Chapter Text
Kick.
“Guhhh!! Please! Spare me! Arghh.. I have.. I have a wife and children!”
“Yeah?” Shuffle. “Bet your victims said the same thing.” Slam.
“Guhh!” Huff. “You…you monster! Don’t think you’re any-“ Kick. “-different!” Thud.
“…uh huh.”
Shuffle. “You think… you’re any different? A hero? Saving.. saving all these people?” Gasp. “They had debts! They owe me! Your people do the same thing!” Step. Step. Kick. “Ughh!! You’re.. a hypocrite! You destroy lives too! You murderer! Don’t think cuz you’re saving children from me that you’re noble, you Noroshi dog-“
Slice. “GAAAAH!!” Thud.
Shuffle. “…I think you’re misunderstanding something here.”
Stab. “AHHHHH-“ Crunch.
…
…
“Hero? You really think I’m here to avenge?” Clang. “Don’t make me laugh.”
Drag. Drip. “I’m not here for the people you wronged. I’m here for you.” Drip. “You stole from my alphas.”
Shuffle.
“My alphas don’t forgive…”
Crunch.
…
…
“…And I don’t forget.”
-
Despite Umemiya anouncing the captain and vice-captain meetup at the rooftop would be quick, Sakura finds himself just rotting on the couch for the next hour- and their benevolent leader had yet to even discuss anything or approach Sakura’s area.
Sakura had an inkling this whole setup at the rooftop was for his own sake and not cause there was anything important at all to discuss. And he can see how Nirei and Kiryu are skirting around subjects like it might trigger him. Nirei was currently excitedly recounting all that occured the past 13 years.
Sakura’s 28 years old. He’s slow, not dumb.
That doesn’t explain why Suo trashed a whole empty classroom.
He could hear the other captains and vice-captains whispering about it, hearing Suo’s name before the guy who spoke was furiously told to shut up. How the alpha’s pheromones were suffocating everyone that came too close.
And that they had to have half a dozen men and Hiiragi himself stop him from storming out of the school- the alpha somehow hellbent to leave.
Sakura was distracted a while ago, but he still noticed.
Suo looked so mad when I refused to eat.
Then immediately antagonized Sakura by guilt tripping him about Momijikawa.
And now he’s trying to leave… just like long ago…
…all because of Sakura.
“Do you even remember, the last time he was affectionate with you?” A past memory’s pulled from the back of his mind. “You were so blind, you didn’t notice he started avoiding scenting you weeks before he left.”
…What am I even doing? Sakura glances up at the moon. The winds billowed, making him shiver. More memories of 13 years ago rush unbidden through his mind. Why did I come?
The letter. Umemiya. Makochi. Shishitoren. Gravel. Roppo Ichiza. His pack.
Sugishita. Momijikawa. Togame. Tsugeura. Kiryu. Nirei.
Suo.
…Ah, that’s right. I didn’t come here to reconnect.
…I came here… to relay the last words of Sakura Haruka…
The final words I was a coward to say…
I need to finish this.
-
They eventually found themselves in class 1-1’s classroom. Despite being all grown men, Sakura’s classmates had no qualms on dogpiling the poor omega. Sakura looked up for help, just in time to see Nirei’s shoes disappear behind the door as the beta left.
Kiryu, the traitor, made no move to help and kept snapping pictures of the chaos. So Sakura had to endure being manhandled and trying to avoid as best he can all the snot and saliva as his classmates cried around him
I’m putting all their hopes up…
Suddenly, the heavy weights above him disappeared, everyone suddenly scrambling to give the omega a wide berth. Sakura only had a moment to notice before shoes came into his vision and a hand helped pull him to his feet.
It’s a testament to how much Sakura’s too stuck inside his head that he belatedly realized the one who helped him was Suo.
Pretty… Sakura thought as he stared at that lone red eye. Suo is really so pretty.
The swinging of those tassel earrings brought his attention down to those trinkets- then even further as he realized he’s still holding Suo’s hand.
Sakura bristled, quick to reclaim his hand, turn around, and escaped further into the classroom.
He could feel how that lone eye continued to glare at the back of his neck.
I need to end this.
