Hello guys! More of Fuji's past will be revealed in this chapter, so please read and leave a review! Oh, and I'm really sorry for not posting a warning for mature contents for the last chapter. Enjoy guys!

Chapter 23

Eleven years ago

Fuji stood at the train station, wondering what he should do. He had never been to Tokyo and he knew no one there. His heartbeat quickened as he realized he was in a foreign place all alone where he knew no one. He walked around, looking at his surroundings.

He sighed as he wondered if he should have gone to his sister in Hokkaido instead of coming to Tokyo alone. His sister has always been kind to him but she has her own family to look after now and Fuji did not want to be a burden to her. A small part of him was also afraid that his sister would dismiss the abuse that had happened to him just like his mother did. His heart clenched painfully as he remembered the cold look on his mother's face yesterday.

I need to be strong, now more than ever.Fuji reminded himself.I need to get a job and I need to find a place to stay. Would anyone hire a twelve year old kid? What about school?

His thoughts were loud in his head and it was giving him anxiety. He felt vulnerable and defenseless walking in a strange city all alone. He tried to calm down and decided he should find a place to take shelter for the night first. Tomorrow he will go look for a job.

It will be fine, it will be fine, Syusuke. Just take things one step at a time.

Fuji walked around the city that was gleaming brightly with lights. His stomach growled and he realized he should have packed some food with him. He did not have much money left and he thought it was unwise to spend it on food this soon.

He came across a place where a few people were sleeping on cardboards, their belongings clattered near them. It was underneath a bridge. Maybe I should stay here for the night he thought to himself. He looked at the people sleeping there. There were a couple of old men and there was one woman.

They seem harmless. This place can be a shelter if it rains later and there is a streetlight nearby so it's not completely dark. I'll stay here for tonight.

Fuji found a corner and sat down there, trying to not make any noise and wake the others. He looked around him every couple of seconds and stayed alert in case anything happens. He was sleepy and tired but he forced his eyes to stay open. Eventually he could not keep his eyes open anymore and sleep overcame him.

...

The sound of ongoing traffic woke Fuji up the next morning. The sun was shining directly on his face and Fuji shielded his eyes with his hand. He felt the hard concrete underneath him and there was a faint smell of urine around him. He looked around him and saw that he was the only one there. The other people from last night were gone. Fuji looked at his watch and saw that it was 7.30 in the morning. His stomach growled and his body ached all over.

He got up on his feet and noticed an old man walking towards him. He looked to be in his seventies. His hair was disheveled and he looked tired. "Have you seen my son, young man?"

The old man blinked at him and scratched his head. "I need to find my son." He looked around him. "Kyosuke! Kyosuke, where are you?"

Fuji looked at the old man in confusion. Was he lost ?

"Where do you live, Mister ?" Fuji asked politely.

The old man seemed to think for a while before replying. "I don't remember." A look of confusion came over his wrinkled face.

"I'm hungry." The old man looked at Fuji expectantly.

Fuji wondered what he should do. The old man seemed lost and confused. He was probably senile Fuji thought to himself. He counted the money in his bag. He had thirty bucks. His own growling stomach reminded him that he was hungry as well.

"Let's go get breakfast, shall we?" Fuji smiled sweetly at the old man.

The old man smiled back at him and Fuji realized this was the first smile he had gotten since he arrived in Tokyo and it made him feel warm.

Fuji took the old man's hand in his and the two walked around looking for a place to eat. He spotted a small ramen shop nearby and guided the old man there. He ordered food for the two of them, his stomach growling even more as the smell of ramen broth flooded his nose.

Fuji wondered what he should do next as he ate. Should he walk around the town asking for a job ? He looked at the old man in front of him slurping his noodles happily and it brought a small smile to his lips.

They left the stall after eating and walked around for a bit. The old man seemed content with following him around and Fuji was fine with that. Fuji looked around him, trying to find any place with signs saying they're hiring.

I should probably go inside and ask the owner if there were any jobs available. A part of him was afraid if people alerted the social services about a child asking for a job. He could be sent back to his parents and that was the last thing he wanted.

After a while, the old man said that he was tired and Fuji guided him to a bench in a park nearby and the two sat down. Fuji was too busy in his own thoughts that he did not notice a boy who was about his age running towards him.

"Ojisan, there you are!" The boy hugged the old man. "Otousan, come here!" The boy yelled and a man in his forties rushed over to their spot.

"Oh, father! Thank god you are alright!"

"Kyosuke. I was looking for you." The old man smiled at his son.

"I'm sorry, I should not have let you out of my sight." The man hugged his father.

"Who is this, ojisan ?" The young boy asked his grandfather.

