The Beautiful Downfall - An Aiba Masaki Fanfic (Chapter 13/?)
Pairing: Aiba Masaki x Kusunoki Shion (OC)
Rating: R for whole series, R for Ch.13
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 (under 2,000 words), 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 - Shady Business
“Sir?”
I looked up from my computer.
“Your morning coffee.” She placed the mug on a coaster. When I glanced at it, I noticed that it wasn’t served in its usual fashion. As if she understood what I was thinking, she gave an explanation.
“You seemed a little tired this morning. I hope it’s to your liking.”
For a moment. I was reminded of that dinner we had together. She asked if I could identify any of my previous secretaries’ preferences, and when I couldn’t (or rather, didn’t care enough to remember), she listed my preferences with confidence.
You take your coffee black, unless it's iced or you are extra tired. In that case, you prefer it with a bit of cream.
As I replayed her words in my head, I took a sip of the coffee. With an exhale, my muscles seemed to relax. Only then did I notice that I had been carrying tension in my body. My tastebuds savored the mildness of the milk, and with a single cup of coffee, I felt better.
“Sir? If I may.”
Kusunoki opened up her planner and glanced over at me to ask for permission to continue.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah, go ahead.”
“Your 10:00AM conference will be in the Sakura Room. Lunch at 12:30PM with Kato-sama is now moved up to noon. I’ve already notified Matsumoto-san about the change so he can pick you up earlier. At 2:00PM, you have a meeting with the marketing department. 3:00PM is a telephone conference with the Sapporo location. Mimura-sama from Naniwa Manufacturing will be here at 4:00PM. Finally, you have dinner with Umeda-sama from Everlight this evening at 7:00PM.”
After announcing my schedule, Kusunoki closed her planner and turned to leave my office.
“Kusunoki. Have Matsumoto pick me up at the office at 6:15PM for that dinner.”
“Yes, sir.”
Everlight is a potential investor. Although they’ve been running on old money for quite some time, they do have staying power. With Yamakaze Hotels being a solid buy, I didn’t have any shortages of shareholders and investors. Still, the CEO, Umeda Yasuo, was persistent in meeting with me. I guess one more couldn’t hurt.
“Be ready to leave by then.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Umeda wants you to join us for dinner.”
“...Understood, sir.” There was a slight hesitation in her reply but I blamed it on the element of surprise. She bowed her head and turned to leave.
“Oh, one more thing.”
“Yes, sir?” She turned around to face me again.
“This coffee is just what I needed.”
I grew up with a father who refused to apologize and took everything for granted. But thankfully, I had Mochida who taught me that gratitude goes a long way.
“I’m glad to hear it.” And with that, a soft smile perched on her face and lit up the room. I felt as though I had finished running a marathon; suddenly, my heart was racing. Gratitude had given back tenfold.
Emotions had never steered my decision making. In fact, I dismissed emotions early on in my life after learning that they only hindered my success and invited disappointment. Who needs something so unproductive and meaningless? Aside from the closest people in my life, I refused to let others see my vulnerability. And yet, there was something about her smile that shook this very foundation and questioned the way I had lived my entire life. The woman disconnected from emotions is the very woman who stirs in me the deepest of them. The very thing I avoided and detested all my life was now declaring its most persistent war. Was I up for the fight, and would I win? The answer to this question, I would eventually find out, was deceptive and multidimensional.
-
“You’ve got charisma, Aiba-san! That’s why I’d rather work with than against you.”
Umeda, a balding man in his fifties, was on his fourth carafe of sake tonight. The discussion was going smoothly thanks to his love for alcohol, and he had offered to invest a large amount for the size of his firm. His face looked like a ripe plum and he was slurring his words.
“Well, I appreciate that,” I replied cordially.
Next to him was who I believed was his secretary. Her attire seemed a bit inappropriate for a business dinner, what with her blouse unbuttoned down to her chest and her pencil skirt covering very little. She left nothing to the imagination.
“And I can see why all the beautiful ladies flock to you, eh?”
That’s when he turned his head toward Kusunoki who was sitting next to me. She didn’t change her stern expression, but bowed her head politely. During the whole meeting, she busied herself with pouring drinks, serving food, and engaging in conversation only when directed. It was clear she was taking the helper’s role, standing away from the spotlight so that I didn’t have to share it.
