Beneath the... (Chapter 17)
Title: Beneath the…
Rating: R for this chapter.
Characters: OT5 (All Arashi members as brothers)
Genre: AU, drama, family, angst
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine~
Summary: 2 years ago Osayama Satoshi was involved in a terrible accident that made him lost partial of his memories. Even though he survived the impact, he becomes mentally incapable and has to depend on his younger brothers to lead normal life. What he didn’t expect when waking up though was to find all his once caring brothers had turned into people who were completely different from his memory. Sho has changed into a hot-tempered workaholic, Kazunari becomes an introvert who refuses to talk with anyone, and Jun drowns himself in party, alcohol and women every single night. To make it even confusing, nobody in the house is allowed to speak about Masaki who for some unknown reasons has disappeared without a trace.
Will Satoshi find the answer he is seeking for in the end? Or something…is actually is hidden beneath the mess?
A/N: Their surname is Osayama. Un-betaed!
Chapter 17 : Beneath the light
Kazu has been sitting in the company lobby since a while ago. He still cannot erase the image of the disappointed workers’ face from his head after apologizing to them for their failure to protect the company at least until Sho eventually can return to work. Although it touched him when majority of those workers praised their hard effort for working day and night even though the fate of company actually will not affect them in a major way, he is more than aware that those people are actually crumbled inside. All he can do is thanking them for their cooperation after this long with reassure that he will try to urge their father to watch the boards of directors’ movement to make sure nothing will go out of hand. However, everyone includes him unfortunately already know how nearly impossible to make it comes true looking by how powerful those sneaky men can become once the top management changes to their hand.
The troubled man was still lost in his thought when he later hears sound of rushing steps come from the parking lot's way. As he turns to find the source, he surprises to see a very pale Jun is hurriedly running toward him.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” deep frown already appears on his face as soon as Jun stops in front of him. Seeing how the slightly younger man is still struggling to catch his breath, Kazu decides to let him calm down a bit before asking the same question again.
“I-I just called Masaki’s number. But he-he-”
The very rare sight of panic Jun make the elder brother feels even more anxious. Yet, it was the mention of one familiar name along the sentence that caught him off guard more than ever.
“Wait, did you to contact him? How’s he? Where did he go?” before he can ask any further, Jun already shoves a slightly ruined newspaper into his hand. The shaking younger brother then flips to a certain page before points at small part news which reporting a suicide attempt case that not giving out too much detail about the injured person except for his age, gender, condition, and the hospital he is currently receiving treatment at. The news also mentioned some words from the neighbors regarding the man in topic's change of behavior since a week ago which was exactly the same period with the day when Takayama and Togawa came to meet Masaki. Reading the place of the incident instantly clicks something in his head, but before he can confirm it, Jun already continues.
“I tried to call Masaki’s number just to make sure, but i-it was his neighbor who answered it. She-She said the police asked her to keep Masaki’s phone since…Masaki was still in critical condition.”
That news hit Kazu like no other. After all, judging from the information about the case and the detail of the person, it is not that difficult for them to put two and two together. He can’t even find the right word to say when his gaze later meets Jun's who seemingly like has blood drained from his face due to anxiousness as well. Just when he thought their day cannot become even worse than it already is, THIS happens. He can feel his world slowly crumbles by the endless disasters that they have to dealt with while there is nothing he and Jun can do to fix it back.
Later, the two of them are surprised by a commotion that comes from the elevator way behind. Both however immediately turn to each other once realizing that there are numbers of panic looking staff gathering around the directors who on the contrary keep on ignoring them as they ask for their assistants to call for their chauffeur instead.
“Sir, please don’t do this to us! How are we going to support our family?! We’re only doing our job!”
“I have two young children and my wife is currently sick! I beg you sir to not do this to me!” a teary looking man who is also one of among the hysteric workers then hurriedly run in front of the directors to stop them. When he drops to his four later, the rest of the people there immediately let out their shocked gasp while Kazu and Jun still by the heart clenching sight. The man was begging for the directors’ sympathy when he unfortunately was kicked out of the way instead as the heartless men declare that their decision is mandatory and those who doesn’t like it can leave there without waiting for dismissal letter. Even when a few of the staffs come to calm down their crying coworker on the floor later, one of the arrogant man just gives his dirty look to the-soon-will-be fired employees as if those people are nothing but dirt to him.
“Meeting about the reorganization will be held tomorrow. In other words, starting from tomorrow, it will be us who will take over the top management and deal with all the problems that created by those stupid boys. Getting rid of all useless workers like all of you is just one of the solutions that we come up with!”
“Are you kidding me?! That’s not a solution! You old prick just abusing your power on them!”
All the attention now goes to Jun who already breathing with rage. Meanwhile, once seeing his furious younger brother bravely stamp toward the smug looking middle age directors, Kazu takes that chance to hurriedly approach the previous crying man. He however doesn’t get to help the man up yet when they all startle by the directors’ amused laughter.
“Failures are not in place to speak. And I don’t want to waste my time explaining things to bunch of stupid youngsters who only know to talk big. If you guys are really that great and think that everything is fair and square in this business world, how about go back to your so-called-almighty brother Sho and ask him to teach you guys from the beginning first? Or maybe you guys can actually see it yourself from his current condition? That boy doesn't get any better, isn't he?”
