Chapter Text
”SAKUYA, WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS.”
Sakuya rubbed his eyes groggily, groaning as he tried to pull the blanket over his head again. “Mom, let me sleep!” He grumbled angrily. The blanket suddenly was pulled off him completely, and he screamed like a vampire in the sun.
“ABSOLUTELY NOT. I JUST CHECKED YOUR GRADES AND YOU HAVE A C AT BEST IN EVERY SINGLE CLASS, AND THERES A 300,00 YEN CHARGE TO MY ACCOUNT.” The devil, aka Sakuya’s very own mother, yelled as she smacked Sakuya's puffy face.
’Wahhh! Stop hitting me!” Sakuya complained with a pout as he tried to get away. His mom furrowed her brows in anger, rubbing her head harshly. “I don’t know where your father and I went wrong! You have everything in the world, the best tutors, and we’ve worked so hard yet you don’t do anything!” She yelled as she stomped her foot angrily.
Sakuya chuckled as he watched her, the image of an angry chihuahua popping into his head.
Wrong fucking move.
“YOU THINK THIS IS FUCKING FUNNY? THATS IT! I SWEAR TO GO YOUR SO LUCKY ITS ILLEGAL TO SHIP YOU IN A BOX TO THE US OR I WOULDVE ALREADY! LETS SEE HOW FUCKING FUNNY SHIT IS WHEN YOUR CARDS ARE CUT OFF.” She screamed, her face red with anger.
Sakuya’s eyes widened, his brain suddenly locking in. “No, mom, no. Cmon, don’t be like that I’ll go to class right now-” He was cut off by a fucking shoe (where did that come from?) hitting him in the head.
“YOU CANT! ITS 4 PM AND YOUR CLASS WAS 6 HOURS AGO!” She howled, smacking his body. ’’Ouch, ouch! My skin is sensitive mama! Why do you think I never sleep on the couch?” He puffed out his cheeks, rubbing his skin with a pout.
She lets out a groan of anger, giving Sakuya one last smack. “Well, you're gonna have to learn to live with it. You're definitely not living here anymore with that attitude, and you're not gonna have money either. Pack your shit because you're moving to the dorms.” She said sternly, turning to leave.
Sakuya jumped out of bed, running after his mom down the hall of their huge mansion. “Mom, please tell me your joking right now! Even the VIP dorms aren’t nice enough!” He protested as he ran side by side with his mother, who was currently staring staright ahead with a look of pure anger in her eyes.
She let out a humorless laugh, smirking. “Well your not staying in those. Your gonna stay in the cheapest dorm available, it’s the middle of the semester.” She states. Sakuya’s eyes bug out. “Momma… your joking. I can’t have that! Come on, im the son of THE Fujinagas! I can’t be seen in some shitty dorm!” He whined.
Sakuya’s mother rolled her eyes, flicking him on the forehead. “Don’t worry, you won’t be there too much anyways. Since you won’t have access to your credit cards anymore, your gonna need a job. I bought you a stand right outside the university and your gonna sell sushi every day.”
Sakuya stopped in his tracks, mouth agape. “Mom, no.”
——————————
Sakuya groans as he adjusts the apron again. He tried to go without it, but after getting tuna on his shirt multiple times he decided it’s the move.
He’s been working this fucking stand every single day after his classses, not even having time to go to his shitty dorm. His roommate is a smelly guy who has cornrows for some reason, and when Sakuya asked for his name, he just said his name is Tarzan.
“Saku!!! How’s our favorite little chef doing?” Sion squeals as he pounces towards Sakuya.” “Hyung, im not in the fucking mood. What do you want?” Sakuya growls out, chopping the carrots on the board slightly harder.
Sion puts his hand over his chest in a heart motion, faking pain. “Hey, that’s not fair! Should I tell Eomma how your treating customers?” He makes a fake pouty face and wipes a nonexistent tear. Sakuya rolls his eyes, shooing him away. “If you don’t wanna buy anything, get out!” He exclaims as he rolls a sushi.
Sion huffs, taking his wallet out. “I suppose I can support a small business.” He teases wistfully, taking 14,000 won out and handing it to Sakuya. “Give me 2 plates!” He says with an excited clap. Sakuya sighs and gets to work, half heartedly handing the two plastic plates to Sion. Sion grimaces, poking at a piece of sushi with disgust on his face. “What.” Sakuya deadpans with a glare. “How am I supposed to feed this to my lovely boyfriend? It looks like a raccoon made it.” Sion complains as he pops a chunk into his mouth.