"We ate ramen together." The old man smiled happily as he looked at Fuji.

"Oh, thank you so much for looking after my father." The man thanked Fuji and bowed his head at him.

"I'm Saeki Kyosuke and this is my son Kojiroh. I don't know what would have happened to my father if you had not found him. He has dementia you see, and sometimes he wanders off on his own and would forget how to get home."

...

It was not long before Kyosuke realized Fuji was a runaway. After a little probing, Fuji opened up to him. Kyosuke sympathized with the boy and offered him a job at the convenience store he owned and Fuji spent the night at the Saeki residence.

Kyosuke and his family were more than happy to take Fuji into their home but Fuji wanted to be independent. He did not want to be a burden to anyone. With Kyosuke's help, Fuji managed to find himself a small flat with reasonable rent which he could afford by working in the convenience store and also babysitting the neighborhood kids.

Kyosuke helped Fuji enroll into school as well. He acted as Fuji's guardian and not too many questions were asked. Fuji did not know what life would be like for him if he had not bumped into the old man his first morning in Tokyo.

Fuji became friends with Saeki Kojiroh and after a while they were inseparable. Saeki was Fuji's confidante and with him by his side Fuji was able to smile and laugh again. There were days that Fuji would completely forget all that has happened to him and on those days he would be truly happy.

Saeki and Fuji enrolled into the same high school and Fuji did exceptionally well in his studies. He still worked at the convenience store and was able to support himself, even though the Saeki family helped him financially as well.

After school, Saeki was offered a scholarship to study abroad in Australia and Fuji managed to enter Tokyo University. Fuji decided to pursue early childhood education as he has always liked children and thought it would really make him happy to be able to teach children and nurture them. He enjoyed photography as a hobby as well and would sometimes enter competitions during his college days. He was talented and won some of the competitions he entered in.

Saeki and Fuji kept in touch and after college they were both offered jobs in Tokyo. Saeki was a ladies man and loved to date around. He sometimes tries to matchmake Fuji with his friends but Fuji would always decline. Fuji maintained a cheery and happy front but the damage that was inflicted upon him never truly healed and therefore Fuji was more comfortable to be by himself and maintained a close friendship with only Saeki. He was okay living his life that way, surrounded by children and only Saeki.

Fuji enjoyed his job at Minamata kindergarten. He loved working with children and his coworkers and headmistress were kind as well. He never shared what happened to him to anyone but Saeki and everyone else simply thought that he was an orphan.

Fuji lived that way for a long time. He was content but never truly at peace with himself. He would sometimes reminisce about his past and would wonder how his family was doing, if they missed him. He would quickly push those thoughts away each time they surfaced. He would smile at himself and tell himself that he was happy, hoping that one day he would finally believe his own lie.

…

Two years ago

"Okay kids, that's all for today. Be careful on your way back okay!" Fuji smiled as he closed his book.

"Thank you Fuji sensei!" The class cheered before rushing out the door.

"Hey, hey, don't run, your mommy and daddy aren't going anywhere." Fuji warned sternly but laughed nevertheless at his students' antics. The kids listened to their teacher and walked slowly towards the door but when Fuji was out of their sight they started running again.

Fuji stayed behind to finish off some of the students' reports in the tiny class. He likes the ambience in the class, it reminds him of his past when he used to be one of the students, when his parents were still loving and caring.

His concentration was interrupted when he heard a voice coming from the door.

"That serious expression doesn't fit you, Syusuke." A playful voice spoke.

"Oh Kojiroh? You scared me." Fuji replied with a smile.

"Can I come in?"

"What are you doing here, I have warned you that Yukimura sensei doesn't like outsiders lurking around the kindergarten like it's a public place." Fuji stood up from his chair and crossed his arms.

"That principal of yours holds a grudge against me. She always finds fault in me and I still don't know why." Saeki said jokingly.

"Maybe if you don't show up whenever it pleases you in 'her' kindergarten, she won't be feeling that way. Besides, you always cause ruckus here by swooning all the cleaner ladies." Fuji chuckled.

"I always go wherever my Syusuke goes." He smirked but his smile dropped when he remembered the purpose of his visit. "So... do you need help with anything?"

"No thanks, the last time you 'helped' you ended up making fun of my students' photos." Fuji sat back and continued with his report cards.

"Hey, but I did say they were cute at the end didn't I?" Saeki tried to protest but Fuji ignored him.

Saeki pulled one of the small chairs and sat in front of his friend. He just sat there staring at Fuji blankly as Fuji continued with his work.

"You're oddly quiet today, anything on your mind?" Fuji commented, his eyes still on the report cards.

