The One

Summary:

Nowaki bitterly realized that Akihiko would always mean somebody for Hiroki.

Disclaimers: Junjo Romantica isn't mine.

Chapter 1

.-.-.

Nowaki contemplated somberly. Just like any other days he's recently spent, he was alone in his and Hiroki's apartment.

Nowaki ran his hand through his jet black hair. He rarely let his emotion shown up on his face, but knowing that there was nobody else but him in the room, he sighed in exasperation.

He missed his lover. It might sound weird since they lived together. They could meet every single day, and every time if they wanted to. But Nowaki got a feeling that there's something missing.

In a couple of minutes, Hiroki would come home. But lately Nowaki noticed that the brunette was already exhausted once he had stepped into the apartment. Usually Hiroki would head straight to bed and sleep. He reasoned that the mid term test was coming, and he, as a perfectionist as he was, would grade the students' tests as soon as possible. Sometimes Hiroki stayed up late and did the scoring. And when it happened, even Nowaki knew that he could not disturb or interrupt him.

But, looking back to his own schedule, Nowaki also admitted that he himself was as busy as Hiroki was. Perhaps busier. His shifts in a hospital where he worked kept changing. While many times there were also emergency calls he could not ignore. Nowaki loved children and his job as well. Moreover, he also had some other part time jobs.

Just the same with his Hiro-san's case, Nowaki went home with fatigue. It deterred them for even having a small nice chat. Nowaki tried to recall the last time they had talked but could not remember. It felt ages ago.

Home. Nowaki let out a big sigh. It wasn't called home if the people lived there were becoming strangers.

They were not a couple of sick teenagers, Nowaki realized that. He's too old to demand that they should always spend time together. He already passed that stage.

Things got harder when they got older. There were other issues that required their attention more. Works became more demanding, and the men had to manage their time for works, friends, and the respective lovers themselves. Sometimes, when the pressure began to pile up, they had quarrels. But so far, the obstacles in their relationship could be solved as long as they had each other in their arms. Things simply went well again when they kissed and touched.

Nowaki rose from his seat. He had resolved that tonight should make any difference. Perhaps dinner would do well.

.-.-.

Nowaki waited patiently. Dinner was ready, and actually he was ravenous. His stomach had protested but he decided to wait for Hiroki.

"I'm home," after the clicking sound of the door being unlocked and closed, the very person Nowaki had been waiting for finally came home.

"Welcome home, Hiro-san," Nowaki greeted him cheerfully. The tall man intended to bid his lover a kiss though he was pushed away.

"Geez, I'm tired," Hiroki walked into the living room. Had he looked back, he would have seen a dejected expression marred Nowaki's calm visage.

"Why don't we have a dinner, Hiro-san," Nowaki followed behind the shorter man. He was mildly hurt by Hiroki's rejection, but chose to not show it. "You must be hungry."

"Fine," Hiroki grunted. He searched his cell phone inside his coat's pocket. The fair man was surprised once the phone had flipped open. "What the..? Four missed calls and I didn't know," he cursed to himself. Mentally he regretted for having switched the phone into silent mode and off warning.

"Who tried to call you anyway?" casually Nowaki pictured the dark haired professor, Miyagi, who did.

"Akihiko."

That name alone was more than enough to bring a pang of jealousy seep to Nowaki. He knew that it's just a friendship between Hiroki and the BL's author, but he could not help it. Moreover, knowing that Akihiko had been Hiroki's long unrequited-love only deteriorated his heart.

"He keeps calling you up," the raven man countered flatly.

"Of course," Hiroki frowned. "He's my best friend. My childhood friend, to be exact. We grew up together."

Both men jolted when the bell rang. Who would visit them at 9. 47?

"Let me," Nowaki strode to open the door. Like a deer caught in the red light, he froze instantly.

"Is Hiroki home?" without greeted him, Akihiko asked squarely.

"Yes he is, but.."

"Akihiko?" hearing his childhood friend's voice made Hiroki dash to the door.

"I've called you for umpteenth times," Akihiko's face remained impassive, "but you ignored them."

"I didn't know," Hiroki barked. "What's wrong?"

"I need you."

Those three words deeply troubled Nowaki. Why did Akihiko need the man actually? Besides, wasn't it peculiar even for normal people to phrase the words to their friends?

Hiroki stared intensely at his friend, scrutinizing his stoic face. In an instant, the light haired man sensed something wrong had occurred to Akihiko. Besides, as long as he knew Akihiko's personality, the author would never ask for other's help unless he was already at dead end. Unless his life might depend on it.

"What happened, Akihiko? Well, come in," Hiroki began to worry.

"I can't say it here," Akihiko glanced up at Nowaki. "You come out with me."

"But.." Hiroki stammered. "It's already late. I haven't even had my dinner."

"I'll treat you one," the silver-haired author growled before pulling Hiroki's coat.

"Okay," Hiroki surrendered. He knew how persistent his friend could be once he had set his minds. "Sorry Nowaki," he said apologetically. "I'll go out with Akihiko. You don't mind having dinner alone, right?" without waiting for Nowaki's response, Hiroki headed out indulging his friend.

At this time, Nowaki's eyes saddened. Anguish squished him to the core.

Dinner was soon forgotten.

.-.-.

TBC

A/N : Nowaki and Hiroki fascinate me more than other pairings. Sadly, I often swap their names. It's a human error, I guess. They are almost similar. So, sorry if perhaps you find me make many typos on their names (even I do that in my drafts). Junjo Romantica ranks the second on my list. The first is Only The Ring Finger Knows. I also write fan fictions for the fandom, though it seems that the fandom starts to loose its fans.