The Beautiful Downfall - An Aiba Masaki Fanfic (Chapter 16/?)
Pairing: Aiba Masaki x Kusunoki Shion (OC)
Rating: R for whole series, PG-13 for Ch.16
Genre: Romance, Mystery Drama
Plot: Aiba Masaki (29) is the CEO of Yamakaze Hotels, Japan's top hotel chain. What began as a search for a secretary turns into a life-changing matter when he meets candidate Kusunoki Shion (26). As Shion challenges Aiba to question the only world he's ever known, she keeps to herself a dark secret that must remain undisclosed.
Author's Notes: Thanks for stopping by to read my fanfic! :D I have two ongoing series: this one, and Eyes Like Honey (Sakurai Sho fanfic). I beganThe Beautiful Downfall with a clear concept: I wanted to write a dark, DoS Masaki. ;) From there, I jotted down a rough storyline which became The Beautiful Downfall. Each chapter is relatively and deliberately short so they are quicker reads than my other fanfics. Although I'm not sure how many chapters will be in this series, I hope you'll stick around to the end! ❤
Prologue | 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: The Stranger
“Do you know anything about this?”
“I’m just as shocked and confused as you are, Young Master.”
As Matsumoto drove me home that day, I had dozens of questions for which I could find not a single answer. Though I took the receiver and tried to squeeze out a legitimate reason for why my contractor had backed out, all they gave me was an apology. God damn it, an apology isn’t what I want. If this had been another hotel, I wouldn’t be bothered by it so much. I’d be able to locate another site without much effort. But, this was a different story. The baseball field has to be there.
-
“Don’t you have dreams?”
It was a hot, summer afternoon and sweat trickled down the back of my neck. Two gloves and a baseball filled the space between our seats on the bench.
“Nah, I’m an expert at living life on cruise control.”
“We’re 16, Nino. Why don’t you give your car a little gas?”
He chuckled at my metaphor. “What about you?”
Typical response from this guy: a question for a question. But, I’d known him long enough; his reply was just as expected. In fact, it was a rhetorical question. I knew he didn’t set goals for himself. “It’s like writing out my will, planning out my future like that,” he once told me. Still, it was he who taught me what family could be, how mutual trust could transform the most calloused of hearts, what having a best friend could do for a lonely fuck like me. It was my way of thanking him.
“Do you know that orphanage by the bay, the one we pass by on the way to my house?”
“Yeah.”
“I want to build a baseball field next to it.”
His expression didn’t change but I could tell he was surprised by the way he turned his head toward me. I grinned at him, he smiled back. Just like that, I knew he understood what I was proposing.
“Baseball saved my life. I want to give those kids a chance to reclaim theirs, too, you know?”
He nodded.
“You’ll realize this dream with me, won’t you?”
A lonely, wealthy boy who hated life found a place where he could be himself, an identity he could call his own. Every child deserves a haven, a place to go to forget about their troubles. Baseball was more than a game; it taught me to love myself, trust others, and most of all, to pursue something of my own. If I had no other choice but to be my father’s heir, then at least I would have had a vision and dream completely separate from him.
“Well, I was thinking about asking you to name the field after me, but I’ll settle for that,” he smirked and crossed his arms.
Since that afternoon in the park, I did everything I could to turn my dream into reality. Though I despised working for my father, I used the resources available to me to learn how to secure contracts and run a business. It was purely for selfish gain, and I didn’t feel bad about it at all. I’d sneer under my breath seeing my father pleased that I had taken an interest in the company, when in fact, I was just taking advantage of the situation. When I graduated high school, I paid a visit to the orphanage and met with the Directress and vowed to her that I would give the kids a baseball field. The middle-aged woman didn’t seem to believe me at first; I don’t blame her, I was still a teenager and what teenager keeps their word? But, by the end of the visit, she looked at me with conviction and said, “I’ve mentored a lot of children in my life, but none have had such determined eyes. I’m going to put my trust in you.” For an 18-year-old who had never heard those words before from his own parents, I felt as though I was finally given a chance. She had given me the opportunity to realize my goals.