The sarcastic tone nearly makes Jun explodes with rage. Kazu who is still trying to calm down the crying man on the other hand only can grit his teeth hard by the entire helpless situation. After all, there is nothing they can say anymore. It is obvious that they already lost the fight and not in the right place to speak back. Even the hot-blooded Jun is probably aware with the fact as well which explain why the latter just clenches his hands until it start to tremble instead of shouting back as usual. Yet, right when all the arrogant directors are about to walk toward their waiting car outside, Jun manages to angrily mutter between his teeth.
“Karma is a b*tch. Just wait and see.”
The men just chuckle in return with dirty look.
“We will wait and see until then. Just don’t make it too long for the b*tch to come though!”
When all the men explode with another irritating laughter later, the Osayama brothers only can shoot their hatred look back without a word.
Just then, all the people in there are startled by elevator sound behind them. Yet, as soon as Togawa appears from behind the doors and walks out with his guiltless expression, nearly all the other staffs in there are either have their expression dimmed or just turn to look at anywhere except for his face. One of the workers even nearly screams at the man for his shameless attitude, but the accounting director quickly raises his hand and shuts the man down with his dead glare. Once Togawa eventually approaches them closer before bowing down to show the people his respect, the previous director immediately beams with his biggest grin as he pats the senior accountant on shoulder in return.
“How are you feeling today, Togawa-kun? Do you want to join us for lunch? Maybe we can have a nice talk about your promotion after that.” Jun nearly jumps on the annoying old jerk if not because he manages to remind himself to consider about the situation of the workers right now. His patience though is very close to reach its limit when see the shameless Togawa just smiles back at his superior as if he is not part of the heartless team.
“I really appreciate that, sir. But I’m afraid that I have an important person to escort now.”
The accounting director just laugh by his words.
“Is there anyone else that important to escort than us?”
Togawa doesn’t manage to answer it when everyone there surprises by loud honks from outside. It seems like those arrogant men’s chauffeur has been told to move from the way since they are blocking another coming car which make the directors to hurry forward to scold the guard who is actually just doing his job. However, as soon as a familiar BMW car comes into their sight and stops right in front of the entrance, all the men immediately still with frown. By the time Sho’s secretary then comes out from the passenger seat at the front to open the door for the VIP seat at the back, everyone’s expression immediately turn to bewilder including Kazu and Jun. Only Togawa smilingly rushes forward to greet the VIP who he is supposed to escort while the rest in the lobby already freeze on their position with disbelieve look.
“We are very pleased to have you back in here, Masaki-sama.”
Nobody doubts their eyesight anymore by that one familiar name. Loud gasps and perplex voices raise in the air as everyone starts to ask each other if they have heard about the unexpected return while Kazu and Jun are still trying to understand the confusing situation. After all, just looking from the great amount of confidence that shows by the man enough to make them question if the latter is really their supposed to be clumsy third brother. Later, when the man stops beside Kazu and helps to pull the previous crying man along to get on his feet, the two brothers already turn to each other with several question marks in their head.
“What happened? Why is he crying? Are you hurt somewhere?”
That husky voice which undoubtedly belongs to no other but their usually supposed to be airheaded brother shock them more if it is even possible. Before they can open their mouth to answer it however, one of the directors already angrily approaches them.
“What are you doing here? You’re not allowed to show your face in here anymore!”
The hatred is clear as the man chases him out of the place again. Yet, not even slightly feel offended by the rude tone, Masaki just turn to the latter with his professional smile.
“It’s been a while, isn’t it? About your question, well, to put it simply, I come here one day earlier to walk around the company and see my office. I’m supposed to start working tomorrow just like the agreement stated, but the CEO himself already gives me his permission yesterday, so it is fine, right?”
The directors grow even confuse by his explanation. Realizing that perplex expression at the same time, Masaki immediately turns to Takayama beside him who immediately nods. The secretary then comes forward while takes out a piece of paper which Kazu recognizes as the same one with what Sho was reading this morning.
“Just like what it has been stated in this agreement, Osayama Masaki-sama will be officially announced as the temporary replacement to take over Osayama Sho-sama’s position starting tomorrow until a certain date which will be disclosed later. In other words, during that period he will be temporarily becomes the CEO of Osayama Corporation and will automatically carry both responsibilities and authorities as a one as well. All the top management will be directly administrated under Masaki-sama’s supervision from now on and everyone is obliged to follow his orders as long as it does not go against any laws and rules.”
Several gasps can be heard coming from everywhere in there. The board of directors on the other hand already turn to each other with their clearly disbelieve gaze before one of them comes forward and snatches the agreement to make it sure with his own eyes. His face however immediately changes into bright red due to anger by the second he finishes reading it.
“This is invalid! We are the one who is supposed to be in charged from now on! The chairman already made an agreement with us that if none of his son is capable enough to take care of his company, it will be us who will have to step up to replace him! We are told by the chairman that the reorganization of the company’s position will take place by tomorrow, so you can’t lie to us with this bullshi-” the furious man immediately stops when realize what he is saying. Everything seems eventually start to make sense for him as he combines all the pieces together before turning to Masaki with his disbelieve look.
“I guess you’re not clear about what the meeting is about tomorrow then. It is held to announce about me who is going to be my brother’s temporary replacement and not about the agreement that will be benefiting any of you is going to be enforced.”
