Eyes Like Honey - A Sakurai Sho Fanfic (17/?)
Pairing: Sakurai Sho x Fictional Female (Reader) *see note below
Rating: R for whole series, NC-17 for Ch.17
Genre: Romance, Drama
Word count: 5,714
Plot: A 33-year-old singleton, Nijishima Kokoro, finds herself at a host club where she meets the club's most popular host, Sakurai Sho. The encounter propels Kokoro to explore a different kind of love as Sho helps Kokoro discover herself.
NOTE: This story reads like a shoujo manga--it is written in a fictitious first-person narrative where the reader is the protagonist. Please proceed with caution if you are uncomfortable with JE members having relationships with fictitious female characters (even if that female is you!).
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16
Chapter Seventeen: A Savior's Duty
Playful snowflakes collected in his hair and drops of water scattered the ground beneath him, drawing a kind of abstract painting around us. His skin glistened and accentuated his masculine features: the angle of his jawline, the broadness of his shoulders, the tapering of his torso, the contouring of his muscles. My eyes beheld a work of art.
“Come on.” He reached for my hand and pulled me toward him. Some water dropped from his towel and hit my feet.
“W-Wait…!” I pulled my hand back toward me but he didn’t let me go. “I’m still fully clothed,” I argued.
“Well, that’s a quick fix,” he smiled. He then raised his eyebrows playfully. “Are you going to make me wait for you like this?” I could see his breath as he spoke and his chest was turning red from the cold.
As usual, he was in complete control of the conversation. “That’s not a fair question and you know it,” I pouted.
He chuckled as he turned around and dipped his legs back in the hotspring. “I’ll see you out here soon,” he grinned.
I shuffled my feet back toward the hotel room and closed the sliding door behind me. I leaned my back against it and took a deep breath. Though this wasn’t the first time I had seen him naked, the situation was much too dizzying. Taking a bath together? In a private hotspring bath, no less? I crossed my arms across my chest, feeling exposed though I was still wearing clothes. I took a quick look through the glass doors. The steam rising from the bath seemed to flirt with the cold air around it. In the distance were snow-capped mountains, slowly turning into a silhouette in the dimming sunlight. It would be a shame if I didn’t enjoy this. Right. What’s the point in having a private hotspring if you’re not going to use it? I took a few short breaths to get the jitters out of my system before slipping out of my clothes.
When I opened the door, his back was facing me. His arms rested along the edge of the hotspring, the beautiful arches of his muscular shoulders relaxed and glistening with water. He turned around to greet me and smiled a gentle smile. It was one of those smiles that made your knees feel like jello. For several seconds, I had totally forgotten that I was standing in freezing weather.
“Come on in. You’ll catch a cold.” He moved one arm beside him and gestured me to sit there.
Slowly, I made my way over. Once I had reached the edge of the bath, I could instantly feel the steam rising from the hotspring, inviting me with its warmth.
“You aren’t thinking about coming in with that towel around you?” Sho-san asked playfully.
“W-Why not?” I was, in fact, thinking of doing just that.
“How are you going to dry off to get back inside?” The corner of his lips curled and his eyes sparkled, knowing he had won again.
“...Fine. Close your eyes.”
He obliged without a fight, although the grin on his face spoke volumes. As I slowly unraveled myself, I kept my eyes on him. Long eyelashes resting perfectly along his eyelids, the rising and falling of his chest as he breathed at a steady tempo, his forefinger as it gently tapped the edge of the hotspring, patiently waiting for me to join him. I placed the towel on a wooden bench nearby and took a deep breath to calm my nerves. My toes led the way and soon enough, the hot water had completely enveloped me. A sigh escaped my lips in contentment as my muscles relaxed and surrendered to the moment. But, a moment it was.
“You going to let me open my eyes?” He joked.
Instantly, I brought my legs toward my chest and curled up like a ball. I shifted my body in the seat so that my back was facing him now. In the bedroom is one thing. But to converse with him naked? To bathe in the same tub? That is an entirely different ballpark.
“I don’t know,” I mumbled.
“Let me guess. You’re sitting on the other end of the hotspring with your back toward me,” he chuckled.
“...How do you know that?” I answered.
“Wait, don’t move…!” His voice alarmed.
I flinched my shoulders and hugged my knees. “W-What is it?!” A bug? A clump of snow falling from the tree branches? I instinctively closed my eyes.
Just then, I felt his arms embrace me as I tipped backward into his chest. I gasped, now wide-eyed. Our bare skin pressed against each other tightly, pushing the warm water outward, creating a ripple around us. I could hear--and feel--his breath at the back of my ear. Though my whole body reacted to the sensations, I was frozen in his arms. Once I realized his warning was simply a diversion, I slowly let the air out of my lungs in defeat.
“Meanie…” I hung my head and mumbled into his forearm.
“I’m just a good guesser.” After a gentle chuckle tickled my ear, he kissed the nape of my neck, sending a tingling sensation all the way down my back. My body melted into his chest. I knew the heat rising to my head wasn’t simply from the hot water. His slender fingers gently caressed my chin and my head turned toward him without resistance.
I knew what was coming next. Or, so I thought. I had closed my eyes in anticipation for that soft sensation on my lips. It didn’t come. Instead, I heard a soft chuckle. When I opened my eyes in confusion, his face was millimeters away from mine. My eyes captured his full set of lips first, then the roundness of his cheekbones, then his beautiful, inquisitive eyes, slightly narrowed from smiling. Ah. I understood now why artists are gripped with the desire to preserve something for eternity. He was a masterpiece, a sight to see. I wanted to remember this moment, immortalize it in my memory.
“You’re honest all of a sudden.” Noticing my lack of rebuttal, he brought the fingers at my chin up to my ears as his thumb caressed my cheek.
“I’m just accepting defeat,” I whispered back. A snowflake rested on his cheek for a brief moment before melting away. I thought it was the perfect metaphor for how my body felt in his arms.
He chuckled again before moving his hand back into the water and burying his face in my neck. His cheeks were cold from the winter air, but the rising steam quickly warmed us. “Did you have fun today?”
I nodded. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so rejuvenated. As we age, we become more reserved and less eager to try something new. Comfort zones are called that for a reason, and many feel quite content there, feeling no need to challenge themselves. But, as I reflected on today, I realized something. It was not only the events themselves I remembered, but also the energy behind them: the adrenaline rush as I clumsily but successfully made my way down the slopes for the first time without falling, the excitement as new flavors and textures I had yet to discover delighted my tastebuds, the release as my muscles relaxed in this hotspring. These new experiences were all thanks to Sho-san. Not only had he freed me from the shackles of my past, he had also given me the space to find myself again. He knew I was lost from the start and found me.
The arms around me pulled me in a little closer. “I guess the day’s technically not over yet.” He nuzzled his nose at the nape of my neck, then drew a line with his lips down my spine until he found that dimpled spot between my shoulder blades. His hands slowly moved up from my waist to my breasts, gently cupping them before his fingers squeezed playfully.