I visited her periodically since then to give her updates. When I told her I had bought the land last year, she simply smiled and said, “Good man.” It was one of the most succinct yet meaningful compliments I’d ever received. She didn’t seem surprised which only proved that she truly had trusted me to follow through on my promise, I thought. Only later did I hear from a manager who worked there that the lot belonged to the orphanage and the Directress had declined offers from big name companies willing to pay a small fortune to buy it off of them. “This lot already has someone’s name on it,” she’d say. She had entrusted her own land to me, a mere teenager. Realizing a personal dream, I learned, could never be done alone. It involved many others in support of my goals. It meant they shared the same journey, that I was not lonely in my endeavor. It was their dream as much as it was mine.
-
“Matsumoto, do me a favor.”
The weight of everyone’s expectations and dreams sat squarely on my shoulders. I couldn’t let these people down. I’m a man of my word.
“Yes, Young Master?” He replied keeping his eyes on the road.
“Investigate Takenaka Corporation. Ensure nothing is overlooked.”
The contractor gave me no warning, no reason. This was inexcusable. If they aren’t going to come clean with it, I’ll do the job for them. Matsumoto, who was now glancing at me from the rear-view mirror, paused briefly before he nodded.
“As you wish.”
I looked out the window and recalled the events from earlier today. Things were looking up with Kumatani & Holdings’ deal. It was a partnership I knew I couldn’t have secured without Kusunoki. For someone who comes off cold and judgmental, she sure has a lot of heart. Her thoughtfulness harbored warmth, and though her word choices could be harsh, she spoke truth with compassion. If she truly didn’t care, she would simply choose to say nothing. I had learned that her audacity was kindness in disguise.
But, there was something I couldn’t shake off. When I got the call from Takenaka Corporation, she didn’t seem shocked or even surprised. In fact, her expression looked more like anger. Her eyes were aflame with determination, but about what, I wasn’t sure. What I did know was this unnerving feeling.
Matsumoto pulled the car up to the entry passageway and as usual, Mochida was awaiting my return. He opened my door, greeted me, and ushered me in. It was days like these when I felt the emptiness of extravagance. The chandelier hanging above the grand entryway, marble flooring shining in vain, a spiral stairway leading to rows of vacant rooms, gaudy home decor without a speck of dust in sight despite having never been noticed or appreciated, an unnecessarily large dining table seeing no guests in years… none of these things amounted to anything. Would these be the things that speak for me at the end of my life? “The CEO of Yamakaze Hotels, Aiba Masaki, lived a life of luxury commoners could only dream of,” a newspaper obituary will read. “A stately mansion filled with extravagant furniture and decor speak to the level of success he had accomplished in his lifetime.” As I stared at the lonely placemat at the head of the dining table, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for myself.
“Sorry, Mochida. I’m not in the mood to eat right now. If the chef’s already readied something, you can have my portion.”
Mochida bowed his head in agreement. “As you wish, Young Master. Should you feel hungry later, pray you will bring it to my attention.”
I handed him my suit jacket and headed to my study. As my butler, Mochida is obligated to follow me unless I advise otherwise. But today, I wanted to be alone in my own head.
“I’ll call for you if I need anything,” I instructed.
Instead of stepping away as he’s done many times in the past, he stared at me for a few seconds and cleared his throat.
“Forgive me for being forward, but is something on the Young Master’s mind?”
You can’t be someone’s butler for decades and not know a thing or ten about your master. Mochida, a man with a sharp mind, could always tell when I was wrestling with something. I debated whether or not to tell him about what happened at the office, but then I remembered two things: 1.) He played a huge part in bringing this dream to life, and 2.) I had never regretted seeking his advice.
“Takenaka Corporation backed out,” I spoke succinctly.
I had seen a similar expression on someone else earlier today. It was the same look; it was as if he knew this was coming.
“Do you know anything about that?” I tested. “You don’t seem all that surprised.”
“Young Master…” I could tell he was hesitating to finish his thought.
“Say it,” I interjected, irritated at his reluctance to speak.