“Get the fuck out!” Sakuya screams as he makes small slaps to Sion, who is now cackling like a manic.
After Sion leaves, business is quite slow at Sakuya’s stall, which he’s glad for. Thankfully none of his other rich friends decide to drop by to tease, which is good because he might’ve choked Riku out if he decided to come by.
Sakuya checks his expensive watch, which if sold could probably feed a small family for 2 years. It’s 9:27 pm, almost time to close and head to his shitty dorm. “I doubt anyone is gonna show up now, might as well close.” Sakuya mutters to himself, preparing to lower the curtain.
A small face pops out from his side view before he can, and Sakuya jumps back with a scream. The face comes into view, and a small boy is standing in front of him. “Hey.” The boy says softly, clutching his bag nervously.
Sakuya stares, attempting to recover himself from the surprise. He analyzes the boy's face, and decides he’s pretty. He looks almost doll-like, his lips small but plump and with these huge round eyes. For some reason, Sakuya doesn’t want to give him the same bored attitude he’s given every other person who’s bought from him today.
“Hey, what can I get you?” Sakuya asks, giving the boy a slight smile. He makes a cute pout, as if he’s trying to decide. “Uh, can I just get a onigiri ball?” He asks politely, reaching into his bag (it’s in the shape of a puppy, cute) and grabs a small wad of bills. He hands them to Sakuya, who shakes his head and pushes them back. “I’m about to close for the night and I have leftovers, don’t worry about it.” Sakuya responds as he hands a plastic container to the boy.
The boy’s eyes widen and blush taints his cheeks, and he shakes his head. “N-no, seriously it’s fine! I need to pay for something if im going to eat it.” He says with a awkward laugh. Sakuya smirks, just shaking his head. “Seriously, it’s on the house.” He responds. The boy, defeated, sighs out. “I’ll pay you back.” He says with a pout, now holding the container in his hands. remembering his manners, he looks down at the food. “What’s your name?” He asks.
Huh. This boy doesn’t know who he is? It’s been years since Sakuya met someone who didn’t know his face. “My name is Sakuya, Fujinaga Sakuya.” He responds, watching as the boy take a bite, his cheeks inflating. His eyes widen with a sparkle, and his face turns into a huge smile. “That’s a pretty name. I admire your hard work, your very noble for working so hard.” He says with a soft smile.” Sakuya feels his heart twist.
How does this boy not know his family name? And even more laughable, he thinks Sakuya is a hard working, independent boy. “I work a lot too, but just at the corner store. It’s really cool that you have your own stand!” He exclaims, his cute smile widening. Sakuya flushes. This boy genuinely thinks they are the same, that Sakuya is a hard working guy. What would he think if he knew he was just a spoiled prince being forced to play commoner for a few weeks? He should correct him, it’s not fair for this boy to admire him when he’s just a rich guy being forced to deal with his consequences.
“Thanks, that means a lot.” Sakuya responds with a sweet smile. “What’s your name?” Sakuya asks. “My name is Hirose Ryo!” The cute boy responds.
Ryo. The name causes a stir inside of Sakuya’s chest. He wants to hear the name again and again.
Ryo collects his things as he eats the final bite. “Thank you Sakuya-chan! Ryo’s got to get to work now, thank you for the food.” He exclaims gratefully. The third person is the cutest shock for Sakuya.
“It’s almost 10 pm! Why are you going to work right now? Aren’t you a student too?” Sakuya asks, the shock evident on his face.
“Ahh well unfortunately as much as the scholarship helps, rent needs to be payed!” Ryo says with a playful smile. “Ill see you later!” He says loudly, running away down the street.
Sakuya stares as he watches Ryo leave. His legs give out beneath him, and he falls to his knees, his heart pounding loud. “Why the fuck is my heart pounding so loud.” He whispers, his hands shaking. He runs his face, gasping as he realizes his cheeks are hot to the touch. “He would be so disappointed if he knew im not hardworking at all.” He murmurs.
He shoots up quickly, wincing as he hits his head on a pot. “I’m gonna work hard and study even harder. Hirose Ryo, I’ll become a man you can be proud of!” He says with a determined voice, which quickly quiets down when he realizes that he is, in fact, speaking to himself.
