Paradise between Shadows Ch.3
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 )
Chapter 3
It was only after work when Tegoshi approached Kazuya again. All of the hosts were in the locker room, changing back to their normal personalities. Some were silent and others were joking around. Tegoshi smiled, stopping right in front of Kazuya’s locker. Kazuya noticed him, but didn’t really acknowledge the other.
“Ryu-san?”
Kazuya continued folding his work clothes and putting them in his bag.
“Errr….are you free tonight?”
Kazuya frowned and turned to Tegoshi, “Why?”
“I was hoping, since I can’t pay to clean your shirt, you’ll let me take you out for drinks.”
“Why should I do that?”
Tegoshi stopped smiling. His mouth opened and closed several times. No one really gave them a second glance. Except for one person, who was eerily smiling towards Kazuya. The host walked closer to Kazuya and put his arm around Kazuya’s shoulders. Kazuya stopped folding his clothes and narrowed his eyebrows.
“What to do you, Ishikawa?”
Much like Kazuya, Ishikawa Akira was one of the top hosts of the club. One of the few differences between him and Kazuya were that Ishikawa preferred his customers to know his true name. He was also the boss’s favorite. Nishimura allowed him to get away from anything and anyone he wanted.
Ishikawa smiled towards Tegoshi, “Sorry, no-name, Ryu-chan has other plans.”
“What are you talking about?” Kazuya eyed the other host.
“You’re coming with us, Ryu-chan.”
“C-ca-can I come?” Tegoshi swallowed hard, “I’ll pay for Ryu-san and I.”
Ishikawa glanced at his friends and then smirked at Tegoshi, “Sure, if you get to Club Serpent by yourself, then you’ll pay for all of us.”
“I-I just me-meant from Ryu-san and I…” Tegoshi nervously replied.
“We’ll see about that,” Ishikawa gave the other a faked grin.
All the sudden, Kazuya was dragged by two men from behind. He tried resisting their pulling, but Ishikawa’s friends were too strong. They bided goodbye to Nishimura and exited the club. He was pushed into the front seat of a SUV. Ishikawa sat at the driver’s seat and the other two hosts sat in the back. He turned on the engine and drove off.
They drove in silence until they reached Club Serpent. Once the car was parked, they stepped out. Kazuya tried to walk away, thinking that the men would just leave him after entering the club. He was wrong. Quickly, Ishikawa placed his arm around Kazuya’s neck, forcing the younger one to walk towards the club. Ishikawa began to talk.
“You know, Ryu-chan, I decided I want to get to know you more.”
Kazuya eyed him suspiciously, “Why? Trying to reclaim your throne?”
Ishikawa forced a smile, “Funny. Of course I don’t mind you being the top host.”
Ishikawa greeted the bouncer, who let them in. As soon as they entered the loud club, Kazuya pushed Ishikawa off him. He was in no mood to be involved in one of Ishikawa’s tricks.
“I’m leaving,” Kazuya muttered.
“I don’t think so,” Ishikawa smiled and the two other host grabbed Kazuya again.
Kazuya groaned in annoyance, “What the hell do you want from me, Ishikawa?!”
“Five minutes,” Ishikawa answered.
Kazuya didn’t have a chance to reply. The men holding him, dragging him up to the VIP section. They followed Ishikawa to the last room at the end of the hall. There was a waitress waiting inside the luxurious room. The men released Kazuya from their grip and forced him to sit on the couch. Ishikawa smiled at the waitress and was about to order a round of drinks when someone interrupted.
“RYU-SAN!”
Everyone frowned except for Ishikawa, who was smiling. Kazuya glanced at the open door and saw Tegoshi calling for him, and trying to get passed the bouncer at the entrance of the VIP section. Kazuya sighed and shook his head at the clueless host. Ishikawa signaled the bouncer to let Tegoshi enter. Tegoshi sighed in relief and walked to them.
“I see you made it here,” Ishikawa slyly smiled.
Tegoshi nodded.
