Of course, Sho followed suit and found himself in a small and cozy apartment. He often took Nino home, but never got inside of it. So it was his first time there and he immediately liked it as it showed Nino’s true colours. It wasn’t so neat, but definitely neater than his apartment. There were games and cables that were surprisingly placed in order from A to Z. He didn’t have much stuff, it was so simple and comfortable.
“You never did that before.” Sho said as he sat on the sofa as if he had already gotten permission—Nino didn’t complain though.
Meanwhile, Nino stood and leaned on the glass door that connected to the veranda. “Well then I did it just now.”
“Why?”
Nino seemed reluctant to answer it. “I was just tired.”
“I’m not buying that. Recently I think you’re not your usual self.”
Ah, that determined look again. Nino was always lost to that sharp gaze, it trapped him in those deep brown eyes. Slowly, he got closer to Sho as he was to convey something important. “Look. I’m getting tired of this. When will you say you’re satisfied bullying me so that my debt is finally paid off?”
Sho was genuinely surprised at that. It was like he didn’t see it coming, while in fact he should have assumed it. Sho himself was enjoying this unique connection between him and Nino too much that he kind of forgot that Nino didn’t do those things sincerely. Of course, Nino complied with all of Sho’s requests only because Nino owed him a big one, and Nino was his subordinate. The one who enjoyed this was only Sho, and he forgot about that.
“To be honest...” Scratched his head, Sho decided to be honest now, even if it hurt. “To be really honest, I sometimes forgot that I’m doing getting revenge and you’re not enjoying it much.”
“I beg your pardon?” Nino immediately glared at Sho’s brown eyes.
Nino waited for his reply but Sho didn’t say anything, so there was an awkward silence for a few moments. Rather than awkward, it was more tense.
The younger man wanted to explode right there right now, but somehow he just stood there and couldn’t think of anything else. It wasn’t an answer Nino expected Sho to say. The smart and mighty Sakurai Sho, got lost in his own game? He had so much fun bullying him that he got lost in pleasure? Wow.
Nino folded both of his hands. If Sho was this honest to him, then he should be honest too.
“I don’t understand you.”
“I don’t understand me too.”
Nino shot a mad look briefly at Sho’s answer before continuing. “Sometimes you were be so harsh and mean, but sometimes you were so kind and caring to me.”
Silence wrapped the atmosphere again as they just had no words to exchange. Sho lowered his head and stared at the elegant wooden floor while Nino kept looking at anything except Sho in order to suppress his anger. As Sho didn’t answer his statement, Nino added, “What I’m saying is, stop playing with other people! You have your own world that I can’t touch, right? So get away from me!”
“You already have this chick that you can play with, right?” added Nino again after a few seconds. He said it in such a low voice that Sho almost didn’t hear it.
“Chick? What chick?” The older man lifted his head to meet Nino’s back that was already facing him.
“The beautiful lady who kissed your cheek during the party!”
Sho noticed there was a hint of jealousy in Nino’s words even though Nino himself didn’t want to admit it. Did all of this happen because of mere jealousy?
“She’s Ohno-san’s cousin so I had to be nice with her. I was aware that she tried to get close to me, but little did she know that her efforts were all futile.” Sho got up from his seat and walked closer to Nino until he was right behind him. “Because I’m more interested in men. Nino, I wouldn’t do such things to everyone except you.”
Nino could feel his heart suddenly beating fast. Wait, what? Now that he thought of it, he probably looked like a jealous and bitchy wife right now! And what the hell was Sho saying?!
They were once again in complete silence for good minutes before Nino started to whisper. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“... I don’t know.”
That was it. He didn’t care anymore if Sho was his boss or ifSho would really sue him for the wrong accusation. Sakurai Sho was smart but he wasn’t smart enough to have the answers Nino wanted. The gamer turned his back and yelled angrily. “Get out. GET. THE FUCK. OUT.”
“Listen to me, Nino!”
Sho held both of Nino’s arms but it wasn’t an easy task as Nino avoided him once again. Sho struggled a bit as he chased Nino down. Nino planned to lock himself to his bedroom so he ran, but unfortunately Sho was faster as he got in before Nino slammed the door. So now Sho was in Nino’s bedroom, with Nino trapped between the door and Sho.
There was no place to hide anymore.
The younger man couldn’t lift his eyes to met Sho’s. He was so flustered, confused, it was so uncomfortable but at the same time, he felt a ting of pleasure being trapped like this. He had always had complicated feelings for this man.
As Sho’s breath gradually became normal and composed, he started to speak. “At first, I was indeed so angry at you for the wrong accusation. So when I found out that you’re my subordinate, I did plan how to make you suffer.”
Nino winced upon hearing the revelation. Sho noticed that but he continued nevertheless. “So I did make you suffer. But then every time I saw your tired face, I just couldn’t keep going. I couldn’t deal with you being so sad or tired because of me. So I gave up in the end and helped you, or treated you nicely. Before I realized it, I was doing it to you over and over again.”
Sho noticed that Nino’s breath hitched from time to time. “Before I realized it, I began to request personal stuff that shouldn’t be requested from a boss to a subordinate. It became my habit to use this game to flirt with you. You barged into my personal space, and now I feel like there’s something lacking when you’re not with me.”
“I know it’s not really wise to use a higher position to order you around. I know you’re not enjoying this like I do. I’m sure you’re stressed over me ordering you around. I know, I’m a complete jackass.”
Nino didn’t react. He only looked at Sho’s cheek as it was the best thing he had ever seen, avoiding eye contact. Sho sighed inward and pulled back both of his hands from Nino’s sides. “And that’s it. When I say I don’t know, I really don’t know. Fuck, I don’t know myself anymore.”
“You know,” Nino suddenly started talking. “Common people usually assume those feelings as falling in love.”
A blush appeared on Nino’s cheeks and Sho swore it was the cutest thing he had ever seen. The atmosphere gradually became awkward and embarrassing as they were being honest to each other more.
“I’m not stupid. To tell you the truth, I was aware of the possibility. But I just didn’t want to admit it.” The blush was now on Sho’s face too. “Because it sounds creepy, the fact that I was attracted with a stranger that accused me of wrongdoing. It just doesn’t happen normally.”
“Well, you are creepy.”
“Thanks.”
Nino rubbed his cheek awkwardly as he turned his gaze awaySho’s eyes. “And I’m creepy too, I guess.”
Sho made a questioning sound and frowned. Nino sighed and inhaled before he shot his flustered gaze to Sho’s confused expression.
“Why do you think I always comply to you?”
“... Because you’re my subordinate?”
“No, stupid. If I was being treated like that for months I would surely resign from the damn company.”
“Then why?”
Oh well. Nino had nothing to lose. It was now or never.
“Because at that time, when I still thought you were the one harassing me, for an instant I ... I had this little thought of not handing you to the police because that’d be a waste.”
Nino continued his rambling despite his face getting redder. “I mean fuck, this hot guy just touched me? There’s actually a hot guy herethat’s interested with my small butt, but why? My mind was so twisted, it was so complicated.”
Sho was stunned into silence.
“I know. I looked like a whore. And well, it sounds creepy to be attracted to a harasser. You’re creepy. I’m creepy. We’re both bunch of creeps.”
To Nino’s surprise, Sho laughed so hard that tears appeared at the edge of his eyes. “What are we? Highschoolers?” Sho couldn’t stop laughing. “Why is it so hard to sort things out? I can’t believe it.”
“Well, it wouldn’t be this hard if we didn’t meet on the bus.”
Sho’s laughter subsided as Nino suddenly was in serious mode again. He then patted Nino’s head and kissed it slightly. “But that incident itself made us closer like this.”
Neither of them said anything for the next few minutes as they tried to digest what had just happened between them. It was so stupid, complicated yet so simple. Sure, their meeting wasn’t like the mushy or sappy common romance stories, but rather like a suspense movie. They weren’t perfect, they kept struggling because of their own stubbornness, but in the end, it finally paid off.
Sho was relieved that he wasn’t the only one who actually enjoyed this game. Now that everything was clear as day, there was one thing Sho wanted to confirm.
“Do you really want this creep roaming into your life?”
Nino laughed. “We’re both creepy, so ...” Nino paused for a second before smiling earnestly. “I guess I don’t really mind to have another creep in my life.”
Little did Nino knew that his smile and his cute face really did a number on Sho. He was so beautiful Sho couldn’t resist anymore. A few moments later Nino felt a pair of hands slowly hugging his waist. After seconds of exchanging each other’s gaze, Sho put one of his hands on Nino’s cheek to stroke it lightly before holding it firm.
“I love you.”
After saying that, Sho went down and brushed Nino’s lips with his. It was surprisingly soft, tender and delicate. At first, Sho intended to only peck his lips, but a few moments later it became a battle of tongues.
Sho didn’t need to ask to open Nino’s mouth as he already opened it widely to welcome him. Nino held Sho’s head closer to him as Sho hugged him tighter. The older man tilted his head slightly for a better angle when Nino sighed in pleasure involuntarily. They were literally trying to eat each other as there was no gap between them. When Nino’s hand went down slowly, Sho stopped.
“Wait, wait.” Sho suddenly halted his actions. Nino unconsciously whined when Sho let go of his hands of him. “I’m a person who does things properly. So I would like to take you on several dates first.”
“We had dates before, in the form of bullying.”
“Official ones.” Nino groaned in annoyance hearing Sho’s calm answers. Why was this man so composed when he literally had a boner inside his pants?
“Fuck no. I’ve been wanting this since forever.”
Nino began to devour Sho’s mouth again before he realized that Sho didn’t answer the kiss. Nino then backed off only to recognize that Sho was pouting. Literally. Like a child who lost his favorite candy.
“But I want ....”
“Fucking Christ,” Nino yelled desperately. “Just count theseso-called ‘search for a proper payback’ game for the last five months as dates.”
Nino’s hand went straight down to palm Sho’s growing crotch so the other man wouldn’t be able to answer. Sho moaned at the sudden touch and his head dropped back as Nino fondled it for a while. But as pleasant as it was, the older man wouldn’t give in that easily.
“Not so fast, little darling.” Sho put hands on Nino’s butt to lift his surprisingly light body, while Nino automatically leaned on Sho’s chest to find his grip. “I do the fucking, remember?”
Nino laughed at the memory. “Wow, I can’t believe that information is actually useful.”
Sho smirked and kissed Nino again while carrying him to his bed. When they reached the bed, the younger man was thrown violently to the soft surface—not that he minded. Sho then followed suit and pressed his body to Nino’s.