The only thing that passes his mind when he falls asleep on his shitty mattress, is Hirose Ryo, and the way his pretty eyes sparkle when he gets excited.
—————
The next morning, Sakuya wakes up with a renewed energy he haven’t felt in years. He wakes up at 7 am sharp, showers, and even makes breakfast for himself and his roommate. Does Tarzzan (he still doesn’t know his real name) say thanks or even acknowledge it? No, but Sakuya can’t find himself to care. Ryo wouldn’t get mad, he reminds himself as he tries to stop himself from slapping the sleepy expression off his roommate's face.
Sakuya has a class at 10 am, which he is determined to get to early. Has he ever been early, or even on time for a lecture? No, but there’s a first time for everything, he decides as he puts on some cologne and a nice oufit. As he’s walking, he puts his AirPods in and stares at the pretty morning view. He’s never walked to class, always opting for his chauffeur to take him from his home. But it’s pretty nice, and he enjoys the cold air hitting him in the face. He spends the last 5 minutes of his walk thinking about what type of music Ryo would like. Maybe soft piano, or ballads?
When Sakuya arrives to class, there’s about 20 students who are there already. The chatter immediately stops when he walks in, the air turning tense.
“Is that Fujinaga Sakuya? Why is he even here? I've never seen him on time to class…” two girls whisper to each other. Sakuya grimaces as he sits down. He knows he’s known for his careless behavior, but he finds himself offended. Cmon, don’t people know he’s turning a new leaf?
He pouts as he slouches in his chair and waits for the lecture to begin. When the professor comes in and takes attendance, the shock on his face is evident when he realizes Sakuya is here. “Mr Fujinaga, nice to see you.” He says skeptically. Sakuya internally groans. “God forbid a guy wants to change his life for the better!” He thinks to himself, but says nothing.
The class is so fucking boring, and Sakuya wants to just get up and leave. Everytime the urge comes to him, he imagines Ryo’s disappointed face when he realizes Sakuya doesn’t care about school or work.
He sits his ass down.
Two hours later, Sakuya feels like a prisoner being released. A bit dramatic, but he’s sick of school. “God, how does he do it.” Sakuya groans to himself as he walks out of class alongside a crowd of people. His stomach grumbles, and he decides it’s time for lunch. He opens his phone, checking his bank account. 18,000 yen stare back at him and he groans. “I can’t even get a proper lunch with this, how am I gonna survive off this!” He exclaims to himself. So his favorite luxury restaurant is off the table, his entire balance can’t even afford one meal.
He opens Maps and searches up affordable resturants on campus. A small ramen shop comes up, and he pumps his fist when he sees that a bowl costs 700 yen only. And only a 15 minute walk! He puts his AirPods in and begins the journey.
The restaurant is small and cute, and a bell jingles when he opens the door. A old lady is at the register, and smiles at him while taking his order. Sakuya sits down at one of the small tables for customers, wincing when his long legs can’t fit comfortably.
His bowl is then placed in front of him, and he gets ready to thank them, but pauses when he realizes who just gave him it. Ryo cocks his head, his eyes brightening when he realizes it’s Sakuya.
Ryo is wearing an apron and work uniform, and his hair is tied back adorably in a small pony tail. “Oh my god! I’ve never seen you here before, hey!” He exclaims as he takes chopsticks out of the little pouch on his serving apron.
“H-hey! Yeah it’s my first time here” Sakuya stutters out. Ryo smiles and claps. “They call this place the “poor student cafe” because the prices are so affordable, I'm shocked I haven’t seen you!” He giggles out. “Well, I was far from a poor student last week.” Sakuya thinks to himself. “Woah yeah, I uhm, usually eat at home!” He lies quickly.
Ryo laughs, nodding his head in agreement. “Yeah, I usually do too. But with my new job I need to eat late, which is why I went to you yesterday.” He gestured towards Sakuya.
Sakuya cocks his head. “Wait, I thought you said you work at the corner store?” He asks. Ryo nods. “I do! But I also work here, and at the library, and as a tutor, and I usually do odd jobs too!” He explains. Sakuya frowns. “Aren’t you tired?” He asks earnestly. Ryo’s shakes his head. “ I mean of course I am, but we need to work hard for what we have right? He asked. Sakuya nodded, but the dark eyes under Ryo’s eyes were suddenly more intense than he noticed before. “Anyways, I gotta get back! See you later Sakuya!” He said, and quickly scrambled back to the kitchen.
