Summary: Thinking that his lover never cared for him anymore, Hiroki gets depressed. He runs away after witnessing something happened between his lover and Tsumori at the hospital. What will Nowaki do now that his lover has run away on the night that he was planning to propose?

Author's note: I've been meaning to put this up for the past few weeks but only got to finish the first chapter today despite having more important things to do.

Warning: Yaoi (boy x boy relationship). Please leave if you are in doubt of your openness to same sex love relationship.

Disclaimer: I do not own Junjou Romantica

Chapter 1: Running Away

"Tadaima," greeted a very exhausted Hiroki to no one in particular.

"No surprise there," thought Hiroki. It's always been like this for the past few months ever since Nowaki got promoted as one of the main physicians and not as a trainee anymore. At first, Hiroki was more than happy to know that his lover is finally getting recognition for all the hard work he's been doing at the hospital. But his enthusiasm about the topic changed a few weeks ago.

Flashback

It was their anniversary and Hiroki was waiting for his tall lover to ask him out for dinner. It was a happy day for Hiroki, for the first time, his classes were conducted without a single student being sent out or getting hit by a book. He even accepted the lame excuses and apologies of his students for failing to read Tom Sawyer. During lunch time in his office, he wasn't the least bothered at seeing his boss making out with the brat from T University. Yup, Hiroki was definitely trying to make this day the happiest ever.

"Uhm, kyouju," ignoring the unbutton shirt of his boss, "did somebody look for me today?" Deep down, he was getting anxious. Knowing Nowaki, that brat of his should have informed him a week before their anniversary if he was planning on going out. Maybe he's just busy or he's planning a surprise for me. He even kept his cell phone on just in case his lover decided to call him. Seeing no Nowaki in his message inbox, Hiroki decided to ask his kyouju if Nowaki called for him while he was in class.

"I don't know, Kamijou, I was here only an hour ago. Dunno, if somebody looked for you."

"Old man, looked at me, I'm suppose to be your center of attraction not HIM," placing as much disgust on the word "HIM", Shinobu, being the genius that he is, will never be able to understand how can two people namely his lover and this Kamijou could work professionally in a private room without the temptation of getting into each other's pants.

Hiroki sighed. He knew better than to argue with the chairman's son. He hated the fact that he had to treat this brat as his boss but at least, the chairman is not half as bad as this brat.

"Kyouju, please be reminded that the superintendent is roaming around the school today and if I'm not mistaken, I believe that he would be here in the literature department in 5 minutes."

With this, Hiroki thought it best to leave the both of them. He stole a glance and found it amusing to see the two of them scrambling for their clothing. Hmm, if I'm an evil man, I wouldn't have warned them and Miyagi will be expelled thus making me the head professor here but of course, I wouldn't do that, I owe Miyagi too much. And as much as I hate to admit it, he and the brat look good together.

Hiroki went back to his cubicle and started doing his work on his laptop, momentarily forgetting his insecurities about his lover.

"Kamijou, it's already half past six, I think we should call it a day and pack up."

"Oh, kyouju, you could go ahead, I have to finish this before I go home," I have to finish all of my work so once Nowaki comes home and hopefully, ask me out, we would be able to spend the whole evening together.

"Hiroki, is something the matter?"

"Uhm, nothing, just stress out from today's class." I better stop overreacting. Oh shoot, kyouju's not letting me off the hook that easily, Ah I know. "Say, I think you should better head off without me, shouldn't you be fetching your brat from T University an hour ago?"

"OH SHOOT, NOW I'M GONNA GET IT."

Hiroki sighed and returned to his work. At least I have something to do to get my mind out of this stupid anniversary.

An hour later......

"Yawwwwwn" Guess I better head home now. Sigh, is he ever gonna call me? Surprise me at home? Wait for me outside with a bouquet of flowers and kiss me? Apologize to me?

The assistant professor packed his stuff, shut down the lights and went on his way. He passed by convenience store, not wanting to go home yet since he was afraid that he will find their apartment deserted. He lingered for two hours before finally deciding that he has to head home and face reality no matter how much it aches him.