As they continued to devour each other’s mouths hungrily, Sho started to caress beneath Nino’s clothes. Nino sighed in pleasure when Sho found the pink buds and twisted them, one then the oth.
When they parted,seeking air, Sho didn’t stop pampering Nino. His mouth brushed Nino’s ear, nibbling it teasingly and went down to his neck. Nino’s breath hitched when Sho bit the soft flesh many times until it was bright red coloured. Sho’s adventure continued south slowly as he removed Nino’s clothes. His tongue probed Nino’s nipples teasingly as if they were the most delicious things, while his hands were already working on Nino’s pants.
All of this time Nino could only sob in pleasure and let out embarrassing. But Nino didn’t really mind it, or rather didn’t give a fuck about it. All he could see was Sho’s hair so he tangled his fingers in it, and pulled tight. Sho felt he was pressing hard on Nino’s limbs but he didn’t mind it at all, and continued to lick the body beneath him instead.
Moments later, all of their clothes were long discarded under the bed. Their naked limbs tangled together, caressing available skin, seeking pleasure. It was so hot that their bodies glistened with sweat and but it didn’t stop them from touching each other’s skin.
“Sho ....”
Sho lifted his face from Nino’s navel to meet his eyes. Both of their eyes were full of desires and they knew that tonight was going to be long and satisfying. Sho reached Nino’s face and kissed his lips searingly for a few minutes. The younger man moaned between their kisses as Sho began to tease his lower part.
Nino was so loud, he was probably bothering the neighbours. He was glad that his apartment was built quite well and had thick walls. He was particularly loud when Sho stroked his shaft, or when Sho finally stretched his insides to prepare for the main event.
It was a pleasant surprise for Sho that Nino was this noisy when it came to lovemaking. He was turned on by it so much that his defenses were broken instantly when Nino begged him sensually many times. He intended to tease Nino a bit more, but it became so hard to ignore the whining cute small creature beneath him.
“Nino.”
“Sho, please.”
Sho stroked Nino’s cheek and admired how beautiful he was. His body was squirming sensually, his face was flushed red and his eyes were glossy with tears.
“Kazu.” Sho called Nino in a rough voice that almost made Nino come because of it.
“Sho, fuck me.”
Sho gritted his teeth. He couldn’t restrain it anymore.
“Damn it Kazu, you’re gonna be the end of me.”
Sho then gave up and screwed him like Nino begged. They released themselves in heavenly pleasures a couple of times but it seemed that it wasn’t enough so they did it over and over again.
They made love as if trying to make up for their respective mistakes. Their passion was heated so much like they were hungry for each other. They finally stopped when the dawn was about to appear and their bodies couldn’t keep up anymore.
It was the best night both had ever spent.
--xxx--
Sunray entered the curtain’s small gap, making a thin line of light that went straight to Nino’s eyes. As he irritated with the beaming light, the young man slowly regained consciousness and opened his eyes.
First thing he realized was that he wasn’t alone. There was a muscular hand on his flat stomach. As heavy as it was, he didn’t have any complaints about it.
Nino then turned to his side to look at the man who apparently had woken up too. He just made love to this man yesterday. This was the man whom he accused for groping his butt, the man that played him savagely for months, the man who could bully him and it wouldn’t matter. This was the man who had unconsciously taken his heart months ago.
It was really great to wake up in Sakurai Sho’s arms.
Sho trailed his hand from Nino’s stomach, stroking it softly until he reached his back. Then he pulled Nino into his arms tightly. On the other hand, Nino followed Sho’s body line with his index finger until he reached Sho’s hard jaw. Their eyes met instantly, and they were suddenly in a staring competition for a couple of minutes.
“Like what you see?”
“Yes.”
Nino chuckled. “Is this an attempt at flirting too?”
“I think so, yes.”
Nino hummed briefly. “Hmm, that’s not very convincing.” He heard Sho’s baritone laugh before he felt Sho’s hand trail down slowly but surely on his soft perky ass.
“Then let me convince you.” Nino decided that he liked Sho’s voice best in the morning, when he had just woken up like this. His hoarse, rough voice became his new addiction and he wanted to hear this every morning.
As Sho’s hand started to squish his butt, Nino grabbed it teasingly. “Now you’re officially a harasser. Should I hand you in to Matsumoto-san again?”
Instead of being scared of Nino’s (playful) threat, Sho chuckled a bit before he added the strength to his grope. It made Nino unintentionally moan low in pleasure. “It’s not harassing if the other has consent.”
“I haven’t said that I allow you to touch my precious butt.”
“Well you did. Last night. You screamed at me to screw your butt.” Sho cleared his throat before he started to impersonate Nino’s high voice. “Sho! Right there! Aah! No! Please .... Sho .... Ah .... Don’t tease me anymore, please do me! Sho!”
As Sho imitated how loud Nino was yesterday, it madeNino blush involuntary. Nino was well aware that he was so vocal when it came to bed exercise, but to hear it now when he was conscious was embarrassing as hell. And so far, no one had imitated him like Sho did.
Nino didn’t say anything and buried his head in Sho’s chest instead. He wanted to give a snarky reply, but his mind went blank and he just didn’t want to start an argument in this peaceful moment. Oh well, his mind was always half-working when it came to Sho anyway.
Upon seeing that, Sho cackled and put his arm around Nino tighter. “Nah, don’t be flustered now. Don’t you think it’s too late? You should have been flustered the moment you caught the wrong person.”
“...” Nino still didn’t answer for a few minutes before he murmured into Sho’s chest. “I’m always flustered when I’m with you.”
“Why?”
Nino lifted his head and looked at Sho with glossy eyes. “Because I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Both of Nino’s eyes were full of tears, ready to slip at any moment. He couldn’t believe that their feelings were mutual after all this time, and both of them were stubborn enough not to admit it. But finally, finally, after months of events and incidents, they could be here, sleeping next to each other, making love like there was no tomorrow.
When a tear eventually slipped down Nino’s cheek, Sho instantly went down and kissed it away. He licked it softly and kissed Nino’s eye. Then he lowered his head to claim the mouth that was more than ready to welcome him.
They kissed, kissed and kissed like all the time in the world was theirs.
Except that actually they didn’t have that much time.
Good thing that Nino had Aiba as a best friend. And as a best friend who was smart enough to think of what could have happened, he had already announced to the IT department that Sakurai Sho and Ninomiya Kazunari were on sick leave.
Lovesick leave, that was.
--xxx--
FIN
--xxx--
End notes: I don’t know if sexual harassment case could go as far as house arrest, but hey, let’s just enjoy the story and ignore all the plot holes (I’m begging you) XD.
ltgmarsFrom: :3.
Title: Lovesick Leave
Pairing/Focus: Sakurai Sho/Ninomiya Kazunari
Rating: R
Word count: 13,531
Warnings: Rude words courtesy of Nino, a pinch of smut
Summary: Nino got harassed on the bus. Despite his tiny, cute and weak appearance, he caught the culprit instantly and handed him to the police. Probably.
Notes: Hi Inez, I hope you’re satisfied with my little fanfiction. Sorry if there are a lot of mistakes!
--xxx--
Nino scrunched up his nose, feeling uncomfortable by the pollution on the street. Morning streets in Tokyo were always crowded and busy, full of hustle and bustle. Buses and trains were packed, filled with people who had stress written on their faces.
God, he hated this. He should have opposed the transfer program. Sure, Tokyo was way better in Kyoto in some ways, as Tokyo was the centre of Japan. But for Nino himself, he had already found his comfortable spot in Kyoto. A cozy and cheap living space near the office, a nearby supermarket with many discounts, and a game shop that often gave him half off, just because the owner liked Nino.
He should not have been tempted by the bigger salary in Tokyo. Tokyo itself was fine. He didn’t have any objections to it in the first place, but if he thought back, it would be really difficult for him to find a comfortable spot like he found in Kyoto. When he realized that, he was already at this crowded bus stop, waiting in line.
It was Nino’s third day in Tokyo and he still hadn’t found his comfortable places to go. He spent the last three days walking around his new neighbourhood, trying to find the nearest supermarket and game shop. He also sent a short greeting to few neighbours—Nino was a proper adult after all.
Oh well, at least he had Aiba, who transferred along with him. He could order him around later.
After minutes of waiting, the bus finally appeared. Dozens of people immediately filled in the bus without mercy—God, Kyoto wasn’t harsh like this!—and Nino hadn’t even had the chance to grasp the bus’ handle. Luckily, after some struggles, he succeeded in getting on the bus.
Nino thought that the war had already ended when he succeeded in getting on the bus, but it turned out that he was wrong. The bus was packed as there were more people getting in. Sweat was everywhere and Nino could hardly control his balance as his tiny body was pressed back and forth. Nino made a mental note that he would go to the office earlier starting tomorrow. Even though he hated the idea of waking up early, he just couldn’t bear this everyday.
As he mentally mourning about the change of his life, Nino suddenly felt a hand on his butt. To be said that it was accidental was a bit suspicious because the position of the hand was so fitting against his butt. Nonetheless, Nino tried to ignore it. It was probably accidental as everyone was literally touching each other in this packed bus, so couldn’t be helped.
But when the hand suddenly groped his butt firmly, Nino knew it was nothing ordinary. Once, twice .... it was enough. He instantly grabbed the hand on his back, put it up on the air and turned around.
“THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING? SEXUAL HARASSER!”
Nino screamed so loud that all eyes in the bus were on him and the harasser.
The owner of the hand—apparently a guy— made a shocked expression. Panic swam in his brown eyes and his sweat dripped quickly. As he tried to put his hand down, he responded, “N-no, you got it all wrong—”
“—Don’t fuck with me!” Nino cut the man off and slapped him with his free hand. He didn’t care if everyone was a bit creeped out—he was mad and he had the right to be mad. He then walked toward the driver and said, “Sir, could you please stop by the nearest police station? I would like to hand him over.”
The bus driver nodded and continued driving. Luckily, there was a police station just five minutes away. Nino got off the bus, still gripping the culprit’s hand tightly. The man didn’t stop saying that it was wrong and he did nothing but Nino didn’t listen. Well, there was no culprit that would admit their sins, right?
Despite his tiny figure, Nino forced the bigger culprit to follow him to the police station. People were always looking down on Nino about his body and appearance. Sure, he seemed weak and small, but he could actually fight and had some strength. He hated people who looked him down like that, so he wouldn’t let this culprit escape and make sure he would get the proper punishment. Or even more.
--xxx--
They arrived at the police station. The culprit was still complaining but Nino kept pulling him towards the entrance.
