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ninoexchange2016-06-21 05:40 am
nino-mod.livejournal.com) wrote in ninoexchange2016-06-21 05:40 am
Entry tags:
fic for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
airairo
For: airairo
From:kleif_asu
Title: Where We Belong
Pairing/Focus: Nino & Jun
Rating: PG
Warnings: Mentioned character death (only minor)
Summary: Fate allowed past mistakes and certain circumstances a second chance. Surely, this time they will finally find the place where they belong.
Notes: Hey recipient-san~ The fic underwent different changes particularly with regard the setting and characters and it ended up like this >w< Somehow the pacing is weird (please excuse my brain for that xD). Recipient-san and to other readers, I hope you like it ^^
A little child was crouched on the ground crying. As if in a trance, Jun just stood there watching.
”Don’t leave me, Jun.”
The child faced Jun and said those words in a steady gaze. There was familiarity in the way the child looked at him like—
Jun woke up sweating. He had that dream again. It was the kind of dream that is soon forgotten after one wakes up. The only thing he remembers is someone calling out his name. The dream that haunted him ever since he started living alone. As far as he remembers, nothing happened before he left his parent’s house that could’ve triggered this recurring dream.
Brushing that aside, he realized that only a few minutes more and he’ll be late for school. He hurriedly prepared for school then left in a hurry.
*
As soon as Jun entered his classroom, he was greeted with ‘good morning’s from his classmates. He happily replied back, glad that his first day started smoothly.
“So Jun, tell me,” his seatmate, Toma, started the moment Jun took his seat, “what happened to you that you had to skip for week!” Toma ended his sentence with a chuckle and a friendly punch to his arm. Jun laughed with him but for a moment he actually felt that he had forgotten what really happened that made him sick in the first place.
Was I even sick?
“So, what happened?”
“I had a fever I think?”
“What’s with that tentative answer? You were just too lazy to go to school, weren’t you?” They continued laughing and teasing each other.
Just then, the whole room was filled with shrieks and gossips. A new boy entered. Just like Jun, he was welcomed with greetings from his classmates which he gladly acknowledged with a smile. Jun didn’t know him, maybe a transferee when he was away. He can’t help but stare. Amidst the happy atmosphere around him and even the lively aura he gave off, there seemed to be something hidden behind that smile.
“Ah, mesmerized by the new guy?” Toma asked. Jun noticed then that he had been staring at the transferee for a while now.
“A transferee?”
“Yep. He’s Ninomiya, Nino for short he said. Heard that he was involved in some sort of accident, lost his parents in the process and stuff. One of the school higher-ups took him in and started school a week ago.”
“Eh ?..”
“All of us were shocked. We never imagined that he could be this lively when he was introduced. You know, there’s this pathetic stereotype about how transfer students with a gloomy background are supposed to have gloomy and sad personality? This guy looked like that when he entered the room. Then he suddenly started introducing himself in a happy and carefree manner, the girls went nuts.” Toma continued with his story, chuckling as he remembered. On the other hand, Jun just can’t brush off the indescribable feeling he had upon seeing Nino. Was it trouble? Fear? Doubt?
While Jun was contemplating, Nino saw him gaze and their eyes met. Nino stopped and looked for a moment before resuming his conversation with the girls. Whatever he felt at the moment, he needed to avoid him, Jun thought.
*
“Are you going to the cafeteria?” Toma asked.
“Nope. I still have some bread with me.” Jun said and showed him the leftover bread from his breakfast that morning.
“Ok. Be sure to eat it instead of daydreaming all day!” Toma said as he ran his way out of the classroom. Jun just sighed in defeat. Toma really cared. He opened a packet of bread and started eating it when someone called him.
“Jun-san?”
Jun.
Jun immediately turned and saw the transfer student. Was it just me or did I hear that voice? Jun thought although he was glad that it wasn’t the voice from his dreams.
“Yes? Ninomiya, what is it?”
“Call me Nino, it’s shorter. Nice to meet you.” Nino said and smiled. “I heard a lot about you from the girls in the class. I’m glad to finally see you. Oh, may I join you for lunch?” Jun bobbed his head in response. Nino seemed to be delighted and started blabbering after taking his seat. His liveliness didn’t seem to wane through his continuous chattering. It made Jun smile as well.
