Series: Possession (7)
Title: Possession
Chapter: 7
Pairing: (1) Aiba Masaki and Sakurai Sho
(2) Aiba Masaki and Matsumoto Jun
(3) Ninomiya Kazunari and Ohno Satoshi
Genre: Romance, AU
Rating: PG-13
Beta: laurachan2, kos_mos26
x-posted: arashirabu , jent_fanfics
Notes: This is to fulfill camaronzin's request of a Yakuza Arashi.
“I’m so glad tomorrow is the last day of school!” Masaki gushed excitedly that evening when they arrived at the apartment complex. “I want to go on several roller coaster rides this summer.”
“Don’t you have summer classes?” Jun questioned, skeptical about how much time Masaki would be able to spare to go on roller coasters and amusement parks.
Masaki refused to let the thought of summer school ruin his fun, “I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I didn’t get to enjoy last year because I committed myself to a full week of classes all summer; but this summer I made sure the principal knew that I am only available to teach a couple of days a week. What does your schedule look like Jun-chan?”
Jun shrugged as they took the elevator to the fifth floor, “No classes. I’ve had plans for this summer for a long time now and I am going to very busy.”
“Oh? What kinds of activities have you planned?” Masaki asked as the elevator doors slid open and they walked out into the hallway. As they passed Nino’s door, Masaki pointed out, “Ah, we should check on Ninomiya-sensei. I hope he is feeling better now than he did in the morning.”
“Why don’t you check on him? I’ll go ahead and get started on dinner,” Jun suggested fishing his house keys from his purse. When Masaki went to knock on the door, Jun unlocked their apartment and walked inside. Tossing the keys on the counter next to the phone, Jun pressed the play button on voicemail. He listened through the messages while massaging his tired heels. He froze as he heard the last message and sighing softly he deleted them all, “I’ve to let Aiba-chan know about this… I hope he takes it well.”
“Who takes what well?” Masaki smiled walking into the living room.
“Weren’t you going to check on Nino?” Jun asked, eyes following Masaki’s movements as Masaki removed his shoes and set them in the foyer. He couldn’t tear his eyes off Masaki when the older man started removing his tie.
Masaki smiled and tossed his tie on the counter next to the phone, “I did, but he didn’t answer the door. He might have gone to the hospital or maybe he is sleeping. What were you talking about just now?”
Clearing this throat, Jun patted the seat next to him on the couch, “Aiba-chan, why don’t you take a seat? I’ve something to tell you and it’s better if you’re sitting.”
*****
“There is progress. Our man was finally able to find some interesting facts,” Imai turned to Sho after hanging up his cell phone.
“Interesting facts?” Sho questioned looking up at Imai from his paperwork.
Closing the doors gently, Imai cleared his throat before speaking, “Matsumoto Jun may not really be a lady. While the two were at school, Ninomiya went into their apartment to dig deeper. He discovered that Matsumoto-san might be undergoing an operation soon.”
“How is that interesting?” Sho muttered going back to review the finances.
Turning red, Imai proceeded to explain, “It’s interesting because… Matsumoto-san may not really be a woman… and will be undergoing an operation to become a woman.”
Sho’s pen dropped from his suddenly limp fingers, “My Masaki likes a … transvestite?”
“It looks like it right now … but Ninomiya overheard a message left on the phone for Matsumoto-san from a travel agency. It looks like he’ll be traveling outside Japan to finish the process … of … of… becoming a transsexual,” Imai muttered, feeling uncomfortable at having to explain the details to Sho.
*****
Masaki’s jaw dropped open at the confession and he stuttered, “Y-you are going to do WHAT!”
“Have an operation,” Jun muttered nervously.
“But… but… you said you were cross-dressing because it would be easier to find a job as a home ec teacher if you were a female,” Masaki pointed out.
Sighing softly Jun nodded, “I did tell you that … but you’ve to remember, that was our first meeting and I accidentally exposed myself to you and I didn’t know you enough to let you know my true feelings.” When Masaki simply stared at Jun, Jun continued, “Uh … well, I’m telling you now that the real reason I dress as a woman is because I like it. Since I was little I always felt like I was trapped in a body that didn’t belong to me. I moved from my hometown because my parents didn’t want to be associated with a freak like me when I told them how I felt. And … and… I decided that since I’ll be getting a fresh start I might as well start with the right foot. I’ve been dressing like this for a few years and I’m convinced that going through the operation is the right thing to do…”
Masaki nodded his head slowly and moved away from Jun a little, “Why … I mean… uh … I don’t know what to say…”
“Please tell me you’ll still be my friend,” Jun whispered, looking desperate for acceptance.