“Don’t be too proud of yourself yet, young man. Did you forget that you were fired from this company before? Nobody needs a leader who will only bring shame and faults!”
“I’m very sorry to interrupt sir, but Masaki-sama wasn’t at fault during the incident at all. What happened 2 years ago was actually because of my wrongdoing. And I’m prepared to face any punishment and consequences from the top management for my dishonesty to the company.” Togawa’s unexpected determination shocks nearly everyone there especially the board of directors. For the first time unlike how he usually looked so terrified before, the senior accountant finally can keep his face up as he admits what he had done to Masaki in the past. The man seems like he is no longer chased by his old sin and constantly living in fear due to his superior’s threat with the leak of his secret. That fact of course shut those arrogant men down, what more when they realize that they no longer have anything to against Masaki from now on.
“If you want to blackmail me after this, think again.”
The firm tone makes the boards of directors swallow down hard. When Masaki starts to excuse himself from there after telling both Kazu and Jun to follow him to the office, the previous crying staff hurriedly stops him on his track.
“S-Sir, are you really coming back to replace Sho-san?” the desperate tone makes all the workers turn to Masaki with the same hopeful expression. Both Kazu and Jun already have their heart pondering due to anxiousness at this moment once they see Masaki smiles at the man while nodding back.
“Only until Sho has fully recovered though.”
The previously terrified workers nearly cheer by that if not because they realize how inappropriate to act like that in such a professional circumstance. Yet, nobody can hide their smile as they repeatedly welcome their new president and gather around him to send him until the elevator. There is no doubt that the news regarding Masaki’s step up will widely spread once all those workers return to their department later which will definitely give a brand new hope for the employees to hang in there until Sho finally comes back to work.
By the time they arrive at the top floor where Sho’s office is, Takayama begins to explain about all places in that area even though Masaki seemingly more than aware about it. Watching how both the secretary and Togawa walks the unusually quiet and serious looking brother to everywhere there make Kazu and Jun exchange their weird look, though neither can say a word as they just continue to tail from behind. Later, when all of them eventually enter the office which will be Masaki’s for a while, the two of them just quietly listen to the short conversation among the highly experienced men regarding the company’s critical situation from aside. However, when both the secretary and the senior accountant are about to take their leave after conveying their gladness for Masaki’s return, the third brother just reply it with a cold tone instead.
“I only do this for my brothers. I agreed because they need my help.”
The two working men calmly nod to show their understanding. The heavy atmosphere on the other hand makes Kazu and Jun swallow hardly down as they watch the two men finally walk out of the room, leaving only the three of them behind. Realizing just how serious the situation is and how cold Masaki’s attitude since their meeting in the lobby before however does not make things any easier for the younger men since they have no idea how to act or even decide what expression they should show right now. Later, when Masaki suddenly slumps onto the chair with a loud sigh, they are all prepared to listen to the latter’s tantrum for being dragged into the mess.
Yet, what they found in front of them is a shaking man who looks like he is about to face a death sentence instead.
“That-That-That was soooo scary! I never thought I can talk like that! I-I-I really thought I would be dead! Do you know how scary it was to see sooooooo many people in the lobby when I arrived before?! I thought I was screwed by then! I-I thought someone revealed that I would come a-and-!” Masaki no longer can stop his babbling as he continues to explain just how horrifying it feels to meet that many people after years and how fast his heartbeat was when the mad looking directors nearly started a fight with him. He rubs his face, even messing his previously neat hair as he walks around the office while whining about his poor heart from now on. The elder man looks very close to turn into hysteric as he talks to himself about whatever things that come across his head until the two younger men who are standing inside the office turn to each other. There is no doubt anymore. The man before them is definitely their clumsy and airheaded brother - Masaki.
“I just hope I can go through this until the end…But, hey! I have you two by my side so I’m sure I’ll be just fine! That’s matter the most! You guys are going to help me, right?”
The big brown eyes that now pleadingly look at them stun them more than ever. The very familiar roller-coaster-emotions-change just makes their mouth drier. Jun even has to raise his hand to stop Masaki from keep on babbling before shooting the older man with his disbelieve look.
“I thought…you’re in hospital?”
“What? Why?”
“The newspaper said someone has committed suicide near your place. And when I called your phone, your neighbor answer it and said you’re critical, so-”
“Ah, that wasn’t me. He asked me to lend him my phone because he needed to make a call, but then…I found…what happened to him before I can ask for it back. I thought I lost it. So the phone was actually with my neighbor huh…”
Both Kazu and Jun immediately let out their groan by the truth. So that was what actually happening. Leave it to Masaki to have such a weird coincidence at weird time like that. The two of them are about to complain to the older man for making them dead worried like that, but stop once notice the dim look the already appears on the latter’s eyes. When Masaki suddenly stares at distance and lose in his own thought unlike how his usually cheerful self does, they realize they should not push the topic any further. Instead, Jun changes the topic to the thing that matter the most now.
“Masaki, are you…sure you really want to do this?”
“Yeah. I won’t be here if I’m not, aren’t I?”
The light tone dumbstruck the two younger brothers for the nth time.
“Are you stupid?”
Now, it is Masaki’s turn to be surprised. For a while, the speechless man just blinks at two disbelieve faces in front him before finally found his voice back.