“I would like to hand in a sexual harasser.” Nino pushed the man so that the police officer with thick eyebrows could see him clearly. “This guy harassed me on a bus just now.”
“I really appreciate your bravery for handing in the culprit, sir.” The police seemed composed but his eyes were on alert. “Please have a seat there and I will prepare some files.”
Seconds later, the officer appeared again with some papers and a pen in his hand. As he sat in front of Nino and the culprit, he began the interrogation. “Your name is?”
“Ninomiya Kazunari.”
“So, Ninomiya-san, could you tell me how he did it?”
“Yeah, he basically gropped my butt a few times in the crowded bus. At first I thought it was accidental because the bus was quite packed, but no, I believe he did it on purpose.” Nino explained the event with anger in his eyes.
“I didn’t! Please believe me! It wasn’t me who touched your butt!” The culprit insisted.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, shut up, you!” It was only half past eight in the morning, but Nino had already cursed a hundred times.
“Calm down.” The police tried to calm Nino down while scribbling on the papers. “Do you have any evidence?”
Nino’s eyebrow quirked. “Evidence?”
“Yes. Well, since happened on public transportation, maybe you could bring one or two passengers that witnessed the incident.”
Nino’s shoulders slumped bit by bit. That’s true... Now that I think of it... But Nino was so worked up when he was on the bus earlier. He had been thinking about handing the culprit to the police but he hadn’t thought about evidence whatsoever.
“I don’t... I was panicking, you know? I didn’t think about evidence or proof. I just caught him red-handed and I think that’s enough.” Nino tried to persuade the handsome policeman but he just smiled.
“Ninomiya-san, I’m afraid I can’t do anything if there’s no proof that this gentleman has sexually harassed you.” The police started to explain and Nino grew disappointed. “At least, if you had brought one or two people that were with you on the bus, I could proceed with the inquiry.”
Nino seemed irritated at the officer. Before he thought about tracking down the bus, he remembered something. “Ah, that’s right! You can see the footage from the bus’ surveillance camera. I believe every bus should have at least one!”
The police nodded. “We can do that too, but the procedure of asking for the footage from the bus company will take a bit of time. Usually it will take three days or so.”
“Yeah, whatever, be it!”
“That means I can’t arrest this man right now.”
Nino got down on his knees and took the police’s hands in his. “Sir, please,” he tried to sound weak and trembling. “I’m the victim here. You said earlier that I am much appreciated for catching the culprit red-handed right? Please do something about this!”
“Please get up. I can’t do anything at the moment.”
Nino kept looking at the officer with puppy dog eyes, hoping that the man will melt and grant his wish. The culprit, who was in a business suit, suddenly replied, “I mean, if there’s surveillance footage,then I would be saved. I’m not the one who groped your butt, damn it!”
“Oh no, you can’t run from this, you prick. The footage would be evidence to imprison you!” Nino shouted back at him. “Don’t you dare run away!”
“I told you I’m not the culprit! How many times do I have to tell you?!”
“Gentlemen, please.” The officer interrupted their fight before it got worse. He asked Nino to sit back on the seat and told the culprit to be composed. Silence followed them afterward for a few minutes, with the three of them sitting still yet emotional. The police seemed to have a bit of a hard time deciding, seeing how he scratched his thick eyebrows a few times.
Just before Nino was about to say something, the officer broke the ice with an agreement.
“All right. Well, while it’s true that there’s no evidence of sexual harassment, I may sentence this man to house arrest.”
“House arrest?!” The brown haired man flinched. “Wait, but then I can’t go to work!”
The officer nodded and explained further. Basically, during the next three days, the man would not be allowed to go more than 100 m. away from his house. He would wear a locked bracelet with an alarm to keep him in place.
“This is the kindest option I can offer as we wait for the footage,” continued the officer with a firm tone. “If you indeed harassed this man, I will charge you with a crime. If you’re not, then I will release you.”
“Sir, hang on!” The culprit didn’t seem satisfied. “How can you trust this man so easily? You can trust me! I swear I didn’t do anything! I was just trying to save him instead!”
“Oh-ho, trying to save me? Now you’re running out of trump cards, huh?” Nino voiced his anger.
“It’s true that we don’t have any evidence, but as an officer, I can’t let you free to run away if you really did it.”
“Look, I won’t go anywhere. I have work to do. And hell, I didn’t even do it in the first place!”
“Sorry, sir. Once again I will say that this is the kindest option I can offer. You will just be at home for three days and nothing will happen to you. As for your work, I can call your office for you—”
“—NO! Please no. Okay, okay! I will handle the office myself!” The man shrieked and slumped down on the chair he was sitting while Nino couldn’t hide his victory smile.
Nino got up from his seat and fixed his tie. “Now if you would excuse me. Today is my first day at a new job so I can’t be late. Charge him, imprison him, I don’t care. Just don’t let this pervert guy touch me ever again.”
“You can come back here in three days. Also, here is my card, just in case.” The officer smiled widely. “Have a good day, Ninomiya-san.”
Nino looked at the name card and nodded. “Thank you, Matsumoto-san.”
--xxx--
“Why does misfortune always follow you in Tokyo?”
Aiba snickered, looking at how miserable his best friend was. From the uncomfortable living place—where the supermarket and game shop are much further than his old place— to getting harassed on his first day going to the office, and somehow having to fit himself in the new department without anyone’s help.
Nino grumbled grudgingly while sipping his can of black coffee. “Maybe you took all of my luck. Get off of my life, you dumbass.”
“God, no! It’s your own fault. I told you many times to always smile and laugh. You see, happiness comes from the inside first, then the outside follows suit!” Aiba replied with his usual wide smile. “You’ve become grumpier ever since we came to Tokyo last week. C’mon, things will get better for sure!”
“Only idiots who would smile at times like these.” The tiny man rolled his eyes as he spoke. “Hearing your awesome stories made me jealous.”
His office mate who happened to be his best friend was transferred to this Tokyo branch office, too. Aiba was in marketing while he himself was in IT. But somehow his luck had been given completely to Aiba, as Aiba experienced the normal, happy events ever since they came to Tokyo.
“I mean, if I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t complain about the distance between the apartment and the supermarket. It was quite close, you just hate to go out.” Aiba tried to defend himself. “Also, I think it’s a coincidence that your department head is on sick leave. You could ask for an office tour later when they’re back again, right?”
Nino said nothing and just stared at the coffee can he held. To be honest, he had quite a hard time for the past three days in the office. The department head that was tasked to introduce him was suddenly on sick leave, so he had to figure out stuff himself. The fellow staff were nice, but they didn’t have much time because apparently they all were catching up with deadlines.
Stuff like office areas or getting to know the departments and the people... not to mention, the most important things: how to do his job. What kind of software they use, what are the forms he has to fill, and how to work set up his office computer. Good thing that he could grasp everything without anyone helping. He still couldn’t get used to it, especially since he couldn’t get along with his coworkers as he just didn’t give a fuck, but he gradually understood it.
Actually, the branch manager came to welcome him, once. At first he didn’t believe that the man with the sleepy,dreamy face was his boss, but it seemed so. The man just escorted him to his personal work space, and that was it.
“Here is your work space. Your department head is supposed to introduce you to things, but unfortunately, just now he called in sick. I’m not gonna replace him, so, hmmm, yeah, figure it out on your own.”
“I’m sorry, Ohno-san, could you at least—”
“Well, do your best!”
Nino used most of his energy not to punch his own boss, who was literally yawning and walking away from him. Getting fired at the first day of the job wasn’t cool at all.
“About the harassment thing, well, I can’t say anything except I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re not traumatized.” Aiba added slowly with a sad face.
“It’s okay.” Nino smiled slightly. Ah, he just couldn’t stand seeing his best friend sad like that. It wasn’t like Aiba at all. “Now that you mention it, I should come to the police station today to see the surveillance footage. Do you want to come?”
“Sure! I will accompany you after work!” Aiba replied, his cheerfulness back again like nothing happened at all.
The lunch time ended seconds after Aiba talked about how beautiful his fellow worker was. Aiba promised to continue his story later while Nino just nodded briefly. Not that he actually cared about the chick... if Aiba really got her, then he would properly listen. Right now, he still had problems that bothered him, and he should fix them as fast as possible.
Back at his cubicle, again surrounded by people working hard. Hell, what kind of deadline were they facing? Did they even take a break earlier? He wanted to help them but how?
Nino sighed as he faced his own computer. So far, he did the formal jobs he usually did in the Kyoto branch. He was sure he was transferred here to help them finish whatever project they were currently working on, but somehow a certain department head had no responsibility and got sick.
“Oh, Sakurai-san, you’re back!” yelled one of the workers excitedly.
Upon hearing that, Nino sensed that this Sakurai-san must be the sick head department. As the other workers stood up to greet the man, Nino followed suit to look properly at his new boss.
“I’m terribly sorry for leaving you like this. I’m fine now. Now where’s this new transfer? I must tell him so he can help you guys.”
“He’s over there! Ninomiya-san, come forward, please.” A fellow worker gestured at him to come forward. But to her surprise, Nino didn’t move an inch from where he stood. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped so hard it touched the floor.
“What the fucking hell...” Nino whispered so low no one could hear him. No, this can’t be real. Why was his life in Tokyo this miserable and unfortunate? What kind of sin did he commit?
The man standing in front was no different from Nino. He couldn’t hide his shocked face and gasps of panic when the petite cute man he had cursed for the past three days appeared to have become subordinate.
Silence killed time for a few minutes. The tension was weird and awkward as Nino and the boss just stared at each other with shocked expressions. When a few of the workers started to murmur something, the gallant man coughed a little.
“Come to my office right now.”
Nino flinched and automatically replied, “No.” Well, he didn’t want to be alone in a room with him, of course! It was too late when he realized other workers were staring at him weirdly and whispered things like disrespectful and arrogant. “No, I mean, I... I was just... I-I would appreciate it if you showed me around the office while explaining my job. It cuts time that way, am I right?”
The boss stared at him for a moment before nodding awkwardly. “Yeah, sure, come with me.”
--xxx--
“This is the branch manager’s room.”
“This is the smoking room if you need it.”
“This is this floor’s toilet. Actually, if we measure it thoroughly from our department, the upstairs’ toilet is closer. So if you need to go to the toilet badly—”
“How much?”
Sakurai Sho stopped his speech as Nino interrupted him. “Excuse me?”
“How much did you pay Matsumoto-san to let you free?” Nino started to rampage as he stopped walking. He then chuckled darkly. “Or did you seduce that handsome officer?”
“Watch your mouth. I’m your boss. I could fire you right here, right now.” Sho spoke and tried to suppress his anger.