“And just in time for a round of vodkas, which he’ll be paying for,” Ishikawa told the waitress and nodding over the Tegoshi. The waitress smiled and left the room.
“Wait, I can’t-”
“Of course you can, no-name,” Ishikawa said to Tegoshi, “New hosts get paid daily during the first two weeks.”
Tegoshi swallowed hard, “But….”
“Why do you have my bag?” Kazuya asked.
“Oh, you left it in the locker room,” Tegoshi explained, handing the bag over to Kazuya.
Kazuya muttered a quick thanks and looked away from Tegoshi.
“I see you have a fan, Ryu-chan,” Ishikawa sarcastically said.
“I’m not,” Tegoshi quickly replied, “We…we’re friends.”
“What?!” Kazuya exclaimed.
“Really?!” Ishikawa asked, amused at Kazuya’s shocked expression.
“We-well, I hope we could be,” Tegoshi replied, glancing at Kazuya.
“I’m leaving,” Kazuya stood up, “Your five minutes are up, Ishikawa.”
“No, I think your watch is running fast, Ryu-chan,” Ishikawa stood up, stopping Kazuya, “I still have two minutes with you.” Then Ishikawa turned to Tegoshi and smiled, “However, you overstayed your welcome. Make sure to pay for the round. The bouncers wouldn’t let you leave if you don’t.”
Tegoshi didn’t move.
Ishikawa sighed, “Do I need to make myself any clearer? The lions need to talk; it’s time for the little annoying cub to leave.”
Tegoshi glared at Ishikawa. Just as the waitress returned to the room, Tegoshi walked away. Kazuya saw Ishikawa smiling, satisfied with himself. The waitress placed the tray of shots on the table and exited the room. Kazuya glanced at the hallway, Tegoshi was still there, talking to a waiter. As he turned to leave again, Ishikawa pushed a shot in his hands. Kazuya gave it back. Ishikawa continued to smile and pushed it back.
“You still have 60 seconds with me, Ryu-chan. Take a shot and leave.”
Kazuya looked at his clear drink and then at the others. There was something different. He didn’t know what, but he felt it.
“Come on, Ryu-chan, it’s just vodka, colorless, odorless, and tasteless,” Ishikawa said.
Kazuya said nothing. He brought the glass to his lips and looking at the other hosts. There was nothing out of the ordinary. The smile on Ishikawa irritated Kazuya. He glared at his co-worker and swallowed the drink.
*****
“He is! I’m sure of it!”
“Ok, ok. Relax, man. Don’t wake him.”
“I hope he’s ok.”
“I hope so too.”
“What were you doing there anyways?”
“I got a lead on that bitch.”
“Really?”
Kazuya groaned in pain. Slowly, he opened his eyes. His surrounding were complete foreign. He had no idea where he was or who brought him to the strange bedroom. His head was still throbbing from last night. He had little memory from that night, only Ishikawa pushing drinking at him. Kazuya began rubbing his temples, trying to remember anything else. Especially how he ended up at a stranger’s apartment. Nothing came. There was just pain in his head and buzzing in his ears. It didn’t feel like just a hangover. It was something worst. Kazuya rolled to the other side of the bed. His bag was next to the door. Suddenly, there was a sound. The door was opening. Kazuya’s eyes widened as he saw who it was.
“You’re up,” the man softly said.
“W-wh-wh-what?”
“I found you leaning against a phone booth, mumbling to yourself. You were in a daze so I brought you to my place.”
Kazuya swallowed hard, “W-why?”
“I didn’t want another drunkard jumping you,” Akanishi kindly smiled, “I’ll get you something to eat and drink. I’d offer you aspirin, but my roommate’s ex threw them out…it’s a long story. Just stay in bed right now. I’ll bring the food to you.”
Light-headed and fatigue, Kazuya just looked at Akanishi. The other nodded and quietly left the room. Kazuya continued to watch the door. He didn’t understand why the other would even let him into his home. They barely knew each other. Slowly, he was falling back asleep. He didn’t know what happened last night, but he had a good feeling Ishikawa was behind it.