“Why I keep receiving that question every time I just enter here? You guys are really mean!”
“For God’s sake Masaki, I’m not kidding here! Why will you agree to come and work here again after what they had done to you?! There is a limit for being kind, you know! Even if they beg for you to come back, that doesn’t mean you should simply follow their wish! They treated you like sh*t before! Did you forget it?!”
His voice already turns hoarse by the time he finishes his scream. The fact that Masaki still can beam with his usual wide smile after that doesn’t make him feel even better until it nearly makes him open his mouth and give a piece of his thought if not because Masaki suddenly cut in.
“I know. In fact, it still hurt me to this day just thinking about this place. That’s why like I said before I did this for you guys. And…well, there’s another reason too. I think…I have come to understand about Sho’s feelings because of that.”
When Masaki remains smiling instead of explaining the hidden meaning under his words, Kazu and Jun grow even more confused. The three of them then fall into deep silence when everyone seems to lose in their own thought before Masaki suddenly gets up and announces that he wants to do some sightseeing. Right before he can walk further away from there though his arm was suddenly grabbed by Jun who already smiling behind him. He doesn’t get to ask the reason behind the action though when the youngest man then unexpectedly pulls him into a hug that immediately sends him still while the grinning Kazu just watch them from aside.
“I’m glad you're back, Masaki.”
That one simple sentence makes his eyes teary at once. It feels like the burden he is carrying become a little lighter as he returns the embrace tighter, both due to touch and relief.
***
“I’m taking my leave now. You can always find me if there is anything to say, okay Sho-kun?”
The doctor’s calm voice resounds inside the quiet ward as he looks at his patient who is still staring outside of the window. Whatever things that leaves the doctor’s mouth after that continues to slip the dozing man’s ears even until the ward door eventually being closed behind. Realizing that he is now alone again, Sho immediately let out a sigh before walks closer to the window where he instantly recognizes Satoshi’s face among the people in the hospital garden outside. The elder brother looks very happy as he speaks to someone on his phone, sometimes even laughing and jumping due to overjoy. He bets Kazu and Jun are also celebrating the return of Masaki right at this moment who he knows they had been secretly searching for this entire time behind his back. Grinning grimly by the thought of how failure he is as their brother, he immediately slumps on nearest chair. The thought of how he is actually the pathetic unneeded one in their family brings tears to his eyes before an uncalled old memory suddenly plays in his head.
Betrayal. Underestimated. A walking joke. Mistrust.
Up until now he didn’t know how he managed to survive with all attacks he had to face from every angle. He felt like he is just a piece of garbage. Everything he did was either gained amused laughter from the board of directors or disapproval by more experienced employees. He knew agreeing to their father’s wish to take over the company was a bad idea from the first place. He knew he was supposed to focus on his real dream to become a journalist instead of involving himself in the mess, but he couldn’t. Not after witnessing the accident that cost the life of the former worker due to his selfishness.
It took months before he eventually can cope with the ridiculous hours of working and stress. He managed to prove his capability as the vice president and sole successor for Osayama Co. more than other people could expect from him within a short time. Their father especially was more than pleased to see his son’s achievement and seemingly can rest reassure as he watched his son no longer needed a constant supervise from him, except for one thing.
Accountancy.
No matter how many days he invested his time to improve himself on that area, it just really not meant for him. The fact that he was actually never interested in numbers from the first place didn’t help much either since that what always stuck him from reaching the final stage of their project. It didn’t take long before the directors to take notice of his weakness in the accounting area as well which they then constantly laughed about during meeting. The fact just how experienced they are in business field to the point they could take advantage of his weak point each time without leaving any trace every time they misused company's money just made thing even worse on his side. He really thought he had reached his limit at that time. It was torturing. It was frustrating. Everything was so helpless for him that he just became too tired to face it. The realization that he was trapped in the world that he hated so much without any chance of escaping didn’t make it feel any better and made him just even lost his sight.
Sho could feel his cheeks already wet with his tears as the painful old memory rolls before his eyes. He grits his teeth hard, even hitting his lap with his fists when the frustration refuses to leave him alone. Sobs already escape his throat as he closes his eyes and drops his face down to the floor when he no longer care to lift his face high like he always forces himself to before. He is just too tired. He really had it more than enough.
By the time a strong migraine struck him again, he pitifully whines on his seat. It takes a great amount of strength to makes his way back to the bed again until he barely manages to avoid himself from landing hardly on it once he loses power of his legs. His entire being is shaking hard as he then tries hard to stifle his cry, later curls up on the bed like a pathetic child. He doesn’t know how long it takes until his racing heart eventually calm down a bit, but when the headache still shows no sign of subsiding, he closes his eyes and waits for the same quiet darkness to engulf him into dreamless land again.
Far, deep inside his exhausted mind however, a familiar gentle yet firm voice suddenly slips in like a distant sound.
“You’ll have me on your back, Sho. I promise.”
***
>This is the longest chapter so far *phew* I think from now on the chapter will remain long unlike previous ones.
>Also, this chapter might be a turning point for them. But we'll see since I love angsty stuff that somehow I feel like a troller ;) Karma will still get those heartless directors like Jun said though!
>Thank You SO much for reading until far! This is a long journey indeed. But as always, comments are loved!
