Paradise between Shadows Chapter 2
Pairing: Akame, more later on
Rating: PG-15 for now
Genre: AU, Angst, Romance
Disclaimer: I don’t own them.
Summary: Kamenashi Kazuya’s world has been empty and meaningless since he was 16. Because of certain events, he hasn’t seen his family in seven years and was forced into a job he hates. Nothing ever helped his life become easier. When he met Akanishi Jin, it just became messier….
Warning: Language for now.
( Chapter 1 )
Chapter 2
Papers were scattered all over his apartment. Empty beer and soda cans thrown to the other side of the room. Chairs were up on the table. Clothes were all over the room. And the bed had a mixture of everything.
To say that Kazuya was panicked was an understatement. His cell phone was nowhere to be found and that didn’t sit well in the pit of his stomach (not to mention the mess he created just looking for it too). It was as if the phone vanished out of his life. But there was no way that could have literally happen. A groan filled the messy studio apartment. It was official. The phone must have slipped out of his hands outside.
Since that phone was his only way of connection, Kazuya grabbed some coins off his bedside table and headed off to a nearby public phone. He ran to the phone booth that was across the street. Inserting the coins in, he punched in his number in. As he prayed that someone would pick up, his eyes wondered off to the road.
It was a sunny spring day. The trees were blooming and birds chirping. Nothing else could have made this day better - unless Kazuya had his phone on him, of course. It didn’t quite surprise him that he lost something. He was born unlucky, always losing or messing things up. Nothing ever went right in his life. But he never expected it too.
“Hello?”
A hesitate voice sounded in Kazuya’s ear. It was a man. Kazuya frowned; it was a familiar voice, but he couldn’t recognize it. He didn’t bother with the greeting. That man had his phone and he must have it back. Although with very little amount of contacts, that phone held everything.
“You have my phone.”
“O-oh.”
“Where are you at?”
“Err…Moonlight Café, do you-”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.”
“I-”
Without another word, Kazuya abruptly hung up. Moonlight Café wasn’t too far away from where he was. He rarely went to the place, but was well aware of it.
When he reached Moonlight Café, he felt like he was in a whole other world. The place was filled with happy chattering and people laughing. In front of the café, people that caught a look at Kazuya quieted down. It was like he was the black sheep of the entire café. A gray cloud among pure whites. He ignored the feeling and the glances and began looking for his phone. As he got closer to one of the corners of the café, he saw his red cell phone. A smile of relief appeared on his face. He walked over to take it. Just as he reached out for it, a hand covered the red thing. Kazuya pulled his hand back before touching the other, not because of disgust or anything like that, but out of fear.
Kazuya looked at the man, expressionlessly. The man looked familiar and also relieved to see Kazuya. Was Kazuya supposed to know him? Whether he should or shouldn’t know him, he didn’t care. That man had his phone.
“So it was your phone,” the man smiled, “I was scared it was that drunkard’s.”
Kazuya frowned. This guy had some guts. He was talking as if Kazuya was an old friend. Kazuya had no time for chit-chat, he needed his phone back. Now.
“How are you feeling? You ran after that old man left.”
He blinked, finally remembering where he had seen the man before. The event of last night that Kazuya blocked out returned to his memories. It was the man from the back alley.
“I noticed it after you left,” the man said, holding the small red phone in his hands, “I wasn’t sure it belonged to, so I waited for it to ring.”
Kazuya gulped, not knowing what to say. He took the phone from the stranger’s hands and held it tight.
“I’m Akanishi Jin, by the way,” the other cheekily smiled.
Kazuya frowned. So? Why should he care for the man’s name? He was never going to see him again.
“Thanks for the phone,” Kazuya mumbled and started turning away.
“Wait!” Akanishi called out.
Kazuya glanced back, “What?”
“I…..”
“I don’t have time for this. Good bye,” Kazuya rolled his eyes and walked out.
*******
After the return of his cell phone, Kazuya quickly walked home to take his work clothes. Just as he was about to step out again, he looked at his place. It was messy. He didn’t like it, but he knew he didn’t have to time to clean. Swallowing down his feelings about the place, he closed the door. He checked his watch; it was just pass two. It would give him just enough time to reach the club and change there.