-
Sakura’s spacing out again. Kiryu typed to him when they were still on the rooftop. Nirei glanced over at the alpha’s observations. The omega may look like he’s serenely listening, but Nirei could tell the glazed look over his eyes.
It’s been 13 years, but Nirei remembers how the omega is always like this when he’s too deep in his thoughts. This was further confirmed when they ushered Sakura to the classroom, the omega appearing like he barely registered their walk downstairs.
The beta had seen Suo’s silhoutte standing inside a classroom as they passed by- are you pretending to be a mannequin, Sun Fei? - so when Sakura was crowded by their pack, Nirei left to grab the alpha.
When will you finally face him? Nirei scolded. You told us you got this, but you’re skirting around Sakura-san! Why are you avoiding him?
Nirei could see how the alpha’s lips pursed, but remained silent. But he did walk past Nirei to finally approach their classroom. The beta could hear the sudden clamor as all their pack backed away from Sakura.
The alpha was still exuding angry pheromones, it seems.
Now they’re all seated, all facing Sakura, as the class recounted anything to keep the conversation going. How they all looked at each other when the omega stays spaced out, but letting him be. Trying to ignore how despite the serene smile Suo has on his face, everyone can feel his angry scent coiling around him.
Nirei couldn’t understand what’s happening. Why is Suo-san so mad?
-
Kiryu needs a raise. He hasn’t been this tuckered out in a long while. He endured the burning in his nose since this all started, all for the sake of Suo-chan! Kiryu meticulously scented Sakura-chan when they were in the rooftop, slowly but surely replacing the scents of the alphas who took Sakura-chan from them.
So why, why, why does he have to keep covering for Suo-chan?
Suo-chan keeps losing control over his scent, which prompts Kiryu to release his to offset the stench. Why’s he still so angry everytime he’s with Sakura-chan? Don’t tell him Suo-chan’s angry that it’s Kiryu’s scent on Sakura now?
Or does it have to do with how Sakura can’t smell their pheromones?
Kiryu wondered that too. Scent blockers are only for the person’s scent to be hidden, which explains why no one can smell Sakura. But no one else is wearing scent blockers, Bofurin is a pack that trusts each other to not wear one in their territory. They probably should’ve worn one since Sakura was no longer their pack, as courtesy, but everyone agreed Sakura might feel off suddenly not smelling any of them as he used to.
But Sakura-chan surprised them by acting like a beta.
What could possibly be the reason? Sakura-chan couldn’t have magically become a beta, he smelled Kiryu’s scent days ago! Something that can block the scent of another? Kiryu’s only heard of one thing that can do that, when Suo-chan told them about Red Chanpu-
Kiryu’s eyes widened. No.
His gaze slowly moved back to Sakura-chan. At the one thing Suo-chan’s been glaring at the whole night.
At Sakura-chan’s collar.
No.
-
“….Sakura-chan,” Kiryu’s shaky voice brought Sakura from his daydreams. He turned to see the alpha looking ill while looking at Sakura’s collar. The omega opened his mouth to reply but the alpha continued, “Sakura-chan… has a very pretty collar.”
The alpha lifted his eyes to make eye contact when he asked, “does Sakura-chan pick the collar he wears?”
Absently, Sakura touched his collar, tracing the outline. Now that he’s focusing on it, he can feel just how tight it is- not too tight but enough that he can feel it digging at his adam’s apple whenever he swallowed.
“Ah. My alp… Endo and Takiishi puts them on me.” He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly irritated that the collar is preventing him from scratching the sudden itch there. “I don’t know much about collars, so I let them do whatever they want.”
He received a horrified look from Kiryu at that, prompting him to frown. “…what?” The omega’s fingers latch onto his collar, trying to find a space he could shove a finger in and scratch- but the collar’s too tight and doesn’t budge. He looked around, but Nirei and the rest were giving Kiryu confused looks. “Why’re you interested all a sudden? You’ve always seen me with one.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask that, too,” the omega’s head turned to face Suo, who had just been standing quietly behind Nirei all this time. All around him, everyone suddenly covered their nose- all except Nirei and Suo- Nirei frantically looking around while the alpha kept up his grin,“I’ve been curious all night! You see, it looks very similar to the collar I wore until I presented~”
Being in his field of vision, Sakura saw Nirei inhale sharply, eyes growing wide. Dimly, he heard everyone else gasp. But…
“Why would you wear a collar when unpresented?” Sakura was so confused. Even he knew collars are only after you presented, and only for omegas! “That defeats the whole purpose of wearing one!”