He bowed to apologize, then executed my order. “I think it’s time you finally read your father’s will, Young Master.”
I darted it a cold look his way. For a moment, I was outraged he’d suggest such a thing, but then I remembered that it was I who pushed him to speak. Out of all the people in my life, Mochida knew me best. He knew just how much I despised my father, how I wanted nothing to do with him. For him to bring up my father in conversation despite that knowledge meant the situation called for it. Though Mochida looked apologetic for giving such advice, I could tell he didn’t regret it.
“Perhaps you may find answers to your questions in there,” he continued. “That is a butler’s hunch.”
I looked away, my pride unwilling to take his advice to heart. “I’ll consider it.”
“I sincerely appreciate your kindness in listening to a mere butler’s advice, Young Master. Have a good evening. I will be in my room should you need me.”
As Mochida took his leave, I recalled the only other time he mentioned the will in front of me. On his deathbed, my father passed me an envelope addressed to no one. Even as he lay there dying, he couldn’t see me as his son. Would it have troubled him to address me by name? After he took his last breath, I left the hospital room with both hands on the will, ready to tear it in half. Mochida rushed over to stop me. “Young Master, if I may be granted one wish. As your butler, I have never once demanded anything of you. But, this. This is the first and last time I plead with you. You do not have to read it. But, please, do not throw it away.” Indeed, it was the only time Mochida had implored anything. I did it more for him, for all the times he had been a father figure to me.
Now inside my study, I keyed into a desk drawer and pulled out a sealed, white envelope. I held it in my hand for a while, staring at it with disgust. What good would it do to let a dead person talk? How would my father’s will give insight into this current situation? Usually, curiosity would win this argument, but my hatred for my father was not to be underestimated. After a while, I decided tonight was not the time. Out of respect for Mochida, I decided to place the envelope in my work bag. Should curiosity win the battle next time, I would have it on hand. Little did I know then that it would be neither hatred nor curiosity that would persuade me to break the seal.
.
.
.
A week had past since the phone call. On the company side of things, it was business as usual. Kusunoki, perhaps out of respect, did not touch on the incident. But, something was definitely off. Those sharp, discerning eyes fluttered with uncertainty. What was she afraid of? What was she hiding?
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
I was expecting Kusunoki, so the individual now standing by the door surprised me. My hands stopped what they were doing momentarily.
“I’m terribly sorry to trouble you, Young Master. I know you were not expecting me.” Matsumoto bowed deeply, then met me at my desk. “But, I felt this could not wait.”
In his hand was a clear file with documents inside. Confused, I looked at him for clarification.
“This is what I could find on Takenaka Corporation,” he began. “It seems another company threatened them into backing out of our contract.”
He pulled the documents out and placed them neatly in front of me. Indeed, it seemed like Matsumoto’s theory was sound. Email correspondence and phone call records indicated that Takenaka Corporation had been in contact with an individual at another company. Ruby Ventures? I had never heard of them.
“All right. Go after them next and see what we can find,” I instructed.
“...I-I did, Young Master.” There was hesitation in his voice.
“And?”
Without saying another word, he took a deep breath before flipping the document to the last page. He then stepped back to give me space. It was another contract, one between Takenaka Corporation and Ruby Ventures.
~
This demolition contract has been entered into on the 2nd of April, 2020. Takenaka Corporation (hereafter referred to as the “Contractor”) and Ruby Ventures (hereafter referred to as the “Client”) have agreed and accepted the following terms regarding the demolition of Open Arms Orphanage located at 30-17 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0031.
Additionally, Contractor and Client simultaneously agree to a separate Building Construction Agreement, entered into on the 2nd of April, 2020. The new building, The Landing Strip - Showgirls Club (hereafter referred to as the “Building”) will be erected at the aforementioned demolition site, located at 30-17 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0031.
The Parties execute the agreement as follows:
Takenaka Hiroyuki
Takenaka Corporation
2 April, 2020
Kusunoki Shion
Ruby Ventures
2 April, 2020
~
Just then, I heard another knock at the door. Moments ago, I would have welcomed the face. Now, I was staring at a stranger.