Rating: R for this chapter.
Characters: OT5 (All Arashi members as brothers)
Genre: AU, drama, family, angst
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine~
Summary: 2 years ago Osayama Satoshi was involved in a terrible accident that made him lost partial of his memories. Even though he survived the impact, he becomes mentally incapable and has to depend on his younger brothers to lead normal life. What he didn’t expect when waking up though was to find all his once caring brothers had turned into people who were completely different from his memory. Sho has changed into a hot-tempered workaholic, Kazunari becomes an introvert who refuses to talk with anyone, and Jun drowns himself in party, alcohol and women every single night. To make it even confusing, nobody in the house is allowed to speak about Masaki who for some unknown reasons has disappeared without a trace.
Will Satoshi find the answer he is seeking for in the end? Or something…is actually is hidden beneath the mess?
A/N: Their surname is Osayama. Un-betaed!
Chapter 17 : Beneath the light
Kazu has been sitting in the company lobby since a while ago. He still cannot erase the image of the disappointed workers’ face from his head after apologizing to them for their failure to protect the company at least until Sho eventually can return to work. Although it touched him when majority of those workers praised their hard effort for working day and night even though the fate of company actually will not affect them in a major way, he is more than aware that those people are actually crumbled inside. All he can do is thanking them for their cooperation after this long with reassure that he will try to urge their father to watch the boards of directors’ movement to make sure nothing will go out of hand. However, everyone includes him unfortunately already know how nearly impossible to make it comes true looking by how powerful those sneaky men can become once the top management changes to their hand.
The troubled man was still lost in his thought when he later hears sound of rushing steps come from the parking lot's way. As he turns to find the source, he surprises to see a very pale Jun is hurriedly running toward him.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” deep frown already appears on his face as soon as Jun stops in front of him. Seeing how the slightly younger man is still struggling to catch his breath, Kazu decides to let him calm down a bit before asking the same question again.
“I-I just called Masaki’s number. But he-he-”
The very rare sight of panic Jun make the elder brother feels even more anxious. Yet, it was the mention of one familiar name along the sentence that caught him off guard more than ever.
“Wait, did you to contact him? How’s he? Where did he go?” before he can ask any further, Jun already shoves a slightly ruined newspaper into his hand. The shaking younger brother then flips to a certain page before points at small part news which reporting a suicide attempt case that not giving out too much detail about the injured person except for his age, gender, condition, and the hospital he is currently receiving treatment at. The news also mentioned some words from the neighbors regarding the man in topic's change of behavior since a week ago which was exactly the same period with the day when Takayama and Togawa came to meet Masaki. Reading the place of the incident instantly clicks something in his head, but before he can confirm it, Jun already continues.
“I tried to call Masaki’s number just to make sure, but i-it was his neighbor who answered it. She-She said the police asked her to keep Masaki’s phone since…Masaki was still in critical condition.”
That news hit Kazu like no other. After all, judging from the information about the case and the detail of the person, it is not that difficult for them to put two and two together. He can’t even find the right word to say when his gaze later meets Jun's who seemingly like has blood drained from his face due to anxiousness as well. Just when he thought their day cannot become even worse than it already is, THIS happens. He can feel his world slowly crumbles by the endless disasters that they have to dealt with while there is nothing he and Jun can do to fix it back.
Later, the two of them are surprised by a commotion that comes from the elevator way behind. Both however immediately turn to each other once realizing that there are numbers of panic looking staff gathering around the directors who on the contrary keep on ignoring them as they ask for their assistants to call for their chauffeur instead.
“Sir, please don’t do this to us! How are we going to support our family?! We’re only doing our job!”
“I have two young children and my wife is currently sick! I beg you sir to not do this to me!” a teary looking man who is also one of among the hysteric workers then hurriedly run in front of the directors to stop them. When he drops to his four later, the rest of the people there immediately let out their shocked gasp while Kazu and Jun still by the heart clenching sight. The man was begging for the directors’ sympathy when he unfortunately was kicked out of the way instead as the heartless men declare that their decision is mandatory and those who doesn’t like it can leave there without waiting for dismissal letter. Even when a few of the staffs come to calm down their crying coworker on the floor later, one of the arrogant man just gives his dirty look to the-soon-will-be fired employees as if those people are nothing but dirt to him.
“Meeting about the reorganization will be held tomorrow. In other words, starting from tomorrow, it will be us who will take over the top management and deal with all the problems that created by those stupid boys. Getting rid of all useless workers like all of you is just one of the solutions that we come up with!”
“Are you kidding me?! That’s not a solution! You old prick just abusing your power on them!”
All the attention now goes to Jun who already breathing with rage. Meanwhile, once seeing his furious younger brother bravely stamp toward the smug looking middle age directors, Kazu takes that chance to hurriedly approach the previous crying man. He however doesn’t get to help the man up yet when they all startle by the directors’ amused laughter.
“Failures are not in place to speak. And I don’t want to waste my time explaining things to bunch of stupid youngsters who only know to talk big. If you guys are really that great and think that everything is fair and square in this business world, how about go back to your so-called-almighty brother Sho and ask him to teach you guys from the beginning first? Or maybe you guys can actually see it yourself from his current condition? That boy doesn't get any better, isn't he?”