“I … I suppose I will be. This is such a shock! I mean, I never suspected that you really liked it… I guess I should have thought something was off when you dressed as a woman even at home,” Masaki mumbled staring at Jun.
Blushing a little Jun nodded, “I’ll be gone for at least a month or two this summer to complete my change. I’ll come back a happy woman. I really hope that you’ll be there to receive me.”
“I guess so. I will need those two months this summer to get used to the idea that one of my good friends is going to be changing genders,” sighing softly Masaki looked around the room, “Umm … when exactly are you leaving?”
“About that…”
*****
“So, the man Sho has an interest in is living with someone who is pretending to be a woman,” Ohno concluded, rubbing his temples gently. The words spewing out of Nino’s lips were giving him a headache. Groaning a little, Ohno looked up at Nino who was calmly sipping a cup of coffee, “And the man who is pretending to be a woman will no longer be pretending after next week.”
“That’s correct. Sho seems to like Aiba-sensei; Aiba-sensei is living with a transvestite, who will be going under the knife sometime next week; and the transvestite claims to be engaged to Aiba-sensei - which Aiba-sensei seems to agree to by the way. So, when Matsumoto-sensei returns after the operation, they won’t have any problem getting married,” Nino grimaced at the prospect, his coffee suddenly tasting too bitter to his tongue.
“Fine, fine … keep an eye on Sho’s movements now. I’ve a feeling if he really is interested in this teacher, this will be the perfect time for him to make his move,” Ohno mumbled, throwing a couple of bills to cover the coffee and tip. Ignoring the bitter tasting liquid, Nino followed Ohno to the backseat of the car.
*****
“Next week?” Masaki exclaimed, “But… that’s too sudden… isn’t it?”
“Not exactly. I booked the tickets and scheduled everything six months ago. It slipped my mind for a while, but there was a message on the phone today from Inoue-san at the travel agency reminding me of the appointment. The flight leaves next Tuesday early morning,” Jun averted his eyes, feeling guilty for springing such news on Masaki and expecting him to take everything in calmly.
Nodding his head, Masaki walked to his room, “I … I guess I’ll go with you to the airport to send you off.”
A smile broke across Jun’s lips and he ran to hug Masaki, “Thank you so much Aiba-chan. You have no idea what it means to me that someone can accept me just the way I am.”
Patting Jun’s shoulder, Masaki extricated himself from the hug, “I’ll have two months to get used to the idea Jun-chan. Let me grab the shower first. You’ll probably want to get started on packing and stuff.”
“Good idea. I’ll start on that and perhaps start on dinner as well while you’re in the shower,” Jun grinned and impulsively kissed Masaki’s cheek before heading to his own room.
Wiping his cheek slowly, Masaki grabbed a towel and walked into the shower. His mind was full of thoughts on Jun as the warm water sprayed out of the showerhead.
*****
Jun was barely able to sleep on Monday night. It felt like he had just closed his eyes when the alarm went off. Sighing softly, he showered and dressed in a clean white shirt. Looking around his bedroom, he smiled a little before closing the door. He walked into the living room to find Masaki holding two cups of coffee. “For you,” Masaki said placing one of the cups on the counter tops.
“Thank you,” Jun accepted the coffee. They sat down in silence for a while, sipping the hot coffee. When Jun finally spoke, his voice came out shaky, “I’m going to miss this place. I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll make sure everything is exactly as it is when you return,” Masaki gave one of his famous smiles taking the empty coffee mugs to the sink. Soaking them in water, he looked at Jun again, “I’ll miss you too…”
The ride to the airport was quiet. Jun had so many things in his mind, so many things to tell Masaki but he wasn’t able to articulate a single thought properly. Masaki pat his roommate’s shoulder, comforting him, silently letting the younger man know that no matter what he does, Masaki will be there. Three hours before the flight time, Jun checked his bags in and turned to Masaki, “Aiba-chan, thank you for coming to see me off at such an early hour.”
“It’s no problem. What are friends for anyway?” Masaki smiled giving Jun a goodbye hug, “Take care and come back healthy.” When Jun refused to let go, Masaki wriggled a little, “Jun?”
“Aiba-chan, I know you don’t like guys. I know you’ve told me several times that you like women … well, once I come back to Japan, I will be a woman. Will you consider being with me then?” the thoughts swirling in Jun’s mind spilled from his lips.