“Suo-san-“ Nirei started, who received a pat on the shoulder from the alpha. Nirei turned- frowning when the taller man shook his head at the beta.
“Right, right?” Suo continued. His smile stayed on for a few seconds before his face turned serious. Sakura squirmed at the sudden change, feeling like he’s not going to like what’ll happen next. “But this collar is special. Sakura-kun..
have you noticed that your sense of smell is gone?”
“Uh, yeah?” Where’s Suo going with this? “It’s a scent blocker type. It hides my scent and keeps me from smelling others.” He frowned at everyone’s alarmed looks. “What’s everyone squirming around for? You have a problem with what I wear?”
“No, Sakura-san,” Nirei cut in. He looked ready to cry, hands shaking. He took out his notebook, his hands continuing to shake as looked for a page. “It’s just… that collar-“
“-that collar’s been banned for decades for causing debilitating symptoms.” Kiryu finished.
What?
“Sakura-chan… you’re unable to eat when you’re wearing it.
Ohh.. wait, yeah. That’s true. The only times he can’t stomach eating is when he has this collar on.
“That collar injects you with a stimulant that removes your sense of smell. Those who wear it report loss of appetite, poor nutrition, and heavy backlash when it’s finally removed.”
He had to learn not to get knocked unconscious whenever the collar is removed and Yamato’s and Chika’s pheromones were too strong.
“RC used it on all their children to solve their hunger problems. It’s why Suo-san still barely eats even now.”
Oh, that’s why he kept glaring at me. He wasn’t glaring at me, but what I’m wearing. It gives him bad memories.
“Suo-san thankfully had it banned now from Bankoku-gai - punished those who enforced it-“
Everything makes sense now.
“But the symptoms the children developed never went away.”
-
That infernal thing is on my omega’s neck.
Was the second thought that came to mind when Suo met Sakura.
They used it on him- how long? Since when?
Even in the dark, even this far, Suo would never forget the one thing that made him- made so many children in Bankoku-gai suffer. Every outline, every angle of that wretched contraption was seared in his mind.
He thought he’d never see it again.
He never thought he’d ever see it again wrapped around the throat of someone who doesn’t deserve it.
To use it on Sakura…
Sharp pain flared in his palms, Sun Fei dimly noting his nails sliced skin. Ah, he’s angry. But he couldn’t relax.
Breathe, Sun Fei. Maybe it’s a replica. Breathe. Do not act without proof.
So Sun Fei left right after his packmates settled down. Took his time walking down to where the food for the night was prepapred.
Omurice. Sakura’s favorite food.
If Sakura’s able to eat this…. Sun Fei eyed the drinks- grabbed a cup of water. Just in case.
…
Sakura ignored the food after one bite.
Sun Fei smelled Mitsuki’s lavender, sees the sharp reprimand in the other alpha’s eyes. But Sun Fei could only focus how his poor omega choked on his food.
…
His pack reacted harshly with him trashing an empty room- destroying every piece of furniture within.
They dragged him back from leaving the building as well.
So Sun Fei hid in a classroom to mope.
…
His beta found him. Sun Fei shouldn’t have been curious- but he peeked out to watch them enter the classroom. So Akihiko found him.
When will you finally face him? Akihiko had scolded. You told us you got this, but you’re skirting around Sakura-san! Why are you avoiding him?
Sun Fei didn’t want his omega to see his violent side. But his beta was right- Sakura needs them.
So Sun Fei breathed, and followed his beta.
…
His naive, trusting, stupid omega. Trusted the wrong people- not caring about what’s put on him.
And it’s all Sun Fei’s fault.
This would’ve never happened, if Sun Fei was truthful from the start.
Sakura watched them idly, eyes growing wide as they continued to explain.