Ten minutes later, Akanishi returned with a tray filled with burnt buttered toast, a glass of water, and black coffee. It was thanks to the scent of the coffee that woke Kazuya up. He sat up and Akanishi gave him the tray. Then, he picked up the toast and bit into it. Akanishi smiled again, Kazuya noticed, and sat at the edge of the bed.
“The coffee was recommended by my roommate. He said it was a good substitute for aspirin.”
Kazuya wasn’t very fond of black coffee, but he drank a little from it anyways. Then, he bit his lips from the taste of it. A small frown appeared on his face. It was sweeter than most black coffees he tried before. He glanced at Akanishi.
“Are you sure it’s black coffee?” Kazuya quietly asked.
“No sugar at all,” Akanishi answered.
Puzzled by the taste, Kazuya placed the cup back on the tray.
“I’ll leave. Just put the tray on the floor after you’re done,” Akanishi stood up, “Sleep it off. It helps.”
Kazuya looked at his tray and muttered thanks. Akanishi nodded and left the room. He continued eating and let his mind wonder. Only pain came when he tried to piece last night together. After finishing his food, he placed the tray next to the bed and lied down again. He knew that he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help it. There was something about that bed. It reminded him of something he knew a long time, but forgotten about.
Hours passed and Kazuya woke up again. His head was still aching, but not as much as before. Carefully, Kazuya picked up the tray and got out of the bed. There were soft noises coming from outside the room. Kazuya opened the door and walked closer to the noises. They led him to the kitchen. He stopped at the entrance. Akanishi noticed him first, then his roommate.
“You…” Kazuya looked at Akanishi’s roommate. It was the man - the researcher - that stopped by the club.
“Nishikido Ryo,” the man smiled, “Glad to see you remember me.”
“It’s good to see you up,” Akanishi said, “Feeling any better?”
Kazuya weakly nodded, “What time is it?”
“Just past noon,” Akanishi answered, taking the tray off Kazuya’s hands. He placed it on the counter.
“Doesn’t your game start soon?” Nishikido asked.
“Yeah,” Akanishi replied, then he turned to Kazuya, “Hey….err, I’m sorry, I never really asked your name…”
Kazuya looked aside, staying quiet.
“O…k…do you want to come?”
“Wh-where?”
*****
A soccer game was the answer. A high school soccer game, to be precise. Akanishi was a coach for the neighboring high school. And he really seemed to love his job, but according to Nishikido, the team was horrible. Kazuya didn’t understand what he meant since Akanishi’s team was in the lead. He glanced at Akanishi, who was standing next to the other coach.A bit of envy was in Kazuya’s heart as he watched Akanishi yelling orders and cheering his team on. He wished he could enjoy his work like Akanishi did. Next to him, Nishikido watched the game in amazement. Honestly, Kazuya didn’t know what made him came to the game. He didn’t really understand soccer in the first place or follow the game. The only reason he knew Akanishi’s team was ahead was because of Nishikido. He felt embarrassed sitting around stay-at-home moms and high school students. He glanced at Akanishi again, who was smiling from ear to ear.
By the end of the game, Akanishi’s team won. Everyone was walking down and congratulating his team. It was already passed two. Kazuya knew he had to leave for the club soon. He told Nishikido to thank Akanishi for him and then he started walking away. By the time he reached the end of the field, he heard someone yelling wait. Kazuya turned, frowning. It was Akanishi.
“Do I at least get a name?”
“I….I…” Kazuya hesitated, “I have to go.”
Kazuya turned around and began walking again. He bit his lips. There was a small amount of guilt in him. If he looked back, he would give Akanishi hope. He couldn’t do it…
“Next time, I’ll get it out of you!” Akanishi called out.
Kazuya clutched the handles of his bag. He still couldn’t turn, but he felt something melting inside.
*****
The woman walked into the club all smiles. She was happy. Very happy. She walked to the entrance desk and asked the man to call the boss over. The man eyed her for a minute, then ran inside. She continued smiling at herself through a mirror. She had just gotten her long hair colored honey brown. Her big sunglasses covered half of her face. Prefect, she thought. She looked prefect.