“Well, I would rather choose to lose my job than to work with a harasser,” Nino replied and rolled his eyes, uninterested.
“Like I said, watch your mouth.” Sho said it again. “I didn’t pay Matsumoto nor do things to him. The surveillance footage was finally delivered this morning and it was shown that I. Was. Not. Guilty.”
To Sho’s surprise, Nino instantly laughed. “Ha. Nice one. I was sure your hand was literally groping my ass. Remember, I’m the victim here. I’m the one who felt it.”
“It was a perverted old man beside you who did that. I was behind you, and noticed it. So I was trying to push off his hand when your hand suddenly gripped mine.” Sho explained the event thoroughly. Nino pretended he didn’t hear it and continued to walk through the office corridor.
Nino put his hands in his pockets. “You can go fuck yourself with your lame excuses. I will still go to the police station this evening to make sure the policeman is fine and untouched by some perverted weirdo.” Nino then glanced sideway to meet Sho’s eyes. “And to continue the inquiry for you to be properly sentenced.”
“Oh, you should do that. I intended to tell you to go to the police station after all.” Sho retorted.
After hours of work of piling papers, evening finally came and workers were going home one by one. Aiba was about to visit Nino’s department when he saw his best friend already outside in the parking lot. Moreover, he was with someone Aiba didn’t know.
Despite being left alone, he wasn’t sad at all. He examined the gentleman through the window. “Ooh, he’s quite hot. You go, Nino-chan!” giggled Aiba as he saw Nino get in the man’s luxury car.
To be honest, Nino didn’t really agree to ride in Sho’s car. But Sho was persistent and kinda shoved Nino into his car. He had no choice as the parking lot was already vacant, so no one would help him if he screamed. They rode to the police station in complete silence as Nino tried to sit as far as possible from Sho.
They arrived at the police station in a couple of minutes. Nino immediately went to the front desk and asked for Matsumoto-san, while Sho was walking behind him unhurriedly.
“Good evening Sakurai-san, Ninomiya-san. This way, please.” Matsumoto greeted them and gestured to them to come to a certain room. As they followed and sat down, Matsumoto then showed them the said footage.
The policeman with thick eyebrows sighed before he started to speak. “As you can see, the footage clearly shows that it wasn’t Sakurai-san who assaulted you, Ninomiya-san.” He pointed at the old man beside Nino. “This old man did it and Sakurai-san was about to slap the old man’s hand. But at the same time, you turned around and caught Sakurai-san’s hand.”
“...”
Nino could hardly believe the video in front of his eyes. Nino had always been sure that the footage would be a winning trump card for him to legally punish Sho, but it turned out that...
Meanwhile, Sho said nothing and sipped the coffee that was just served instead.
Nino’s mind went blank, like oh my fucking god what did I do to deserve all of these unfortunate events consecutively??? His face grew paler and he didn’t know what to think, let alone answer Matsumoto’s further explanation. He got harassed and he caught the wrong person. In addition of that, the wrong person happened to be his fucking new boss. Oh, wow. God must be so bored at the moment that He decided to play with Nino’s life for a bit.
“Ninomiya-san?”
“Yes, yes. I hear you,” Nino answered lowly. He suddenly had no confidence to face Sho who was sitting beside him. He then heard Matsumoto sigh, so he looked at him, scared.
Matsumoto folded his hands. “While you got my sympathy for being assaulted, you’re still responsible for this matter.”
“I’m... I’m sorry.” Nino lowered his head.
“Sakurai-san.” Sho faced the police as he was called. “It’s not entirely Ninomiya-san’s fault, but in case you were offended by what happened over the last three days, you can sue Ninomiya-san for wrong accusation and wrong arrest.”
Sho glanced at his side for a moment. Nino looked like he was ready to go to hell, judging by how much sweat was on his pale face. He probably thought this was the worst thing that could happen to him.
A few moments passed in complete silence. It felt like forever for Nino while Sho was very quiet, deciding on Nino’s life or death.
“No, I don’t think I will sue him.” Sho finally answered and it surprised Nino so much that he turned his head. Sho faced him too but his expression was unreadable, so Nino was a bit confused.
On the other hand, Matsumoto seemed surprised too. “That’s very generous of you.” The policeman complimented Sho and it made him smile a bit.
“Actually, we just found out earlier that we’re kind of ... related.” Sho explained his reason briefly. “So I think I will settle this between me and him personally.”
“Is that so?” Matsumoto smiled slightly and got up. “I hope there won’t be any violence involved. I think this has ended, so both of you can go home.”
After receiving a flood of apologies that had been said by the police all afternoon, Sho bid goodbye and left the police station. Nino followed him, but he stoppedat Sho’s car.
“What’s wrong? I will take you home. Come in,” called Sho from the driver’s seat.
“What ... what are you going to do to me?” Nino asked in trembling voice. “Are you going to bully me? Are you going to hurt me? Make me your slave? Oh, you’re definitely going to fire me!”
“Hey, calm down!” Sho got out of his car, but Nino was already running away. Sho was about to track him down, but he left him in the end. It seemed that Nino needed a bit of time to digest what had just happened.
--xxx--
Nino didn’t want to go to work, but he had to.
After what happened yesterday, he shivered thinking of how much worse his work life would become. He still hadn’t told Aiba what had happened.. The cheerful man bombarded Nino with messages that mostly asked about the hot guy he was with yesterday. God, if only Aiba knew his situation right now—if he did,he wouldn’t put all those lovely stickers.
Sho didn’t want to sue him. It was obvious that Sho wanted something from him. If Sho took the case to court, Nino could be imprisoned or something, right? The fact that he didn’t want to sue him meant that Sho wanted him. Or it could be that Sho wanted to use this case to threaten him, and Sho would do to Nino as he pleased.
Nino slapped his own face and tried to be composed. All he had to do was just believe that nothing bad would happen to him again. Seconds after he inhaled and exhaled slowly, he suddenly remembered that he literally ran away from Sho when the inquiry was done yesterday.
“Aaaahhhh shit ... How am I supposed to live from now on?” Nino hit his own head on the nearby wall a few times, before walking to the lift as some of the frontliner girls watched him in confusion.
Nino slowly entered the IT department and greeted everyone lowly.
“Good morning, Ninomiya-san!” greeted the woman in the cubicle to his left. “Sakurai-san was here earlier. He was looking for you.”
“D-did he say what he wanted to do with me?” Nino tried to be composed but stuttered in the end. The woman shook her long hair cutely.
“No. He just asked me to tell you when you arrived to meet him in his office.”
“I see. Thank you, Yoshitaka-san.”
Nino felt his feet become heavy as he walked to his boss’ room. God, he couldn’t stop being nervous and scared. He admitted that he still hadn’t prepared for the worst, even though last night he was already imagining some bad scenarios. Nevertheless, Nino arrived at the door and knocked twice. He heard a voice from inside beckoning him in, so he slowly entered the room.
When Nino was completely in Sho’s room, he noticed there were some piles of papers towering on the desk. Between the two towers, there was Sho who was casually working on something. He seemed to work in a fast and effective way. It charmed Nino for a bit before a baritone voice broke the moment.
“You see these towers?”
“ ... Yes.”
“This is what happened when I was in a very busy period, but a certain someone kept me at home for three days.”
Nino lowered his gaze. His heart was thumping very hard and it hurt him so much. “I’m terribly sorry, Sakurai-san.”
“Apologies wouldn’t make up for the lost time, you know.” Sho rolled his eyes, not amused.
“I know I couldn’t take back the time. I ... I would do anything for you to make up for my wrongdoing.
Nino couldn’t stop his trembling when he felt Sho marching toward him slowly. “Really? Anything?” Sho asked as he came closer and closer.
“Uhm, yes, ... I guess.”
Sho was already in front of Nino when he answered that. His head was just inches away, and Nino was sure he would hit something on Sho’s face if he lifted his face now. Before he could think any other bad thoughts, he suddenly felt a pang of pain on his forehead.
Nino immediately lifted his face to find out that Sho had just flicked his forehead. Sho’s expression was unreadable but Nino could see a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Stop working on your current project. You are to help me with this shit.”
Nino answered shortly. “Y-yes, understood.”
“I want these to be done in a week, or less.” Sho then pointed to a vacant place beside his desk. “I will ask for an extra desk and chair here. You are not allowed to do any kind of work except this.”
Nino nodded while sighing in relief on the inside. All of the bad scenarios that were in his head vanished instantly. At least the punishment he had wasn’t really bad after all.
“Good. Now go back to your desk and I will call you again after all the preparation is set.”
Nino excused himself and went back to his cubicle with a relieved face.
During lunch, Nino told Aiba about everything that had happened. Aiba listened to him with much interest and laughed heartily in the end. Nino scolded him for not being sympathetic, but then Aiba just defended himself and looked at the bright side as always.
“I mean, wow! Your story is definitely interesting and thrilling! Also the boss is quite nice and hot, don’t you think?” Aiba smiled widely while munching his sandwich. “Nothing interesting has happened to me recently, except that I finally got to invite Satomi-chan to dinner tonight.”
Nino ignored Aiba’s comment about Sho, and his eyebrows quirked as he tried to change the topic. “You worked so fast. How beautiful is she, I wonder?”
This Ishihara Satomi girl who happened to share a department with Aibawas apparently very beautiful and endearing. According to Aiba, her dresses were so pretty and charming. Not only that, she had a cheerful smile that stole his best friend’s heart on the first day of the job. They had several things in common, and were getting along nicely.
“I will tell you soon! And don’t change the topic suddenly, Nino-chan, tsk tsk.” Aiba moved his index finger back and forth.
“What the fuck. How could you expect me to like that boss?”
“I mean, he’s so nice! So kind! So hot!” Aiba nudged his arm playfully. “I’ve known you for a long time, Nino, and this one is definitely your type.”
“Shut the fuck up. I’m going back.” Nino bid his usual grumpy goodbye before going back to work.
--xxx--
It was his third day here, in Sho’s room, helping with whatever Sho needed him to do.
His desk was placed on the left of Sho’s, with his desk facing Sho’s side while Sho’s faced the door. He was clearly at a disadvantage because he could see Sho’s figure clearly when he looked straight. The universe was really trying to play with him, apparently.
Nino then remembered his friend’s statement. Well, if he really, really, reaaaallly had to confess, he was indeed interested in Sho a little bit, physically. He had this normal and slim body, but if examined more thoroughly, a well-built body could be seen. He wasn’t too short nor too tall, but tall enough against Nino. He had a very handsome and sadistic type of face, which usually turned Nino on.