After a thirty minute train ride plus fifteen minute walk, Kazuya finally arrived at the club. There was still about an hour and a half before it officially opened, but it didn’t bother him. He had enough things to do before service. When he walked inside, he saw Nishimura arguing with someone. Kazuya frowned at the stranger.
“Could you please listen, sir?”
“What is it?” Nishimura dryly said, clearly annoyed with the stranger.
“I’m doing research about host clubs. How they work and such. I was just hoping if you’ll allow me to observe for a few nights. Interview some of your employees? Before and after their work, of course.”
“No.”
“But, sir! Don’t you think it would be good publicity?”
“You’re going to write about us?” Nishimura cautiously asked.
“W-well, yes. After the research is done.”
“No.”
“But, the publicity!”
“We’re fine with the publicity we have.”
“But-”
“Leave. NOW.”
The younger man groaned, giving up on Nishimura. As Nishimura turned around, he noticed Kazuya.
“Kamenashi.”
“What?”
The stranger was looking at him as he walked out. Kazuya didn’t give any thought to it. He didn’t know who the person was nor did he care. He didn’t bother with people, not anymore.
“Put you things in the back and go help the others hand out flyers.”
“Why?” Kazuya gritted through his teeth.
Those jobs were for the newer hosts. Kazuya worked there for seven years. His job title was nowhere near new host.
“Unless you want me to add more towards your debt, you will go hand out flyers.”
“Why do you need to add more?” Kazuya bitterly asked.
“There was a wine stain on the couch from last night. I had to get a professional to clean it.”
“That was NOT my fault!” Kazuya exclaimed, “It was one of the new hosts. He poured in all over me!”
“He’s paying for it as well, Kamenashi,” Nishimura snarled, “And don’t you dare raise your voice at me or you will be fired.”
“I rather you would,” Kazuya muttered under his breath. Nishimura didn’t hear him.
“Now GO!” Nishimura yelled.
Kazuya clicked his tongue in annoyance as he walked deeper into the club. He passed by the bar and the couches until he reached the employees only area. There were loud noises coming from the locker room. He rolled his eyes and walked in. Everyone stared at him as he passed by them to his locker. Like always, he put no thought into it. As he opened his locker, he sneezed. Then, everyone around him began to talk. He wrinkled his nose in annoyance. It wasn’t like he was sick or allergic to anything. The younger hosts began teasing him.
“Someone’s talking about you~”
“No, they’re thinking about him.”
“No way! A sneeze means that someone wants him.”
The room filled with loud “whats” and “huhs.” The hosts started questioning the other. Kazuya ignored them. He had no time for their childish matters, anyways. He didn’t care about their talk in the beginning and he didn’t care now. Who would even bother talking or thinking about him? The only few people that he knew left his life a long time ago. Kazuya finished changing into his work clothes and slammed his locker shut. The other became silence, looking at him. He ignored their looks and walked out.
*****
They were all over the block. Every woman was getting a flyer. Old or young, it didn’t matter. Not to the hosts, anyways. Kazuya’s eyes traveled the block. It was already passed three and there weren’t people on the street. It didn’t surprise him that every woman passing by was getting a flyer. He watched as the other hosts flirt their way into the women’s heart. It was all business and money in their minds. If a new host didn’t have a customer by the end of their first two weeks, they would be fired in a heartbeat. He didn’t need to worry about customers. He knew that he shouldn’t be handing out flyers. All of it was busy work. It was obvious that he was bored. Very bored. He was one of the few who stayed closer to the club rather than roam the block. From time to time, he could hand out a flyer to a person passing by.
After some time, he noticed one of the hosts walking back towards him. The boy looked nervous. He was also the one that spilled the wine all over Kazuya last night. His guilt was written across his face.
“What do you want?” Kazuya asked, keeping his focus away from the other host.