The sarcastic tone nearly makes Jun explodes with rage. Kazu who is still trying to calm down the crying man on the other hand only can grit his teeth hard by the entire helpless situation. After all, there is nothing they can say anymore. It is obvious that they already lost the fight and not in the right place to speak back. Even the hot-blooded Jun is probably aware with the fact as well which explain why the latter just clenches his hands until it start to tremble instead of shouting back as usual. Yet, right when all the arrogant directors are about to walk toward their waiting car outside, Jun manages to angrily mutter between his teeth.
“Karma is a b*tch. Just wait and see.”
The men just chuckle in return with dirty look.
“We will wait and see until then. Just don’t make it too long for the b*tch to come though!”
When all the men explode with another irritating laughter later, the Osayama brothers only can shoot their hatred look back without a word.
Just then, all the people in there are startled by elevator sound behind them. Yet, as soon as Togawa appears from behind the doors and walks out with his guiltless expression, nearly all the other staffs in there are either have their expression dimmed or just turn to look at anywhere except for his face. One of the workers even nearly screams at the man for his shameless attitude, but the accounting director quickly raises his hand and shuts the man down with his dead glare. Once Togawa eventually approaches them closer before bowing down to show the people his respect, the previous director immediately beams with his biggest grin as he pats the senior accountant on shoulder in return.
“How are you feeling today, Togawa-kun? Do you want to join us for lunch? Maybe we can have a nice talk about your promotion after that.” Jun nearly jumps on the annoying old jerk if not because he manages to remind himself to consider about the situation of the workers right now. His patience though is very close to reach its limit when see the shameless Togawa just smiles back at his superior as if he is not part of the heartless team.
“I really appreciate that, sir. But I’m afraid that I have an important person to escort now.”
The accounting director just laugh by his words.
“Is there anyone else that important to escort than us?”
Togawa doesn’t manage to answer it when everyone there surprises by loud honks from outside. It seems like those arrogant men’s chauffeur has been told to move from the way since they are blocking another coming car which make the directors to hurry forward to scold the guard who is actually just doing his job. However, as soon as a familiar BMW car comes into their sight and stops right in front of the entrance, all the men immediately still with frown. By the time Sho’s secretary then comes out from the passenger seat at the front to open the door for the VIP seat at the back, everyone’s expression immediately turn to bewilder including Kazu and Jun. Only Togawa smilingly rushes forward to greet the VIP who he is supposed to escort while the rest in the lobby already freeze on their position with disbelieve look.
“We are very pleased to have you back in here, Masaki-sama.”
Nobody doubts their eyesight anymore by that one familiar name. Loud gasps and perplex voices raise in the air as everyone starts to ask each other if they have heard about the unexpected return while Kazu and Jun are still trying to understand the confusing situation. After all, just looking from the great amount of confidence that shows by the man enough to make them question if the latter is really their supposed to be clumsy third brother. Later, when the man stops beside Kazu and helps to pull the previous crying man along to get on his feet, the two brothers already turn to each other with several question marks in their head.
“What happened? Why is he crying? Are you hurt somewhere?”
That husky voice which undoubtedly belongs to no other but their usually supposed to be airheaded brother shock them more if it is even possible. Before they can open their mouth to answer it however, one of the directors already angrily approaches them.
“What are you doing here? You’re not allowed to show your face in here anymore!”
The hatred is clear as the man chases him out of the place again. Yet, not even slightly feel offended by the rude tone, Masaki just turn to the latter with his professional smile.
“It’s been a while, isn’t it? About your question, well, to put it simply, I come here one day earlier to walk around the company and see my office. I’m supposed to start working tomorrow just like the agreement stated, but the CEO himself already gives me his permission yesterday, so it is fine, right?”
The directors grow even confuse by his explanation. Realizing that perplex expression at the same time, Masaki immediately turns to Takayama beside him who immediately nods. The secretary then comes forward while takes out a piece of paper which Kazu recognizes as the same one with what Sho was reading this morning.
“Just like what it has been stated in this agreement, Osayama Masaki-sama will be officially announced as the temporary replacement to take over Osayama Sho-sama’s position starting tomorrow until a certain date which will be disclosed later. In other words, during that period he will be temporarily becomes the CEO of Osayama Corporation and will automatically carry both responsibilities and authorities as a one as well. All the top management will be directly administrated under Masaki-sama’s supervision from now on and everyone is obliged to follow his orders as long as it does not go against any laws and rules.”
Several gasps can be heard coming from everywhere in there. The board of directors on the other hand already turn to each other with their clearly disbelieve gaze before one of them comes forward and snatches the agreement to make it sure with his own eyes. His face however immediately changes into bright red due to anger by the second he finishes reading it.
“This is invalid! We are the one who is supposed to be in charged from now on! The chairman already made an agreement with us that if none of his son is capable enough to take care of his company, it will be us who will have to step up to replace him! We are told by the chairman that the reorganization of the company’s position will take place by tomorrow, so you can’t lie to us with this bullshi-” the furious man immediately stops when realize what he is saying. Everything seems eventually start to make sense for him as he combines all the pieces together before turning to Masaki with his disbelieve look.
“I guess you’re not clear about what the meeting is about tomorrow then. It is held to announce about me who is going to be my brother’s temporary replacement and not about the agreement that will be benefiting any of you is going to be enforced.”