“Mm… Sho-san…?”
“Hm?” A soft kiss fell on my right shoulder.
I fidgeted my legs underwater. “W-Wait…”
“Why?” His lips made their way back up my neck, leaving another kiss there.
“I…” My shoulders rose in response to the ticklish feeling. “I want to thank you for today.”
“Gratitude accepted.” His nibbled on my earlobe.
A gasp left my lips as I squirmed my body in delight. “Mmh… no, wait…! I meant, I want to thank you with more than words.”
“Oh?” His movements stopped briefly. I turned my head to the side and saw that his eyebrows were raised curiously.
When gratitude outweighs embarrassment, it’s easy to act before thinking. I spun around in his arms, my fully exposed body now in his direct line of vision. With adrenaline pulsing at deafening volumes, my hands made their way up his bare chest and found a resting place behind his neck. The view was intoxicating. My eyes traveled upward at a snail’s pace, taking in his glistening collarbones, his adam’s apple, his jawline, those supple lips, the curve of his nose…
His eyes were waiting patiently. They greeted mine with lustful longing. Enraptured by their magnetism, my lips moved in to kiss his. A quick, friendly one to begin the dance, then a few lingering ones before I needed to catch my breath. But alas, he wouldn’t let me. His arms at the small of my back pulled me in closer, making me arch toward his torso. When our bare skin touched, a loud exhale escaped my lips.
“...It’s getting really hot in here,” I managed to whisper before he engulfed me.
He broke the kiss only long enough for me to see the glimmer in his eyes. Before I knew it, he had stood up with me still in his arms. One hand reached over to the bench to grab the towel I left there. Once he wrapped it around my back, he bent his legs, put his arms around the base of my thighs, and picked me up. He gazed up and smiled for a brief second before those chestnut eyes locked down on their prey. I cupped his face with my hands and continued the kiss he broke.
I could hear the glass door shut behind him as the warmth of the room enveloped us. His arms loosened as my feet touched the floor, but my mind and body were completely focused on him. We made our way to the futon and from the hand on my hips, I knew he wanted me to lie down. But, I had other plans.
I broke the kiss. “Sho-san.”
“Hm?” Though he allowed it, I could tell that he didn’t particularly enjoy these moments interfering with the momentum of our building passion.
“I told you that I wanted to thank you for today,” I repeated myself.
He nodded, nuzzling my lips with his nose.
“...It’s also your birthday tomorrow, so…” My heart was pounding in my chest. I was attempting something I’d never done before. Just like earlier in the day, the adrenaline rush overwhelmed me.
“Yeah?” He nipped gently on my lower lip.
“So…” I bent my knees and slowly slid down to the ground. Noticing how large it had become, I cast my gaze toward his feet and gulped. You can do it, Kokoro. “...So, I want to do something for you.” Determined, I opened my eyes and looked up at him.
His eyes followed me down like cascading water and froze where I did. Eyelashes fluttered and pupils dilated in realization of my proposition.
Before I lost momentum, I situated myself on my knees and stroked his thighs with both hands. Though I felt like my heart would burst through my chest, my touch remained assertive.
His beautiful eyes flickered excitedly but he didn't say anything for a while. I began second-guessing myself. What are you doing, Kokoro? What if he isn't even into this sort of thing? But, as usual, he seemed to sense my concern and slowly bent down to meet me at my eye level.
"Kokoro-san." His fingers tucked away the stray strands of hair behind my ears. "I’m a good guesser, but I was not expecting this." His voice was warm and appreciative.
I bit my lower lip nervously as I looked away. Though it felt like a small victory having thrown him off his guessing game, I was more concerned. "Does it turn you off? I know it's not really like me to be so forward."
But of course, the victory was short-lived. Next thing I knew, he had me dancing in the palm of his hands once more. He cradled the back of my head with his strong fingers, leaned in to my ear, and whispered, "Quite the contrary. This is fucking hot as hell."
He left his hand on my head as he slowly stood back up. This time, my eyes followed his movements. When his eyes captured mine, it felt as though my whole body buzzed in anticipation of what would come next. Once I saw the corner of his lips curl into that titillating smirk, I knew that was my cue. I brought a hand slowly toward the base, and I felt it flinch.
Sho-san. I'll have you know I've never willingly done this. But, the thought of pleasuring you arouses me. Seeing you close your eyes, furrow your eyebrows, and fight to keep a moan from escaping your lips drives me wild. The fingers gently caressing my hair send tingling sensations all the way down to my toes. When the muscles in your leg contract in pleasure, it fuels my desire to love every part of you.
"Nngh..."
I wanted to continue. But before I knew it, I was on my feet, his arms wrapped behind my back. "...Sho-san?"
"My turn." His voice was low and coarse, eyes brimming with passion.
He lay me down on the futon and kissed me all the way up my legs. When I felt his hot breath there, it felt as though every nerve in my body had gathered at that one, lustful spot. I felt dizzy and closed my eyes. The sound of his lips, the smooth maneuvering of his tongue, the pressure of his hands holding my thighs open. It didn't take long before I was over the edge. My toes curled as a passionate moan gave me away.
As I lay there trying to regain control of my body, he crawled his way up toward my breasts and kissed me there. I managed to open my eyes, but perhaps that was not the best thing to do. His bangs tickled my nose before he brought his gaze to meet mine. I had never seen such a lustful yet endearing expression before. It was so much more than the mere satiating of carnal pleasures. Compatibility is everything. A familiar phrase echoed in my head as I let all inhibitions go. My hands made their way to the back of his neck, inviting him to continue. He positioned himself between my legs, and the next thing I knew, I could feel him spreading me open with each rhythmic thrust. With every moan of pleasure and each sensual expression, we connected on the deepest level of our psyche and innermost level of our vulnerability.
.
.
.
The morning light gently awoke us. Every morning after felt like an extension of the night before: honeyed, passionate, and dreamy. We spent several minutes enjoying the warmth of each other’s bodies, sighing and giggling about nothing. His raspy, morning voice was huskier than ever before, and it took an incredible amount of concentration not to lose my mind. What had I done to deserve him? It was a question I knew I couldn’t answer.
He got up first--albeit with utmost reluctance--to make us some coffee. As for me, I stayed under the covers and rolled over toward his side of the futon. His warmth lingered there and it felt as though I were still in his embrace. A smile crossed my face as I nuzzled my face into his pillow.
“Miss me already?” I heard a voice teasing from the other room.
Usually, I wouldn’t have taken his playful jabs without fighting back. But, this morning, I felt as though I were immune. “Yeah,” I said. Nothing more, nothing less.
He chuckled through his nose and sat at the foot of the futon. “I think I’m finally making a difference.”
“Hm?” I peeked at him from under the covers. I didn’t understand what he meant.
“You’re cute when you’re honest,” he smiled.