The ramen, Sakuya realizes, tastes better than any expensive broth he’s ever had.
Weird.
When Sakuya finally gets to his stall, it’s almost 3 pm. He gets multiple orders throughout the day, but they all blur as he waits for who he’s really hoping will come. As 10 pm nears, Sakuya starts to lose hope. In hindsight, it’s stupid to wait on a guy who works multiple jobs a day. Ryo never even said he would come back, and Sakuya realizes he probably won’t.
At 11:39 pm, Sakuya decides it too late. He feels stupid for waiting, and tries to sniffle as to not let fat tears run down his face. His first time not being able to have what he wants hurts like a bitch. He internally scolds 12 year old Sakuya for begging for that new video game system when he should’ve been saving his wishes for Hirose Ryo.
“I’m so sorry! My co worker made me take his shift. Ryo’s really sorry!” A shout snaps him out of his self pity, and he whips his head towards to noise. Ryo is running towards the stand, the street lamp lighting his frantic face up. Sakuya wipes the tears that were about to fall form his face, and sniffles quietly. “R-ryo? It’s so late, what are you doing here?” He whispers as the boy comes to a stop in front of him, catching his breath.
“Ryo said he was gonna pay you back silly!” He laughs breathlessly, taking a small pouch out of his bag. He hands it to Sakuya, and instantly blushes. “I know it’s not a lot, but you didn’t want to take money so…”
Sakuya still can’t find words. Ryo looks scared, as if he was genuinely worried that Sakuya would be sad that he couldn’t come. With trembling hands he opens the pouch, and gasps when he sees a set of panda hair clips inside. His silence obviously worries Ryo, who scrambles to defend himself.
“I-im sorry if you hate them! I just thought you had pretty long hair, and I saw that you have lots of pandas on your bag, and I just-” he rambles, looking ready to flee.
“Ryo-chan, I love them. They are so cute.” Sakuya finally whispers, staring intently at the clips and praying Ryo can’t see his blush. Ryo abruptly stops talking, and stares. “Ah, I-im glad you like them…” he responds shyly. Sakuya clips them into his hair, putting his bangs back. “How do I look?” He asks teasingly.
Ryo blushes and covers his face. “Ah, Saku-chan is seriously cute…” he responds from behind his hand. As if he realized what he said too late, he jumps. “I mean- ah Ryo needs to go!” He squeals, and before Sakuya can respond, he’s ran away.
Sakuya’s heart is beating so hard he thinks he might explode. He gets home in a daze, not even registering when Tarzan questions where he was.
He uses the clips when he washes his face, and carefully places them on his bedside table. He clutches his panda plushie close to his chest, and closes his eyes.
And the only thing on his mind as he drifts asleep, is cute, cute, cute.
———
After this incident, Sakuya and Ryo get closer. Sakuya comes to the restaurant at least 3 times a week, and Ryo tries to come to the sushi stand at least once a week. As much as Sakuya admires Ryo’s hard work, he can’t help but be worried. Ryo is constantly working, and he’s way too skinny for a teenage boy. Ryo, as he figures out, is only a few months older than Sakuya. Every day he thinks about what he would do if he got his card back, and every time the answer is the same. Spoil Ryo and make sure he never has to work again. It’s a very self indulgent dream, and if Ryo doesn’t want to accept a free tuna onigiri, he can’t even imagine his horror if Sakuya wanted to buy him the world.
They have begun to hangout outside of just the stall and restaurant, and even though it’s very short and rare, Sakuya enjoys it the most. The first time Ryo asked Sakuya if he wanted to study together (the only time ryo is free is to study, go figure) he almost screamed. It was a wonderful study session, even though Sakuya didn’t understand shit or actually study. He just stared at Ryo discreetly and doodled when Ryo looked up.
To his delight, Ryo is very cute and affectionate once he gets close to someone. Ryo constantly refers to himself in the third person, makes cute faces, and even whines adorably. And he loves to drape himself across Sakuya’s body while they study. Sakuya expected to feel disgust upon the contact, like he usually does when his hyungs touch him. Instead his heart started thumping in his chest eraticalcally, and he pushes Ryo off in a self defense technique to make his heart stop pounding.
Everytime it happens, Ryo pouts but he quickly recovers, makes a joke about something else. Everytime it happens, Sakuya wants to scream, “please come closer!” But the words catch in his throat so he just laughs.