“It’s that time of year again.”
She turned and saw Nishimura coming towards her. She took off her sunglasses and half nodded.
“It is.”
Nishimura rolled his eyes and handed a fat wallet to the woman. She happily took it. Then, she opened it and pulled all the money out. Nishimura watched as the woman counted every bill.
“New hair?” he asked.
“Yes. Do you like?”
“No. Don’t you think it’s childish?”
She stopped counting the money at once. All the happiness in her face dropped. She looked at him with vicious eyes.
“Don’t you think it’s sad that your wife flirts with 20 year old boys every night?” She spat back.
He glared at her. She cruelly and victoriously smiled back. Then, she began counting the money until the last bill.
“The rest is in the account?”
“Like always.”
“Good.”
She turned to the hosts’ poster on the other side of the wall. On the top five hosts was a photo of her only nephew.
“How is he?”
“Why do you care?”
“Just answer the question.”
“Ok. I guess.”
“He hasn’t caught on, right?”
“No. Probably because he doesn’t talk to anyone about money.”
“Just because I take half doesn’t mean he can’t make a decent living with the other half.”
“He might not notice now, but he will. Sooner or later.”
“Since when did you become so protective of him?”
“I’m not protecting him. I’m warning you.”
“Whatever. I’m leaving.”
“Until next year, Miss. Mori.”
She smiled, putting the cash in her purse. Just as she was about to step outside, she stopped and glanced back.
“Oh, and Nishimura-san?”
“What is it?”
“Be sure to send Kazu-chan my love.”
Nishimura snorted loudly, “Like you actually mean that.”
She chuckled, “Of course not~”
She placed he sunglasses on and walked out.
*****
A/N-I know I said I would update Keep Me in your memories next, but I’m still working on it >__< Sorry!
Hope you all liked the chapter though! Please leave a comment if you read!! Let me know what you think~~! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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 )
Chapter 3
It was only after work when Tegoshi approached Kazuya again. All of the hosts were in the locker room, changing back to their normal personalities. Some were silent and others were joking around. Tegoshi smiled, stopping right in front of Kazuya’s locker. Kazuya noticed him, but didn’t really acknowledge the other.
“Ryu-san?”
Kazuya continued folding his work clothes and putting them in his bag.
“Errr….are you free tonight?”
Kazuya frowned and turned to Tegoshi, “Why?”
“I was hoping, since I can’t pay to clean your shirt, you’ll let me take you out for drinks.”
“Why should I do that?”
Tegoshi stopped smiling. His mouth opened and closed several times. No one really gave them a second glance. Except for one person, who was eerily smiling towards Kazuya. The host walked closer to Kazuya and put his arm around Kazuya’s shoulders. Kazuya stopped folding his clothes and narrowed his eyebrows.
“What to do you, Ishikawa?”
Much like Kazuya, Ishikawa Akira was one of the top hosts of the club. One of the few differences between him and Kazuya were that Ishikawa preferred his customers to know his true name. He was also the boss’s favorite. Nishimura allowed him to get away from anything and anyone he wanted.
Ishikawa smiled towards Tegoshi, “Sorry, no-name, Ryu-chan has other plans.”
“What are you talking about?” Kazuya eyed the other host.
“You’re coming with us, Ryu-chan.”
“C-ca-can I come?” Tegoshi swallowed hard, “I’ll pay for Ryu-san and I.”
Ishikawa glanced at his friends and then smirked at Tegoshi, “Sure, if you get to Club Serpent by yourself, then you’ll pay for all of us.”
“I-I just me-meant from Ryu-san and I…” Tegoshi nervously replied.
“We’ll see about that,” Ishikawa gave the other a faked grin.
All the sudden, Kazuya was dragged by two men from behind. He tried resisting their pulling, but Ishikawa’s friends were too strong. They bided goodbye to Nishimura and exited the club. He was pushed into the front seat of a SUV. Ishikawa sat at the driver’s seat and the other two hosts sat in the back. He turned on the engine and drove off.
