Chapter Text
The morning light peeked through the half-closed blinds, casting a warm glow across the small apartment. Sakura stirred in his bed, his white and black hair a wild mess against the pillow. He glanced over at the empty space beside him, a faint smile playing on his lips as he remembered the comforting warmth of Suo's presence from the night before. Quietly, he slipped out of bed, not wanting to disturb his sleeping boyfriend. He had a surprise in mind.
Pulling on a hoodie and a pair of worn-out jeans, Sakura tiptoed to the kitchen, his thoughts already racing with ideas for breakfast. Suo had a sweet tooth, so maybe pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of berries? Or perhaps something more traditional, like onigiri with a side of miso soup? As he grabbed his keys and wallet.
The cool air of the early morning hit him as he stepped out into the hallway, the gentle hum of the city already beginning to build. He descended the stairs, his mind focused on the task at hand. But as he pushed open the door to the street, his heart skipped a beat. There, standing in the shadows of the apartment complex, were his parents—his mother's stern gaze and his father's furrowed brows unmistakable.
Sakura froze, the keys to his apartment clutched in his hand. He hadn't seen them in months, not since he had moved to Makochi to start anew at Furin High. His stomach twisted in a knot of dread as he tried to decide whether to flee or face them. But before he could act, they spotted him. His mother took a step forward, her eyes searching his face. "Haruka," she called out, her voice a mix of anger and concern.
Sakura felt the weight of his past crash down on him, the memories of his childhood flooding back. He had been abandoned at the orphanage, a burden his mother deemed too heavy to bear. His heart pounded in his chest as he slowly approached them, his feet feeling like lead. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice low and tightly controlled.
"We've had a bit of a rough patch," his father began, avoiding eye contact. "We need some help, and we know you've been doing well for yourself."
Sakura's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"We're in a tight spot," his mother said, her voice strained. "Your father lost his job and we can't make ends meet. We thought, since you're living here, you could help us out. Just for a week, Haruka. Find a job and give us what you earn."
Sakura's jaw clenched, his mind racing with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Why should I? You've never cared about me before."
"Don't be so dramatic," his father snapped, a hint of desperation lacing his words. "We're your family. You should help us."
Sakura felt a cold rage simmering beneath the surface. Family didn't just show up to leech off of him when they were down on their luck. Family was supposed to support each other, to love unconditionally. But all they had ever given him was pain and rejection. "No," he said firmly. "I won't be your meal ticket."
His mother's expression shifted to one of anger. "You ungrateful boy," she spat. "After all we've done for you."
Sakura's eyes went cold. "I don't owe you anything," he said through gritted teeth. "But if you want to play that game, I'll tell you what I want in return."
His father's gaze hardened. "What's that?"
Sakura stepped closer, his eyes unwavering. "If I help you out, you'll leave me alone after this. No more visits, no more calls, no more guilt trips. I'm not your son anymore."
His father's face contorted in anger. "Don't you dare talk to us like that, Haruka," he warned, his hand curling into a fist. "You're coming with us, and you'll do as we say."
Sakura's eyes narrowed. "You can't just decide to be a part of my life again when you need something," he said, his voice steady. "I've made a home here. I have friends. I won't leave."
"You'll do as you're told," his father snarled, taking a step forward, his fist still clenched. "You're coming with us, and you'll do whatever it takes to help us out."
Sakura's heart pounded, but he stood his ground. "I'll help," he said, his voice even. "But only if you promise to leave me alone afterward."
There was a heavy silence that hung in the air, thick with unspoken tension. His parents exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable. Finally, his mother spoke. "Fine," she said, her voice clipped. "But we expect you to work hard and not disappoint us."
Sakura nodded stiffly, his fists clenched at his sides. Inside, he felt a mix of anger and relief. He had stood up to them, but he knew it was only temporary. He would have to find a way to make sure they didn't come back, to ensure that he was truly free of their grasp. "I'll help," he repeated. "But only for a week."
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For the next few days, Sakura threw himself into finding work, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of his parents and the looming deadline. He took on odd jobs around Makochi, his nimble fingers and quick reflexes from his martial arts training making him an asset in various tasks. The physical labor was exhausting, but he pushed through, driven by the need to keep his newfound independence.
Suo noticed the change in Sakura's schedule immediately. His usually reliable boyfriend was now scarce, often returning home late at night with bags under his eyes and muscles aching. Concern etched into the lines of his face, Suo tried to ask about the sudden shift, but Sakura brushed him off with forced smiles and mumbled excuses about needing to help someone.
As the week progressed, the tension grew palpable. Sakura's parents hovered around him like vultures, eager to claim their prize once the week was up. They didn't miss a single opportunity to remind him of their "deal," their eyes gleaming with a greed that made his stomach turn. Meanwhile, Suo grew increasingly frustrated by Sakura's evasiveness. He knew something was wrong, but every time he approached the topic, Sakura would change the subject or retreat into silence.
Suo watched from the sidelines, his heart heavy with worry. He noticed that Sakura's visits to the pathos cafe had become less frequent, and when he did come, he was quieter than ever, the usual spark in his eyes dulled. Their moments of solace had turned into brief hellos and goodbyes, the warmth of their relationship feeling like it was slipping away. Suo knew he had to do something, but he didn't know what. He felt helpless, unable to break through the barriers Sakura had built around himself.
The day before the week was over, Sakura's parents invited him to their house for dinner. It was a place Sakura had hoped to never set foot in again, but fear and obligation held him captive. He agreed, though every fiber of his being screamed for him to run. As he approached the small, dilapidated building on the outskirts of Makochi, the memories of his childhood came rushing back—the cold, empty rooms, the echoes of his own sobs bouncing off the walls.