“I didn’t have to worry at all.” Jun whispered to himself.
“Jun-san, did you say something?” Nino asked.
“It’s nothing. What were you saying again about cats?”
“You see, I have a cat that’s super cute and…”
It seems that your presence puts me at ease
*
“I don’t want you to do it!”
“But—“
“Look, it’s the first time in history we’ll be doing this and you just volunteered yourself as the experimental subject without second thought? Think about your life!”
“Then who would you rather have? No one dared even when the King asked for it!” He was right but still… “Think about me. I’m a weak person, J. Being the experimental subject would at least make this weak body useful.”
*
“Matsumoto Jun!” someone yelled followed by a series of laughter. Jun opened his eyes and saw their Math teacher staring at him. He looked at him apologetically and tried to regain his composure. Even as the teacher continued lecturing, Jun’s mind was elsewhere until the class ended.
“Jun! Quit daydreaming there, it’s PE already.” Toma called out from the door. Looking around, only a few of his classmates were still inside the room.
“You go ahead, I’m going to get my jersey first.” Jun watched Toma leave and proceeded to get his jersey from his locker. Just as he was about to leave the room, Nino came rushing in almost bumping into Jun.
“Jun-san! Sorry, I didn’t see you.”
“Did you forget something?”
“I forgot to bring a towel with me.”
“Hmm.” After Nino grabbed a towel from his bag, the two of them went out of the classroom and headed for the gym. there was silence on the way, until they reached the first floor. Jun noticed how Nino seemed to drag his feet while walking. He tried to match their pace so as not to leave him behind and the next thing he knew, Nino collapsed on the floor, out of breath and holding his head in pain.
“Nino?” Jun helped him stand up and supporting him. “We’ll have to get you to the infirmary.”
*
Shortly after arriving at to the infirmary, Nino went limp and fell asleep. Jun explained what happened and helped in getting Nino on one of the beds. Their PE teacher was informed who then asked Jun to stay look after him. Jun rested on a stool beside Nino’s bed and read one of the school doctor’s books to keep himself busy.
“Matsumoto-kun, I’ll be heading out for a while,” the doctor said. Jun nodded in response before the doctor left the room. About half an hour has passed but Nino still didn’t show any sign of waking up. Jun stood up, stretched his body and yawned. He went back to his seat and continued reading but at some point he became really sleepy and he dozed off.
“J?” Hearing Nino’s voice, Jun looked at him brushing away the sleepiness. Nino was sleep talking; he had a troubled face and seemed to be having some sort of a nightmare. Jun stood up to see if the doctor is back to inform him about what happened.
“J? Don’t leave me.” The moment he looked back at Nino, his surroundings blurred. Jun had trouble standing up.
“Don’t leave me.” Nino’s words echoed throughout his head. He held his head tightly, willing away the pain and confusion.
“Don’t leave me.” The phrase repeated itself over and over in his head, it didn’t even sound like Nino before. The voice got louder and emphatic. He heard someone calling him, sounds like the doctor, before he blacked out.
*
Jun slowly opened his eyes but saw nothing but darkness, his senses numb. There was ringing in his ears which gradually became something like voices. It wasn’t like the one before and it seemed coming from a distant place or time. It sounded like kids; two boys, brothers perhaps.
“Don’t look! It’s embarrassing.” Said one voice, he seemed like crying.
“You always see me cry, what’s the difference?” said the other, trying to soothe him.
“But—“
“I cry a lot then you always come and comfort me. I may be weak but comforting you is what I do best.”
“Thanks Nino.”
*
“Earth to Jun, earth to Jun. Can you hear me?”
“Toma-san…”
“He’s pretending to be asleep, trust me. Ehem, EARTH TO JUN EARTH TO JUN CAN YOU—“
“Toma, curse you. You’re noisy.” Jun opened his eyes and immediately glared at Toma which the latter laughed at. Nino was standing behind him, relieved.
“Nino…” Jun whispered.
“Yes?”
“Ahh, no it’s nothing. What time is it?”