“I came to apologize….again,” the other said, “Yesterday was my first night. I was really nervous and I didn’t want to mess up-”
“You did,” Kazuya interrupted.
“Yes and I’m truly sorry. If you want, I could take it to a dry cleaner.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Kazuya replied, “The shirt is ruined.”
“Oh…” the boy looked at the ground, disappointed. It was just a minute and he looked back at Kazuya, “I’m Tegoshi Yuya.”
Kazuya finally turned to him. His eyebrows rose in slight confusion. They both waited for the other to speak. After a few minutes of silence, Tegoshi spoke first.
“You’re Ryu-san, right?”
“So?”
“Is Ryu your real name or just your host name?” Tegoshi asked, “I haven’t come up with a host name yet.”
“It’s a host name,” Kazuya answered.
“Oh…what’s your real name, then?” Tegoshi tilted his head.
“That is none of your business,” Kazuya replied, “I keep my personal life and work life separate.”
“I see…” Tegoshi muttered.
Tegoshi stayed close to Kazuya as they handed out flyers. It seemed like time was moving slower, to Kazuya at least. Tegoshi did try to make some conversions with him, but all were unsuccessful. There was no way to break the wall around Kazuya. No one ever managed to fully break in. Sighing, he turned to the other side of the block. There was a girl quickly making her way towards the club. It was the boss’s daughter. Kazuya frowned, watching her come closer. Then, she stopped right in front of him. Their eyes met. The frown on Kazuya’s face didn’t disappear. She looked a mess and angry. Her clothes were ruffled up and her dark locks were falling from the bun she made.
“Is my father here?”
“Inside his office, I believe,” Kazuya replied.
She walked inside the club without saying another word. Tegoshi, who was watching them, frowned at Kazuya.
“Who was that?” he asked.
“Nishimura Hina,” Kazuya simply answered, “The boss’s daughter.”
“She seemed angry…” Tegoshi mumbled.
Kazuya snorted, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t.”
Kazuya glanced at the entrance of the club. He wondered what Nishimura had done this time to make his daughter angry.
“I hope she’s okay,” Tegoshi bit his lips.
Kazuya rolled his eyes and his gaze returned to the street. He didn’t have many flyers left to hand out (not that he took a lot in the first place). So, he was debating with himself about throwing the rest of the flyers to the trash or giving them to Tegoshi to finish the job. Just as he decided what to do, someone approached him. His eyes widened when he noticed. It was Akanishi.
“Hey!” Akanishi said, smiling.
“You weren’t following me, are you?” Kazuya immediately asked.
Akanishi’s smile dropped, “No.”
Kazuya walked passed Akanishi and towards Tegoshi. He pushed the rest of his flyers to the other host and turned back. Akanishi was still there. Looking at him. Kazuya swallowed hard, wondering why Akanishi was staring at him. He ignored the bubbling feelings that were growing inside him.
“Do you work here?” Akanishi suddenly asked.
“Why do you care?” Kazuya questioned back.
“A friend of mine was looking for a job around here,” Akanishi answered, “He’s a freelance journalist.”
Kazuya frowned at him, “You do realize where you are, right?”
Akanishi glanced around, “Why?”
“Why would a journalist be in Kabukicho?” Kazuya replied.
“He’s doing research,” Akanishi smiled.
Could it be the man from earlier? Kazuya bit his lips. He didn’t know who the man was. Just when he was about to answer back, he heard yelling. It was coming closer. His eyes gazed towards the direction of the yelling. He watched Akanishi nervously smile and glanced towards the man who was yelling.
“AKANISHI JIN! I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!”
“Uh oh…I better go,” Akanishi quickly said, “I’ll see you around, ok?”
Kazuya frowned and watched Akanishi run from the other person. He didn’t understand why the other said the last part. Gulping, he thought that there was no way he would see him again… He shook his head and walked inside the club. Another night of being fake was about to begin.
*****
A/N-- ^__^ fast update~ heehee. The next things I’ll update will be Keep Me in Your Memories (the current chapter is giving me a little trouble, but I’m working on it). Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed the akame interaction.