They drove in silence until they reached Club Serpent. Once the car was parked, they stepped out. Kazuya tried to walk away, thinking that the men would just leave him after entering the club. He was wrong. Quickly, Ishikawa placed his arm around Kazuya’s neck, forcing the younger one to walk towards the club. Ishikawa began to talk.
“You know, Ryu-chan, I decided I want to get to know you more.”
Kazuya eyed him suspiciously, “Why? Trying to reclaim your throne?”
Ishikawa forced a smile, “Funny. Of course I don’t mind you being the top host.”
Ishikawa greeted the bouncer, who let them in. As soon as they entered the loud club, Kazuya pushed Ishikawa off him. He was in no mood to be involved in one of Ishikawa’s tricks.
“I’m leaving,” Kazuya muttered.
“I don’t think so,” Ishikawa smiled and the two other host grabbed Kazuya again.
Kazuya groaned in annoyance, “What the hell do you want from me, Ishikawa?!”
“Five minutes,” Ishikawa answered.
Kazuya didn’t have a chance to reply. The men holding him, dragging him up to the VIP section. They followed Ishikawa to the last room at the end of the hall. There was a waitress waiting inside the luxurious room. The men released Kazuya from their grip and forced him to sit on the couch. Ishikawa smiled at the waitress and was about to order a round of drinks when someone interrupted.
“RYU-SAN!”
Everyone frowned except for Ishikawa, who was smiling. Kazuya glanced at the open door and saw Tegoshi calling for him, and trying to get passed the bouncer at the entrance of the VIP section. Kazuya sighed and shook his head at the clueless host. Ishikawa signaled the bouncer to let Tegoshi enter. Tegoshi sighed in relief and walked to them.
“I see you made it here,” Ishikawa slyly smiled.
Tegoshi nodded.
“And just in time for a round of vodkas, which he’ll be paying for,” Ishikawa told the waitress and nodding over the Tegoshi. The waitress smiled and left the room.
“Wait, I can’t-”
“Of course you can, no-name,” Ishikawa said to Tegoshi, “New hosts get paid daily during the first two weeks.”
Tegoshi swallowed hard, “But….”
“Why do you have my bag?” Kazuya asked.
“Oh, you left it in the locker room,” Tegoshi explained, handing the bag over to Kazuya.
Kazuya muttered a quick thanks and looked away from Tegoshi.
“I see you have a fan, Ryu-chan,” Ishikawa sarcastically said.
“I’m not,” Tegoshi quickly replied, “We…we’re friends.”
“What?!” Kazuya exclaimed.
“Really?!” Ishikawa asked, amused at Kazuya’s shocked expression.
“We-well, I hope we could be,” Tegoshi replied, glancing at Kazuya.
“I’m leaving,” Kazuya stood up, “Your five minutes are up, Ishikawa.”
“No, I think your watch is running fast, Ryu-chan,” Ishikawa stood up, stopping Kazuya, “I still have two minutes with you.” Then Ishikawa turned to Tegoshi and smiled, “However, you overstayed your welcome. Make sure to pay for the round. The bouncers wouldn’t let you leave if you don’t.”
Tegoshi didn’t move.
Ishikawa sighed, “Do I need to make myself any clearer? The lions need to talk; it’s time for the little annoying cub to leave.”
Tegoshi glared at Ishikawa. Just as the waitress returned to the room, Tegoshi walked away. Kazuya saw Ishikawa smiling, satisfied with himself. The waitress placed the tray of shots on the table and exited the room. Kazuya glanced at the hallway, Tegoshi was still there, talking to a waiter. As he turned to leave again, Ishikawa pushed a shot in his hands. Kazuya gave it back. Ishikawa continued to smile and pushed it back.
“You still have 60 seconds with me, Ryu-chan. Take a shot and leave.”
Kazuya looked at his clear drink and then at the others. There was something different. He didn’t know what, but he felt it.