“It’s nighttime, dummy. You’re out cold the whole day. Since Nino practically lives here in school, they let you sleep in his dorm.”
“It’s night?” Jun was taken aback and abruptly sat down. The sudden rush of oxygen to his head caused him to get dizzy, making him lie back.
“Take it easy, it seems your fever’s not left you yet.” Toma guided him to lay down properly.
“Sorry…”
*
Toma left hours ago. Nino was lying down at the other bed on the left where Jun was sleeping. The lights were out and Jun kept staring at the ceiling for quite a while now. It just wasn’t the pain that made him unable to sleep. The confusion he felt after everything that has happened until now occupied his mind.
Just what the hell is happening?
“Nino, are you awake?” He said in a soft voice, loud enough to be heard in the middle of the night but not enough to wake him if he’s asleep.
“Yes. You can’t sleep as well, Jun-san?” Nino replied. Nino adjusted his position until he was facing the ceiling like Jun.
“Is it okay to ask a personal question?”
“Sure, I can’t guarantee I can answer it though.” It took Nino a moment before giving his answer.
“Did you have any sibling?” There was silence longer than the last before Jun heard his response.
“I didn’t have anything to begin with. No parents, no siblings, no memory. The earliest I can remember was staring at the while ceiling of the hospital and how the doctors there treated me with care but they were wary of me. I only knew about the accident from the doctors.” Nino stopped here but Jun sensed he had more to say so he waited. “I was really thankful that the chairman took me in. I felt then that I had somewhere I finally belonged to.” Another moment of silence, albeit a comfortable one. “Why did you suddenly ask about that Jun-san?”
“Random, I guess. Sorry for intruding into your privacy.” He paused and sighed. “It’s been a while I had someone to talk to like this.”
“Why is that?” Nino asked softly, curiosity showing via the tone of his voice.
“You see, I left home because my parents wanted me out. I don’t know what their problem was. I tried my best to meet their expectations of what they wanted me to become. But whatever I did, they weren’t satisfied. When I left, it felt like they threw me out instead of me leaving.”
“Right now, I feel like I have a family again. Talking to you like this gave me a sense of family I unknowingly had been longing for. Thank you Nino.” The satisfaction brought by the heart-to-heart talk lulled Jun to sleep.
“Sweet dreams, J.”
*
From then on, their friendship blossomed. It was now a normal sight to spot Nino with the noisy Toma and Jun tandem. Nino himself somehow realized the change and it made him extremely happy.
Jun felt it too. The almost hidden aura he sensed from Nino the first time he saw him was now gone.
*
It was a Saturday. Earlier, Jun invited Nino out so they can check out some books. On his way to their meeting place, Jun immediately spotted Nino amidst the sea of people. Nino was ahead of him and was crossing the road to reach the coffee shop at the other side where they agreed to meet. Jun quickened his pace so he can catch up. He wanted to call his name but he heard his instead.
“Jun!” Nino looked at his direction, scared. Along with it, Jun heard the sound of a skidding car heading towards his direction. His body froze.
*
It was the same death that happened many years ago. How pathetic am I?
Year 19XX
“J! Wake up, the sun’s glaring at you already!”
“Givemeaminutemoregjsl”
“No, you don’t.” Jun felt someone tugging at his arm. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Nino in his wheelchair. “Good morning, you lazy brother.” Nino gave him one of his tantalizing smiles.
That’s right, he was my brother. The scene played back right in front of me as if seen on theatre.
“What time is it?”
“Half past 10. Didn’t you see you were needed at the lab at 10?” It made Jun fully awake and he hastily stood up to prepare while Nino laughed at him.
“Be safe on your way!” Nino watched him leave and made his way back inside their house.
I was working as a researcher at the country’s biggest research facility. Our parents died when we were just about to finish school due to an epidemic. Then I decided to study thinking that I could help prevent epidemics and to support my brother who was forever tied to his wheelchair.
At that time, there was another outbreak and the facility had been busy since then. We were trying to find the cause to help us formulate the cure. It drained all of us but our hard work soon paid off and in no time we were able to come out with a potential medicinal cure. But there remained the all-important clinical test on human subjects, an obstacle that needed to be surmounted. That was when the King announced his request for a volunteer to serve as some sort of a guinea pig to validate whether our product was really beneficial.