Maybe now this will be a step to get Sakura away from those infernal alphas’ grasp.
If only it were that easy. But 13 years is too long- chains of manipulation too thick. Because what do you mean, after everything is done, those alphas’ foul play exposed, his omega’s words were,
“I see.”
-
They could only gape at Sakura- who took the news fairly well. The omega’s eyes widened before understanding reflected in those dual colored orbs.
“A lot of things make sense now.” The class shared a collectively look of bewilderment as the omega leaned back in his seat, tracing the surface of the collar with his thumb. “No wonder this thing’s super annoying.”
“S-sakura-san,” Nirei’s shaky voice cut through everyone’s silence. “…is that all you have to say?”
The furrowed brow and confusion plastered all over the omega’s face only made the beat become frustrated. “They controlled your eating habits! They’re damaging your scent perception! If left untreate-.”
“I’m used to it,” the omega replied. He frowned further. “It’s not that bad. I just get dizzy when it’s removed.”
“B-but Sakura-chan, what about food? You’re unable to eat with that collar.”
Sakura’s frown just continued to frustrate everyone, but he truly doesn’t understand where they’re coming from. “I eat just fine without this. I barely use this one anyway. I’ll tell Yamato about what it does and he’ll take it off.”
“Don’t you think someone like Endo Yamato would’ve known the effects even before he put it on you?” The hushed whisper of Suo caught everyone’s attention. The man slowly walked from spot behind Nirei to tower over the seated omega.
“Hah?” Sakura can feel his own anger rising. He stood up- glared heatly at the alpha despite their vast size difference. “You have something to say, Sun Fei?”
A gasp from Nirei can be heard, someone whispering “oh, shit.”
If Suo was perturbed, he didn’t show it. “I knew you were gullible, but I didn’t think you were such a fool, Sakura-kun,” Suo cut in. He ignored the omega’s cry of outrage. “You’re told of the setbacks, how they affected my people, and yet you trust that snake that has done nothing but harm Bofurin?”
You’d take the side of someone you just knew for a few months? Endo’s voice whispered in his ear. Over me?
“Watch it,” Sakura growled. How dare this alpha trashtalk Haruka’s alpha?! The omega bared his teeth- small fangs peeking beneath snarling lips. “I get it, it hurt people you loved. But it’s perfectly fine on me.”
“I can’t believe I’m explaining the concept of banned to you, Sakura-kun. Do you even understand what it means?”
“I understand perfectly what it means! And unlike you, such things don’t matter.” Sakura snarled once more before backing off, completely throwing off Suo. The alpha blinked, his anger dissipating as the omega turned away from him, hiding his face from everyone. So softly, the whisper of, “I’m Noroshi. Of course I know.”
“I’m not your pack. So don’t push your rules on me.”
-
It made sense for Yamato to use the collar. Sakura met all the Noroshi members by now. A few beta, but mostly alphas.
Sakura was the lone omega.
Bofurin will never understand how that collar let him survive the first few years in that packhouse. The manor was overpowering with alpha scents. And there were hundreds of them.
If anyone, including Sakura, ever forgot scent blockers, it’s game over.
Hundreds of alphas vs one omega.
The collar let him survive. Allowed him to fight.
Until every single Noroshi alpha bowed to him.
The collar guaranteed no one can touch the omega until he was untouchable.
…and in the underworld, the rules are much, much different.
They will never understand you, Haru. So why bother?
The omega clench his fists, before taking a deep breath and looking up.
His former packmates just gazed back at him in worried silence.
They built a whole life without you. Have omegas of their own. Do you really think you can suddenly reenter, and not have their whole world upturned?
His former packmates were too pure hearted.
Sakura learned long ago to use any means necessary to survive.
He and Bofurin were much too different.
With this in mind, the omega let out a sigh, and finally gained the courage for what he came back for. He looked at Nirei, at Kiryu, Tsugeura, Sugishita.
Suo.
“I didn’t come here to reconnect- to join your pack. I came here to say the words I’ve written that you guys didn’t get to see.” A choked cry- most possibly Nirei, but Sakura trudged on.