"Tadaima," he said after opening the door. Seeing the inside empty, Hiroki sighed in defeat. Well, guess he's not going home for the day. Kuso, what's more important his job or our anniversary! Is he that much needed at the hospital? What about me? I needed him too! No, no, no Hiroki, Nowaki's not the insensitive type of lover. He will do anything for you. Maybe he is working his ass off just to give you a big surprise, a really big one. With the last thought in mind, Hiroki felt better and refreshed, he immediately went to the bathroom to shower and groom himself to the best of his abilities. Sheesh, I am like a teenager going on a first date.

10 00 pm......

Guess, I have to wait a little longer. Turning on the television, he waited at the dining table staring blankly at the screen before him.

"If he really loves you, then why is not here with you?'

That was the time when Hiroki started paying attention to the drama being played in front of him. It turns out it is about a poor girl waiting for her beloved to come and see her again like he promised.

"You are really something else, you were a strong girl before that wretched man entered your life!"

"But auntie, I can't stop thinking about him, what if someone killed him, what if he's just busy and can't afford to see me."

Hiroki was now listening intently at the drama unfolding before him. His concentration increased tenfold as he waited for the aunt's reply.

"My beloved niece, I have raised and loved you since you were a little girl and I would protect you from all the pain in this world. I have something to confess to you, my little princess. Your beloved is now engaged with his fiancé of six years. He came here to tell you but I stopped him knowing that you will break down. Please forgive me for not telling you this, I just want the best for you."

Tears were now welling in Hiroki's eyes. Not only was he feeling sorry for the girl and the aunt but also because he couldn't stop thinking that maybe his Nowaki is no longer his. That he is now with someone else, someone with power, someone who could help him with his goals and dreams in life. Nowaki is young and everyone likes him as contrast with Hiroki. This is not happening to me. Calm down, you are an adult for Pete's sake. Didn't Nowaki promised to love you forever? The reason why he is working night and day is for you to be proud of him.

All these thoughts and emotions are draining his energy. He stared up at the ceiling, not even bothering to turn off the television.

He forgot, didn't he? He no longer have the strength to keep his eyes open. For the first time, he fell asleep on the chair with no one to hold him throughout the night.

It was the most memorable anniversary Hiroki ever had.

End of Flashback

By this time, Hiroki was used to his lover's indifference. He tried his best not to let it get to him. Nowaki would go home at around one in the morning and never bothered to visit his Hirosan in the other room. When the brunette wakes up, Nowaki is still sleeping soundly with his door locked as if not wanting to be disturbed not even by his lover. When Hiroki goes home from work, Nowaki already left for the hospital not leaving a note whatsoever. It's as if they dissolved from lovers into complete strangers.

Hiroki started preparing dinner. He reprimands himself for always making a meal enough for two people. It became his routine for the past several years to cook not only for himself but also for Nowaki. As he was chopping the carrots, Miyagi's suggestion from this morning kept on replaying inside his head. You know what Kamijou, whenever you are depressed, I know it's not about work; it has got to do something with your love life. You know Kamijou, I advise you to go to him and confront him for whatever is getting in the way of your relationship. For once, set aside your pride and not let him do all the work. He is just a human being after all, and sometimes, he needs evidence of your love for him.

Hmm, maybe kyouju's right, maybe I should go and visit him at the hospital now. After spending half an hour contemplating and debating with himself, he finally decided to pay his lover a visit at the hospital. Why not? He is my lover after all and I have every right to demand him an explanation for his nonchalance the past few months.

Sheesh, Hiroki, no need to dress up too much. You are just going to the hospital after all, not on some date. He then changed his attire to a plane white polo shirt and a pair of jeans that highlighted his butt. Just the way Nowaki wants it.

With a surge of adrenaline, he took his car keys and drove off as fast as he could to the hospital hoping that this night would clear things up. Unbeknownst to him, things would not go his way tonight. Life is just too cruel and bad things do happen to good people.

Hiroki parked his car near the entrance and ran towards the elevator, knowing for sure which pediatric section his lover is working. Okay, keep it simple, don't disturb him too much. Ask him nicely without sounding too desperate for an answer.

As he reached the 7th floor, he went straight towards his lover's work room which he knew by now, would be surrounded by kids with certain kinds of illnesses. He smiled at knowing that his lover is working hard to make children happy by keeping them company and making sure that they enjoy their stay at the hospital. I'm finally here.

"Nowaki, I've known you for quite some time now."

Hiroki stop dead in his tracks for he knew that voice and it belong to none other than Tsumori. Tsumori who is Nowaki's sempai and the only one who flirts blatantly with his lover and worst, he does it in front of him.