Unsurprisingly, no one dared to do it. It was their life at satke, after all and the king wasn’t giving orders so no one felt obliged to take on the request. No one but him.
“Nino? It’s late, what have you been doing?” Startled by the sudden intrusion, Nino stopped and hid what he was doing. “Is it a letter?”
“Y-yes. I have a friend who’s coming for a visit. I wanted to send a letter before he arrives.”
It wasn’t a letter to a friend; not even close. Our research facility received great news the following day. We found a willing test subject, the letter came that morning. A letter from my own brother.
“I don’t want you to do it!” Jun shouted with anger.
“But—“
“Look, it’s the first time in history we’ll be doing this and you just threw yourself as the experimental subject without second thoughts? Think about your life!”
“Then who would you use? No one dared even when the King asked for it!” Jun didn’t argue, how can he? Nino was right. “Think about me. I’m a weak person, J. Being the experimental subject would put this weak body of practical use.”
Despite my protests, Nino was really intent on pushing through. I gave up and complied, how can I not? Not with that kind of determination. Though I regretted the moment I gave up. We ran different kinds of tests on Nino to ensure his well-being before administering the experiment. He was still lively by then, happy that for once, his wheel-chaired body was being helpful to society. I treasured his smile and hoped that everything would go well.
It didn’t. The cure gave Nino different side effects and reduced him to a state of shriveled vegetable. Some of the researchers found out later about some lapses in the research. Too late. No matter how much Nino proudly said that he was doing something that would benefit the society, he looked like a guinea pig in my eyes; a guinea pig used by the researchers to improve their research, nothing more than that. The fact made me hate myself as a researcher. Regret, anger and sadness. Those were the only things that filled my mind as I felt Nino’s grip on my hand slowly loosen until it fell on the bed.
I quit on the exact same day and lived my life with utter remorse. For a year I existed like that.
Now, exactly a year after, I found myself in the same situation in the present. The speeding car in front of me while I stood frozen in shock. Then a quick gruesome death. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see the scene replayed. I already knew what was going to happen anyway.
Still it surprised me when I felt a pair of outstretched hands push me with great force that made me tumble down on the street.
Did it really happen like that?
*
He slowly gained his senses and felt pain all over his body. His eyelids felt heavy but he slowly pushed it open with determination. Nino’s face was the first thing he saw. He was crying.
“J!” He shouted with relief and cried his heart out. He heard Toma’s voice in the background saying he’ll get the nurse.
“Don’t ever leave me again, you hear me?” Nino pouted even with his crying figure. Jun smiled at him and nodded. “I can’t believe you had the guts to do that!” Nino pouted even more.
“You knew?” Nino nodded and became silent for a moment.
“Remember that time both of us got dizzy, and the talk we had that night? I already had glimpses of it, though I first thought it was just part of my dreams. But after seeing you in that situation, all pieces rushed to me like a wave. The next thing I noticed, you were lying near me and another person was sprawled somewhere near the car. Fortunately, he cushioned his fall and only suffered some minor injuries, the driver was able to slow down so the impact wasn’t extreme.” Nino became silent again, his tears continued to fall.
Jun reached for his face and wiped his tears.
“Remember that one time you comforted me while I was crying even though it was always the other way around?” Jun asked and continued soothing Nino. “Let me return the favor, forever.”
“You still remember that?” Nino smiled.
*
After explaining to the school chairman how Nino remembered Jun being a distant relative,but leaving out the whole reincarnation thing, the chairman agreed to let Jun share the dorm with Nino.
“J, wake up! We’ll be late for class!” Jun felt someone trying to pull him from the bed. Instead of being pulled, Jun pulled Nino who came crashing on the bed with him.
“A few more minutes. Give your bother a few more minutes of sleep.”
“J?” Nino said in a teasingly scolding manner.
“Anyway, school is just a few steps away.” Jun made his point before opening his eyes and locking his gaze with Nino. He shifted a bit so that he was hugging Nino.
No doubt that this is where they belong…
… in each other’s arms.