“I know, it’s kind of out of character of me,” I chuckled back.
“Is it?” He tilted his head as if to invite me to think deeper about my response.
Well, of course it is, I thought. I wouldn’t ever be caught dead receiving a compliment without feeling insecure or thinking the other person had ulterior motives… Oh, my god. I sat up at once, amazed.
He didn’t miss a beat. Noticing I had had an epiphany, he stared into my eyes as he handed me my cup of coffee. “Exactly.”
How had he transformed me so? I reflected back on the person I was before our paths crossed. I almost didn’t recognize her. When I promised to trust him, I didn’t know this was what he meant. It was not merely a woman trying to prove a man wrong, that he was indeed quite capable of making her happy. The exchange was far more spiritual: I wanted to save him, and he wanted to save me. As the realization sank in, tears streamed down my face.
“Compatibility is everything,” he uttered sweetly as he wiped the tears on my cheeks with his thumb. His was warm from holding the coffee.
There he goes again. Overwhelmed with the urge to hug him, I put the mug down on the low table and embraced him from the side. He moved his hand with the coffee away from us and chuckled knowingly. I could feel his voice reverberating in his chest, the gentle buzzing calming me. He leaned over to kiss the top of my head.
“Sho-san?”
“Hm?”
“Happy birthday.”
“Thanks,” he smiled.
“I have something to give you.” I slowly loosened my embrace and sat back up.
He raised one eyebrow and smirked. “Should I put my coffee down for this one?”
Realizing what he was implying, the blood rose to my face as I glowed like a red, neon sign. “D-Don’t remind me…!”
He took his free hand and brought his fingers to my bottom lip, gently pulling them down as if he were remembering details from the night before. “Why not?”
The place where his fingers had been burned passionately. For a moment, I got lost in his suggestion and I almost forgot why I began this conversation in the first place. I took a deep breath to snap out of the trance.
“Stop teasing me…” I said feebly. “...I brought you a gift..”
I managed to crawl over to my belongings and pulled out a shimmery, red box from my bag. After learning that we’d be spending his birthday together, I brainstormed for days trying to figure out what present to give him. It was no easy task. Nearly a dozen ideas later, I finally decided on this.
“Here you go.” I placed the gift wrapped box in front of him.
A soft smile appeared on his face to acknowledge it. After placing his coffee mug down, he picked it up with both hands and unwrapped it carefully to reveal a plain, black box. He put his fingers along the edges of the lid, lifted it, and slowly peeled off the layers of tissue paper covering the item. For a brief moment, a look of surprise crossed his face. Soon after, a beautiful, warm smile followed.
“I hope you win.” I looked him in the eyes. “But most importantly, I hope you continue doing what you love.”
Dangling in his hand was a customized DSLR camera neck strap. It came with an internally-padded nylon webbing that has a smooth side that glides over clothing if he were to carry the camera in sling mode, and a slip-free side when he needs to carry the camera on his shoulders. It wasn’t the most original gift, and it most certainly wasn’t the most expensive present I’d ever given someone. But, I fell in love with the burgundy color and the owner of the shop told me the item was customizable. I decided to have his initials embroidered in gold, but also wanted to add an extra touch. S.S. 34, it read. I knew next to nothing about cameras, but what I did know was that the camera freed him. The world he saw through his lenses was honest, unadulterated, and beautiful. Remembering how determined his eyes looked that one day at the beach, I made a promise to myself, that I would protect that innocence in him. I would prove to him that he deserved to be happy.
He cast his gaze downward toward the strap and chuckled, that gentle smile lighting up his face. “It’s perfect.”
“Do you like it?” I asked nervously.
“I love it.” His fingers moved along the lettering as if they were caressing something dear to him. He then slid his body over and pulled me in for an embrace. “It had to be you.”
“It had to be you.” His words echoed and overlapped with one of my fondest memories. I was his catalyst for change. The weight of that responsibility was now a badge of honor.
“I can’t wait to see more of what you see through your camera.” I snuggled my cheek into his chest. His arms tightened around me as his fingers stroked my arm.
“How about one, last stop before I have to go to work tonight?”
I looked up at him. “Where were you thinking?”
“What’s a birthday without a toast?” he winked.
I thought on those words for a moment and successfully decoded his cryptic message. “I wonder what new seasonal dishes Hayato-san has put on the menu!” I beamed.
.
.
.
“Sakurai sempai! Kokoro-san!” Hayato-san’s familiar voice greeted us as we entered the bar and made our way to our usual seats at the counter.
Sakurai-san rolled up his sleeves as he addressed Hayato-san with his eyes. He immediately understood and moved aside. It had become a thing whenever we visited Yamashiro-san’s bar and I watched their interaction without questioning any of it. It was obvious they respected each other on a deep level. Then, it occurred to me that everyone surrounding Sho-san was the same. They all had a profound connection too complicated to dissect or define. When he first brought me here, I wondered if I’d ever fit the same bill. Would I come to understand him on a unique, intense level like the others who were in his life? Fortunately, I knew the answer to this question. I smiled to myself as I watched the magical elixir glow in his hands.
“Here you are, Miss 33. Your usual.” A punch of cognac tickled my nostrils as the citrus scents fluttered about.
With his slender fingers, he pinched the bottom of a martini glass and slid it in front of me. He returned to my side of the counter with bourbon in hand, just like our first night here.
“Cheers.” He raised his glass.
I picked up my Sidecar and gazed at him longingly. “Cheers.”
“Are we toasting in celebration?” Hayato-san grinned.
“It’s someone’s birthday,” I replied, looking over at Sho-san.
Hayato-san’s eyes grew twice in size. “Sempai! You never tell me these things. These drinks are on me.” He then reached underneath the counter and pulled out the food menu. “And so is this Beetroot and Challot Tarte Tatin.”
“My mouth is watering from the sound of it!” I obliged excitedly.
He grinned and turned to enter the kitchen. What a great way to end our trip, I thought. I turned my attention back to Sho-san, who had been watching me the whole time. The look in his eyes transfixed me. Instantly, I felt safe, loved, and understood. And to think a gaze is all it took. We reflected on the trip, and he laughed when I got overly excited about all the delicious food we had enjoyed. Hayato-san brought out the tarte tatin which looked like shiny rubies adorning a lovely, white plate with gold edges. He had outdone himself again, and Sho-san laughed once more as I raved about the different flavors and breathtaking aesthetics. But alas, all good things must come to an end. I checked my watch and eyed Sho-san.
He knew what my expression meant. “Let me go to the bathroom. I’ll take you home before work.”
I nodded, then swirled the contents of my martini glass before I let it enchant my lips. It amazed me how the drink never grew old, that the magic was ever-powerful, and the release still just as intoxicating as the very first hit.
Then suddenly, the doors to the bar opened as bursts of laughter ricocheted off the quiet walls. A group of five guys barged in, all hopelessly inebriated. There were places to drink the way these people did, but Yamashiro-san’s bar wasn’t one of them.