“Jun-chan?” Masaki questioned, going still in the hug.
“I love you. I probably shouldn’t be saying this before leaving the country; I probably should wait until my return to confess to you … given you time to get used to the idea of me as a woman, but I fear that if I leave you now without telling you anything … you’ll be devoured by that Sakurai. You probably won’t fall in love consciously with him anyway … seeing as he is a man and you’re a man, but I’m afraid to take that chance,” Jun whispered and with one last squeeze, pushed Masaki away from him.
Masaki’s lips moved but no words came out. Jun nodded and walked towards the security check, “Take care Aiba-chan. See you soon. I’ll be back on the 19th of September.”
The return train home seemed longer to Masaki. Jun’s confession had come out of nowhere and took him by surprise. By the time he reached home, dawn was breaking over the horizon. Even though he was tired from the sleepless night before, trying to fall asleep seemed like a distant thought. He was overwhelmed by thoughts of Jun and didn’t even realize when sleep overcame him.
When he woke up a couple of hours later, he realized he was going to be late for the first day of his summer classes. Cursing softly for having overslept, Masaki groomed himself and with a piece of toast hanging from his mouth, he dashed out of the apartment. He buttoned his shirt in the elevator and chewed on the dry piece of bread as he ran to the train station.
*****
“Be careful with that!” Imai snapped as he oversaw the men carry Sho’s belongings into the apartment on the fifth floor. Imai had to beg, plead and even resort to threatening the old man living in 5D to get him to move to a different apartment in the complex. It had finally taken a hefty bribe to get the job done. “That’s the last of the furniture,” Imai turned to Sho.
“Leave a couple of boxes outside will you,” Sho smiled watching his men arrange the furniture to his liking.
Rolling his eyes, Imai muttered, “Whatever you say. Anyway, I just got word that Aiba-san got off the train and is headed this way.”
A grin spread across his face slowly as he went down to grab one of the boxes he had just requested to be left outside. He waited patiently for Masaki to walk into the building before Sho grabbed one of the boxes and headed to the elevator, bumping into the man accidentally, “Ah, sorry!”
“Sho-san, are you ok? Looks like you could use some help,” Masaki exclaimed grabbing the box in Sho’s hands.
“Aiba-chan, thank you. I’ve just got two more boxes to carry upstairs and I’ll be all settled in,” Sho smiled, handing the box to Masaki and grabbing another.
“Settled in?”
“Why yes, remember I came here last week to look at the apartment? I was able to sign a lease to 5D. I am moving in today. The movers already put all the heavy stuff inside and are arranging the furniture for me. I just have these boxes to carry up now,” Sho smiled walking into the elevator with Masaki.
“Oh right! I forgot that you mentioned you might be moving in. We’ll be neighbors from now. Welcome to the neighborhood Sho-san. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the pool this summer here,” Masaki smiled pressing the button for fifth floor.
Sho’s men were nearly done with the apartment when Masaki and Sho walked. “You can leave the box in the foyer Aiba-chan,” Sho said setting his own box down, “Can I get you anything?”
Masaki smiled and shook his head, “Looks like you’ve still got some unpacking to do. Why don’t I make you dinner for tonight? You can treat me to dinner some other time.”
“Looks like everything is in its place. Give me a call if you need anything Sho,” Imai smiled and bowing to Masaki walked out of the place. Masaki moved to a side and watched with fascination as the big, rough looking men filed out of the apartment in an orderly fashion.
“You got some strong men to move the furniture for you,” Masaki mumbled as the last person to leave closed the front door behind him, “By the way, I forgot to mention … that man that talked to you … he is a gangster, so be careful around him!”
Surprised, Sho blinked at Masaki, “Gangster? How do you know? You don’t like gangsters?”
“Gangsters are scary; And I know because I saw him in the restroom of a bar before beating up a guy and then he was leading a group of men who took away the original owner of this building. So yeah, be wary of that guy and steer clear when you see him,” Masaki replied.
Grumbling at Imai’s actions, Sho nodded his head, “I’ll be sure to be far away from him. Now, about that dinner?”
Masaki gave him his signature happy smile and nodded his head, “I was going to make ramen. You can either come join me now or come by in an hour when I’ll be done cooking.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll help you with the cooking … so I’ll join you now,” Sho offered, holding the door open for Masaki. The men walked into Masaki’s apartment, unaware of Nino’s watchful gaze following their movements from the far end of the hallway.
[To Be Continued]
[End of Chapter 7]
Comments are welcome.