That was, if Nino didn’t meet Sho at the wrong time.
Physically speaking, Sho was a perfect score. Nino had actually known that since the first day they met at the police station, but at that time anger was more dominant in his emotions, so he put that feeling away. Now that the case was already solved, he tried to ignore the attraction that once again sparked in his mind.
Sho’s nice personality just made it worse. He was actually a very gentle and easy-going type. He was pretty popular in the company as most of the workers admired his work ethic and personality. On the second day Nino worked in Sho’s room, he was sure that Sho didn’t have any ulterior motive, as he imagined. He was just that nice.
Nino sighed unconsciously. If only Nino hadn’t met Sho in such an incident, he was sure they would have hit it off. But no, not in this situation where he was at fault for imprisoning his own boss. He would be considered creepy and weird. No victim would respond to a person who had them wrongly arrested.
“You’re looking at me.” Nino’s daydream was suddenly broken when Sho turned his head to meet his brown eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Nino tried to calm down and got back to work. Nino still felt Sho’s gaze on him intensely, like he wanted to pierce through him.
“Say,o you still ride on that bus?”
Nino lifted his face up at the sudden question. He nodded shortly before Sho groaned lowly, displaying his disagreement. “You should rent a car or something. Harassment could happen to you again.”
Nino quirked one of his eyebrows in confusion. Was this man just concerned about him?
“Just in case, I took the earlier bus at seven, so the bus wasn’t particularly crowded.” Now he was confused at himself because he answered the question without hesitation, as if trying to soothe his boss. “I can’t waste money on a rental car and I didn’t get traumatized from that one incident.”
Nino saw Sho was grinning at him before he continued to ask. “Now that you mention it, why did you take a bus that day? You have a car, right?”
“My car was broken and I didn’t realize it until I started the engine that day. Sucks. After calling my usual acquaintance to fix it, I went to work by bus.” The man in a gallant suit sighed before slumping in his chair. “Though I didn’t go to the office for three days because some interesting events happened.”
Nino shivered a bit, but then he decided to be honest. “I’m afraid I can’t change what’s already happened. What I can say now is I’m thankful for your kindness for allowing me to keep working.” He paused for a moment, biting his lip. “Also, for the rude words I said.”
“I’m not that kind. I will work you to death from now on.” Sho turned his body to face Nino completely, and his hand supported his chin as a smirk adorned his beautiful face. “So I need you to stop admiring me and get your ass to work.”
Oh shit, that sudden change from nice gentleman to a devil man with sadistic vibes. No, don’t do that, Sakurai. Nino tried his best not to melt at the moment and went back to scribbling notes after apologizing.
Days continue to pass and Nino was still helping Sho. Right on the seventh day, which marked a week after the punishment Sho gave to Nino, he still hadn’t finished everything completely. His tasks were never ending and Nino wondered if this was really Sho’s daily life.
Nino started to panic as he realized that and still had a bunch of papers left to do. Sho didn’t say what he would do if Nino didn’t get it done on time, but Nino was sure Sho wouldn’t be pleased hearing that. He glanced at the clock; it showed that it was already half past nine in the evening. The office was completely vacant as the workers had already went home hours ago.
Meanwhile Sho was still at his desk too, working like there was no tomorrow. Usually he would tell Nino to go home, and Nino would comply. But this time, when Sho ordered him to continue the task tomorrow, Nino refused and insisted to finish the task today.
“Nino, it’s already late. Go home already.”
“A little bit more and I will go home, sir.” Nino answered firmly, even though his whole body was screaming the need to rest and sleep. Eyebags adorned his cute small face, he looked paler, and his shoulders slumped more heavily. Doing overtime work for a week really got to him.
To be honest, Nino wasn’t really sure if he could maintain this for another day. Hell, he didn’t even think he had the energy to go home tonight. But this was his responsibility, and he must atone for the sins he did.
Without Nino himself realizing, his vision started to blur and his head began to spin. He didn’t even recognize that Sho had spun his chair and was now standing in front of him. Both of Sho’s hands were on his seat handles as Sho’s face approached his.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
Sho squinted his eyes. Nino was about to say something about this awkward situation before Sho abruptly pushed himself away and folded his hands. He then started to snicker, and it grew louder gradually.
“Anything funny?” Nino began to feel irritated as Sho didn’t stop chuckling.
“Yes. You,” answered Sho with much amusement. Nino still couldn’t grasp the situation while Sho tried to calm down. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have laughed.”
“You’re laughing at my misery?”
Sho put his hands on his face for a few moments before he inhaled a quite amount of air. “To tell you the truth, your work was done the second day you were here. You’re quite excellent for a transfer staff from Kyoto.”
“... Then what have I been working on for the past five days?”
“Well,” Sho began to wander around his room. “Seeing you get it done so fast satisfied me indeed as a boss. But as a person who wanted to take revenge on you, I just couldn’t let you go easily. How to put it, I want to see you suffer more .... kinda. So I gave my next month’s work to you instead.”
Nino gaped at the man who was standing straight in front of him. Somehow, this man never failed to surprise him, in a worse way, or not. “I don’t know you anymore.”
“I told you, I’m not that kind. I also did warn you about working you to death, so it’s not my fault.”
Nino wanted to pick a fight with this guy, really.
“It was so satisfying to see you suffer. Tell me, how much did you sleep for the past week?”
The smaller man sighed, and sat back harshly. He didn’t understand this man anymore, really. At first, Sakurai Sho looked nice, kind and caring. But as time flew by, he gradually showed his true face. The question was, why did everyone seem to admire this man while in fact he was no better than a snarky man? Perhaps they didn’t know his true face, but then why did he show it to Nino, who had known him for literally two weeks?
Sure, part of it was Nino’s fault, as he did wrong him. But who knew that Sakurai Sho, a nice and gentlemanly boss, would do this kind of torture as a payback? A normal gentleman would hand this case to the police, but the fact that Sho decided to do the payback himself--he was indeed not a common gentleman.
Ninowas irritated at that damn smirk.
But what irritated him most was, the more that smirk grew, the more Nino grew fond of Sakurai Sho.
Nino found his head thumping like a drum, and it was hurt so much he could almost cry. It seemed that the lack of sleep for the past week was really doing a number on him He wanted to argue with Sho more, but his subconscious forced him to close his eyes and moan in pain.
Upon seeing that, Sho patted Nino’s head and pulled his arm. “I’m sorry. I guess I went too far. Let’s grab something for dinner before I take you home.”
Even though Nino wanted to resist, he had no energy left for it. He could walk alone, but he didn’t say anything and just complied what Sho asked him to do. As they arrived to Sho’s car, Sho opened the door for him—Nino couldn’t interpret whether Sho did that as an act of kindness, or just as a trap to lure him in.
They rode in Sho’s car quietly. Sho sometimes peeked at Nino from the corner of his eye, looking at his tired face.
On the other hand, Nino was indeed exhausted. In a normal case, he would protest anything that prevented him from his sleeping schedule, or playing his favorite games. But this case was different, so his hands were tied completely. Sho had the power play and Nino hated being the victim of it.
He still didn’t know what would happen to him after this. It could be better, or it could be worse. Sakurai Sho wasn’t your ordinary man that was easy to read. Oh well, whatever .... it was such a pain to think.
“What do you want for dinner?” Sho asked promptly. When he heard no response, at first he thought Nino was mad or still irritated. But then he heard soft snores, and Sho couldn’t help but to smile sheepishly.
--xxx--
The smell of coffee penetrated Nino’s nose. It was so good that he was instantly addicted to it, to the point that he hoped his morning would be as fine as this from now on. He turned his body to the left, seeking warmth--then he felt his whole body freeze.
Wait, why he did he feel cold? Didn’t he still have his formal work suit on? Also, wasn’t he was about to go to eat with Sho? So why was he lying down?
Uh-oh.
“So you still can open your eyes. I thought you were dead, seriously.”
Nino gasped in panic and immediately sat on the bed. His mind was blank and absent-minded before but now he was full of questions. He stared at his boss who wore a casual peach coloured jumper with baggy pants. Upon seeing that, he also realized that his own clothes had changed to an oversized sweater and pants.
“What the f—” Nino was about to curse and yell but he remembered Sho was his boss. His boss that he owed. In the end he just stared at Sho for a few moments before the man chuckled a little.
“You slept like a log, and I don’t know where you live, so.” Sho explained it briefly like it was the most normal thing in the world. No matter how you looked at it, their situation was far from normal.
Nino’s eyes were still on alert. “Yo-You didn’t have to be so kind to change my clothes.”
“It’s okay, I didn’t do anything.” Sho answered reassuringly. “Come, I’ve prepared breakfast for you.”
Nino rolled up the sweater’s overlong sleeves before following Sho suit.
Actually, Sho’s apartment was surprisingly rather small, but with elegant touches here and there. It was perfect for a single salaryman like Sho. When they reached the kitchen, a simple but nice dining table appeared before them. There were two plates on the table with toasted bread and cheese, and some milk to go with it.
While Nino still couldn’t grasp the situation, nevertheless he ate the breakfast in silence as he was very hungry because he skipped dinner yesterday. After a few moments, he spoke to express his thankfulness. “Thank ... you, sir. I guess.”
“No need to be so formal. We’re not in the office.”
Nino scrunched up his nose, thinking for a bit. “Yeah, but I mean, I just can’t suddenly say like, fuck you or something, right? Because that’s what I’ve been feeling for you recently.”
“Well, we have to go on a few dates first before we fuck each other.” Sho chuckled as he saw Nino’s choke on his drink. “Also, usually it’s me who does the fucking, for your information.”
“I don’t need that information.”
“Sure thing.”
Nino then gradually grasped what happened yesterday and he started to get irritated again. He put the bread down and his eyes shot piercingly to Sho’s brown ones. “But you were the cause I was like this though.”
“You know very well that you can’t complain.”
“....” Nino sighed heavily. “Well, whatever. With this, we’re even.”
“Who said that I’m done with you?”
“Excuse me?”
“No, no. I’m actually still not satisfied with yesterday’s payback. You don’t know how it feels to be humiliated in front of dozens of people for a sin you didn’t commit. You don’t know how it feels to be imprisoned at home for days.”
“All you did was laze around in bed for three days, how the fuck is that difficult?”
“Being monitored every second isn’t very comfortable to experience, especially if you’re being accused of something you didn’t do. Also I’m the type of person who would be dead if I didn’t do productive activities.”
“So you decided to bully me.” Sho laughed a bit at Nino’s statement. He put the fork on the bread, playing with it before he gazed into the smaller man’s eyes.