Rating: R for whole series, PG-13 for Ch.16
Genre: Romance, Mystery Drama
Plot: Aiba Masaki (29) is the CEO of Yamakaze Hotels, Japan's top hotel chain. What began as a search for a secretary turns into a life-changing matter when he meets candidate Kusunoki Shion (26). As Shion challenges Aiba to question the only world he's ever known, she keeps to herself a dark secret that must remain undisclosed.
Author's Notes: Thanks for stopping by to read my fanfic! :D I have two ongoing series: this one, and Eyes Like Honey (Sakurai Sho fanfic). I beganThe Beautiful Downfall with a clear concept: I wanted to write a dark, DoS Masaki. ;) From there, I jotted down a rough storyline which became The Beautiful Downfall. Each chapter is relatively and deliberately short so they are quicker reads than my other fanfics. Although I'm not sure how many chapters will be in this series, I hope you'll stick around to the end! ❤
Prologue | 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: The Stranger
“Do you know anything about this?”
“I’m just as shocked and confused as you are, Young Master.”
As Matsumoto drove me home that day, I had dozens of questions for which I could find not a single answer. Though I took the receiver and tried to squeeze out a legitimate reason for why my contractor had backed out, all they gave me was an apology. God damn it, an apology isn’t what I want. If this had been another hotel, I wouldn’t be bothered by it so much. I’d be able to locate another site without much effort. But, this was a different story. The baseball field has to be there.
-
“Don’t you have dreams?”
It was a hot, summer afternoon and sweat trickled down the back of my neck. Two gloves and a baseball filled the space between our seats on the bench.
“Nah, I’m an expert at living life on cruise control.”
“We’re 16, Nino. Why don’t you give your car a little gas?”
He chuckled at my metaphor. “What about you?”
Typical response from this guy: a question for a question. But, I’d known him long enough; his reply was just as expected. In fact, it was a rhetorical question. I knew he didn’t set goals for himself. “It’s like writing out my will, planning out my future like that,” he once told me. Still, it was he who taught me what family could be, how mutual trust could transform the most calloused of hearts, what having a best friend could do for a lonely fuck like me. It was my way of thanking him.
“Do you know that orphanage by the bay, the one we pass by on the way to my house?”
“Yeah.”
“I want to build a baseball field next to it.”
His expression didn’t change but I could tell he was surprised by the way he turned his head toward me. I grinned at him, he smiled back. Just like that, I knew he understood what I was proposing.
“Baseball saved my life. I want to give those kids a chance to reclaim theirs, too, you know?”
He nodded.
“You’ll realize this dream with me, won’t you?”
A lonely, wealthy boy who hated life found a place where he could be himself, an identity he could call his own. Every child deserves a haven, a place to go to forget about their troubles. Baseball was more than a game; it taught me to love myself, trust others, and most of all, to pursue something of my own. If I had no other choice but to be my father’s heir, then at least I would have had a vision and dream completely separate from him.
“Well, I was thinking about asking you to name the field after me, but I’ll settle for that,” he smirked and crossed his arms.
Since that afternoon in the park, I did everything I could to turn my dream into reality. Though I despised working for my father, I used the resources available to me to learn how to secure contracts and run a business. It was purely for selfish gain, and I didn’t feel bad about it at all. I’d sneer under my breath seeing my father pleased that I had taken an interest in the company, when in fact, I was just taking advantage of the situation. When I graduated high school, I paid a visit to the orphanage and met with the Directress and vowed to her that I would give the kids a baseball field. The middle-aged woman didn’t seem to believe me at first; I don’t blame her, I was still a teenager and what teenager keeps their word? But, by the end of the visit, she looked at me with conviction and said, “I’ve mentored a lot of children in my life, but none have had such determined eyes. I’m going to put my trust in you.” For an 18-year-old who had never heard those words before from his own parents, I felt as though I was finally given a chance. She had given me the opportunity to realize my goals.