The moment he stepped inside, his mother bombarded him with insults, her voice a harsh reminder of the painful past he had tried so hard to leave behind. His father, trying to play the role of the loving caretaker, began to cook a meal that Sakura knew all too well. The smell of the food sent a shiver down his spine as he remembered the countless times he had been forced to eat something that would make his body betray him.
As he sat at the table, his mother's eyes never left him, watching him like a hawk waiting for its prey to make a mistake. His father placed a plate in front of him, the food steaming and smelling heavenly, but Sakura knew better than to trust it. He picked up his chopsticks, his hand trembling slightly, and took a bite. The taste was familiar, and with each chew, his fear grew stronger. His mother's verbal barbs continued, but he forced himself to eat, his mind racing for a way out.
His thoughts were interrupted when his father's hand slammed down on the table, sending the plates rattling. "Enough," he growled at his wife. "Let the boy eat in peace." But his eyes gleamed with something sinister, and Sakura felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He had been drugged again, just like the old days, and the memories of his powerlessness washed over him like a wave of nausea. He pushed his chair back, trying to stand, but his legs refused to cooperate, his body feeling like it was made of lead.
Panic set in as his mother lunged at him, wrapping her arms around him in a crushing embrace. "You're not going anywhere," she spat, her grip on him like iron. Her grip so tight that Sakura felt his ribs crack. She pulled him into a hug so tight he couldn't breathe, the same one she had used to silence his sobs as a child. The room swirled around him, and his heart pounded in his ears. He felt the same suffocating fear that had haunted his nightmares for years. This couldn't be happening again. The room spun, and he could feel himself slipping away, the edges of his vision turning dark.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash and the sound of breaking dishes. His father had grabbed his mother and thrown her across the room. "Stay out of this," he snarled. "This is between me and Haruka." The room was a whirlwind of chaos as his parents' fight grew more violent. Sakura knew this was his chance to escape. He had to get out before the drug took full effect.
With every ounce of strength he could muster, Sakura pushed himself to his feet, his legs wobbly and unsteady. He stumbled towards the door, his vision blurring. He fumbled for his phone, his trembling hands barely managing to get out of the house and running into an alley before dialing Suo's number. "Suo," he gasped into the receiver, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need you."
The line was silent for a moment before Suo's concerned voice filled the void. "Sakura? What's wrong?"
Sakura took a deep, shaky breath. "They... they drugged me," he managed to say. "It's happening again."
Suo's eyes widened in horror. "What did they give you?" he demanded, his voice tight with anger.
Sakura's head lolled to the side, his vision swimming. "Doesn't matter," he mumbled, his voice slurred. "I can handle it."
Suo's eyes narrowed, his jaw set in determination. He knew Sakura's history with his family, the scars that ran deep beneath his tough exterior. He had seen the fear in his eyes when he talked about them, the way he flinched at the mere mention of his past. "What did they give you?" he repeated, his voice firm but gentle.
Sakura's breath hitched, his hand shaking as he clutched the phone. "It's...it's the same thing," he whispered. "They...they want to take me back."
Suo's eyes flashed with fury, his mind racing. He knew he had to get to Sakura before it was too late. "I'm on my way," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Stay where you are. Don't move."
Sakura nodded, his body already beginning to feel the effects of the drug. His legs gave out beneath him, and he slumped against the alley wall, the cold concrete biting through his hoodie. The world spun, and he closed his eyes, trying to focus on the sound of Suo's voice, a beacon in the storm. When he heard the roar of a motorcycle approaching, his heart leaped with hope.
Suo skidded to a stop, his eyes wide with concern as he took in Sakura's state. "What did they give you?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger.
Sakura's head lolled against the wall, his breaths shallow. "An aphrodisiac," he murmured, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. "They want to... control me again." The words were painful to say, the humiliation of his past echoing through his voice.
Suo's eyes searched Sakura's face, his own heart racing. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.
Sakura looked away, his cheeks still flushed. "I didn't want to bother you," he mumbled. "I can handle it."
Suo's expression softened. "Sakura," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You don't have to go through this alone." He paused, watching the turmoil play out on Sakura's face. "But if you want me to help, you have to be sure. I don't want to cause you any more pain."
Sakura's eyes met Suo's, the fear and desperation in them unmistakable. He knew he couldn't handle this on his own, not with the drug clouding his judgment and his past haunting him. He took a deep breath, the words sticking in his throat. "I... I trust you," he whispered. "Please."
Suo nodded, his face a mask of determination. He scooped Sakura up into his arms, cradling him against his chest. The warmth of his embrace was a stark contrast to the cold, hard reality of the alley. Carefully, he maneuvered his bike and climbed on, Sakura's limp form clinging to him like a lifeline. The engine roared to life, and they sped away from the nightmare that was unfolding.
The wind whipped through Sakura's hair as they raced back to Makochi, the city lights blurring into a rainbow of colors. His head lolled against Suo's shoulder, his breathing shallow and erratic. Suo tightened his grip, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that Sakura had been living with this fear all along, hiding it behind his tough exterior. The bike swerved through the streets, every second feeling like an eternity.
Finally, they arrived at Sakura’s apartment, the quietness of the hallway a stark contrast to the chaos of the alley. Suo carried Sakura inside, his body feeling heavier with each step. He laid him gently on the futon. "Sakura," he said softly, stroking his hair. "Are you sure you want me to help?"
Sakura's eyes fluttered open, his pupils dilated. He nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes." The word was filled with a desperation that broke Suo's heart. He knew what this meant to Sakura, the vulnerability he was showing.