“It’s not bullying. I would rather call this a search for a proper payback.”
Nino immediately shivered as he saw the glint on Sho’s darken eyes. God, he would never understand this guy.
“Do you see the pile of dirt that’s polluting my precious books and stuff over there? I think you can do something about it.”
--xxx--
Three months had passed since the breakfast event happened. Ever since, there was no end to Sho’s peculiar demands. As the time flew, the demands gradually got weirder and weirder. Nino noticed this and sometimes complained, but when he was about to voice it, Sho would always give him rewards that made him shut up.
Mostly the demands were about work, but it wasn’t as harsh as the first one he was asked to do. He got a normal curfew, even though sometimes he had to stay late along with the man.
To his dismay, the demands didn’t stop at the office. As he was asked to do stuff in Sho’s apartment too, his requests were so weird he couldn’t comprehend at first. One of them was to teach him how to cook, though Sho always failed and in the end they would eat Nino’s cooking as it looked more normal and edible. He was once asked to take care of his freaking house for days when Sho was out of town for a business trip.
The weirdest one would be when he was asked to come to his apartment, and got told to stay on the sofa. As weird as it was, he got this demand almost every weekend.
“Just sit on this sofa for a whole day.” And then Sho would sit beside him and start his usual book reading session. At first, Nino was so irritated and bored to death with the task, but later on he started to bring his game consoles. The two of them would spend the day in silence, and then Sho would treat him to dinner and take him home.
While Sho’s requests were varied, from the easiest, hardest, until the weirdest, Nino still didn’t know the true meaning of Sho’s actions. Was this really a form of bullying? If it was bullying, then why did Sho always say sorry to him if he went overboard, give him various gifts, and took him out to eat?
Nino understand the pattern well, but he just couldn’t find the main reason behind all of it. He would ask for impossible tasks, but then in the end he would treat him to his favorite hamburgers, or buy him the newest games. No matter how you looked at it, this wasn’t a payback at all.
As irritating as it was, the most irritating thing was Nino himself. He would rather die than to admit this, but he started to enjoy this kind of bullying. He couldn’t believe himself that he liked to be treated like this, so sometimes he was determined to clearly tell Sho how he felt. Of course, all of the determination vaporized instantly when he saw that trademark smirk on his damn handsome face.
“Are you okay?”
Nino came back to the real world when Aiba nudged his elbow.
“Yeah, sure, what was it again?” Nino coughed a little and focused his vision to his best friend.
“I said that Satomi and I are going smoothly! I can’t believe this. I’m going to visit her apartment next week! I’m so nervous.”
“That is quite a development, mate.” Nino smiled slightly while sipping on the tequila he held. In his case, he was already visiting Sho’s apartment since months ago, so it couldn’t be counted as a development.
Wait, why did Nino hope there would be any development between him and Sho? What kind of development, anyway?!
“I will wear my best clothes!” Aiba grinned so wide that his eyes almost closed. “How about you recently? Still on the payback game with that good looking boss?”
“Please, not that again.”
Aiba just laughed at his friend who sounded desperate. “Just admit that both of you like each other and settle things down.”
“The fuck are you talking about? I don’t like him. He doesn’t like me.”
“I mean, I wouldn’t count cooking together with teasing banter as bullying. I would totally call that a home date.”
“It’s not a date. We don’t even kiss.”
“But you want it anyway.”
Nino concentrated his effort in not blushing at his friend’s statement. Because really, Aiba voiced out things that he himself was afraid to speak. Rather than admitting it, Nino tended to avoid it using rude words. And unfortunately, Aiba understood him well. That’s why Aiba didn’t get offended at all when Nino was being rude or snarky.
“One of you must break the ice and I believe things will start to go down from there.” Aiba nodded at himself like he was a wise man regarding love problems. “You have the hots for each other but are too stubborn to admit it.”
While Nino tried to dodge the teasing Aiba gave him, his heart was actually beating fast. Aiba wasn’t really a smart person, but he was his best friend and it seemed that he knew him more than he knew himself. No matter how much Nino denied it, deep down he knew that Aiba knew what he was feeling. So it was kind of useless to lie to Aiba.
“.... I don’t know, Masaki.”
Aiba beamed brightly and put his hands around Nino’s shoulders. “Aww, don’t be discouraged. Everything will be decided based on the actions you make.”
Just after Aiba said these words, Sho appeared in the ballroom along with the other department heads. They were escorting the branch manager, as he was to greet all of the workers that had come to this company’s anniversary party.
“Speak of the devil,” Aiba sing-songed.
Damn, could that man get any hotter? Nino felt like his breath was taken away from him when he saw Sho’s whole figure. Wrapped in an elegant suit and blood coloured tie, Sho looked so stunningly handsome. And of course Nino noticed the new extravagant Rolex watch that was hidden behind the sleeve—Nino knew it was new because he was with Sho when he bought it last week.
It wasn’t a surprise that Sho was quite popular. Despite his hard work ethic, his smile was so bright it blinded most everyone in the ballroom. Sometimes, it made Nino wonder if those people knew the true colours of Sho.
But the truth was, somewhere deep down in his heart, he hoped that no one but him knew about Sho’s real character.
The night went long as the party continued. Honestly, Nino hated this kind of social outing. Usually he would make some lame excuse to escape the invitation, so that he could spend his night playing games or sleeping. But ever since he stepped into this branch office, he didn’t slack off even for a day. He didn’t skip any social outings even though he didn’t talk much with people.
People might call this a character development, but deep down, Nino actually didn’t change at all. He was still very much the same Nino. The only difference was that, he found something interesting that could compete with his interest in games. In this case, someone.
Like this anniversary party, for example. Old Nino would make himself excuses, like he suddenly got sick, or had to take care of a family member that suddenly became ill. But the new Nino, he wasn’t stupid enough to let go of the chance to see Sakurai Sho standing brightly in a stunning suit.
An hour had already passed since Nino kept staring at his own boss. Not that he was openly staring, he just glanced continuously when he thought everyone wasn’t looking. Sho himself was so busy socializing, the thing that Nino hated most. But looking at Sho smile and laugh brightly while socializing wasn’t bad at all.
He was constantly being nudged by Aiba to go near Sho. No, he couldn’t do that, could he? Their positions were far, even though their age gap was just four years apart. Sho was a respected department head while Nino was just a transfer staff. No matter how fast they had grown closer in the past months, it was hidden well from the public’s eyes.
“It’s no use if you keep drooling here. Go!” Aiba literally pushed Nino’s back to Sho’s direction while Nino yelped in surprise.
Just as Nino was getting nearer to Sho, a fine lady suddenly showed up and hugged Sho’s elbow gently. Nino halted his walk immediately and observed them in silence. They looked like they got along and the way they smiled at each other, it seemed like that they were happy with each other’s presence.
When the lady kissed Sho’s cheek tenderly, Nino realized something.
A fine man should be matched with a fine lady.
Aah, that’s right. That’s common sense. Nino was the one that had no sense.
Nino came back to Aiba’s place without saying anything. He grabbed the cocktail nearby and gulped it in one go before exiting the party. He could hear Aiba calling for him many times but he didn’t bother to turn his back and answer. He just walked straight to the exit for a sudden need to inhale fresh air outside.
His head hurt, his eyes hurt, his heart hurt.
Why the fuck did Nino feet this way? It was ordinary. Who gave him the stupid idea that Sho might be interested in him, anyway? It was clear that Sho just saw him as a toy to be played with.
--xxx--
“Okay, now I’m certain you’re mad at me.”
Sho said unwaveringly after Nino slammed the door right in front of his face.
“Nino.” Sho called. “Nino, open the fucking door. I’m your boss and I’m giving you an order right now.”
“We’re not in the office remember?” Sho heard Nino’s screaming from the inside. “I told you I would agree to help you if it’s work related, not this kind of shit!”
“But I really need a company to buy monthly groceries. You usually would accept this.”
No response was heard from inside of the apartment. Sho kept knocking on Nino’s door relentlessly, refusing to give up. He didn’t have any idea why Nino’s behaviour suddenly changed recently.
Sho remembered that day, the day after the company’s anniversary. Nino appeared at work, tired with swollen face. At that time Sho hadn’t asked him any weird demands so it was obviously not because of it. Sho considered that maybe Nino had too much to drink at the party, so he was kind of sulky.
But then Nino continued to ignore him for two whole weeks. When Sho was about to ask the reason, it was at the same time when Nino said that from now on he was going to comply with the work related requests only.
This evening was the third Sunday Sho spent without Nino. So he decided to visit Nino’s apartment to force him out as he felt something was lacking from his life. He didn’t know why Nino suddenly was refusing his requests outside of work, but to Sho, Nino’s company was becoming a habit. He always almost forgot that all of this was just a setup to make Nino pay his debt back.
“Nino, please.”
Before he realized it, he had stayed in front of Nino’s door for almost an hour. It was getting late, and his stubbornness gradually shrank. He lost count on how many times he knocked on Nino’s door, to the point that his hand bruised a bit because of it.
As much as Sho was pleased to see Nino being irritated or mad at him because of the tasks he gave, at the same time he didn’t want to see Nino hurt too much. And this time, it seemed that Nino was hurt by him. He didn’t have the slightest idea why, so he had to ask directly. Did he go too overboard with the tasks after all? Or was there anything bothering him?
Sho wanted to know the answer, but if Nino chose not to say anything, then Sho had no choice but to go home.
With slumped shoulders, Sho walked through the parking lot slowly. Sure, he could ask Nino tomorrow at the office, locked in his room. But it just didn’t feel right to use his authority to find out the secret.
“Oh.”
Sho lifted up his face to see a young man looking at him in surprise. Oh wait, he knew this man. If he wasn’t wrong, his name was ....
“Aiba-san, was it?”
“Yes I am!” the cheerful man replied instantly with a bright smile. “Nino wasn’t at home? Or did you just take him home?”
Sho scratched his nape. “Eerrrmm ... Do you have an appointment with Nino?”
“No, not really. I can never make appointments or such when it comes to Nino. He’s the type of person who would avoid any human interactions.” Aiba laughed heartily. “So I just kind of come uninvited. When I want to visit, then I will visit. As simple as that.”
Sho understand well what did Aiba said about Nino. For the past few months, Sho heard about no one else other than this friend named Aiba.
“It’s a surprise that Nino doesn’t get irritated from that.”
“Nino would gets irritated indeed, but he would never have the heart to throw me out of his apartment. Especially if I bring hamburgers with me.”
Sho chuckled softly at the thought of Nino and this Aiba guy spending the day together, with Aiba being loud and Nino complaining.