Saeki cleared his throat before speaking. "I've been promoted."

Fuji stopped writing and looked up at Saeki excitedly. "Oh my, that's great news Kojiroh! You've always wanted to be the person in charge!" He gasped.

"It is... I wonder how I got picked among all the other competent workers. Must be my charm." He laughed, but it was not his usual laugh.

Fuji frowned, "Then why don't you look happy at all." He asked concernedly.

"Well, the thing is... I need to move to Hong Kong." A small sigh escaped his lips. Saeki looked at his best friend to see how he was taking the news. Having been friends for almost a decade now, Saeki could read Fuji like an open book.

"Oh... " Fuji's word died.

"The company I'm working for has a branch in Hong Kong. It's still new and things aren't going well there. They need someone to handle them." Saeki continued.

"Well, do you know how long you would have to stay there?" Fuji asked, his tone a little high at the end of the question.

"That's the thing. This was all very sudden you see, and I was not given too much information about it. Basically, they wanted to see if I could turn things around there. If I succeed, then I suppose they would need me to stay there and act as the branch manager. And if I couldn't, they would probably shut down the branch there and I will return back to Japan."

A look of sadness came over Fuji's face for a split second before he masked it with his usual smile. "They would need a guy with great leadership like you Kojiroh, you thrive well under pressure. And of course you would be able to turn things around. What's all this talk about you not succeeding." Fuji chuckled softly.

Saeki knows that chuckle all too well. His friend was trying to be happy for him, but he could see how the news had affected him.

"Syusuke..I still haven't decided if I should take the offer." Saeki looked at his friend.

"What are you talking about Kojiroh? It's a great opportunity! Of course you should take it!" Fuji tried his best to smile enthusiastically. He was really happy for his friend, but a part of him was sad and scared to learn that Saeki would be away from the country indefinitely. Saeki had been the pillar that held him up at his times of uncertainty and he was afraid to lose that, but he decided that he would not be the one to hold back his best friend.

"Syusuke, I know you don't let many people in your life. I'm glad to be one of the few that managed to get close to you. Are you sure you're okay with me being so far away?" Saeki looked at Fuji in the eye.

Fuji looked away, unable to stay under Saeki's scrutiny for long. He sighed before speaking. "Of course I will miss you terribly Kojiroh. But we're adults now aren't we? Let's not limit ourselves back okay? I don't want you to miss this opportunity, so you should definitely take it." Fuji smiled sincerely at Saeki. "And it's not like I can't come visit you in Hong Kong right?" Fuji chuckled.

"Of course! I will come visit you too. Can't be away from my best friend for too long now, can I? You better be prepared to hear about all the chinese girls swooning over me!" Saeki laughed.

"So when are you supposed to leave?"

"It's tomorrow." Saeki looked at Fuji.

"Wow that's fast…" Fuji was unable to hide his surprise. "Have you told your family?"

"Yes, and they were happy for me too, they wanted me to grab the offer and spread my wings. They made it look like it was an easy task."

"Well, I'm sure you will do very well there Kojiroh." Fuji smiled and gave his friend's hand a squeeze.

"So, since I'll be leaving tomorrow let me host a drinking party tonight, you as my best friend should be my guest of honour!"

Fuji smiled as he sensed Saeki had returned to his usual self. "I wouldn't miss it, but I need to warn you that I won't be able to stay long since I have school the next morning."

"Deal! I'll text you the address later. Make sure you come." Saeki got up from his chair and headed towards the door. "Oh, and thank you Syusuke for being such a supportive friend. I really appreciate it."

"No problem, of course I want my friend to reach his maximum potential. I knew you had it in you Kojiroh." Fuji smiled sincerely.

"See you tonight!" Saeki waved his friend goodbye before leaving the classroom.

...

The sound of light music in the pub and yellowish-red lighting were enough to make Fuji's head go dizzy. He only downed a few drinks but all the small talks he was required to engage in was making him mentally exhausted. Being Saeki's best friend, he had always tried to remain civil and polite with Saeki's colleagues but it was really taking a toll on his body. Saeki was busy entertaining his current superior with a drinking competition. Fuji looked around him and felt oddly out of place. He sighed. He wanted to excuse himself but was afraid it would appear rude. Besides, he wanted to spend the little time he had with Saeki although it seems like that would not be possible seeing as how Saeki was being hogged by everyone else.