END
airairoFrom:
kleif_asuTitle: Where We Belong
Pairing/Focus: Nino & Jun
Rating: PG
Warnings: Mentioned character death (only minor)
Summary: Fate allowed past mistakes and certain circumstances a second chance. Surely, this time they will finally find the place where they belong.
Notes: Hey recipient-san~ The fic underwent different changes particularly with regard the setting and characters and it ended up like this >w< Somehow the pacing is weird (please excuse my brain for that xD). Recipient-san and to other readers, I hope you like it ^^
A little child was crouched on the ground crying. As if in a trance, Jun just stood there watching.
”Don’t leave me, Jun.”
The child faced Jun and said those words in a steady gaze. There was familiarity in the way the child looked at him like—
Jun woke up sweating. He had that dream again. It was the kind of dream that is soon forgotten after one wakes up. The only thing he remembers is someone calling out his name. The dream that haunted him ever since he started living alone. As far as he remembers, nothing happened before he left his parent’s house that could’ve triggered this recurring dream.
Brushing that aside, he realized that only a few minutes more and he’ll be late for school. He hurriedly prepared for school then left in a hurry.
*
As soon as Jun entered his classroom, he was greeted with ‘good morning’s from his classmates. He happily replied back, glad that his first day started smoothly.
“So Jun, tell me,” his seatmate, Toma, started the moment Jun took his seat, “what happened to you that you had to skip for week!” Toma ended his sentence with a chuckle and a friendly punch to his arm. Jun laughed with him but for a moment he actually felt that he had forgotten what really happened that made him sick in the first place.
Was I even sick?
“So, what happened?”
“I had a fever I think?”
“What’s with that tentative answer? You were just too lazy to go to school, weren’t you?” They continued laughing and teasing each other.
Just then, the whole room was filled with shrieks and gossips. A new boy entered. Just like Jun, he was welcomed with greetings from his classmates which he gladly acknowledged with a smile. Jun didn’t know him, maybe a transferee when he was away. He can’t help but stare. Amidst the happy atmosphere around him and even the lively aura he gave off, there seemed to be something hidden behind that smile.
“Ah, mesmerized by the new guy?” Toma asked. Jun noticed then that he had been staring at the transferee for a while now.
“A transferee?”
“Yep. He’s Ninomiya, Nino for short he said. Heard that he was involved in some sort of accident, lost his parents in the process and stuff. One of the school higher-ups took him in and started school a week ago.”
“Eh ?..”
“All of us were shocked. We never imagined that he could be this lively when he was introduced. You know, there’s this pathetic stereotype about how transfer students with a gloomy background are supposed to have gloomy and sad personality? This guy looked like that when he entered the room. Then he suddenly started introducing himself in a happy and carefree manner, the girls went nuts.” Toma continued with his story, chuckling as he remembered. On the other hand, Jun just can’t brush off the indescribable feeling he had upon seeing Nino. Was it trouble? Fear? Doubt?
While Jun was contemplating, Nino saw him gaze and their eyes met. Nino stopped and looked for a moment before resuming his conversation with the girls. Whatever he felt at the moment, he needed to avoid him, Jun thought.
*
“Are you going to the cafeteria?” Toma asked.
“Nope. I still have some bread with me.” Jun said and showed him the leftover bread from his breakfast that morning.
“Ok. Be sure to eat it instead of daydreaming all day!” Toma said as he ran his way out of the classroom. Jun just sighed in defeat. Toma really cared. He opened a packet of bread and started eating it when someone called him.
“Jun-san?”
Jun.
Jun immediately turned and saw the transfer student. Was it just me or did I hear that voice? Jun thought although he was glad that it wasn’t the voice from his dreams.
“Yes? Ninomiya, what is it?”
“Call me Nino, it’s shorter. Nice to meet you.” Nino said and smiled. “I heard a lot about you from the girls in the class. I’m glad to finally see you. Oh, may I join you for lunch?” Jun bobbed his head in response. Nino seemed to be delighted and started blabbering after taking his seat. His liveliness didn’t seem to wane through his continuous chattering. It made Jun smile as well.
“I didn’t have to worry at all.” Jun whispered to himself.
“Jun-san, did you say something?” Nino asked.