“Never mind that, please don’t change the subject, sir! I mean, Sakurai-san.” The cheerful man folded both of his hands, trying to act angry.
In the end, Sho had no choice but to tell him the story. He probably was told by Nino too, but at least he wanted Aiba to hear the story from his point of view. Aiba just nodded knowingly and Sho didn’t miss the smirk he made briefly before pulling his arm back to Nino’s apartment.
“I met him at the parking lot.”
Nino couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw two men standing in front of his apartment door. He only expected Aiba to come, so why was Sho here too? They weren’t supposed to know each other, were they? When Nino was about to close the door, Sho was literally shoved into him and almost made him fall on the floor.
“AIBA WHAT THE FU—”
“JUST KISS AND MAKE UP, YOU GUYS!” Aiba shouted out loud after closing the door from the outside. He had grown tired from the bitching Nino had done for the past week and he wanted his friend to face reality already. Now that Nino was occupied, Aiba decided to go to Satomi-chan’s place to eat the hamburger he had brought.
With that, Sho finally got into Nino’s apartment.
Sho was about to reach for Nino’s arm when the other dodged his attempt. It made Sho frown. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong with refusing a request.”
Since it was no use to tell Sho to leave his apartment, Nino kind of gave up and went inside. Of course, Sho followed suit and found himself in a small and cozy apartment. He often took Nino home, but never got inside of it. So it was his first time there and he immediately liked it as it showed Nino’s true colours. It wasn’t so neat, but definitely neater than his apartment. There were games and cables that were surprisingly placed in order from A to Z. He didn’t have much stuff, it was so simple and comfortable.
“You never did that before.” Sho said as he sat on the sofa as if he had already gotten permission—Nino didn’t complain though.
Meanwhile, Nino stood and leaned on the glass door that connected to the veranda. “Well then I did it just now.”
“Why?”
Nino seemed reluctant to answer it. “I was just tired.”
“I’m not buying that. Recently I think you’re not your usual self.”
Ah, that determined look again. Nino was always lost to that sharp gaze, it trapped him in those deep brown eyes. Slowly, he got closer to Sho as he was to convey something important. “Look. I’m getting tired of this. When will you say you’re satisfied bullying me so that my debt is finally paid off?”
Sho was genuinely surprised at that. It was like he didn’t see it coming, while in fact he should have assumed it. Sho himself was enjoying this unique connection between him and Nino too much that he kind of forgot that Nino didn’t do those things sincerely. Of course, Nino complied with all of Sho’s requests only because Nino owed him a big one, and Nino was his subordinate. The one who enjoyed this was only Sho, and he forgot about that.
“To be honest...” Scratched his head, Sho decided to be honest now, even if it hurt. “To be really honest, I sometimes forgot that I’m doing getting revenge and you’re not enjoying it much.”
“I beg your pardon?” Nino immediately glared at Sho’s brown eyes.
Nino waited for his reply but Sho didn’t say anything, so there was an awkward silence for a few moments. Rather than awkward, it was more tense.
The younger man wanted to explode right there right now, but somehow he just stood there and couldn’t think of anything else. It wasn’t an answer Nino expected Sho to say. The smart and mighty Sakurai Sho, got lost in his own game? He had so much fun bullying him that he got lost in pleasure? Wow.
Nino folded both of his hands. If Sho was this honest to him, then he should be honest too.
“I don’t understand you.”
“I don’t understand me too.”
Nino shot a mad look briefly at Sho’s answer before continuing. “Sometimes you were be so harsh and mean, but sometimes you were so kind and caring to me.”
Silence wrapped the atmosphere again as they just had no words to exchange. Sho lowered his head and stared at the elegant wooden floor while Nino kept looking at anything except Sho in order to suppress his anger. As Sho didn’t answer his statement, Nino added, “What I’m saying is, stop playing with other people! You have your own world that I can’t touch, right? So get away from me!”
“You already have this chick that you can play with, right?” added Nino again after a few seconds. He said it in such a low voice that Sho almost didn’t hear it.
“Chick? What chick?” The older man lifted his head to meet Nino’s back that was already facing him.
“The beautiful lady who kissed your cheek during the party!”
Sho noticed there was a hint of jealousy in Nino’s words even though Nino himself didn’t want to admit it. Did all of this happen because of mere jealousy?
“She’s Ohno-san’s cousin so I had to be nice with her. I was aware that she tried to get close to me, but little did she know that her efforts were all futile.” Sho got up from his seat and walked closer to Nino until he was right behind him. “Because I’m more interested in men. Nino, I wouldn’t do such things to everyone except you.”
Nino could feel his heart suddenly beating fast. Wait, what? Now that he thought of it, he probably looked like a jealous and bitchy wife right now! And what the hell was Sho saying?!
They were once again in complete silence for good minutes before Nino started to whisper. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“... I don’t know.”
That was it. He didn’t care anymore if Sho was his boss or ifSho would really sue him for the wrong accusation. Sakurai Sho was smart but he wasn’t smart enough to have the answers Nino wanted. The gamer turned his back and yelled angrily. “Get out. GET. THE FUCK. OUT.”
“Listen to me, Nino!”
Sho held both of Nino’s arms but it wasn’t an easy task as Nino avoided him once again. Sho struggled a bit as he chased Nino down. Nino planned to lock himself to his bedroom so he ran, but unfortunately Sho was faster as he got in before Nino slammed the door. So now Sho was in Nino’s bedroom, with Nino trapped between the door and Sho.
There was no place to hide anymore.
The younger man couldn’t lift his eyes to met Sho’s. He was so flustered, confused, it was so uncomfortable but at the same time, he felt a ting of pleasure being trapped like this. He had always had complicated feelings for this man.
As Sho’s breath gradually became normal and composed, he started to speak. “At first, I was indeed so angry at you for the wrong accusation. So when I found out that you’re my subordinate, I did plan how to make you suffer.”
Nino winced upon hearing the revelation. Sho noticed that but he continued nevertheless. “So I did make you suffer. But then every time I saw your tired face, I just couldn’t keep going. I couldn’t deal with you being so sad or tired because of me. So I gave up in the end and helped you, or treated you nicely. Before I realized it, I was doing it to you over and over again.”
Sho noticed that Nino’s breath hitched from time to time. “Before I realized it, I began to request personal stuff that shouldn’t be requested from a boss to a subordinate. It became my habit to use this game to flirt with you. You barged into my personal space, and now I feel like there’s something lacking when you’re not with me.”
“I know it’s not really wise to use a higher position to order you around. I know you’re not enjoying this like I do. I’m sure you’re stressed over me ordering you around. I know, I’m a complete jackass.”
Nino didn’t react. He only looked at Sho’s cheek as it was the best thing he had ever seen, avoiding eye contact. Sho sighed inward and pulled back both of his hands from Nino’s sides. “And that’s it. When I say I don’t know, I really don’t know. Fuck, I don’t know myself anymore.”
“You know,” Nino suddenly started talking. “Common people usually assume those feelings as falling in love.”
A blush appeared on Nino’s cheeks and Sho swore it was the cutest thing he had ever seen. The atmosphere gradually became awkward and embarrassing as they were being honest to each other more.
“I’m not stupid. To tell you the truth, I was aware of the possibility. But I just didn’t want to admit it.” The blush was now on Sho’s face too. “Because it sounds creepy, the fact that I was attracted with a stranger that accused me of wrongdoing. It just doesn’t happen normally.”
“Well, you are creepy.”
“Thanks.”
Nino rubbed his cheek awkwardly as he turned his gaze awaySho’s eyes. “And I’m creepy too, I guess.”
Sho made a questioning sound and frowned. Nino sighed and inhaled before he shot his flustered gaze to Sho’s confused expression.
“Why do you think I always comply to you?”
“... Because you’re my subordinate?”
“No, stupid. If I was being treated like that for months I would surely resign from the damn company.”
“Then why?”
Oh well. Nino had nothing to lose. It was now or never.
“Because at that time, when I still thought you were the one harassing me, for an instant I ... I had this little thought of not handing you to the police because that’d be a waste.”
Nino continued his rambling despite his face getting redder. “I mean fuck, this hot guy just touched me? There’s actually a hot guy herethat’s interested with my small butt, but why? My mind was so twisted, it was so complicated.”
Sho was stunned into silence.
“I know. I looked like a whore. And well, it sounds creepy to be attracted to a harasser. You’re creepy. I’m creepy. We’re both bunch of creeps.”
To Nino’s surprise, Sho laughed so hard that tears appeared at the edge of his eyes. “What are we? Highschoolers?” Sho couldn’t stop laughing. “Why is it so hard to sort things out? I can’t believe it.”
“Well, it wouldn’t be this hard if we didn’t meet on the bus.”
Sho’s laughter subsided as Nino suddenly was in serious mode again. He then patted Nino’s head and kissed it slightly. “But that incident itself made us closer like this.”
Neither of them said anything for the next few minutes as they tried to digest what had just happened between them. It was so stupid, complicated yet so simple. Sure, their meeting wasn’t like the mushy or sappy common romance stories, but rather like a suspense movie. They weren’t perfect, they kept struggling because of their own stubbornness, but in the end, it finally paid off.
Sho was relieved that he wasn’t the only one who actually enjoyed this game. Now that everything was clear as day, there was one thing Sho wanted to confirm.
“Do you really want this creep roaming into your life?”
Nino laughed. “We’re both creepy, so ...” Nino paused for a second before smiling earnestly. “I guess I don’t really mind to have another creep in my life.”
Little did Nino knew that his smile and his cute face really did a number on Sho. He was so beautiful Sho couldn’t resist anymore. A few moments later Nino felt a pair of hands slowly hugging his waist. After seconds of exchanging each other’s gaze, Sho put one of his hands on Nino’s cheek to stroke it lightly before holding it firm.
“I love you.”
After saying that, Sho went down and brushed Nino’s lips with his. It was surprisingly soft, tender and delicate. At first, Sho intended to only peck his lips, but a few moments later it became a battle of tongues.
Sho didn’t need to ask to open Nino’s mouth as he already opened it widely to welcome him. Nino held Sho’s head closer to him as Sho hugged him tighter. The older man tilted his head slightly for a better angle when Nino sighed in pleasure involuntarily. They were literally trying to eat each other as there was no gap between them. When Nino’s hand went down slowly, Sho stopped.
“Wait, wait.” Sho suddenly halted his actions. Nino unconsciously whined when Sho let go of his hands of him. “I’m a person who does things properly. So I would like to take you on several dates first.”
“We had dates before, in the form of bullying.”