Chapter: 7
Pairing: (1) Aiba Masaki and Sakurai Sho
(2) Aiba Masaki and Matsumoto Jun
(3) Ninomiya Kazunari and Ohno Satoshi
Genre: Romance, AU
Rating: PG-13
Beta: laurachan2, kos_mos26
x-posted: arashirabu , jent_fanfics
Notes: This is to fulfill camaronzin's request of a Yakuza Arashi.
“I’m so glad tomorrow is the last day of school!” Masaki gushed excitedly that evening when they arrived at the apartment complex. “I want to go on several roller coaster rides this summer.”
“Don’t you have summer classes?” Jun questioned, skeptical about how much time Masaki would be able to spare to go on roller coasters and amusement parks.
Masaki refused to let the thought of summer school ruin his fun, “I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I didn’t get to enjoy last year because I committed myself to a full week of classes all summer; but this summer I made sure the principal knew that I am only available to teach a couple of days a week. What does your schedule look like Jun-chan?”
Jun shrugged as they took the elevator to the fifth floor, “No classes. I’ve had plans for this summer for a long time now and I am going to very busy.”
“Oh? What kinds of activities have you planned?” Masaki asked as the elevator doors slid open and they walked out into the hallway. As they passed Nino’s door, Masaki pointed out, “Ah, we should check on Ninomiya-sensei. I hope he is feeling better now than he did in the morning.”
“Why don’t you check on him? I’ll go ahead and get started on dinner,” Jun suggested fishing his house keys from his purse. When Masaki went to knock on the door, Jun unlocked their apartment and walked inside. Tossing the keys on the counter next to the phone, Jun pressed the play button on voicemail. He listened through the messages while massaging his tired heels. He froze as he heard the last message and sighing softly he deleted them all, “I’ve to let Aiba-chan know about this… I hope he takes it well.”
“Who takes what well?” Masaki smiled walking into the living room.
“Weren’t you going to check on Nino?” Jun asked, eyes following Masaki’s movements as Masaki removed his shoes and set them in the foyer. He couldn’t tear his eyes off Masaki when the older man started removing his tie.
Masaki smiled and tossed his tie on the counter next to the phone, “I did, but he didn’t answer the door. He might have gone to the hospital or maybe he is sleeping. What were you talking about just now?”
Clearing this throat, Jun patted the seat next to him on the couch, “Aiba-chan, why don’t you take a seat? I’ve something to tell you and it’s better if you’re sitting.”
*****
“There is progress. Our man was finally able to find some interesting facts,” Imai turned to Sho after hanging up his cell phone.
“Interesting facts?” Sho questioned looking up at Imai from his paperwork.
Closing the doors gently, Imai cleared his throat before speaking, “Matsumoto Jun may not really be a lady. While the two were at school, Ninomiya went into their apartment to dig deeper. He discovered that Matsumoto-san might be undergoing an operation soon.”
“How is that interesting?” Sho muttered going back to review the finances.
Turning red, Imai proceeded to explain, “It’s interesting because… Matsumoto-san may not really be a woman… and will be undergoing an operation to become a woman.”
Sho’s pen dropped from his suddenly limp fingers, “My Masaki likes a … transvestite?”
“It looks like it right now … but Ninomiya overheard a message left on the phone for Matsumoto-san from a travel agency. It looks like he’ll be traveling outside Japan to finish the process … of … of… becoming a transsexual,” Imai muttered, feeling uncomfortable at having to explain the details to Sho.
*****
Masaki’s jaw dropped open at the confession and he stuttered, “Y-you are going to do WHAT!”
“Have an operation,” Jun muttered nervously.
“But… but… you said you were cross-dressing because it would be easier to find a job as a home ec teacher if you were a female,” Masaki pointed out.
Sighing softly Jun nodded, “I did tell you that … but you’ve to remember, that was our first meeting and I accidentally exposed myself to you and I didn’t know you enough to let you know my true feelings.” When Masaki simply stared at Jun, Jun continued, “Uh … well, I’m telling you now that the real reason I dress as a woman is because I like it. Since I was little I always felt like I was trapped in a body that didn’t belong to me. I moved from my hometown because my parents didn’t want to be associated with a freak like me when I told them how I felt. And … and… I decided that since I’ll be getting a fresh start I might as well start with the right foot. I’ve been dressing like this for a few years and I’m convinced that going through the operation is the right thing to do…”
Masaki nodded his head slowly and moved away from Jun a little, “Why … I mean… uh … I don’t know what to say…”
“Please tell me you’ll still be my friend,” Jun whispered, looking desperate for acceptance.