"My love grows for you each day and I can't bare the thought of losing you."

Hiroki was now shaking in anger and his grip on the door became deadly.

"I can't live without you and after thinking about it, I decided that I would spent the rest of my life with you, so, Nowaki, would you marry me?"

The brunette has to use up all of his will not to barge in and snatch his lover away. Never mind the formalities as long as he could get his Nowaki away from this psycho. But he was numbed by the next words his lover uttered. Those two words would haunt him forever. He felt a shiver ran down his entire body as if he had been submerged into an ocean of ice. He could sense his heart being stabbed by a knife then slowly shredding it into several pieces.

Hiroki ran towards his car, wanting to get away from here as soon as possible. The words "I do", two words of betrayal still resounding in his head. He stepped on the gas the moment he started the engine and drove as fast as he could towards their apartment. Nowaki, you bastard, I trusted you, how could you? I have to get away from this place before I lose my sanity. This is a nightmare. Hmmph, like they say, all good things come to an end.

Once he reached his house, he scurried off to his room, stuffing all of his stuff into his luggage and selecting only a few books to bring with him, Hiroki went out of the apartment, leaving everything behind; everything that has his recent ex-lover's mark. Everything they shared, the memories, the laughter, the love, he is leaving it all behind. He just hoped that he wouldn't bump into Nowaki on his way out. There is no stopping him now. I have to do this. He went straight to the train station and bought a ticket that would take him far away from Kyoto.

At the hospital....

Nowaki was staring lovingly at a velvet box that contains a ring. Correction, a proposal ring to his beloved Hiroki. For the past few months, Nowaki was working as hard as he could just so he could buy most beautiful and exquisite ring for his long time lover. Finally, his hard work paid off and he was able to buy the ring just this morning. He is planning to propose tonight and even made a reservation at the finest Japanese restaurant in town.

Hiro-san, I wonder, how would you take my proposal? Would you accept it or not? I hope you do so, because I won't take no for answer.

While working, Tsumori noticed his assistant's troubled expression. When Nowaki finally told him, Tsumori offered to teach him how to propose just so Nowaki would feel more confident in facing his lover.

"Oi, Nowaki, I think you better head home, I will dismiss you early for today just so you could prepare for the rest of the evening."

"Honto-nii, what about the kids?"

"Just leave them to me and hurry before I change my mind."

"Arigatou gozaimasu."

"And Nowaki, don't commit the mistake of saying my name instead of his when you propose," Tsumori said jokingly.

"Hhhhaiii" Nowaki, knowing that his sempai is just joking.

Nowaki secured the velvet box in his pocket and headed for home. He was just too excited and dashed to the apartment that he and his lover shared. He slowed down in his tracks when he noticed that the door to their apartment was left ajar. Panic flooded his senses; he silently opened the door and turned on the light, getting ready to strike down whoever dared to barge in their house.

Nowaki quickly checked on his lover in his room just to make sure he was okay for he knows that his lover goes home no later than eight o' clock. But he didn't find his lover inside the room. Was he taken away? Before resorting to a panic mode, Nowaki decided to investigate his lover's room. To his distress, he found the entire room devoid of any stuff. It's as if no one lives there anymore. He went for the bookshelf and saw that only the favorite books of his lover were gone.

What's going on here? As much as I hate it, I better phone Akihiko and Miyagi.

He decided to call Akihiko first but no one's answering, so he dialed Miyagi's number.

"Moshi, moshi"

"Miyagi, this is Nowaki."

"Oh, what do you want, if it is about your lover, I have no business whatsoever."

"Miyagi, this is serious, have you seen Hiro-san?" He is beginning to panic, hoping that the man on the other line would give him an acceptable answer.

"What???? I don't know where Hiroki is, maybe he's out there moping somewhere else." Miyagi does not have an idea how right he is.

"Huh, demo, why would he be mopping around, is something the matter?"

"I don't know if you notice, but your lover is as depressed as hell for the past few months. Work wise, he's still doing well but I cannot say the same for his mood."

"Miyagi, is it because of me?" Nowaki heard a sigh coming out from the other line.

"Nowaki, do you want to meet up coz it's gonna be a long story."

A/N: Comments or suggestions? I would like to hear from you guys. Hope this chapter sparks your interest in reading more. I would pay close attention to all of the reviews. Homophobic reviews are gladly NOT entertained.