Please leave a comment if you read!!! Comments are loved~~~ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Rating: PG-15 for now
Genre: AU, Angst, Romance
Disclaimer: I don’t own them.
Summary: Kamenashi Kazuya’s world has been empty and meaningless since he was 16. Because of certain events, he hasn’t seen his family in seven years and was forced into a job he hates. Nothing ever helped his life become easier. When he met Akanishi Jin, it just became messier….
Warning: Language for now.
( Chapter 1 )
Chapter 2
Papers were scattered all over his apartment. Empty beer and soda cans thrown to the other side of the room. Chairs were up on the table. Clothes were all over the room. And the bed had a mixture of everything.
To say that Kazuya was panicked was an understatement. His cell phone was nowhere to be found and that didn’t sit well in the pit of his stomach (not to mention the mess he created just looking for it too). It was as if the phone vanished out of his life. But there was no way that could have literally happen. A groan filled the messy studio apartment. It was official. The phone must have slipped out of his hands outside.
Since that phone was his only way of connection, Kazuya grabbed some coins off his bedside table and headed off to a nearby public phone. He ran to the phone booth that was across the street. Inserting the coins in, he punched in his number in. As he prayed that someone would pick up, his eyes wondered off to the road.
It was a sunny spring day. The trees were blooming and birds chirping. Nothing else could have made this day better - unless Kazuya had his phone on him, of course. It didn’t quite surprise him that he lost something. He was born unlucky, always losing or messing things up. Nothing ever went right in his life. But he never expected it too.
“Hello?”
A hesitate voice sounded in Kazuya’s ear. It was a man. Kazuya frowned; it was a familiar voice, but he couldn’t recognize it. He didn’t bother with the greeting. That man had his phone and he must have it back. Although with very little amount of contacts, that phone held everything.
“You have my phone.”
“O-oh.”
“Where are you at?”
“Err…Moonlight Café, do you-”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.”
“I-”
Without another word, Kazuya abruptly hung up. Moonlight Café wasn’t too far away from where he was. He rarely went to the place, but was well aware of it.
When he reached Moonlight Café, he felt like he was in a whole other world. The place was filled with happy chattering and people laughing. In front of the café, people that caught a look at Kazuya quieted down. It was like he was the black sheep of the entire café. A gray cloud among pure whites. He ignored the feeling and the glances and began looking for his phone. As he got closer to one of the corners of the café, he saw his red cell phone. A smile of relief appeared on his face. He walked over to take it. Just as he reached out for it, a hand covered the red thing. Kazuya pulled his hand back before touching the other, not because of disgust or anything like that, but out of fear.
Kazuya looked at the man, expressionlessly. The man looked familiar and also relieved to see Kazuya. Was Kazuya supposed to know him? Whether he should or shouldn’t know him, he didn’t care. That man had his phone.
“So it was your phone,” the man smiled, “I was scared it was that drunkard’s.”
Kazuya frowned. This guy had some guts. He was talking as if Kazuya was an old friend. Kazuya had no time for chit-chat, he needed his phone back. Now.
“How are you feeling? You ran after that old man left.”
He blinked, finally remembering where he had seen the man before. The event of last night that Kazuya blocked out returned to his memories. It was the man from the back alley.
“I noticed it after you left,” the man said, holding the small red phone in his hands, “I wasn’t sure it belonged to, so I waited for it to ring.”
Kazuya gulped, not knowing what to say. He took the phone from the stranger’s hands and held it tight.
“I’m Akanishi Jin, by the way,” the other cheekily smiled.
Kazuya frowned. So? Why should he care for the man’s name? He was never going to see him again.
“Thanks for the phone,” Kazuya mumbled and started turning away.
“Wait!” Akanishi called out.
Kazuya glanced back, “What?”
“I…..”
“I don’t have time for this. Good bye,” Kazuya rolled his eyes and walked out.
*******
After the return of his cell phone, Kazuya quickly walked home to take his work clothes. Just as he was about to step out again, he looked at his place. It was messy. He didn’t like it, but he knew he didn’t have to time to clean. Swallowing down his feelings about the place, he closed the door. He checked his watch; it was just pass two. It would give him just enough time to reach the club and change there.