“Yo, a round of shots for all of us!” one of them shouted.
I turned my gaze away from the commotion and looked at Hayato-san behind the counter. The smile left his face as he clenched his jaw.
“...I’m going to have to ask you all to leave.” Hayato-san’s voice was stern.
“Whoa, whoa. We’re paying customers. You can’t refuse us service, busboy.” A burly man who seemed to be in his late 30s heckled. He took his hands out of his black, leather jacket and threw some bills on the counter.
“We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone,” Hayato-san responded, not backing down. There was something peculiar about his stare, as if he were protecting something.
The other four men stared back at Hayato-san condescendingly, cursing under their breath. However, the man in the leather jacket seemed unfazed. He put his hand out to silence the others. It was clear he was the alpha.
“You be careful who you’re turning away, son,” he warned. “I could take down a dinky business like this joint with a flick of a finger.” He looked straight at Hayato-san, who was now biting his lower lip in anger. I had never seen him look so resentful. Before I knew it, my lips started moving on their own.
“Excuse me, but I don’t appreciate the disturbance you’re causing. Also, he’s not a busboy.”
The ruckus quieted at once as all eyes focused on me. The man in the leather jacket stared me up and down with judging eyes. He weaved his way between his posse and stood right in front of me, a snarky expression surfacing.
“You’d be a lot hotter if you kept your mouth shut.” He then motioned the others with his head. “I’m sure they’d be able to teach you a lesson and show you a good time.”
My body froze in disgust as he brought his filthy hands to my mouth, covering it to silence me. One of the guys behind him gestured his hand as if he were getting off as the others sneered. Just who the fuck do you think you are, touching me without consent? I was about to slap his hand off of my face when I heard a low, unforgiving voice behind me.
“Lay another finger on her and you won’t make it out of here alive.”
I turned around to find Sho-san standing just behind me, eyes piercing with disdain. I swallowed my breath in shock; I had never seen him look so full of hatred. It wasn’t like him and it disturbed me.
“Well, look who it is,” the man in the leather jacket scoffed. “Long time, no see.”
Wait… they know each other?
“As it should be,” Sho-san responded coldly.
“Aw, why so distant? You and I go way back.” The man laughed menacingly.
Sho-san moved to stand between the man and me. I instantly felt safer and hid behind his broad back.
“I think you should leave.” Sho-san’s voice left no room for discussion.
“Is this your girl?” But the man snickered and continued. “She’s… kinda plain, don’t you think?”
His words immediately took me back and reminded me of Shun. Juri revealed later that Sho-san had punched him for saying such things about me. Would I witness that in person? I thought. But he remained composed.
“You may have ruined my life, but I guarantee I will make yours a living hell before you ruin hers.” Sho-san locked his eyes on the man and didn’t budge.
The sneer on the man’s face faded as he took one step closer to Sho-san. “Look who’s talkin’ big, huh? Don’t forget you ruined Riina’s life.”
“Because I’ve ruined lives in the past.”
His words from that one night echoed faintly inside my head.
“I took care of that,” Sho-san corrected.
The man raised his eyebrows in disbelief and began cracking his knuckles. “Oh, so you’re letting your money talk for you? You’re no better than your dead father.”
For once, Sho-san didn’t respond. The silence was deafening. Validated or not, I felt terrified that this man knew something about Sho-san’s past and was using it as leverage to get his way. I saw the man scoff before he grabbed Sho-san by his shirt. Sho-san didn’t even flinch; it’s as if he knew this was coming.
“Don’t forget that she’s raising your kid alone.”
...What?
What did he just say?
Silence followed. I didn’t know what I was expecting, though I suppose a part of me hoped he’d deny such allegations. Where was the strong, confident man I knew? Why wouldn’t he fight back? Was it silent consent? Is it because the man’s accusations about you are true…?
“Sir. I’m going to ask you one last time: leave the premises, or I’ll call the police.” Hayato-san’s voice was shaking and the hand that held the phone at his ear was turning white from clenching too hard.
The man slowly turned toward Hayato-san, eyes narrowing and visibly annoyed. He clicked his tongue, roughly let go of Sho-san’s collar, and cocked his chin toward the exit to signal the others to leave. Right before following them out, he singled Sho-san out with his contemptuous glare.
“What a shame it would be if something happened to her…” The corner of his lips curled derisively as he shifted his eyes toward me for a brief moment.
“...Sakurai sempai?” After the men left the bar, it was Hayato-san who first broke the silence.
Sho-san’s eyes lingered at the door, as if to make sure they weren’t coming back. He brought his right hand to his neck to fix his disheveled collar, then turned to the man speaking to him.
“Sorry for the commotion, Hayato. We’ll be heading out, too.”
With his left hand, he reached into his pockets, pulled out a few bills from his wallet, placed them on the counter, and turned to face me. It was the first time I saw his expression since the men appeared. For a split second, his eyes swum aimlessly though they were focused on me, as if he were afraid of something. But, a split second it was. A soft smile formed at his mouth and his eyes harbored their usual warmth.
“Shall we?”
I cleared my throat. “...Sure.”
.
.
.
As expected, Sho-san didn’t say much in the car. I had a dozen questions swarming around in my head, but I also wasn’t sure if I should be the one bringing this back up. Instead, I recalled what took place at the bar just moments ago. Whoever those men were, it was clear they were up to no good. Who are you going to trust: a disrespectful man you interacted with for mere minutes or the man sitting next to you now, the same man who made it his mission to save you? The answer was clear as day. Though what I had learned concerned me, it didn’t make me love him less. In fact, it made me want to protect him even more. I brought my right hand toward his left hand which rested at the gearshift. Our fingers intertwined and the warmth emanating from his palms seemed to thaw away my worries.
When we reached my apartment, he opened the passenger seat door and escorted me to the building doors like he usually does.
“Sho-san. I had a lot of fun on our trip,” I broke the silence.
“Me, too,” he smiled.
“I…” There was a moment of hesitation but I breathed through it. “I want you to know that I’m not worried about what happened earlier. Well, I mean, I’m worried for you, but I trust y--”
“Kokoro-san.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He took my hands and caressed them lovingly, his eyes cast downward toward our feet. As if I were watching a slow-motion replay, he moved purposefully toward me and brought his arms around to my back. The smell of his cologne relaxed and calmed me like a sedative. He pulled away ever so slightly to give our eyes space to gaze into each other before he planted his supple lips on mine.
“Kokoro-san.” He broke the kiss and straightened back up.
“Yes?”
Time stood still in his sincere eyes. The lingering hint of bourbon on my lips yearned for more. My nose sought after its haven. His fingers gently swept my hair away from my face, and it felt as though he had enchanted every strand of hair on my head. My ears waited patiently for his words. Every, single one of my senses were focused on him.