I visited her periodically since then to give her updates. When I told her I had bought the land last year, she simply smiled and said, “Good man.” It was one of the most succinct yet meaningful compliments I’d ever received. She didn’t seem surprised which only proved that she truly had trusted me to follow through on my promise, I thought. Only later did I hear from a manager who worked there that the lot belonged to the orphanage and the Directress had declined offers from big name companies willing to pay a small fortune to buy it off of them. “This lot already has someone’s name on it,” she’d say. She had entrusted her own land to me, a mere teenager. Realizing a personal dream, I learned, could never be done alone. It involved many others in support of my goals. It meant they shared the same journey, that I was not lonely in my endeavor. It was their dream as much as it was mine.
-
“Matsumoto, do me a favor.”
The weight of everyone’s expectations and dreams sat squarely on my shoulders. I couldn’t let these people down. I’m a man of my word.
“Yes, Young Master?” He replied keeping his eyes on the road.
“Investigate Takenaka Corporation. Ensure nothing is overlooked.”
The contractor gave me no warning, no reason. This was inexcusable. If they aren’t going to come clean with it, I’ll do the job for them. Matsumoto, who was now glancing at me from the rear-view mirror, paused briefly before he nodded.
“As you wish.”
I looked out the window and recalled the events from earlier today. Things were looking up with Kumatani & Holdings’ deal. It was a partnership I knew I couldn’t have secured without Kusunoki. For someone who comes off cold and judgmental, she sure has a lot of heart. Her thoughtfulness harbored warmth, and though her word choices could be harsh, she spoke truth with compassion. If she truly didn’t care, she would simply choose to say nothing. I had learned that her audacity was kindness in disguise.
But, there was something I couldn’t shake off. When I got the call from Takenaka Corporation, she didn’t seem shocked or even surprised. In fact, her expression looked more like anger. Her eyes were aflame with determination, but about what, I wasn’t sure. What I did know was this unnerving feeling.
Matsumoto pulled the car up to the entry passageway and as usual, Mochida was awaiting my return. He opened my door, greeted me, and ushered me in. It was days like these when I felt the emptiness of extravagance. The chandelier hanging above the grand entryway, marble flooring shining in vain, a spiral stairway leading to rows of vacant rooms, gaudy home decor without a speck of dust in sight despite having never been noticed or appreciated, an unnecessarily large dining table seeing no guests in years… none of these things amounted to anything. Would these be the things that speak for me at the end of my life? “The CEO of Yamakaze Hotels, Aiba Masaki, lived a life of luxury commoners could only dream of,” a newspaper obituary will read. “A stately mansion filled with extravagant furniture and decor speak to the level of success he had accomplished in his lifetime.” As I stared at the lonely placemat at the head of the dining table, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for myself.
“Sorry, Mochida. I’m not in the mood to eat right now. If the chef’s already readied something, you can have my portion.”
Mochida bowed his head in agreement. “As you wish, Young Master. Should you feel hungry later, pray you will bring it to my attention.”
I handed him my suit jacket and headed to my study. As my butler, Mochida is obligated to follow me unless I advise otherwise. But today, I wanted to be alone in my own head.
“I’ll call for you if I need anything,” I instructed.
Instead of stepping away as he’s done many times in the past, he stared at me for a few seconds and cleared his throat.
“Forgive me for being forward, but is something on the Young Master’s mind?”
You can’t be someone’s butler for decades and not know a thing or ten about your master. Mochida, a man with a sharp mind, could always tell when I was wrestling with something. I debated whether or not to tell him about what happened at the office, but then I remembered two things: 1.) He played a huge part in bringing this dream to life, and 2.) I had never regretted seeking his advice.
“Takenaka Corporation backed out,” I spoke succinctly.
I had seen a similar expression on someone else earlier today. It was the same look; it was as if he knew this was coming.
“Do you know anything about that?” I tested. “You don’t seem all that surprised.”
“Young Master…” I could tell he was hesitating to finish his thought.
“Say it,” I interjected, irritated at his reluctance to speak.
He bowed to apologize, then executed my order. “I think it’s time you finally read your father’s will, Young Master.”