One of Saeki's friends whom he knows as Otsubo has been particularly persistent at trying to keep Fuji company. He has seen Otsubo a couple of times before when he hung out with Saeki. He was a simple guy who left no impression on Fuji. Fuji appreciated the small gestures the guy made towards him tonight, like handing him drinks and trying to make him laugh with bad jokes, but the way the guy had been eyeing him felt a little different and it made Fuji uncomfortable. He could see the guy from the corner of his eyes now. He was talking with a group of people but every few seconds his eyes would dart to where Fuji was sitting.

"Syusuke! Why are you still here?" Saeki walked unsteadily to Fuji and put his arm on Fuji's shoulder. "You can leave anytime you want, you've stayed long enough."

"I can still hang around. This is my last time to see you in a while after all." Fuji smiled. A wave of melancholy and nostalgia hit him as he said that. Saeki really is going away. The realization dawned upon him heavily.

"Nonsense, I can see how uncomfortable you were with the crowd. Besides, it's already eleven. Go home Syusuke. I really appreciate that you came tonight."

"But-"

"No buts, just go home buddy." Saeki pulled Fuji into a crushing hug. "I guess this is farewell."

"God, I'm gonna miss you so much!" Saeki hugged Fuji even tighter, if it was even possible.

Fuji chuckled amusedly as he pulled away from the hug. "Don't be sentimental, you're making it seem like this is the last time we're gonna see each other." He patted Saeki's back affectionately.

"Just be quiet silly, and let me hug you a little longer." Saeki pulled Fuji in for a hug once more.

Fuji just hummed and enjoyed the warmth radiating from Saeki.

"Geez, it's really that late huh." Saeki finally disentangled from Fuji. He looked at Fuji with a serious expression on his face. "You take care of yourself, alright. If you ever need anything, you know my family will always welcome you with open hands. Don't think twice to ask for any help, you understand?"

"You don't have to worry about me Saeki. Just focus on your job there, okay?" Fuji answered earnestly. "And, don't you dare forget me, you hear?" Fuji chuckled playfully.

"Never." Saeki laughed along with Fuji as he ruffled his hair. "Let me ask someone to send you home."

"Don't be ridiculous, I can get home myself." Fuji dismissed the suggestion.

"Bro, I'm leaving now, congrats on your promotion." The sudden interference startled both Fuji and Saeki. Fuji had not noticed Otsubo making his way towards them.

"Ah good timing Otsubo. Syusuke, you remember this big guy right? Otsubo Hideki." Saeki motioned to the plain looking guy who was about six foot tall with black, gelled back hair.

Fuji smiled politely, "Yes, of course I remember him. We talked a bit tonight."

"Otsubo bro, would you please do me a little favour and send my best friend home?"

The guy looked at Fuji amusedly and smiled back at Saeki. "No problem bro, it would be an honor to assist Saeki's best friend home."

Fuji could not describe the bad feeling he has when it comes to this guy. Otsubo seemed kind enough but at times he emanates this creepy vibe. Like the way his eyes always trail to Fuji's exposed arms or when they were talking and somehow his eyes would focus on Fuji's lips. It was not that obvious but Fuji has always been observant and this guy just feels different. His thoughts were cut when Saeki talked to him.

"Syusuke, Otsubo has a car and I would feel better knowing you got home safe with him rather than taking the train. Besides, I made you stay out this late."

Fuji debated on turning down the offer. He sighed when he realized he had no good reason to say no. He could not just say the guy is creepy afterall. "S-sure if that makes you feel better." Fuji smiled hesitantly.

"That's good. You're sober right, bro?"

"Didn't touch a drink. I swear." Otsubo raised both of his hands in defense.

"Well, better get going now, Syusuke has work tomorrow." Saeki pushed Fuji gently towards Otsubo. "Goodbye, Syusuke." He bade farewell with an affectionate gaze and went back to join his colleagues.

"So, shall we go?" Otsubo asked.

"Yes, sure." Fuji said with a strained smile.

The car ride was quiet to Fuji despite Otsubo trying to make small talks, mostly centering around Fuji's work and how close Saeki was to him. Fuji kept staring outside the window, hoping to get to his apartment sooner. He has never been good at sustaining conversations like this.

"Do you have a girlfriend Fuji?" Otsubo threw out the question abruptly.

"Pardon?" Fuji was startled with the sudden change in conversation.

Otsubo chuckled amusedly. "I asked if you have a girlfriend? A lover?"

"Oh, no, not at the moment." Fuji answered with an awkward chuckle.

"So, a boyfriend then?" Otsubo glanced at Fuji.

Fuji stared at Otsubo, confused by the question.

When Fuji did not answer him, he apologized. "I'm sorry for assuming…" He sounded embarrassed. "It's just that, you're really pretty for a guy and I thought it wouldn't be too far off to assume you like guys.