He smiled gently once again and moved his lips to speak. His voice resounded throughout my body, and yet I was certain my ears had betrayed me. Time had indeed stood still.
Rating: R for whole series, NC-17 for Ch.17
Genre: Romance, Drama
Word count: 5,714
Plot: A 33-year-old singleton, Nijishima Kokoro, finds herself at a host club where she meets the club's most popular host, Sakurai Sho. The encounter propels Kokoro to explore a different kind of love as Sho helps Kokoro discover herself.
NOTE: This story reads like a shoujo manga--it is written in a fictitious first-person narrative where the reader is the protagonist. Please proceed with caution if you are uncomfortable with JE members having relationships with fictitious female characters (even if that female is you!).
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16
Chapter Seventeen: A Savior's Duty
Playful snowflakes collected in his hair and drops of water scattered the ground beneath him, drawing a kind of abstract painting around us. His skin glistened and accentuated his masculine features: the angle of his jawline, the broadness of his shoulders, the tapering of his torso, the contouring of his muscles. My eyes beheld a work of art.
“Come on.” He reached for my hand and pulled me toward him. Some water dropped from his towel and hit my feet.
“W-Wait…!” I pulled my hand back toward me but he didn’t let me go. “I’m still fully clothed,” I argued.
“Well, that’s a quick fix,” he smiled. He then raised his eyebrows playfully. “Are you going to make me wait for you like this?” I could see his breath as he spoke and his chest was turning red from the cold.
As usual, he was in complete control of the conversation. “That’s not a fair question and you know it,” I pouted.
He chuckled as he turned around and dipped his legs back in the hotspring. “I’ll see you out here soon,” he grinned.
I shuffled my feet back toward the hotel room and closed the sliding door behind me. I leaned my back against it and took a deep breath. Though this wasn’t the first time I had seen him naked, the situation was much too dizzying. Taking a bath together? In a private hotspring bath, no less? I crossed my arms across my chest, feeling exposed though I was still wearing clothes. I took a quick look through the glass doors. The steam rising from the bath seemed to flirt with the cold air around it. In the distance were snow-capped mountains, slowly turning into a silhouette in the dimming sunlight. It would be a shame if I didn’t enjoy this. Right. What’s the point in having a private hotspring if you’re not going to use it? I took a few short breaths to get the jitters out of my system before slipping out of my clothes.
When I opened the door, his back was facing me. His arms rested along the edge of the hotspring, the beautiful arches of his muscular shoulders relaxed and glistening with water. He turned around to greet me and smiled a gentle smile. It was one of those smiles that made your knees feel like jello. For several seconds, I had totally forgotten that I was standing in freezing weather.
“Come on in. You’ll catch a cold.” He moved one arm beside him and gestured me to sit there.
Slowly, I made my way over. Once I had reached the edge of the bath, I could instantly feel the steam rising from the hotspring, inviting me with its warmth.
“You aren’t thinking about coming in with that towel around you?” Sho-san asked playfully.
“W-Why not?” I was, in fact, thinking of doing just that.
“How are you going to dry off to get back inside?” The corner of his lips curled and his eyes sparkled, knowing he had won again.
“...Fine. Close your eyes.”
He obliged without a fight, although the grin on his face spoke volumes. As I slowly unraveled myself, I kept my eyes on him. Long eyelashes resting perfectly along his eyelids, the rising and falling of his chest as he breathed at a steady tempo, his forefinger as it gently tapped the edge of the hotspring, patiently waiting for me to join him. I placed the towel on a wooden bench nearby and took a deep breath to calm my nerves. My toes led the way and soon enough, the hot water had completely enveloped me. A sigh escaped my lips in contentment as my muscles relaxed and surrendered to the moment. But, a moment it was.
“You going to let me open my eyes?” He joked.
Instantly, I brought my legs toward my chest and curled up like a ball. I shifted my body in the seat so that my back was facing him now. In the bedroom is one thing. But to converse with him naked? To bathe in the same tub? That is an entirely different ballpark.
“I don’t know,” I mumbled.
“Let me guess. You’re sitting on the other end of the hotspring with your back toward me,” he chuckled.
“...How do you know that?” I answered.
“Wait, don’t move…!” His voice alarmed.
I flinched my shoulders and hugged my knees. “W-What is it?!” A bug? A clump of snow falling from the tree branches? I instinctively closed my eyes.
Just then, I felt his arms embrace me as I tipped backward into his chest. I gasped, now wide-eyed. Our bare skin pressed against each other tightly, pushing the warm water outward, creating a ripple around us. I could hear--and feel--his breath at the back of my ear. Though my whole body reacted to the sensations, I was frozen in his arms. Once I realized his warning was simply a diversion, I slowly let the air out of my lungs in defeat.
“Meanie…” I hung my head and mumbled into his forearm.
“I’m just a good guesser.” After a gentle chuckle tickled my ear, he kissed the nape of my neck, sending a tingling sensation all the way down my back. My body melted into his chest. I knew the heat rising to my head wasn’t simply from the hot water. His slender fingers gently caressed my chin and my head turned toward him without resistance.
I knew what was coming next. Or, so I thought. I had closed my eyes in anticipation for that soft sensation on my lips. It didn’t come. Instead, I heard a soft chuckle. When I opened my eyes in confusion, his face was millimeters away from mine. My eyes captured his full set of lips first, then the roundness of his cheekbones, then his beautiful, inquisitive eyes, slightly narrowed from smiling. Ah. I understood now why artists are gripped with the desire to preserve something for eternity. He was a masterpiece, a sight to see. I wanted to remember this moment, immortalize it in my memory.
“You’re honest all of a sudden.” Noticing my lack of rebuttal, he brought the fingers at my chin up to my ears as his thumb caressed my cheek.
“I’m just accepting defeat,” I whispered back. A snowflake rested on his cheek for a brief moment before melting away. I thought it was the perfect metaphor for how my body felt in his arms.
He chuckled again before moving his hand back into the water and burying his face in my neck. His cheeks were cold from the winter air, but the rising steam quickly warmed us. “Did you have fun today?”
I nodded. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so rejuvenated. As we age, we become more reserved and less eager to try something new. Comfort zones are called that for a reason, and many feel quite content there, feeling no need to challenge themselves. But, as I reflected on today, I realized something. It was not only the events themselves I remembered, but also the energy behind them: the adrenaline rush as I clumsily but successfully made my way down the slopes for the first time without falling, the excitement as new flavors and textures I had yet to discover delighted my tastebuds, the release as my muscles relaxed in this hotspring. These new experiences were all thanks to Sho-san. Not only had he freed me from the shackles of my past, he had also given me the space to find myself again. He knew I was lost from the start and found me.
The arms around me pulled me in a little closer. “I guess the day’s technically not over yet.” He nuzzled his nose at the nape of my neck, then drew a line with his lips down my spine until he found that dimpled spot between my shoulder blades. His hands slowly moved up from my waist to my breasts, gently cupping them before his fingers squeezed playfully.