“Official ones.” Nino groaned in annoyance hearing Sho’s calm answers. Why was this man so composed when he literally had a boner inside his pants?
“Fuck no. I’ve been wanting this since forever.”
Nino began to devour Sho’s mouth again before he realized that Sho didn’t answer the kiss. Nino then backed off only to recognize that Sho was pouting. Literally. Like a child who lost his favorite candy.
“But I want ....”
“Fucking Christ,” Nino yelled desperately. “Just count theseso-called ‘search for a proper payback’ game for the last five months as dates.”
Nino’s hand went straight down to palm Sho’s growing crotch so the other man wouldn’t be able to answer. Sho moaned at the sudden touch and his head dropped back as Nino fondled it for a while. But as pleasant as it was, the older man wouldn’t give in that easily.
“Not so fast, little darling.” Sho put hands on Nino’s butt to lift his surprisingly light body, while Nino automatically leaned on Sho’s chest to find his grip. “I do the fucking, remember?”
Nino laughed at the memory. “Wow, I can’t believe that information is actually useful.”
Sho smirked and kissed Nino again while carrying him to his bed. When they reached the bed, the younger man was thrown violently to the soft surface—not that he minded. Sho then followed suit and pressed his body to Nino’s.
As they continued to devour each other’s mouths hungrily, Sho started to caress beneath Nino’s clothes. Nino sighed in pleasure when Sho found the pink buds and twisted them, one then the oth.
When they parted,seeking air, Sho didn’t stop pampering Nino. His mouth brushed Nino’s ear, nibbling it teasingly and went down to his neck. Nino’s breath hitched when Sho bit the soft flesh many times until it was bright red coloured. Sho’s adventure continued south slowly as he removed Nino’s clothes. His tongue probed Nino’s nipples teasingly as if they were the most delicious things, while his hands were already working on Nino’s pants.
All of this time Nino could only sob in pleasure and let out embarrassing. But Nino didn’t really mind it, or rather didn’t give a fuck about it. All he could see was Sho’s hair so he tangled his fingers in it, and pulled tight. Sho felt he was pressing hard on Nino’s limbs but he didn’t mind it at all, and continued to lick the body beneath him instead.
Moments later, all of their clothes were long discarded under the bed. Their naked limbs tangled together, caressing available skin, seeking pleasure. It was so hot that their bodies glistened with sweat and but it didn’t stop them from touching each other’s skin.
“Sho ....”
Sho lifted his face from Nino’s navel to meet his eyes. Both of their eyes were full of desires and they knew that tonight was going to be long and satisfying. Sho reached Nino’s face and kissed his lips searingly for a few minutes. The younger man moaned between their kisses as Sho began to tease his lower part.
Nino was so loud, he was probably bothering the neighbours. He was glad that his apartment was built quite well and had thick walls. He was particularly loud when Sho stroked his shaft, or when Sho finally stretched his insides to prepare for the main event.
It was a pleasant surprise for Sho that Nino was this noisy when it came to lovemaking. He was turned on by it so much that his defenses were broken instantly when Nino begged him sensually many times. He intended to tease Nino a bit more, but it became so hard to ignore the whining cute small creature beneath him.
“Nino.”
“Sho, please.”
Sho stroked Nino’s cheek and admired how beautiful he was. His body was squirming sensually, his face was flushed red and his eyes were glossy with tears.
“Kazu.” Sho called Nino in a rough voice that almost made Nino come because of it.
“Sho, fuck me.”
Sho gritted his teeth. He couldn’t restrain it anymore.
“Damn it Kazu, you’re gonna be the end of me.”
Sho then gave up and screwed him like Nino begged. They released themselves in heavenly pleasures a couple of times but it seemed that it wasn’t enough so they did it over and over again.
They made love as if trying to make up for their respective mistakes. Their passion was heated so much like they were hungry for each other. They finally stopped when the dawn was about to appear and their bodies couldn’t keep up anymore.
It was the best night both had ever spent.
--xxx--
Sunray entered the curtain’s small gap, making a thin line of light that went straight to Nino’s eyes. As he irritated with the beaming light, the young man slowly regained consciousness and opened his eyes.
First thing he realized was that he wasn’t alone. There was a muscular hand on his flat stomach. As heavy as it was, he didn’t have any complaints about it.
Nino then turned to his side to look at the man who apparently had woken up too. He just made love to this man yesterday. This was the man whom he accused for groping his butt, the man that played him savagely for months, the man who could bully him and it wouldn’t matter. This was the man who had unconsciously taken his heart months ago.
It was really great to wake up in Sakurai Sho’s arms.
Sho trailed his hand from Nino’s stomach, stroking it softly until he reached his back. Then he pulled Nino into his arms tightly. On the other hand, Nino followed Sho’s body line with his index finger until he reached Sho’s hard jaw. Their eyes met instantly, and they were suddenly in a staring competition for a couple of minutes.
“Like what you see?”
“Yes.”
Nino chuckled. “Is this an attempt at flirting too?”
“I think so, yes.”
Nino hummed briefly. “Hmm, that’s not very convincing.” He heard Sho’s baritone laugh before he felt Sho’s hand trail down slowly but surely on his soft perky ass.
“Then let me convince you.” Nino decided that he liked Sho’s voice best in the morning, when he had just woken up like this. His hoarse, rough voice became his new addiction and he wanted to hear this every morning.
As Sho’s hand started to squish his butt, Nino grabbed it teasingly. “Now you’re officially a harasser. Should I hand you in to Matsumoto-san again?”
Instead of being scared of Nino’s (playful) threat, Sho chuckled a bit before he added the strength to his grope. It made Nino unintentionally moan low in pleasure. “It’s not harassing if the other has consent.”
“I haven’t said that I allow you to touch my precious butt.”
“Well you did. Last night. You screamed at me to screw your butt.” Sho cleared his throat before he started to impersonate Nino’s high voice. “Sho! Right there! Aah! No! Please .... Sho .... Ah .... Don’t tease me anymore, please do me! Sho!”
As Sho imitated how loud Nino was yesterday, it madeNino blush involuntary. Nino was well aware that he was so vocal when it came to bed exercise, but to hear it now when he was conscious was embarrassing as hell. And so far, no one had imitated him like Sho did.
Nino didn’t say anything and buried his head in Sho’s chest instead. He wanted to give a snarky reply, but his mind went blank and he just didn’t want to start an argument in this peaceful moment. Oh well, his mind was always half-working when it came to Sho anyway.
Upon seeing that, Sho cackled and put his arm around Nino tighter. “Nah, don’t be flustered now. Don’t you think it’s too late? You should have been flustered the moment you caught the wrong person.”
“...” Nino still didn’t answer for a few minutes before he murmured into Sho’s chest. “I’m always flustered when I’m with you.”
“Why?”
Nino lifted his head and looked at Sho with glossy eyes. “Because I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Both of Nino’s eyes were full of tears, ready to slip at any moment. He couldn’t believe that their feelings were mutual after all this time, and both of them were stubborn enough not to admit it. But finally, finally, after months of events and incidents, they could be here, sleeping next to each other, making love like there was no tomorrow.
When a tear eventually slipped down Nino’s cheek, Sho instantly went down and kissed it away. He licked it softly and kissed Nino’s eye. Then he lowered his head to claim the mouth that was more than ready to welcome him.
They kissed, kissed and kissed like all the time in the world was theirs.
Except that actually they didn’t have that much time.
Good thing that Nino had Aiba as a best friend. And as a best friend who was smart enough to think of what could have happened, he had already announced to the IT department that Sakurai Sho and Ninomiya Kazunari were on sick leave.
Lovesick leave, that was.
--xxx--
FIN
--xxx--
End notes: I don’t know if sexual harassment case could go as far as house arrest, but hey, let’s just enjoy the story and ignore all the plot holes (I’m begging you) XD.
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(Anonymous) 2019-06-27 04:45 am (UTC)(link)This one has a really good plot, the words are easy to understand (esp for people that doesn't use English as main language)
The characters you build for Nino and Sho fit them really well 😆
This is the kind of story I really enjoyed, thank you and otsukaresama deshita 👏
I'm not joining ninoex as writter but as expected I love reading every fics here (so thank you so much for Mod-san and all who joined, tons of love for you guys 💛💛💛💛💛)
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Not saying I'm not enjoying his misfortune, just the tiniest bit. I can't blame Aiba for being amused by it, too. XD Sho being so mischievous as payback was pretty fun to watch play out. Also the way their really strange circumstances turned into subtle flirting was so good! "Usually it's me who does the fucking" YIKES Sakurai. *_* Their bullying-but-actually-secretly-home-dates gave me a lot of fluffy feelings, and yikes Nino's pining and wallowing after the anniversary party was so upsetting. :( They just needed a good talk to work through their feelings and get to the bottom of what was really going on between the two of them. Goshhh my heart melted as they figured things out for themselves and slowly admitted to their feelings for each other. And then took it too the bedroom, nfufu. So glad it worked out in the end.
Thank you for this treat!! You delivered a lot of feelings and I'm going to take turns replaying different sections of the fic in my mind just to bask in each one. <333
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Probably, I have a thing for seeing Nino stepping into such embarrassing situations after having such a big mouth HAHA I'm sorry but it was really fun to see him getting all flustered after he realised he might have made a mistake (and of course, Sho only wanted to help lol) aw but I also felt sorry for him and wanted to hug him haha. Sho became super sadistic and that was also so much fun, I can't! He definitely overdid it but we all know that's just because he fell for Nino along the way haha.
Ah yeah, good times, really. Loved his "punishment" on Nino aka him keeping Nino close to him and THEM HAVING FREAKING HOMEDATES (even if Nino didn't notice lol). I really like how they get more and more into each other with time passing, although in the beginning they have such a bumpy start. Sho's sadistic side was really entertaining here and how the heck he can still be so charming, I can't blame Nino for falling for him, really! I loved their dynamic here so much, really! I can understand that in the end, Nino had enough, poor boy was suffering so much after he realised he liked that strange guy that was punishing him way too much (little bit masochistic, aren't you, Nino? So, perfect match for Sho).
I loooooove how things resolve in the end, how Aiba is the one pushing the two into a room (literally) to make up (and out ahaha) and I love how they finally FINALLY are honest with each other and tell each other that they like each other OMG! I also love how Nino in the end loses his nerves like OMG just f*** me already you jerk XDDD ahaha that was amazing! Also, the smut was really nice here *blush*
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! <3
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(Anonymous) 2019-08-05 07:56 am (UTC)(link)Love this fic. Thank you
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(Anonymous) 2019-08-05 08:08 am (UTC)(link)Love this fic. Thank you