“It’s nothing. What were you saying again about cats?”
“You see, I have a cat that’s super cute and…”
It seems that your presence puts me at ease
*
“I don’t want you to do it!”
“But—“
“Look, it’s the first time in history we’ll be doing this and you just volunteered yourself as the experimental subject without second thought? Think about your life!”
“Then who would you rather have? No one dared even when the King asked for it!” He was right but still… “Think about me. I’m a weak person, J. Being the experimental subject would at least make this weak body useful.”
*
“Matsumoto Jun!” someone yelled followed by a series of laughter. Jun opened his eyes and saw their Math teacher staring at him. He looked at him apologetically and tried to regain his composure. Even as the teacher continued lecturing, Jun’s mind was elsewhere until the class ended.
“Jun! Quit daydreaming there, it’s PE already.” Toma called out from the door. Looking around, only a few of his classmates were still inside the room.
“You go ahead, I’m going to get my jersey first.” Jun watched Toma leave and proceeded to get his jersey from his locker. Just as he was about to leave the room, Nino came rushing in almost bumping into Jun.
“Jun-san! Sorry, I didn’t see you.”
“Did you forget something?”
“I forgot to bring a towel with me.”
“Hmm.” After Nino grabbed a towel from his bag, the two of them went out of the classroom and headed for the gym. there was silence on the way, until they reached the first floor. Jun noticed how Nino seemed to drag his feet while walking. He tried to match their pace so as not to leave him behind and the next thing he knew, Nino collapsed on the floor, out of breath and holding his head in pain.
“Nino?” Jun helped him stand up and supporting him. “We’ll have to get you to the infirmary.”
*
Shortly after arriving at to the infirmary, Nino went limp and fell asleep. Jun explained what happened and helped in getting Nino on one of the beds. Their PE teacher was informed who then asked Jun to stay look after him. Jun rested on a stool beside Nino’s bed and read one of the school doctor’s books to keep himself busy.
“Matsumoto-kun, I’ll be heading out for a while,” the doctor said. Jun nodded in response before the doctor left the room. About half an hour has passed but Nino still didn’t show any sign of waking up. Jun stood up, stretched his body and yawned. He went back to his seat and continued reading but at some point he became really sleepy and he dozed off.
“J?” Hearing Nino’s voice, Jun looked at him brushing away the sleepiness. Nino was sleep talking; he had a troubled face and seemed to be having some sort of a nightmare. Jun stood up to see if the doctor is back to inform him about what happened.
“J? Don’t leave me.” The moment he looked back at Nino, his surroundings blurred. Jun had trouble standing up.
“Don’t leave me.” Nino’s words echoed throughout his head. He held his head tightly, willing away the pain and confusion.
“Don’t leave me.” The phrase repeated itself over and over in his head, it didn’t even sound like Nino before. The voice got louder and emphatic. He heard someone calling him, sounds like the doctor, before he blacked out.
*
Jun slowly opened his eyes but saw nothing but darkness, his senses numb. There was ringing in his ears which gradually became something like voices. It wasn’t like the one before and it seemed coming from a distant place or time. It sounded like kids; two boys, brothers perhaps.
“Don’t look! It’s embarrassing.” Said one voice, he seemed like crying.
“You always see me cry, what’s the difference?” said the other, trying to soothe him.
“But—“
“I cry a lot then you always come and comfort me. I may be weak but comforting you is what I do best.”
“Thanks Nino.”
*
“Earth to Jun, earth to Jun. Can you hear me?”
“Toma-san…”
“He’s pretending to be asleep, trust me. Ehem, EARTH TO JUN EARTH TO JUN CAN YOU—“
“Toma, curse you. You’re noisy.” Jun opened his eyes and immediately glared at Toma which the latter laughed at. Nino was standing behind him, relieved.
“Nino…” Jun whispered.
“Yes?”
“Ahh, no it’s nothing. What time is it?”
“It’s nighttime, dummy. You’re out cold the whole day. Since Nino practically lives here in school, they let you sleep in his dorm.”
“It’s night?” Jun was taken aback and abruptly sat down. The sudden rush of oxygen to his head caused him to get dizzy, making him lie back.