“Mm… Sho-san…?”
“Hm?” A soft kiss fell on my right shoulder.
I fidgeted my legs underwater. “W-Wait…”
“Why?” His lips made their way back up my neck, leaving another kiss there.
“I…” My shoulders rose in response to the ticklish feeling. “I want to thank you for today.”
“Gratitude accepted.” His nibbled on my earlobe.
A gasp left my lips as I squirmed my body in delight. “Mmh… no, wait…! I meant, I want to thank you with more than words.”
“Oh?” His movements stopped briefly. I turned my head to the side and saw that his eyebrows were raised curiously.
When gratitude outweighs embarrassment, it’s easy to act before thinking. I spun around in his arms, my fully exposed body now in his direct line of vision. With adrenaline pulsing at deafening volumes, my hands made their way up his bare chest and found a resting place behind his neck. The view was intoxicating. My eyes traveled upward at a snail’s pace, taking in his glistening collarbones, his adam’s apple, his jawline, those supple lips, the curve of his nose…
His eyes were waiting patiently. They greeted mine with lustful longing. Enraptured by their magnetism, my lips moved in to kiss his. A quick, friendly one to begin the dance, then a few lingering ones before I needed to catch my breath. But alas, he wouldn’t let me. His arms at the small of my back pulled me in closer, making me arch toward his torso. When our bare skin touched, a loud exhale escaped my lips.
“...It’s getting really hot in here,” I managed to whisper before he engulfed me.
He broke the kiss only long enough for me to see the glimmer in his eyes. Before I knew it, he had stood up with me still in his arms. One hand reached over to the bench to grab the towel I left there. Once he wrapped it around my back, he bent his legs, put his arms around the base of my thighs, and picked me up. He gazed up and smiled for a brief second before those chestnut eyes locked down on their prey. I cupped his face with my hands and continued the kiss he broke.
I could hear the glass door shut behind him as the warmth of the room enveloped us. His arms loosened as my feet touched the floor, but my mind and body were completely focused on him. We made our way to the futon and from the hand on my hips, I knew he wanted me to lie down. But, I had other plans.
I broke the kiss. “Sho-san.”
“Hm?” Though he allowed it, I could tell that he didn’t particularly enjoy these moments interfering with the momentum of our building passion.
“I told you that I wanted to thank you for today,” I repeated myself.
He nodded, nuzzling my lips with his nose.
“...It’s also your birthday tomorrow, so…” My heart was pounding in my chest. I was attempting something I’d never done before. Just like earlier in the day, the adrenaline rush overwhelmed me.
“Yeah?” He nipped gently on my lower lip.
“So…” I bent my knees and slowly slid down to the ground. Noticing how large it had become, I cast my gaze toward his feet and gulped. You can do it, Kokoro. “...So, I want to do something for you.” Determined, I opened my eyes and looked up at him.
His eyes followed me down like cascading water and froze where I did. Eyelashes fluttered and pupils dilated in realization of my proposition.
Before I lost momentum, I situated myself on my knees and stroked his thighs with both hands. Though I felt like my heart would burst through my chest, my touch remained assertive.
His beautiful eyes flickered excitedly but he didn't say anything for a while. I began second-guessing myself. What are you doing, Kokoro? What if he isn't even into this sort of thing? But, as usual, he seemed to sense my concern and slowly bent down to meet me at my eye level.
"Kokoro-san." His fingers tucked away the stray strands of hair behind my ears. "I’m a good guesser, but I was not expecting this." His voice was warm and appreciative.
I bit my lower lip nervously as I looked away. Though it felt like a small victory having thrown him off his guessing game, I was more concerned. "Does it turn you off? I know it's not really like me to be so forward."
But of course, the victory was short-lived. Next thing I knew, he had me dancing in the palm of his hands once more. He cradled the back of my head with his strong fingers, leaned in to my ear, and whispered, "Quite the contrary. This is fucking hot as hell."
He left his hand on my head as he slowly stood back up. This time, my eyes followed his movements. When his eyes captured mine, it felt as though my whole body buzzed in anticipation of what would come next. Once I saw the corner of his lips curl into that titillating smirk, I knew that was my cue. I brought a hand slowly toward the base, and I felt it flinch.
Sho-san. I'll have you know I've never willingly done this. But, the thought of pleasuring you arouses me. Seeing you close your eyes, furrow your eyebrows, and fight to keep a moan from escaping your lips drives me wild. The fingers gently caressing my hair send tingling sensations all the way down to my toes. When the muscles in your leg contract in pleasure, it fuels my desire to love every part of you.
"Nngh..."
I wanted to continue. But before I knew it, I was on my feet, his arms wrapped behind my back. "...Sho-san?"
"My turn." His voice was low and coarse, eyes brimming with passion.
He lay me down on the futon and kissed me all the way up my legs. When I felt his hot breath there, it felt as though every nerve in my body had gathered at that one, lustful spot. I felt dizzy and closed my eyes. The sound of his lips, the smooth maneuvering of his tongue, the pressure of his hands holding my thighs open. It didn't take long before I was over the edge. My toes curled as a passionate moan gave me away.
As I lay there trying to regain control of my body, he crawled his way up toward my breasts and kissed me there. I managed to open my eyes, but perhaps that was not the best thing to do. His bangs tickled my nose before he brought his gaze to meet mine. I had never seen such a lustful yet endearing expression before. It was so much more than the mere satiating of carnal pleasures. Compatibility is everything. A familiar phrase echoed in my head as I let all inhibitions go. My hands made their way to the back of his neck, inviting him to continue. He positioned himself between my legs, and the next thing I knew, I could feel him spreading me open with each rhythmic thrust. With every moan of pleasure and each sensual expression, we connected on the deepest level of our psyche and innermost level of our vulnerability.
.
.
.
The morning light gently awoke us. Every morning after felt like an extension of the night before: honeyed, passionate, and dreamy. We spent several minutes enjoying the warmth of each other’s bodies, sighing and giggling about nothing. His raspy, morning voice was huskier than ever before, and it took an incredible amount of concentration not to lose my mind. What had I done to deserve him? It was a question I knew I couldn’t answer.
He got up first--albeit with utmost reluctance--to make us some coffee. As for me, I stayed under the covers and rolled over toward his side of the futon. His warmth lingered there and it felt as though I were still in his embrace. A smile crossed my face as I nuzzled my face into his pillow.
“Miss me already?” I heard a voice teasing from the other room.
Usually, I wouldn’t have taken his playful jabs without fighting back. But, this morning, I felt as though I were immune. “Yeah,” I said. Nothing more, nothing less.
He chuckled through his nose and sat at the foot of the futon. “I think I’m finally making a difference.”
“Hm?” I peeked at him from under the covers. I didn’t understand what he meant.
“You’re cute when you’re honest,” he smiled.
“I know, it’s kind of out of character of me,” I chuckled back.