“Could you pour me another cup, sweetie?” Umeda downed the sake his secretary just poured for him, and gestured to Kusunoki with the empty cup.
“Of course, Umeda-sama.”
“Ashikawa, you go return the favor.” With that, his secretary made her way over and swapped seats with Kusunoki. I could smell her perfume from across the table, but now with very little space between us, it stuffed up my nostrils and nauseated me.
I see what he’s trying to do: a secretary for a secretary. The do-what-you-want-with-her-it's-still-business trick. How many women had I pleasured in the past just “for business”? How boring, how lackluster and strictly carnal? What was there to be gained? Do the deed, leave without so much as a goodbye. And they get a free night’s stay at one of my hotels. Who’s doing who the favor?
Kusunoki grabbed the carafe and sat next to Umeda so she could serve him. Then, for a split second, she glanced over at me with a perplexed look I hadn’t seen before. I couldn’t really decipher her expression; I just knew she had clearly and intentionally looked my way.
“Thank you, darling...” Umeda slurred the end of his sentence as his free hand reached for her legs. He rested his hand on her knees as he continued his drunken speech. I darted a glance at Kusunoki who looked completely indifferent and unaffected.
“Sake tastes better when a pretty lady is serving me,” Umeda chuckled. “Here, let me pour you a cup...”
“Thank you, sir...”
“Aiba-sama? Let me refill your cup.” Ashikawa inched closer to me until her chest was hitting my arm.
See? This is why I hate stupid women. Nothing turns me off faster than deliberate and calculated use of the female body. Is that all women are good for? A wise woman would never sell herself short this way.
“Ashikawa-san, is it?”
“Yes, Aiba-sama?” She took a sip of sake from her cup and licked her lips seductively. “Call me Rika.”
“Does he make you do this?”
Her movements stopped and her expression clouded briefly before returning to her flirtatious one. She didn’t expect me to ask such a question.
“...Do what, sir?”
“Are you happy being treated like a piece of meat?”
“What are you talking about? I’m acting on my own accord,” she smiled.
“Then... if I did, say... this?” I reached for her bare thigh and stroked it with my fingers. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all, Aiba-sama. If it so pleases you.”
“Or this?” I whispered into her ear and purposefully let my lips graze against it.
“...No, I’m all yours for the night.”
“Even this...?” I reached for the taut button on her blouse.
“......N-No, do with me as you please.”
I could sense the slight hesitation in her voice and her shoulders tensed up. All I was trying to do was make a point. I retracted my hand from her blouse.
“You love him, don’t you?”
“...I don’t know what you’re talking about, Aiba-sama.”
Liar.
“Aren’t you having an affair with him? Does his wife know?”
Her eyes filled with terror. “How did you... p-please don’t say anything...!” She whispered. “I’ve spent my whole career trying to earn his trust. He’s finally given me the chance to stand side by side with him. In time, he says he’ll leave her and I’ll be all his.”
“I feel sorry for you,” I sighed. “Don’t you see what you are to him?”
I motioned discreetly with my chin. On the other side of the table, Umeda had pulled Kusunoki close to him, their bodies touching. One hand was wrapped around her waist, the other holding the sake cup to her lips. She refused it but he forced her mouth open. The liquid trickled down her neck and onto her collarbones.
“He doesn’t even care what I do to you.”
Ashikawa’s brown eyes glistened with jealousy and pain as Umeda brought his face to Kusunoki’s neck. “This is just business, " her voice quivered.
“I hate to cut this short, but I can only save one.”
“What...?”
“This is what a man would do if he truly cared about you.”
I had seen enough. Before I knew it, I had grabbed a new carafe of hot sake and dumped it over Umeda’s head.
“O-Ow...! What the hell is your problem?!”
“You took the words right out of my mouth. Just what were you doing with my secretary?” Instinctively, I stood in front of Kusunoki to shield her.
“This is part of business, sonny boy.”
“Oh? Do you get off on assaulting women who clearly aren’t enjoying themselves?”
“You little... how dare you insult me. Consider my contributions voided!"
“You did me a favor. I’d rather die than soil my company with your dirty money.”
“Get the fuck out! You’re gunna pay for this...”
“Might I remind you that you said yourself that you wouldn’t want me to turn against you.”
His expression changed from vengeful to regretful. He’s an idiot, but he’s smart enough to understand what a company like mine could do to a company like his. “You...You wouldn’t...would you?”