“Don’t be too proud of yourself yet, young man. Did you forget that you were fired from this company before? Nobody needs a leader who will only bring shame and faults!”
“I’m very sorry to interrupt sir, but Masaki-sama wasn’t at fault during the incident at all. What happened 2 years ago was actually because of my wrongdoing. And I’m prepared to face any punishment and consequences from the top management for my dishonesty to the company.” Togawa’s unexpected determination shocks nearly everyone there especially the board of directors. For the first time unlike how he usually looked so terrified before, the senior accountant finally can keep his face up as he admits what he had done to Masaki in the past. The man seems like he is no longer chased by his old sin and constantly living in fear due to his superior’s threat with the leak of his secret. That fact of course shut those arrogant men down, what more when they realize that they no longer have anything to against Masaki from now on.
“If you want to blackmail me after this, think again.”
The firm tone makes the boards of directors swallow down hard. When Masaki starts to excuse himself from there after telling both Kazu and Jun to follow him to the office, the previous crying staff hurriedly stops him on his track.
“S-Sir, are you really coming back to replace Sho-san?” the desperate tone makes all the workers turn to Masaki with the same hopeful expression. Both Kazu and Jun already have their heart pondering due to anxiousness at this moment once they see Masaki smiles at the man while nodding back.
“Only until Sho has fully recovered though.”
The previously terrified workers nearly cheer by that if not because they realize how inappropriate to act like that in such a professional circumstance. Yet, nobody can hide their smile as they repeatedly welcome their new president and gather around him to send him until the elevator. There is no doubt that the news regarding Masaki’s step up will widely spread once all those workers return to their department later which will definitely give a brand new hope for the employees to hang in there until Sho finally comes back to work.
By the time they arrive at the top floor where Sho’s office is, Takayama begins to explain about all places in that area even though Masaki seemingly more than aware about it. Watching how both the secretary and Togawa walks the unusually quiet and serious looking brother to everywhere there make Kazu and Jun exchange their weird look, though neither can say a word as they just continue to tail from behind. Later, when all of them eventually enter the office which will be Masaki’s for a while, the two of them just quietly listen to the short conversation among the highly experienced men regarding the company’s critical situation from aside. However, when both the secretary and the senior accountant are about to take their leave after conveying their gladness for Masaki’s return, the third brother just reply it with a cold tone instead.
“I only do this for my brothers. I agreed because they need my help.”
The two working men calmly nod to show their understanding. The heavy atmosphere on the other hand makes Kazu and Jun swallow hardly down as they watch the two men finally walk out of the room, leaving only the three of them behind. Realizing just how serious the situation is and how cold Masaki’s attitude since their meeting in the lobby before however does not make things any easier for the younger men since they have no idea how to act or even decide what expression they should show right now. Later, when Masaki suddenly slumps onto the chair with a loud sigh, they are all prepared to listen to the latter’s tantrum for being dragged into the mess.
Yet, what they found in front of them is a shaking man who looks like he is about to face a death sentence instead.
“That-That-That was soooo scary! I never thought I can talk like that! I-I-I really thought I would be dead! Do you know how scary it was to see sooooooo many people in the lobby when I arrived before?! I thought I was screwed by then! I-I thought someone revealed that I would come a-and-!” Masaki no longer can stop his babbling as he continues to explain just how horrifying it feels to meet that many people after years and how fast his heartbeat was when the mad looking directors nearly started a fight with him. He rubs his face, even messing his previously neat hair as he walks around the office while whining about his poor heart from now on. The elder man looks very close to turn into hysteric as he talks to himself about whatever things that come across his head until the two younger men who are standing inside the office turn to each other. There is no doubt anymore. The man before them is definitely their clumsy and airheaded brother - Masaki.
“I just hope I can go through this until the end…But, hey! I have you two by my side so I’m sure I’ll be just fine! That’s matter the most! You guys are going to help me, right?”
The big brown eyes that now pleadingly look at them stun them more than ever. The very familiar roller-coaster-emotions-change just makes their mouth drier. Jun even has to raise his hand to stop Masaki from keep on babbling before shooting the older man with his disbelieve look.
“I thought…you’re in hospital?”
“What? Why?”
“The newspaper said someone has committed suicide near your place. And when I called your phone, your neighbor answer it and said you’re critical, so-”
“Ah, that wasn’t me. He asked me to lend him my phone because he needed to make a call, but then…I found…what happened to him before I can ask for it back. I thought I lost it. So the phone was actually with my neighbor huh…”
Both Kazu and Jun immediately let out their groan by the truth. So that was what actually happening. Leave it to Masaki to have such a weird coincidence at weird time like that. The two of them are about to complain to the older man for making them dead worried like that, but stop once notice the dim look the already appears on the latter’s eyes. When Masaki suddenly stares at distance and lose in his own thought unlike how his usually cheerful self does, they realize they should not push the topic any further. Instead, Jun changes the topic to the thing that matter the most now.
“Masaki, are you…sure you really want to do this?”
“Yeah. I won’t be here if I’m not, aren’t I?”
The light tone dumbstruck the two younger brothers for the nth time.
“Are you stupid?”
Now, it is Masaki’s turn to be surprised. For a while, the speechless man just blinks at two disbelieve faces in front him before finally found his voice back.