“Is it?” He tilted his head as if to invite me to think deeper about my response.
Well, of course it is, I thought. I wouldn’t ever be caught dead receiving a compliment without feeling insecure or thinking the other person had ulterior motives… Oh, my god. I sat up at once, amazed.
He didn’t miss a beat. Noticing I had had an epiphany, he stared into my eyes as he handed me my cup of coffee. “Exactly.”
How had he transformed me so? I reflected back on the person I was before our paths crossed. I almost didn’t recognize her. When I promised to trust him, I didn’t know this was what he meant. It was not merely a woman trying to prove a man wrong, that he was indeed quite capable of making her happy. The exchange was far more spiritual: I wanted to save him, and he wanted to save me. As the realization sank in, tears streamed down my face.
“Compatibility is everything,” he uttered sweetly as he wiped the tears on my cheeks with his thumb. His was warm from holding the coffee.
There he goes again. Overwhelmed with the urge to hug him, I put the mug down on the low table and embraced him from the side. He moved his hand with the coffee away from us and chuckled knowingly. I could feel his voice reverberating in his chest, the gentle buzzing calming me. He leaned over to kiss the top of my head.
“Sho-san?”
“Hm?”
“Happy birthday.”
“Thanks,” he smiled.
“I have something to give you.” I slowly loosened my embrace and sat back up.
He raised one eyebrow and smirked. “Should I put my coffee down for this one?”
Realizing what he was implying, the blood rose to my face as I glowed like a red, neon sign. “D-Don’t remind me…!”
He took his free hand and brought his fingers to my bottom lip, gently pulling them down as if he were remembering details from the night before. “Why not?”
The place where his fingers had been burned passionately. For a moment, I got lost in his suggestion and I almost forgot why I began this conversation in the first place. I took a deep breath to snap out of the trance.
“Stop teasing me…” I said feebly. “...I brought you a gift..”
I managed to crawl over to my belongings and pulled out a shimmery, red box from my bag. After learning that we’d be spending his birthday together, I brainstormed for days trying to figure out what present to give him. It was no easy task. Nearly a dozen ideas later, I finally decided on this.
“Here you go.” I placed the gift wrapped box in front of him.
A soft smile appeared on his face to acknowledge it. After placing his coffee mug down, he picked it up with both hands and unwrapped it carefully to reveal a plain, black box. He put his fingers along the edges of the lid, lifted it, and slowly peeled off the layers of tissue paper covering the item. For a brief moment, a look of surprise crossed his face. Soon after, a beautiful, warm smile followed.
“I hope you win.” I looked him in the eyes. “But most importantly, I hope you continue doing what you love.”
Dangling in his hand was a customized DSLR camera neck strap. It came with an internally-padded nylon webbing that has a smooth side that glides over clothing if he were to carry the camera in sling mode, and a slip-free side when he needs to carry the camera on his shoulders. It wasn’t the most original gift, and it most certainly wasn’t the most expensive present I’d ever given someone. But, I fell in love with the burgundy color and the owner of the shop told me the item was customizable. I decided to have his initials embroidered in gold, but also wanted to add an extra touch. S.S. 34, it read. I knew next to nothing about cameras, but what I did know was that the camera freed him. The world he saw through his lenses was honest, unadulterated, and beautiful. Remembering how determined his eyes looked that one day at the beach, I made a promise to myself, that I would protect that innocence in him. I would prove to him that he deserved to be happy.
He cast his gaze downward toward the strap and chuckled, that gentle smile lighting up his face. “It’s perfect.”
“Do you like it?” I asked nervously.
“I love it.” His fingers moved along the lettering as if they were caressing something dear to him. He then slid his body over and pulled me in for an embrace. “It had to be you.”
“It had to be you.” His words echoed and overlapped with one of my fondest memories. I was his catalyst for change. The weight of that responsibility was now a badge of honor.
“I can’t wait to see more of what you see through your camera.” I snuggled my cheek into his chest. His arms tightened around me as his fingers stroked my arm.
“How about one, last stop before I have to go to work tonight?”
I looked up at him. “Where were you thinking?”
“What’s a birthday without a toast?” he winked.
I thought on those words for a moment and successfully decoded his cryptic message. “I wonder what new seasonal dishes Hayato-san has put on the menu!” I beamed.
.
.
.
“Sakurai sempai! Kokoro-san!” Hayato-san’s familiar voice greeted us as we entered the bar and made our way to our usual seats at the counter.
Sakurai-san rolled up his sleeves as he addressed Hayato-san with his eyes. He immediately understood and moved aside. It had become a thing whenever we visited Yamashiro-san’s bar and I watched their interaction without questioning any of it. It was obvious they respected each other on a deep level. Then, it occurred to me that everyone surrounding Sho-san was the same. They all had a profound connection too complicated to dissect or define. When he first brought me here, I wondered if I’d ever fit the same bill. Would I come to understand him on a unique, intense level like the others who were in his life? Fortunately, I knew the answer to this question. I smiled to myself as I watched the magical elixir glow in his hands.
“Here you are, Miss 33. Your usual.” A punch of cognac tickled my nostrils as the citrus scents fluttered about.
With his slender fingers, he pinched the bottom of a martini glass and slid it in front of me. He returned to my side of the counter with bourbon in hand, just like our first night here.
“Cheers.” He raised his glass.
I picked up my Sidecar and gazed at him longingly. “Cheers.”
“Are we toasting in celebration?” Hayato-san grinned.
“It’s someone’s birthday,” I replied, looking over at Sho-san.
Hayato-san’s eyes grew twice in size. “Sempai! You never tell me these things. These drinks are on me.” He then reached underneath the counter and pulled out the food menu. “And so is this Beetroot and Challot Tarte Tatin.”
“My mouth is watering from the sound of it!” I obliged excitedly.
He grinned and turned to enter the kitchen. What a great way to end our trip, I thought. I turned my attention back to Sho-san, who had been watching me the whole time. The look in his eyes transfixed me. Instantly, I felt safe, loved, and understood. And to think a gaze is all it took. We reflected on the trip, and he laughed when I got overly excited about all the delicious food we had enjoyed. Hayato-san brought out the tarte tatin which looked like shiny rubies adorning a lovely, white plate with gold edges. He had outdone himself again, and Sho-san laughed once more as I raved about the different flavors and breathtaking aesthetics. But alas, all good things must come to an end. I checked my watch and eyed Sho-san.
He knew what my expression meant. “Let me go to the bathroom. I’ll take you home before work.”
I nodded, then swirled the contents of my martini glass before I let it enchant my lips. It amazed me how the drink never grew old, that the magic was ever-powerful, and the release still just as intoxicating as the very first hit.
Then suddenly, the doors to the bar opened as bursts of laughter ricocheted off the quiet walls. A group of five guys barged in, all hopelessly inebriated. There were places to drink the way these people did, but Yamashiro-san’s bar wasn’t one of them.