“Wouldn’t I?”
“Aiba-sama, please...! I was just trying to assure both of us had a good time,” he pleaded.
I glared down at the worthless piece of shit. “You don’t deserve her.”
For a second, I glanced at Ashikawa. She was looking at me with wide eyes, and I knew she understood I was talking about her. I may only be able to save one, but I had hoped she’d save herself if I could help it.
“Let’s go, Kusunoki.” I grabbed my jacket from the hanger, covered her with it, and helped her up to her feet.
I called Matsumoto to bring the car around. After climbing into the backseat, he looked at Kusunoki briefly before he seemed to comprehend just enough not to inquire. He closed the backseat door, sat in the driver’s seat, and began driving as if he had seen nothing.
It was quiet for a while, save for the sound of the car cruising over the pavement.
“I’m...so sorry, sir.”
It was she who broke the silence.
“For what?”
“He had proposed a generous offer. I should have handled things better. This is my fault.” She turned to face me in her seat and bowed apologetically.
“I don’t need his money, and even more importantly, I don’t want it. If he’s the head of that firm, I can imagine how rotten the rest of them are.”
Kusunoki lifted her head but kept her gaze downward. “And thank you.”
“For what?”
“For stepping in to help.”
“There’s no need to thank me for that. I'd be a failure of a boss if I couldn't even protect my own employees."
“Aiba-san...”
“Besides, I should apologize, too.”
To this statement, she finally looked up, a bewildered look crossing her face.
“I should have stepped in sooner. I’m sorry I put you through that.”
She bit her bottom lip as if to control her tears, then quickly wiped them off her cheeks with the back of her hand and looked away. As the neon lights of the city reflected in her fragile eyes, I was overcome by an inexplicable urge to protect her.
“Matsumoto. Let's take a detour.”
“Yes, Young Master,” he replied without looking.
“It’s been a while.”
“...Sir?” Kusunoki glanced over timidly.
“Mind if we make a pit stop?” I smiled.
Although she seemed puzzled, I sensed no hesitation in her body language. Maybe I'll never be the man she goes home to at the end of the day. I may not ever be anything more than her boss. But maybe, just maybe, I could be her haven, protecting her from her demons.
Rating: R for whole series, R for Ch.13
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 (under 2,000 words), 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 - Shady Business
“Sir?”
I looked up from my computer.
“Your morning coffee.” She placed the mug on a coaster. When I glanced at it, I noticed that it wasn’t served in its usual fashion. As if she understood what I was thinking, she gave an explanation.
“You seemed a little tired this morning. I hope it’s to your liking.”
For a moment. I was reminded of that dinner we had together. She asked if I could identify any of my previous secretaries’ preferences, and when I couldn’t (or rather, didn’t care enough to remember), she listed my preferences with confidence.
You take your coffee black, unless it's iced or you are extra tired. In that case, you prefer it with a bit of cream.
As I replayed her words in my head, I took a sip of the coffee. With an exhale, my muscles seemed to relax. Only then did I notice that I had been carrying tension in my body. My tastebuds savored the mildness of the milk, and with a single cup of coffee, I felt better.
“Sir? If I may.”
Kusunoki opened up her planner and glanced over at me to ask for permission to continue.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah, go ahead.”
“Your 10:00AM conference will be in the Sakura Room. Lunch at 12:30PM with Kato-sama is now moved up to noon. I’ve already notified Matsumoto-san about the change so he can pick you up earlier. At 2:00PM, you have a meeting with the marketing department. 3:00PM is a telephone conference with the Sapporo location. Mimura-sama from Naniwa Manufacturing will be here at 4:00PM. Finally, you have dinner with Umeda-sama from Everlight this evening at 7:00PM.”
After announcing my schedule, Kusunoki closed her planner and turned to leave my office.
“Kusunoki. Have Matsumoto pick me up at the office at 6:15PM for that dinner.”
“Yes, sir.”
Everlight is a potential investor. Although they’ve been running on old money for quite some time, they do have staying power. With Yamakaze Hotels being a solid buy, I didn’t have any shortages of shareholders and investors. Still, the CEO, Umeda Yasuo, was persistent in meeting with me. I guess one more couldn’t hurt.
“Be ready to leave by then.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Umeda wants you to join us for dinner.”