“Take it easy, it seems your fever’s not left you yet.” Toma guided him to lay down properly.
“Sorry…”
*
Toma left hours ago. Nino was lying down at the other bed on the left where Jun was sleeping. The lights were out and Jun kept staring at the ceiling for quite a while now. It just wasn’t the pain that made him unable to sleep. The confusion he felt after everything that has happened until now occupied his mind.
Just what the hell is happening?
“Nino, are you awake?” He said in a soft voice, loud enough to be heard in the middle of the night but not enough to wake him if he’s asleep.
“Yes. You can’t sleep as well, Jun-san?” Nino replied. Nino adjusted his position until he was facing the ceiling like Jun.
“Is it okay to ask a personal question?”
“Sure, I can’t guarantee I can answer it though.” It took Nino a moment before giving his answer.
“Did you have any sibling?” There was silence longer than the last before Jun heard his response.
“I didn’t have anything to begin with. No parents, no siblings, no memory. The earliest I can remember was staring at the while ceiling of the hospital and how the doctors there treated me with care but they were wary of me. I only knew about the accident from the doctors.” Nino stopped here but Jun sensed he had more to say so he waited. “I was really thankful that the chairman took me in. I felt then that I had somewhere I finally belonged to.” Another moment of silence, albeit a comfortable one. “Why did you suddenly ask about that Jun-san?”
“Random, I guess. Sorry for intruding into your privacy.” He paused and sighed. “It’s been a while I had someone to talk to like this.”
“Why is that?” Nino asked softly, curiosity showing via the tone of his voice.
“You see, I left home because my parents wanted me out. I don’t know what their problem was. I tried my best to meet their expectations of what they wanted me to become. But whatever I did, they weren’t satisfied. When I left, it felt like they threw me out instead of me leaving.”
“Right now, I feel like I have a family again. Talking to you like this gave me a sense of family I unknowingly had been longing for. Thank you Nino.” The satisfaction brought by the heart-to-heart talk lulled Jun to sleep.
“Sweet dreams, J.”
*
From then on, their friendship blossomed. It was now a normal sight to spot Nino with the noisy Toma and Jun tandem. Nino himself somehow realized the change and it made him extremely happy.
Jun felt it too. The almost hidden aura he sensed from Nino the first time he saw him was now gone.
*
It was a Saturday. Earlier, Jun invited Nino out so they can check out some books. On his way to their meeting place, Jun immediately spotted Nino amidst the sea of people. Nino was ahead of him and was crossing the road to reach the coffee shop at the other side where they agreed to meet. Jun quickened his pace so he can catch up. He wanted to call his name but he heard his instead.
“Jun!” Nino looked at his direction, scared. Along with it, Jun heard the sound of a skidding car heading towards his direction. His body froze.
*
It was the same death that happened many years ago. How pathetic am I?
Year 19XX
“J! Wake up, the sun’s glaring at you already!”
“Givemeaminutemoregjsl”
“No, you don’t.” Jun felt someone tugging at his arm. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Nino in his wheelchair. “Good morning, you lazy brother.” Nino gave him one of his tantalizing smiles.
That’s right, he was my brother. The scene played back right in front of me as if seen on theatre.
“What time is it?”
“Half past 10. Didn’t you see you were needed at the lab at 10?” It made Jun fully awake and he hastily stood up to prepare while Nino laughed at him.
“Be safe on your way!” Nino watched him leave and made his way back inside their house.
I was working as a researcher at the country’s biggest research facility. Our parents died when we were just about to finish school due to an epidemic. Then I decided to study thinking that I could help prevent epidemics and to support my brother who was forever tied to his wheelchair.
At that time, there was another outbreak and the facility had been busy since then. We were trying to find the cause to help us formulate the cure. It drained all of us but our hard work soon paid off and in no time we were able to come out with a potential medicinal cure. But there remained the all-important clinical test on human subjects, an obstacle that needed to be surmounted. That was when the King announced his request for a volunteer to serve as some sort of a guinea pig to validate whether our product was really beneficial.
Unsurprisingly, no one dared to do it. It was their life at satke, after all and the king wasn’t giving orders so no one felt obliged to take on the request. No one but him.