“Yo, a round of shots for all of us!” one of them shouted.
I turned my gaze away from the commotion and looked at Hayato-san behind the counter. The smile left his face as he clenched his jaw.
“...I’m going to have to ask you all to leave.” Hayato-san’s voice was stern.
“Whoa, whoa. We’re paying customers. You can’t refuse us service, busboy.” A burly man who seemed to be in his late 30s heckled. He took his hands out of his black, leather jacket and threw some bills on the counter.
“We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone,” Hayato-san responded, not backing down. There was something peculiar about his stare, as if he were protecting something.
The other four men stared back at Hayato-san condescendingly, cursing under their breath. However, the man in the leather jacket seemed unfazed. He put his hand out to silence the others. It was clear he was the alpha.
“You be careful who you’re turning away, son,” he warned. “I could take down a dinky business like this joint with a flick of a finger.” He looked straight at Hayato-san, who was now biting his lower lip in anger. I had never seen him look so resentful. Before I knew it, my lips started moving on their own.
“Excuse me, but I don’t appreciate the disturbance you’re causing. Also, he’s not a busboy.”
The ruckus quieted at once as all eyes focused on me. The man in the leather jacket stared me up and down with judging eyes. He weaved his way between his posse and stood right in front of me, a snarky expression surfacing.
“You’d be a lot hotter if you kept your mouth shut.” He then motioned the others with his head. “I’m sure they’d be able to teach you a lesson and show you a good time.”
My body froze in disgust as he brought his filthy hands to my mouth, covering it to silence me. One of the guys behind him gestured his hand as if he were getting off as the others sneered. Just who the fuck do you think you are, touching me without consent? I was about to slap his hand off of my face when I heard a low, unforgiving voice behind me.
“Lay another finger on her and you won’t make it out of here alive.”
I turned around to find Sho-san standing just behind me, eyes piercing with disdain. I swallowed my breath in shock; I had never seen him look so full of hatred. It wasn’t like him and it disturbed me.
“Well, look who it is,” the man in the leather jacket scoffed. “Long time, no see.”
Wait… they know each other?
“As it should be,” Sho-san responded coldly.
“Aw, why so distant? You and I go way back.” The man laughed menacingly.
Sho-san moved to stand between the man and me. I instantly felt safer and hid behind his broad back.
“I think you should leave.” Sho-san’s voice left no room for discussion.
“Is this your girl?” But the man snickered and continued. “She’s… kinda plain, don’t you think?”
His words immediately took me back and reminded me of Shun. Juri revealed later that Sho-san had punched him for saying such things about me. Would I witness that in person? I thought. But he remained composed.
“You may have ruined my life, but I guarantee I will make yours a living hell before you ruin hers.” Sho-san locked his eyes on the man and didn’t budge.
The sneer on the man’s face faded as he took one step closer to Sho-san. “Look who’s talkin’ big, huh? Don’t forget you ruined Riina’s life.”
“Because I’ve ruined lives in the past.”
His words from that one night echoed faintly inside my head.
“I took care of that,” Sho-san corrected.
The man raised his eyebrows in disbelief and began cracking his knuckles. “Oh, so you’re letting your money talk for you? You’re no better than your dead father.”
For once, Sho-san didn’t respond. The silence was deafening. Validated or not, I felt terrified that this man knew something about Sho-san’s past and was using it as leverage to get his way. I saw the man scoff before he grabbed Sho-san by his shirt. Sho-san didn’t even flinch; it’s as if he knew this was coming.
“Don’t forget that she’s raising your kid alone.”
...What?
What did he just say?
Silence followed. I didn’t know what I was expecting, though I suppose a part of me hoped he’d deny such allegations. Where was the strong, confident man I knew? Why wouldn’t he fight back? Was it silent consent? Is it because the man’s accusations about you are true…?
“Sir. I’m going to ask you one last time: leave the premises, or I’ll call the police.” Hayato-san’s voice was shaking and the hand that held the phone at his ear was turning white from clenching too hard.
The man slowly turned toward Hayato-san, eyes narrowing and visibly annoyed. He clicked his tongue, roughly let go of Sho-san’s collar, and cocked his chin toward the exit to signal the others to leave. Right before following them out, he singled Sho-san out with his contemptuous glare.
“What a shame it would be if something happened to her…” The corner of his lips curled derisively as he shifted his eyes toward me for a brief moment.
“...Sakurai sempai?” After the men left the bar, it was Hayato-san who first broke the silence.
Sho-san’s eyes lingered at the door, as if to make sure they weren’t coming back. He brought his right hand to his neck to fix his disheveled collar, then turned to the man speaking to him.
“Sorry for the commotion, Hayato. We’ll be heading out, too.”
With his left hand, he reached into his pockets, pulled out a few bills from his wallet, placed them on the counter, and turned to face me. It was the first time I saw his expression since the men appeared. For a split second, his eyes swum aimlessly though they were focused on me, as if he were afraid of something. But, a split second it was. A soft smile formed at his mouth and his eyes harbored their usual warmth.
“Shall we?”
I cleared my throat. “...Sure.”
.
.
.
As expected, Sho-san didn’t say much in the car. I had a dozen questions swarming around in my head, but I also wasn’t sure if I should be the one bringing this back up. Instead, I recalled what took place at the bar just moments ago. Whoever those men were, it was clear they were up to no good. Who are you going to trust: a disrespectful man you interacted with for mere minutes or the man sitting next to you now, the same man who made it his mission to save you? The answer was clear as day. Though what I had learned concerned me, it didn’t make me love him less. In fact, it made me want to protect him even more. I brought my right hand toward his left hand which rested at the gearshift. Our fingers intertwined and the warmth emanating from his palms seemed to thaw away my worries.
When we reached my apartment, he opened the passenger seat door and escorted me to the building doors like he usually does.
“Sho-san. I had a lot of fun on our trip,” I broke the silence.
“Me, too,” he smiled.
“I…” There was a moment of hesitation but I breathed through it. “I want you to know that I’m not worried about what happened earlier. Well, I mean, I’m worried for you, but I trust y--”
“Kokoro-san.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He took my hands and caressed them lovingly, his eyes cast downward toward our feet. As if I were watching a slow-motion replay, he moved purposefully toward me and brought his arms around to my back. The smell of his cologne relaxed and calmed me like a sedative. He pulled away ever so slightly to give our eyes space to gaze into each other before he planted his supple lips on mine.
“Kokoro-san.” He broke the kiss and straightened back up.
“Yes?”
Time stood still in his sincere eyes. The lingering hint of bourbon on my lips yearned for more. My nose sought after its haven. His fingers gently swept my hair away from my face, and it felt as though he had enchanted every strand of hair on my head. My ears waited patiently for his words. Every, single one of my senses were focused on him.
He smiled gently once again and moved his lips to speak. His voice resounded throughout my body, and yet I was certain my ears had betrayed me. Time had indeed stood still.