"No, it's okay." Fuji said awkwardly and continued to stare outside the car.

Otsubo pulled the car to a stop by the roadside. "Why are you stopping?" Fuji asked in surprise.

"Fuji, actually I have something to tell you." Otsubo said seriously.

"You don't have to pull over because of that." Fuji laughed nervously. "But anyway, just shoot. I can't be out for long."

"I like you Fuji. I was hoping that you could date me." Otsubo stared right at Fuji.

"Oh… that's so sudden." Fuji was taken aback for a moment. He had a feeling the guy had been checking him out, but he wasn't ready for a confession. "Well, I'm flattered Otsubo san, but I'm sorry, I don't feel the same way." Fuji said carefully, trying to not hurt the guy's feelings.

"Why not? You only date women?" Otsubo said blatantly. Fuji was not sure if he heard right but he thought he heard a tinge of annoyance in Otsubo's voice.

Fuji squirmed under Otsubo's intent stare. "Well, I've never really thought about that. I'm just not really looking for a relationship right now." Fuji hoped he sounded firm as he really wished Otsubo would stop pestering him about this.

"Well, why don't you give dating a try, hmm? I can assure you, I can be a very good boyfriend." Otsubo smiled suggestively at him. Fuji could feel annoyance starting to form within himself. This guy is not all that much different from the kids he teaches who could not take no for an answer.

Fuji strained to smile. "I'm really sorry, Otsubo san, but the answer is no. Can we please go now? It's getting really late."

Fuji could tell Otsubo was not taking the news well from the way he was looking at him. Otsubo eyed Fuji and smirked at him. "I'll change your mind about that." In a flash, Otsubo had Fuji pressed against his seat, his hand reached over to push the seat down to the maximum. He climbed over to Fuji's seat and kissed him on the neck. "I'll make you feel good, baby."

Fuji was frozen for a moment before he became aware of the situation. "Otsubo! What are you doing! Stop!" Fuji resisted the man and tried pushing him away.

"Well, I do like a little resistance." Otsubo snickered. "God, you're so pretty Fuji, do you know that?" Otsubo breathed in Fuji's face. "Somehow you always look so lonely, sitting prettily with this yearning expression on your face… I want to do numerous things to that look." Otsubo crushed his lips on Fuji's forcefully. Fuji clawed at his chest and pushed him away with all his might but Otsubo was too strong. Otsubo's hand went to the back of Fuji's head and gripped his hair as he intensified the kiss, trying to slip his tongue in Fuji's mouth.

Fuji's eyes flew open as he felt those hands on his head. His mind took him back to the darkest day of his life and he struggled to breathe. His chest heaved up and down as he tried to get air into his lungs.

Fuji mustered up his strength to speak and pushed Otsubo's face away from him. "No, no! Please stop! I hate this, I hate this!" Fuji screamed.

"Oh, come on baby, I know you like it, let me make you feel good." He put a hand underneath Fuji's shirt while his other hand tried to unzip Fuji's jeans. Otsubo was thrilled and aroused to see the writhing body under him. He could feel an erection forming in his pants. Never in his life has he felt this way for a guy. Fuji's resistance only added to his excitement and Otsubo roamed his hands through Fuji's torso.

"Stop it! Stop it please!" Fuji pleaded as tears streamed down his face. "Oh, come on now darling, there's no need for any tears now, is there?" Otsubo chuckled darkly as he yanked Fuji's shirt over his head. "There's no reason this can't be enjoyable for both of us..." Otsubo drawled, as his hands trailed down Fuji's exposed chest, the other hand steadily keeping Fuji in place so that he could not move. "Oh, you feel so good…"

Otsubo held the struggling Fuji against the seat firmly as he pressed his lips on Fuji's again, prying his mouth open with his tongue. Fuji tried to turn his face away as he pushed against Otsubo but it was to no avail. When nothing else seemed to work, Fuji bit Otsubo's lips as hard as he could until he tasted the coppery taste of blood.

Otsubo yelped in pain as he pulled back from Fuji. Fuji took that moment to punch Otsubo hard on the nose as his other hand reached for the door handle. Otsubo moved back in pain and Fuji opened the door and slipped out. He fell down from the car seat onto the road and quickly got on his feet, trying to escape.

I will not be the victim again. No, not this time. Never again. His mind kept screaming.

"You son of a bitch! Get back here!" Otsubo scrambled out of the car, one hand covering his bleeding nose.

Fuji ran as fast as he could across the road. All he could think about at that moment was to escape and go as far as possible from Otsubo.

He heard the loud shrill of a car horn and the headlights from the oncoming car blinded his vision before everything turned black.