I darted it a cold look his way. For a moment, I was outraged he’d suggest such a thing, but then I remembered that it was I who pushed him to speak. Out of all the people in my life, Mochida knew me best. He knew just how much I despised my father, how I wanted nothing to do with him. For him to bring up my father in conversation despite that knowledge meant the situation called for it. Though Mochida looked apologetic for giving such advice, I could tell he didn’t regret it.
“Perhaps you may find answers to your questions in there,” he continued. “That is a butler’s hunch.”
I looked away, my pride unwilling to take his advice to heart. “I’ll consider it.”
“I sincerely appreciate your kindness in listening to a mere butler’s advice, Young Master. Have a good evening. I will be in my room should you need me.”
As Mochida took his leave, I recalled the only other time he mentioned the will in front of me. On his deathbed, my father passed me an envelope addressed to no one. Even as he lay there dying, he couldn’t see me as his son. Would it have troubled him to address me by name? After he took his last breath, I left the hospital room with both hands on the will, ready to tear it in half. Mochida rushed over to stop me. “Young Master, if I may be granted one wish. As your butler, I have never once demanded anything of you. But, this. This is the first and last time I plead with you. You do not have to read it. But, please, do not throw it away.” Indeed, it was the only time Mochida had implored anything. I did it more for him, for all the times he had been a father figure to me.
Now inside my study, I keyed into a desk drawer and pulled out a sealed, white envelope. I held it in my hand for a while, staring at it with disgust. What good would it do to let a dead person talk? How would my father’s will give insight into this current situation? Usually, curiosity would win this argument, but my hatred for my father was not to be underestimated. After a while, I decided tonight was not the time. Out of respect for Mochida, I decided to place the envelope in my work bag. Should curiosity win the battle next time, I would have it on hand. Little did I know then that it would be neither hatred nor curiosity that would persuade me to break the seal.
.
.
.
A week had past since the phone call. On the company side of things, it was business as usual. Kusunoki, perhaps out of respect, did not touch on the incident. But, something was definitely off. Those sharp, discerning eyes fluttered with uncertainty. What was she afraid of? What was she hiding?
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
I was expecting Kusunoki, so the individual now standing by the door surprised me. My hands stopped what they were doing momentarily.
“I’m terribly sorry to trouble you, Young Master. I know you were not expecting me.” Matsumoto bowed deeply, then met me at my desk. “But, I felt this could not wait.”
In his hand was a clear file with documents inside. Confused, I looked at him for clarification.
“This is what I could find on Takenaka Corporation,” he began. “It seems another company threatened them into backing out of our contract.”
He pulled the documents out and placed them neatly in front of me. Indeed, it seemed like Matsumoto’s theory was sound. Email correspondence and phone call records indicated that Takenaka Corporation had been in contact with an individual at another company. Ruby Ventures? I had never heard of them.
“All right. Go after them next and see what we can find,” I instructed.
“...I-I did, Young Master.” There was hesitation in his voice.
“And?”
Without saying another word, he took a deep breath before flipping the document to the last page. He then stepped back to give me space. It was another contract, one between Takenaka Corporation and Ruby Ventures.
~
This demolition contract has been entered into on the 2nd of April, 2020. Takenaka Corporation (hereafter referred to as the “Contractor”) and Ruby Ventures (hereafter referred to as the “Client”) have agreed and accepted the following terms regarding the demolition of Open Arms Orphanage located at 30-17 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0031.
Additionally, Contractor and Client simultaneously agree to a separate Building Construction Agreement, entered into on the 2nd of April, 2020. The new building, The Landing Strip - Showgirls Club (hereafter referred to as the “Building”) will be erected at the aforementioned demolition site, located at 30-17 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0031.
The Parties execute the agreement as follows:
Takenaka Hiroyuki
Takenaka Corporation
2 April, 2020
Kusunoki Shion
Ruby Ventures
2 April, 2020
~
Just then, I heard another knock at the door. Moments ago, I would have welcomed the face. Now, I was staring at a stranger.