“…the Sakura Haruka of thirteen years ago wanted to say he was very happy for everything you guys have done.” Dual colored orbs turned to the teary-eyed Nirei. “I’m sorry for leaving you, but I did this,” he looks at Suo, “so that our alpha can return home.” Suo’s eye widened at that declaration.
“I’m not Furin anymore. That’s why… that’s why…”
Long arms circled around him, completely shocking Sakura. The omega didn’t even realize the beta moved.
“You will always be Furin,” Nirei’s voice was fierce. “Even if you believe you’re not.”
“That’s right, Sakura-chan,” Kiryu added, “we’re 13 years too late, but as long as we’re alive, we’re not letting you go.” He waved his phone. “I won’t stop pestering you.”
“We’re going to punch all those non-virtuous thoughts they put in your head!”
“You’re too gullible, Sakura, you’ll never realize when we worm ourselves back into your life!”
“We’ll save you, Sakura-san,” Nirei whispered. “You don’t believe us now, but you will soon.”
The classroom erupted once again in chaos. Through it all, one alpha stood silently as he observed the omega for the rest of the night.
-
It was only an hour past midnight, the lights in the classrooms turned dim- people singing off tune echoing out of the windows.
Sakura glanced up at the school once more- noting two figures watching him depart from the rooftop, one of them waving down at him.
He’s had enough of the festivities, his mission complete. His former class started rounds of karaoke, and when they were all too drunk and blind from the dimmed lights, Sakura slinked off.
They had his number this time. Nirei can forgive him.
They thankfully let the topic about his collar go. But the disdainful looks from his former pack whenever they glanced at it continued for the rest of the night.
They really are too pure hearted.
He was just about to put on his helmet when the winds shifted, alerting him to another presence.
Sakura didn’t have to turn to guess who.
Umemiya and Tsubakino are watching, so I’m technically not alone with an alpha.
“Are you just going to stand there? Or can I go?”
“That depends.” Step. Step. “Will you be coming back?”
“You know the answer to that.” Not if I can help it.
…
…
“I’m sorry, Sakura-kun.”
Sakura stilled, then gently placed his helmet on top of his seat. Slowly turned, to meet the face that haunted his dreams.
I wait for the day when I’ll hate your pretty face, and I can forget all about you.
“Don’t. Don’t apologize to me,” Sakura began softly, “I’m no longer the Sakura Haruka you knew.” The omega pursed his lips, feeling how chapped they became from the cold night. “Your Sakura Haruka…
…your Sakura Haruka died thirteen years ago in a hospital bed, after he was left to bleed to death… when he failed to bring his alpha back to their pack.”
“So, Sun Fei, don’t apologize to me.” With that, he turned, fully expecting the alpha to let him go. Fully expecting to ride off without any further words between them.
He didn’t expect the firm hand wrapping around his wrist before he was dragged to a strong chest, arms wrapped around him.
“If my Haruka no longer exists, then I’ll just take who he left behind.”
Stop.
“It’s my turn to find you and bring you back…”
I’d rather you forget about me.
“…and I’ll hunt down anyone who stops me.”
…
-
Large manor doors opened and shut without a sound as the omega came home. Warm golden light illuminated the hallway as he continued on, clothes falling piece by piece as he discarded them carelessly after him on his path to the bedroom.
He didn’t worry about the mess he made, knowing it’ll be gone by morning. Gone before his fiery haired alpha could whiff a scent of other alphas on his garments.
When he entered the dark room, he didn’t stop to regard the two lumps on the bed, ignored how one moved as he entered the bathroom.
Candle lights surrounding a warm bath greeted him, the omega sighing in satisfaction as he entered without hesitation. He sunk further into the lavender waters, enjoying how his muscles relaxed at the soothing pressure.
Closed his eyes. Dimly heard the pitter patter of footsteps behind him. Bared his neck as hands wrapped around his neck to alleviate the pressure of his collar- sinking further down the waters after it was removed. The lavender scent suddenly assualting his nose feeling like heaven.
Heard the same footsteps depart to leave him alone.
“Yamato,” he absently called. Waited a while before continuing,
“Destroy that.”
Heard a pleased chuckle, smelled the pleasure in the air- the alpha no doubt blushing crazily.
“As my omega wishes.”