“Nino? It’s late, what have you been doing?” Startled by the sudden intrusion, Nino stopped and hid what he was doing. “Is it a letter?”
“Y-yes. I have a friend who’s coming for a visit. I wanted to send a letter before he arrives.”
It wasn’t a letter to a friend; not even close. Our research facility received great news the following day. We found a willing test subject, the letter came that morning. A letter from my own brother.
“I don’t want you to do it!” Jun shouted with anger.
“But—“
“Look, it’s the first time in history we’ll be doing this and you just threw yourself as the experimental subject without second thoughts? Think about your life!”
“Then who would you use? No one dared even when the King asked for it!” Jun didn’t argue, how can he? Nino was right. “Think about me. I’m a weak person, J. Being the experimental subject would put this weak body of practical use.”
Despite my protests, Nino was really intent on pushing through. I gave up and complied, how can I not? Not with that kind of determination. Though I regretted the moment I gave up. We ran different kinds of tests on Nino to ensure his well-being before administering the experiment. He was still lively by then, happy that for once, his wheel-chaired body was being helpful to society. I treasured his smile and hoped that everything would go well.
It didn’t. The cure gave Nino different side effects and reduced him to a state of shriveled vegetable. Some of the researchers found out later about some lapses in the research. Too late. No matter how much Nino proudly said that he was doing something that would benefit the society, he looked like a guinea pig in my eyes; a guinea pig used by the researchers to improve their research, nothing more than that. The fact made me hate myself as a researcher. Regret, anger and sadness. Those were the only things that filled my mind as I felt Nino’s grip on my hand slowly loosen until it fell on the bed.
I quit on the exact same day and lived my life with utter remorse. For a year I existed like that.
Now, exactly a year after, I found myself in the same situation in the present. The speeding car in front of me while I stood frozen in shock. Then a quick gruesome death. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see the scene replayed. I already knew what was going to happen anyway.
Still it surprised me when I felt a pair of outstretched hands push me with great force that made me tumble down on the street.
Did it really happen like that?
*
He slowly gained his senses and felt pain all over his body. His eyelids felt heavy but he slowly pushed it open with determination. Nino’s face was the first thing he saw. He was crying.
“J!” He shouted with relief and cried his heart out. He heard Toma’s voice in the background saying he’ll get the nurse.
“Don’t ever leave me again, you hear me?” Nino pouted even with his crying figure. Jun smiled at him and nodded. “I can’t believe you had the guts to do that!” Nino pouted even more.
“You knew?” Nino nodded and became silent for a moment.
“Remember that time both of us got dizzy, and the talk we had that night? I already had glimpses of it, though I first thought it was just part of my dreams. But after seeing you in that situation, all pieces rushed to me like a wave. The next thing I noticed, you were lying near me and another person was sprawled somewhere near the car. Fortunately, he cushioned his fall and only suffered some minor injuries, the driver was able to slow down so the impact wasn’t extreme.” Nino became silent again, his tears continued to fall.
Jun reached for his face and wiped his tears.
“Remember that one time you comforted me while I was crying even though it was always the other way around?” Jun asked and continued soothing Nino. “Let me return the favor, forever.”
“You still remember that?” Nino smiled.
*
After explaining to the school chairman how Nino remembered Jun being a distant relative,but leaving out the whole reincarnation thing, the chairman agreed to let Jun share the dorm with Nino.
“J, wake up! We’ll be late for class!” Jun felt someone trying to pull him from the bed. Instead of being pulled, Jun pulled Nino who came crashing on the bed with him.
“A few more minutes. Give your bother a few more minutes of sleep.”
“J?” Nino said in a teasingly scolding manner.
“Anyway, school is just a few steps away.” Jun made his point before opening his eyes and locking his gaze with Nino. He shifted a bit so that he was hugging Nino.
No doubt that this is where they belong…
… in each other’s arms.
END
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When Jun was thanking Nino for giving him someone to talk to - awww. Really, so sweet. I'm so glad they found each other and are comforting each other. Hopefully they'll have a much better, safer future and can be happy as brothers (of sorts) again! :D
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I'm glad they managed to find each other again and stayed together
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