“I … I suppose I will be. This is such a shock! I mean, I never suspected that you really liked it… I guess I should have thought something was off when you dressed as a woman even at home,” Masaki mumbled staring at Jun.
Blushing a little Jun nodded, “I’ll be gone for at least a month or two this summer to complete my change. I’ll come back a happy woman. I really hope that you’ll be there to receive me.”
“I guess so. I will need those two months this summer to get used to the idea that one of my good friends is going to be changing genders,” sighing softly Masaki looked around the room, “Umm … when exactly are you leaving?”
“About that…”
*****
“So, the man Sho has an interest in is living with someone who is pretending to be a woman,” Ohno concluded, rubbing his temples gently. The words spewing out of Nino’s lips were giving him a headache. Groaning a little, Ohno looked up at Nino who was calmly sipping a cup of coffee, “And the man who is pretending to be a woman will no longer be pretending after next week.”
“That’s correct. Sho seems to like Aiba-sensei; Aiba-sensei is living with a transvestite, who will be going under the knife sometime next week; and the transvestite claims to be engaged to Aiba-sensei - which Aiba-sensei seems to agree to by the way. So, when Matsumoto-sensei returns after the operation, they won’t have any problem getting married,” Nino grimaced at the prospect, his coffee suddenly tasting too bitter to his tongue.
“Fine, fine … keep an eye on Sho’s movements now. I’ve a feeling if he really is interested in this teacher, this will be the perfect time for him to make his move,” Ohno mumbled, throwing a couple of bills to cover the coffee and tip. Ignoring the bitter tasting liquid, Nino followed Ohno to the backseat of the car.
*****
“Next week?” Masaki exclaimed, “But… that’s too sudden… isn’t it?”
“Not exactly. I booked the tickets and scheduled everything six months ago. It slipped my mind for a while, but there was a message on the phone today from Inoue-san at the travel agency reminding me of the appointment. The flight leaves next Tuesday early morning,” Jun averted his eyes, feeling guilty for springing such news on Masaki and expecting him to take everything in calmly.
Nodding his head, Masaki walked to his room, “I … I guess I’ll go with you to the airport to send you off.”
A smile broke across Jun’s lips and he ran to hug Masaki, “Thank you so much Aiba-chan. You have no idea what it means to me that someone can accept me just the way I am.”
Patting Jun’s shoulder, Masaki extricated himself from the hug, “I’ll have two months to get used to the idea Jun-chan. Let me grab the shower first. You’ll probably want to get started on packing and stuff.”
“Good idea. I’ll start on that and perhaps start on dinner as well while you’re in the shower,” Jun grinned and impulsively kissed Masaki’s cheek before heading to his own room.
Wiping his cheek slowly, Masaki grabbed a towel and walked into the shower. His mind was full of thoughts on Jun as the warm water sprayed out of the showerhead.
*****
Jun was barely able to sleep on Monday night. It felt like he had just closed his eyes when the alarm went off. Sighing softly, he showered and dressed in a clean white shirt. Looking around his bedroom, he smiled a little before closing the door. He walked into the living room to find Masaki holding two cups of coffee. “For you,” Masaki said placing one of the cups on the counter tops.
“Thank you,” Jun accepted the coffee. They sat down in silence for a while, sipping the hot coffee. When Jun finally spoke, his voice came out shaky, “I’m going to miss this place. I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll make sure everything is exactly as it is when you return,” Masaki gave one of his famous smiles taking the empty coffee mugs to the sink. Soaking them in water, he looked at Jun again, “I’ll miss you too…”
The ride to the airport was quiet. Jun had so many things in his mind, so many things to tell Masaki but he wasn’t able to articulate a single thought properly. Masaki pat his roommate’s shoulder, comforting him, silently letting the younger man know that no matter what he does, Masaki will be there. Three hours before the flight time, Jun checked his bags in and turned to Masaki, “Aiba-chan, thank you for coming to see me off at such an early hour.”
“It’s no problem. What are friends for anyway?” Masaki smiled giving Jun a goodbye hug, “Take care and come back healthy.” When Jun refused to let go, Masaki wriggled a little, “Jun?”
“Aiba-chan, I know you don’t like guys. I know you’ve told me several times that you like women … well, once I come back to Japan, I will be a woman. Will you consider being with me then?” the thoughts swirling in Jun’s mind spilled from his lips.