“...Understood, sir.” There was a slight hesitation in her reply but I blamed it on the element of surprise. She bowed her head and turned to leave.
“Oh, one more thing.”
“Yes, sir?” She turned around to face me again.
“This coffee is just what I needed.”
I grew up with a father who refused to apologize and took everything for granted. But thankfully, I had Mochida who taught me that gratitude goes a long way.
“I’m glad to hear it.” And with that, a soft smile perched on her face and lit up the room. I felt as though I had finished running a marathon; suddenly, my heart was racing. Gratitude had given back tenfold.
Emotions had never steered my decision making. In fact, I dismissed emotions early on in my life after learning that they only hindered my success and invited disappointment. Who needs something so unproductive and meaningless? Aside from the closest people in my life, I refused to let others see my vulnerability. And yet, there was something about her smile that shook this very foundation and questioned the way I had lived my entire life. The woman disconnected from emotions is the very woman who stirs in me the deepest of them. The very thing I avoided and detested all my life was now declaring its most persistent war. Was I up for the fight, and would I win? The answer to this question, I would eventually find out, was deceptive and multidimensional.
-
“You’ve got charisma, Aiba-san! That’s why I’d rather work with than against you.”
Umeda, a balding man in his fifties, was on his fourth carafe of sake tonight. The discussion was going smoothly thanks to his love for alcohol, and he had offered to invest a large amount for the size of his firm. His face looked like a ripe plum and he was slurring his words.
“Well, I appreciate that,” I replied cordially.
Next to him was who I believed was his secretary. Her attire seemed a bit inappropriate for a business dinner, what with her blouse unbuttoned down to her chest and her pencil skirt covering very little. She left nothing to the imagination.
“And I can see why all the beautiful ladies flock to you, eh?”
That’s when he turned his head toward Kusunoki who was sitting next to me. She didn’t change her stern expression, but bowed her head politely. During the whole meeting, she busied herself with pouring drinks, serving food, and engaging in conversation only when directed. It was clear she was taking the helper’s role, standing away from the spotlight so that I didn’t have to share it.
“Could you pour me another cup, sweetie?” Umeda downed the sake his secretary just poured for him, and gestured to Kusunoki with the empty cup.
“Of course, Umeda-sama.”
“Ashikawa, you go return the favor.” With that, his secretary made her way over and swapped seats with Kusunoki. I could smell her perfume from across the table, but now with very little space between us, it stuffed up my nostrils and nauseated me.
I see what he’s trying to do: a secretary for a secretary. The do-what-you-want-with-her-it's-still-business trick. How many women had I pleasured in the past just “for business”? How boring, how lackluster and strictly carnal? What was there to be gained? Do the deed, leave without so much as a goodbye. And they get a free night’s stay at one of my hotels. Who’s doing who the favor?
Kusunoki grabbed the carafe and sat next to Umeda so she could serve him. Then, for a split second, she glanced over at me with a perplexed look I hadn’t seen before. I couldn’t really decipher her expression; I just knew she had clearly and intentionally looked my way.
“Thank you, darling...” Umeda slurred the end of his sentence as his free hand reached for her legs. He rested his hand on her knees as he continued his drunken speech. I darted a glance at Kusunoki who looked completely indifferent and unaffected.
“Sake tastes better when a pretty lady is serving me,” Umeda chuckled. “Here, let me pour you a cup...”
“Thank you, sir...”
“Aiba-sama? Let me refill your cup.” Ashikawa inched closer to me until her chest was hitting my arm.
See? This is why I hate stupid women. Nothing turns me off faster than deliberate and calculated use of the female body. Is that all women are good for? A wise woman would never sell herself short this way.
“Ashikawa-san, is it?”
“Yes, Aiba-sama?” She took a sip of sake from her cup and licked her lips seductively. “Call me Rika.”
“Does he make you do this?”
Her movements stopped and her expression clouded briefly before returning to her flirtatious one. She didn’t expect me to ask such a question.
“...Do what, sir?”
“Are you happy being treated like a piece of meat?”
“What are you talking about? I’m acting on my own accord,” she smiled.
“Then... if I did, say... this?” I reached for her bare thigh and stroked it with my fingers. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all, Aiba-sama. If it so pleases you.”
“Or this?” I whispered into her ear and purposefully let my lips graze against it.
“...No, I’m all yours for the night.”