“Why I keep receiving that question every time I just enter here? You guys are really mean!”
“For God’s sake Masaki, I’m not kidding here! Why will you agree to come and work here again after what they had done to you?! There is a limit for being kind, you know! Even if they beg for you to come back, that doesn’t mean you should simply follow their wish! They treated you like sh*t before! Did you forget it?!”
His voice already turns hoarse by the time he finishes his scream. The fact that Masaki still can beam with his usual wide smile after that doesn’t make him feel even better until it nearly makes him open his mouth and give a piece of his thought if not because Masaki suddenly cut in.
“I know. In fact, it still hurt me to this day just thinking about this place. That’s why like I said before I did this for you guys. And…well, there’s another reason too. I think…I have come to understand about Sho’s feelings because of that.”
When Masaki remains smiling instead of explaining the hidden meaning under his words, Kazu and Jun grow even more confused. The three of them then fall into deep silence when everyone seems to lose in their own thought before Masaki suddenly gets up and announces that he wants to do some sightseeing. Right before he can walk further away from there though his arm was suddenly grabbed by Jun who already smiling behind him. He doesn’t get to ask the reason behind the action though when the youngest man then unexpectedly pulls him into a hug that immediately sends him still while the grinning Kazu just watch them from aside.
“I’m glad you're back, Masaki.”
That one simple sentence makes his eyes teary at once. It feels like the burden he is carrying become a little lighter as he returns the embrace tighter, both due to touch and relief.
***
“I’m taking my leave now. You can always find me if there is anything to say, okay Sho-kun?”
The doctor’s calm voice resounds inside the quiet ward as he looks at his patient who is still staring outside of the window. Whatever things that leaves the doctor’s mouth after that continues to slip the dozing man’s ears even until the ward door eventually being closed behind. Realizing that he is now alone again, Sho immediately let out a sigh before walks closer to the window where he instantly recognizes Satoshi’s face among the people in the hospital garden outside. The elder brother looks very happy as he speaks to someone on his phone, sometimes even laughing and jumping due to overjoy. He bets Kazu and Jun are also celebrating the return of Masaki right at this moment who he knows they had been secretly searching for this entire time behind his back. Grinning grimly by the thought of how failure he is as their brother, he immediately slumps on nearest chair. The thought of how he is actually the pathetic unneeded one in their family brings tears to his eyes before an uncalled old memory suddenly plays in his head.
Betrayal. Underestimated. A walking joke. Mistrust.
Up until now he didn’t know how he managed to survive with all attacks he had to face from every angle. He felt like he is just a piece of garbage. Everything he did was either gained amused laughter from the board of directors or disapproval by more experienced employees. He knew agreeing to their father’s wish to take over the company was a bad idea from the first place. He knew he was supposed to focus on his real dream to become a journalist instead of involving himself in the mess, but he couldn’t. Not after witnessing the accident that cost the life of the former worker due to his selfishness.
It took months before he eventually can cope with the ridiculous hours of working and stress. He managed to prove his capability as the vice president and sole successor for Osayama Co. more than other people could expect from him within a short time. Their father especially was more than pleased to see his son’s achievement and seemingly can rest reassure as he watched his son no longer needed a constant supervise from him, except for one thing.
Accountancy.
No matter how many days he invested his time to improve himself on that area, it just really not meant for him. The fact that he was actually never interested in numbers from the first place didn’t help much either since that what always stuck him from reaching the final stage of their project. It didn’t take long before the directors to take notice of his weakness in the accounting area as well which they then constantly laughed about during meeting. The fact just how experienced they are in business field to the point they could take advantage of his weak point each time without leaving any trace every time they misused company's money just made thing even worse on his side. He really thought he had reached his limit at that time. It was torturing. It was frustrating. Everything was so helpless for him that he just became too tired to face it. The realization that he was trapped in the world that he hated so much without any chance of escaping didn’t make it feel any better and made him just even lost his sight.
Sho could feel his cheeks already wet with his tears as the painful old memory rolls before his eyes. He grits his teeth hard, even hitting his lap with his fists when the frustration refuses to leave him alone. Sobs already escape his throat as he closes his eyes and drops his face down to the floor when he no longer care to lift his face high like he always forces himself to before. He is just too tired. He really had it more than enough.
By the time a strong migraine struck him again, he pitifully whines on his seat. It takes a great amount of strength to makes his way back to the bed again until he barely manages to avoid himself from landing hardly on it once he loses power of his legs. His entire being is shaking hard as he then tries hard to stifle his cry, later curls up on the bed like a pathetic child. He doesn’t know how long it takes until his racing heart eventually calm down a bit, but when the headache still shows no sign of subsiding, he closes his eyes and waits for the same quiet darkness to engulf him into dreamless land again.
Far, deep inside his exhausted mind however, a familiar gentle yet firm voice suddenly slips in like a distant sound.
“You’ll have me on your back, Sho. I promise.”
***
>This is the longest chapter so far *phew* I think from now on the chapter will remain long unlike previous ones.
>Also, this chapter might be a turning point for them. But we'll see since I love angsty stuff that somehow I feel like a troller ;) Karma will still get those heartless directors like Jun said though!
>Thank You SO much for reading until far! This is a long journey indeed. But as always, comments are loved!