“Jun-chan?” Masaki questioned, going still in the hug.
“I love you. I probably shouldn’t be saying this before leaving the country; I probably should wait until my return to confess to you … given you time to get used to the idea of me as a woman, but I fear that if I leave you now without telling you anything … you’ll be devoured by that Sakurai. You probably won’t fall in love consciously with him anyway … seeing as he is a man and you’re a man, but I’m afraid to take that chance,” Jun whispered and with one last squeeze, pushed Masaki away from him.
Masaki’s lips moved but no words came out. Jun nodded and walked towards the security check, “Take care Aiba-chan. See you soon. I’ll be back on the 19th of September.”
The return train home seemed longer to Masaki. Jun’s confession had come out of nowhere and took him by surprise. By the time he reached home, dawn was breaking over the horizon. Even though he was tired from the sleepless night before, trying to fall asleep seemed like a distant thought. He was overwhelmed by thoughts of Jun and didn’t even realize when sleep overcame him.
When he woke up a couple of hours later, he realized he was going to be late for the first day of his summer classes. Cursing softly for having overslept, Masaki groomed himself and with a piece of toast hanging from his mouth, he dashed out of the apartment. He buttoned his shirt in the elevator and chewed on the dry piece of bread as he ran to the train station.
*****
“Be careful with that!” Imai snapped as he oversaw the men carry Sho’s belongings into the apartment on the fifth floor. Imai had to beg, plead and even resort to threatening the old man living in 5D to get him to move to a different apartment in the complex. It had finally taken a hefty bribe to get the job done. “That’s the last of the furniture,” Imai turned to Sho.
“Leave a couple of boxes outside will you,” Sho smiled watching his men arrange the furniture to his liking.
Rolling his eyes, Imai muttered, “Whatever you say. Anyway, I just got word that Aiba-san got off the train and is headed this way.”
A grin spread across his face slowly as he went down to grab one of the boxes he had just requested to be left outside. He waited patiently for Masaki to walk into the building before Sho grabbed one of the boxes and headed to the elevator, bumping into the man accidentally, “Ah, sorry!”
“Sho-san, are you ok? Looks like you could use some help,” Masaki exclaimed grabbing the box in Sho’s hands.
“Aiba-chan, thank you. I’ve just got two more boxes to carry upstairs and I’ll be all settled in,” Sho smiled, handing the box to Masaki and grabbing another.
“Settled in?”
“Why yes, remember I came here last week to look at the apartment? I was able to sign a lease to 5D. I am moving in today. The movers already put all the heavy stuff inside and are arranging the furniture for me. I just have these boxes to carry up now,” Sho smiled walking into the elevator with Masaki.
“Oh right! I forgot that you mentioned you might be moving in. We’ll be neighbors from now. Welcome to the neighborhood Sho-san. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the pool this summer here,” Masaki smiled pressing the button for fifth floor.
Sho’s men were nearly done with the apartment when Masaki and Sho walked. “You can leave the box in the foyer Aiba-chan,” Sho said setting his own box down, “Can I get you anything?”
Masaki smiled and shook his head, “Looks like you’ve still got some unpacking to do. Why don’t I make you dinner for tonight? You can treat me to dinner some other time.”
“Looks like everything is in its place. Give me a call if you need anything Sho,” Imai smiled and bowing to Masaki walked out of the place. Masaki moved to a side and watched with fascination as the big, rough looking men filed out of the apartment in an orderly fashion.
“You got some strong men to move the furniture for you,” Masaki mumbled as the last person to leave closed the front door behind him, “By the way, I forgot to mention … that man that talked to you … he is a gangster, so be careful around him!”
Surprised, Sho blinked at Masaki, “Gangster? How do you know? You don’t like gangsters?”
“Gangsters are scary; And I know because I saw him in the restroom of a bar before beating up a guy and then he was leading a group of men who took away the original owner of this building. So yeah, be wary of that guy and steer clear when you see him,” Masaki replied.
Grumbling at Imai’s actions, Sho nodded his head, “I’ll be sure to be far away from him. Now, about that dinner?”
Masaki gave him his signature happy smile and nodded his head, “I was going to make ramen. You can either come join me now or come by in an hour when I’ll be done cooking.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll help you with the cooking … so I’ll join you now,” Sho offered, holding the door open for Masaki. The men walked into Masaki’s apartment, unaware of Nino’s watchful gaze following their movements from the far end of the hallway.
[To Be Continued]
[End of Chapter 7]
Comments are welcome.