After a thirty minute train ride plus fifteen minute walk, Kazuya finally arrived at the club. There was still about an hour and a half before it officially opened, but it didn’t bother him. He had enough things to do before service. When he walked inside, he saw Nishimura arguing with someone. Kazuya frowned at the stranger.
“Could you please listen, sir?”
“What is it?” Nishimura dryly said, clearly annoyed with the stranger.
“I’m doing research about host clubs. How they work and such. I was just hoping if you’ll allow me to observe for a few nights. Interview some of your employees? Before and after their work, of course.”
“No.”
“But, sir! Don’t you think it would be good publicity?”
“You’re going to write about us?” Nishimura cautiously asked.
“W-well, yes. After the research is done.”
“No.”
“But, the publicity!”
“We’re fine with the publicity we have.”
“But-”
“Leave. NOW.”
The younger man groaned, giving up on Nishimura. As Nishimura turned around, he noticed Kazuya.
“Kamenashi.”
“What?”
The stranger was looking at him as he walked out. Kazuya didn’t give any thought to it. He didn’t know who the person was nor did he care. He didn’t bother with people, not anymore.
“Put you things in the back and go help the others hand out flyers.”
“Why?” Kazuya gritted through his teeth.
Those jobs were for the newer hosts. Kazuya worked there for seven years. His job title was nowhere near new host.
“Unless you want me to add more towards your debt, you will go hand out flyers.”
“Why do you need to add more?” Kazuya bitterly asked.
“There was a wine stain on the couch from last night. I had to get a professional to clean it.”
“That was NOT my fault!” Kazuya exclaimed, “It was one of the new hosts. He poured in all over me!”
“He’s paying for it as well, Kamenashi,” Nishimura snarled, “And don’t you dare raise your voice at me or you will be fired.”
“I rather you would,” Kazuya muttered under his breath. Nishimura didn’t hear him.
“Now GO!” Nishimura yelled.
Kazuya clicked his tongue in annoyance as he walked deeper into the club. He passed by the bar and the couches until he reached the employees only area. There were loud noises coming from the locker room. He rolled his eyes and walked in. Everyone stared at him as he passed by them to his locker. Like always, he put no thought into it. As he opened his locker, he sneezed. Then, everyone around him began to talk. He wrinkled his nose in annoyance. It wasn’t like he was sick or allergic to anything. The younger hosts began teasing him.
“Someone’s talking about you~”
“No, they’re thinking about him.”
“No way! A sneeze means that someone wants him.”
The room filled with loud “whats” and “huhs.” The hosts started questioning the other. Kazuya ignored them. He had no time for their childish matters, anyways. He didn’t care about their talk in the beginning and he didn’t care now. Who would even bother talking or thinking about him? The only few people that he knew left his life a long time ago. Kazuya finished changing into his work clothes and slammed his locker shut. The other became silence, looking at him. He ignored their looks and walked out.
*****
They were all over the block. Every woman was getting a flyer. Old or young, it didn’t matter. Not to the hosts, anyways. Kazuya’s eyes traveled the block. It was already passed three and there weren’t people on the street. It didn’t surprise him that every woman passing by was getting a flyer. He watched as the other hosts flirt their way into the women’s heart. It was all business and money in their minds. If a new host didn’t have a customer by the end of their first two weeks, they would be fired in a heartbeat. He didn’t need to worry about customers. He knew that he shouldn’t be handing out flyers. All of it was busy work. It was obvious that he was bored. Very bored. He was one of the few who stayed closer to the club rather than roam the block. From time to time, he could hand out a flyer to a person passing by.
After some time, he noticed one of the hosts walking back towards him. The boy looked nervous. He was also the one that spilled the wine all over Kazuya last night. His guilt was written across his face.
“What do you want?” Kazuya asked, keeping his focus away from the other host.
“I came to apologize….again,” the other said, “Yesterday was my first night. I was really nervous and I didn’t want to mess up-”
“You did,” Kazuya interrupted.