“Come on, Ryu-chan, it’s just vodka, colorless, odorless, and tasteless,” Ishikawa said.
Kazuya said nothing. He brought the glass to his lips and looking at the other hosts. There was nothing out of the ordinary. The smile on Ishikawa irritated Kazuya. He glared at his co-worker and swallowed the drink.
*****
“He is! I’m sure of it!”
“Ok, ok. Relax, man. Don’t wake him.”
“I hope he’s ok.”
“I hope so too.”
“What were you doing there anyways?”
“I got a lead on that bitch.”
“Really?”
Kazuya groaned in pain. Slowly, he opened his eyes. His surrounding were complete foreign. He had no idea where he was or who brought him to the strange bedroom. His head was still throbbing from last night. He had little memory from that night, only Ishikawa pushing drinking at him. Kazuya began rubbing his temples, trying to remember anything else. Especially how he ended up at a stranger’s apartment. Nothing came. There was just pain in his head and buzzing in his ears. It didn’t feel like just a hangover. It was something worst. Kazuya rolled to the other side of the bed. His bag was next to the door. Suddenly, there was a sound. The door was opening. Kazuya’s eyes widened as he saw who it was.
“You’re up,” the man softly said.
“W-wh-wh-what?”
“I found you leaning against a phone booth, mumbling to yourself. You were in a daze so I brought you to my place.”
Kazuya swallowed hard, “W-why?”
“I didn’t want another drunkard jumping you,” Akanishi kindly smiled, “I’ll get you something to eat and drink. I’d offer you aspirin, but my roommate’s ex threw them out…it’s a long story. Just stay in bed right now. I’ll bring the food to you.”
Light-headed and fatigue, Kazuya just looked at Akanishi. The other nodded and quietly left the room. Kazuya continued to watch the door. He didn’t understand why the other would even let him into his home. They barely knew each other. Slowly, he was falling back asleep. He didn’t know what happened last night, but he had a good feeling Ishikawa was behind it.
Ten minutes later, Akanishi returned with a tray filled with burnt buttered toast, a glass of water, and black coffee. It was thanks to the scent of the coffee that woke Kazuya up. He sat up and Akanishi gave him the tray. Then, he picked up the toast and bit into it. Akanishi smiled again, Kazuya noticed, and sat at the edge of the bed.
“The coffee was recommended by my roommate. He said it was a good substitute for aspirin.”
Kazuya wasn’t very fond of black coffee, but he drank a little from it anyways. Then, he bit his lips from the taste of it. A small frown appeared on his face. It was sweeter than most black coffees he tried before. He glanced at Akanishi.
“Are you sure it’s black coffee?” Kazuya quietly asked.
“No sugar at all,” Akanishi answered.
Puzzled by the taste, Kazuya placed the cup back on the tray.
“I’ll leave. Just put the tray on the floor after you’re done,” Akanishi stood up, “Sleep it off. It helps.”
Kazuya looked at his tray and muttered thanks. Akanishi nodded and left the room. He continued eating and let his mind wonder. Only pain came when he tried to piece last night together. After finishing his food, he placed the tray next to the bed and lied down again. He knew that he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help it. There was something about that bed. It reminded him of something he knew a long time, but forgotten about.
Hours passed and Kazuya woke up again. His head was still aching, but not as much as before. Carefully, Kazuya picked up the tray and got out of the bed. There were soft noises coming from outside the room. Kazuya opened the door and walked closer to the noises. They led him to the kitchen. He stopped at the entrance. Akanishi noticed him first, then his roommate.
“You…” Kazuya looked at Akanishi’s roommate. It was the man - the researcher - that stopped by the club.
“Nishikido Ryo,” the man smiled, “Glad to see you remember me.”
“It’s good to see you up,” Akanishi said, “Feeling any better?”
Kazuya weakly nodded, “What time is it?”
“Just past noon,” Akanishi answered, taking the tray off Kazuya’s hands. He placed it on the counter.