“Even this...?” I reached for the taut button on her blouse.
“......N-No, do with me as you please.”
I could sense the slight hesitation in her voice and her shoulders tensed up. All I was trying to do was make a point. I retracted my hand from her blouse.
“You love him, don’t you?”
“...I don’t know what you’re talking about, Aiba-sama.”
Liar.
“Aren’t you having an affair with him? Does his wife know?”
Her eyes filled with terror. “How did you... p-please don’t say anything...!” She whispered. “I’ve spent my whole career trying to earn his trust. He’s finally given me the chance to stand side by side with him. In time, he says he’ll leave her and I’ll be all his.”
“I feel sorry for you,” I sighed. “Don’t you see what you are to him?”
I motioned discreetly with my chin. On the other side of the table, Umeda had pulled Kusunoki close to him, their bodies touching. One hand was wrapped around her waist, the other holding the sake cup to her lips. She refused it but he forced her mouth open. The liquid trickled down her neck and onto her collarbones.
“He doesn’t even care what I do to you.”
Ashikawa’s brown eyes glistened with jealousy and pain as Umeda brought his face to Kusunoki’s neck. “This is just business, " her voice quivered.
“I hate to cut this short, but I can only save one.”
“What...?”
“This is what a man would do if he truly cared about you.”
I had seen enough. Before I knew it, I had grabbed a new carafe of hot sake and dumped it over Umeda’s head.
“O-Ow...! What the hell is your problem?!”
“You took the words right out of my mouth. Just what were you doing with my secretary?” Instinctively, I stood in front of Kusunoki to shield her.
“This is part of business, sonny boy.”
“Oh? Do you get off on assaulting women who clearly aren’t enjoying themselves?”
“You little... how dare you insult me. Consider my contributions voided!"
“You did me a favor. I’d rather die than soil my company with your dirty money.”
“Get the fuck out! You’re gunna pay for this...”
“Might I remind you that you said yourself that you wouldn’t want me to turn against you.”
His expression changed from vengeful to regretful. He’s an idiot, but he’s smart enough to understand what a company like mine could do to a company like his. “You...You wouldn’t...would you?”
“Wouldn’t I?”
“Aiba-sama, please...! I was just trying to assure both of us had a good time,” he pleaded.
I glared down at the worthless piece of shit. “You don’t deserve her.”
For a second, I glanced at Ashikawa. She was looking at me with wide eyes, and I knew she understood I was talking about her. I may only be able to save one, but I had hoped she’d save herself if I could help it.
“Let’s go, Kusunoki.” I grabbed my jacket from the hanger, covered her with it, and helped her up to her feet.
I called Matsumoto to bring the car around. After climbing into the backseat, he looked at Kusunoki briefly before he seemed to comprehend just enough not to inquire. He closed the backseat door, sat in the driver’s seat, and began driving as if he had seen nothing.
It was quiet for a while, save for the sound of the car cruising over the pavement.
“I’m...so sorry, sir.”
It was she who broke the silence.
“For what?”
“He had proposed a generous offer. I should have handled things better. This is my fault.” She turned to face me in her seat and bowed apologetically.
“I don’t need his money, and even more importantly, I don’t want it. If he’s the head of that firm, I can imagine how rotten the rest of them are.”
Kusunoki lifted her head but kept her gaze downward. “And thank you.”
“For what?”
“For stepping in to help.”
“There’s no need to thank me for that. I'd be a failure of a boss if I couldn't even protect my own employees."
“Aiba-san...”
“Besides, I should apologize, too.”
To this statement, she finally looked up, a bewildered look crossing her face.
“I should have stepped in sooner. I’m sorry I put you through that.”
She bit her bottom lip as if to control her tears, then quickly wiped them off her cheeks with the back of her hand and looked away. As the neon lights of the city reflected in her fragile eyes, I was overcome by an inexplicable urge to protect her.
“Matsumoto. Let's take a detour.”
“Yes, Young Master,” he replied without looking.
“It’s been a while.”
“...Sir?” Kusunoki glanced over timidly.
“Mind if we make a pit stop?” I smiled.
Although she seemed puzzled, I sensed no hesitation in her body language. Maybe I'll never be the man she goes home to at the end of the day. I may not ever be anything more than her boss. But maybe, just maybe, I could be her haven, protecting her from her demons.