“Yes and I’m truly sorry. If you want, I could take it to a dry cleaner.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Kazuya replied, “The shirt is ruined.”
“Oh…” the boy looked at the ground, disappointed. It was just a minute and he looked back at Kazuya, “I’m Tegoshi Yuya.”
Kazuya finally turned to him. His eyebrows rose in slight confusion. They both waited for the other to speak. After a few minutes of silence, Tegoshi spoke first.
“You’re Ryu-san, right?”
“So?”
“Is Ryu your real name or just your host name?” Tegoshi asked, “I haven’t come up with a host name yet.”
“It’s a host name,” Kazuya answered.
“Oh…what’s your real name, then?” Tegoshi tilted his head.
“That is none of your business,” Kazuya replied, “I keep my personal life and work life separate.”
“I see…” Tegoshi muttered.
Tegoshi stayed close to Kazuya as they handed out flyers. It seemed like time was moving slower, to Kazuya at least. Tegoshi did try to make some conversions with him, but all were unsuccessful. There was no way to break the wall around Kazuya. No one ever managed to fully break in. Sighing, he turned to the other side of the block. There was a girl quickly making her way towards the club. It was the boss’s daughter. Kazuya frowned, watching her come closer. Then, she stopped right in front of him. Their eyes met. The frown on Kazuya’s face didn’t disappear. She looked a mess and angry. Her clothes were ruffled up and her dark locks were falling from the bun she made.
“Is my father here?”
“Inside his office, I believe,” Kazuya replied.
She walked inside the club without saying another word. Tegoshi, who was watching them, frowned at Kazuya.
“Who was that?” he asked.
“Nishimura Hina,” Kazuya simply answered, “The boss’s daughter.”
“She seemed angry…” Tegoshi mumbled.
Kazuya snorted, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t.”
Kazuya glanced at the entrance of the club. He wondered what Nishimura had done this time to make his daughter angry.
“I hope she’s okay,” Tegoshi bit his lips.
Kazuya rolled his eyes and his gaze returned to the street. He didn’t have many flyers left to hand out (not that he took a lot in the first place). So, he was debating with himself about throwing the rest of the flyers to the trash or giving them to Tegoshi to finish the job. Just as he decided what to do, someone approached him. His eyes widened when he noticed. It was Akanishi.
“Hey!” Akanishi said, smiling.
“You weren’t following me, are you?” Kazuya immediately asked.
Akanishi’s smile dropped, “No.”
Kazuya walked passed Akanishi and towards Tegoshi. He pushed the rest of his flyers to the other host and turned back. Akanishi was still there. Looking at him. Kazuya swallowed hard, wondering why Akanishi was staring at him. He ignored the bubbling feelings that were growing inside him.
“Do you work here?” Akanishi suddenly asked.
“Why do you care?” Kazuya questioned back.
“A friend of mine was looking for a job around here,” Akanishi answered, “He’s a freelance journalist.”
Kazuya frowned at him, “You do realize where you are, right?”
Akanishi glanced around, “Why?”
“Why would a journalist be in Kabukicho?” Kazuya replied.
“He’s doing research,” Akanishi smiled.
Could it be the man from earlier? Kazuya bit his lips. He didn’t know who the man was. Just when he was about to answer back, he heard yelling. It was coming closer. His eyes gazed towards the direction of the yelling. He watched Akanishi nervously smile and glanced towards the man who was yelling.
“AKANISHI JIN! I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!”
“Uh oh…I better go,” Akanishi quickly said, “I’ll see you around, ok?”
Kazuya frowned and watched Akanishi run from the other person. He didn’t understand why the other said the last part. Gulping, he thought that there was no way he would see him again… He shook his head and walked inside the club. Another night of being fake was about to begin.
*****
A/N-- ^__^ fast update~ heehee. The next things I’ll update will be Keep Me in Your Memories (the current chapter is giving me a little trouble, but I’m working on it). Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed the akame interaction.
Please leave a comment if you read!!! Comments are loved~~~ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