“Doesn’t your game start soon?” Nishikido asked.
“Yeah,” Akanishi replied, then he turned to Kazuya, “Hey….err, I’m sorry, I never really asked your name…”
Kazuya looked aside, staying quiet.
“O…k…do you want to come?”
“Wh-where?”
*****
A soccer game was the answer. A high school soccer game, to be precise. Akanishi was a coach for the neighboring high school. And he really seemed to love his job, but according to Nishikido, the team was horrible. Kazuya didn’t understand what he meant since Akanishi’s team was in the lead. He glanced at Akanishi, who was standing next to the other coach.A bit of envy was in Kazuya’s heart as he watched Akanishi yelling orders and cheering his team on. He wished he could enjoy his work like Akanishi did. Next to him, Nishikido watched the game in amazement. Honestly, Kazuya didn’t know what made him came to the game. He didn’t really understand soccer in the first place or follow the game. The only reason he knew Akanishi’s team was ahead was because of Nishikido. He felt embarrassed sitting around stay-at-home moms and high school students. He glanced at Akanishi again, who was smiling from ear to ear.
By the end of the game, Akanishi’s team won. Everyone was walking down and congratulating his team. It was already passed two. Kazuya knew he had to leave for the club soon. He told Nishikido to thank Akanishi for him and then he started walking away. By the time he reached the end of the field, he heard someone yelling wait. Kazuya turned, frowning. It was Akanishi.
“Do I at least get a name?”
“I….I…” Kazuya hesitated, “I have to go.”
Kazuya turned around and began walking again. He bit his lips. There was a small amount of guilt in him. If he looked back, he would give Akanishi hope. He couldn’t do it…
“Next time, I’ll get it out of you!” Akanishi called out.
Kazuya clutched the handles of his bag. He still couldn’t turn, but he felt something melting inside.
*****
The woman walked into the club all smiles. She was happy. Very happy. She walked to the entrance desk and asked the man to call the boss over. The man eyed her for a minute, then ran inside. She continued smiling at herself through a mirror. She had just gotten her long hair colored honey brown. Her big sunglasses covered half of her face. Prefect, she thought. She looked prefect.
“It’s that time of year again.”
She turned and saw Nishimura coming towards her. She took off her sunglasses and half nodded.
“It is.”
Nishimura rolled his eyes and handed a fat wallet to the woman. She happily took it. Then, she opened it and pulled all the money out. Nishimura watched as the woman counted every bill.
“New hair?” he asked.
“Yes. Do you like?”
“No. Don’t you think it’s childish?”
She stopped counting the money at once. All the happiness in her face dropped. She looked at him with vicious eyes.
“Don’t you think it’s sad that your wife flirts with 20 year old boys every night?” She spat back.
He glared at her. She cruelly and victoriously smiled back. Then, she began counting the money until the last bill.
“The rest is in the account?”
“Like always.”
“Good.”
She turned to the hosts’ poster on the other side of the wall. On the top five hosts was a photo of her only nephew.
“How is he?”
“Why do you care?”
“Just answer the question.”
“Ok. I guess.”
“He hasn’t caught on, right?”
“No. Probably because he doesn’t talk to anyone about money.”
“Just because I take half doesn’t mean he can’t make a decent living with the other half.”
“He might not notice now, but he will. Sooner or later.”
“Since when did you become so protective of him?”
“I’m not protecting him. I’m warning you.”
“Whatever. I’m leaving.”
“Until next year, Miss. Mori.”
She smiled, putting the cash in her purse. Just as she was about to step outside, she stopped and glanced back.
“Oh, and Nishimura-san?”
“What is it?”
“Be sure to send Kazu-chan my love.”
Nishimura snorted loudly, “Like you actually mean that.”
She chuckled, “Of course not~”
She placed he sunglasses on and walked out.
*****
A/N-I know I said I would update Keep Me in your memories next, but I’m still working on it >__< Sorry!
Hope you all liked the chapter though! Please leave a comment if you read!! Let me know what you think~~! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