Petals of a Cherry Blossom - Chapter 5A - KazukixManabu
Title: Petals of a Cherry Blossom
Chapter: 5a/??
Author: atmosphere_zero
Beta-Reader: misfitmisfit (Thanks a lot! <3)
Genre: Angst, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School life, AU
Rating: R - NC-17
Warnings: Abuse, Strong Language, Some Violence, Suggested Sexual Scene, Explicit Sexual Scenes (Fingering, Masturbation, Nipple Play, Teasing, Orgasm Denial, Orgasm, Oral Sex)
Band(s): Alice Nine, Ayabie, Sadie, ScReW, the GazettE
Pairing(s)/Character(s): KazukixManabu, MizukixManabu, KazukixUruha, ToraxByou, KenzoxRui
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the bands, people, artists, and musicians mentioned in the story. The story is a work of pure fiction and is in no way meant to represent or reflect the real bands, people, artists, and musicians mentioned in any way. Any similarities are pure coincidences. I do not make anything off of the story as this is simply meant for pure entertainment. No harm or disrespect in any way is intended.
Summary: Behind the fading color of the cherry blossom petals, the truth unveils itself.
Comments: This chapter finally gets to the weekend-ish so it's mainly lots of KazukixManabu moments in this one! This is one of my (probably failed) attempts to write an explicit sex scene so please forgive me if it's not awesome ;_; As always, the chapter is broken into two parts due to LJ's text limit. Please read both parts to enjoy. More in the author's note in the next part. Enjoy!
Previous Chapters: Chapter 1a/ Chapter 1b || Chapter 2a/ Chapter 2b || Chapter 3a/ Chapter 3b || Chapter 4a/ Chapter 4b || Chapter 5a/ Chapter 5b
School was over and the weekend was to come! Mizuki would have been super thrilled… if he didn’t just hear the worse news coming from Manabu’s mouth. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Wait. So you’re really going over to Kazuki’s house tonight? But Manabu…” Mizuki pleaded with him not to go.
Manabu was double-checking if he already packed everything. He brought a big duffle bag with all of the necessities as well as his art supplies… just in case. Kazuki said he didn’t have to bring anything. But Manabu didn’t want to listen to the perverted guy.
“I already promised him that I would go.” Manabu faced Mizuki.
There was no stopping their strong love from growing. All he could do was watch Manabu get taken away by Kazuki with no fighting chance.
“Okay… but promise to call me?” Mizuki gave in with an attachment. “Because I still care about you as a friend, you know.”
The last sentence guilt tripped Manabu. Why was Mizuki making him feel horrible for going? Dammit. What was he supposed to do?
“I will.” Manabu nodded his head.
What else could he say to ease Mizuki’s fears? He thought of him as a friend as well. He never met anyone who was willing to step in and take all of those silly pranks. He didn’t want to lose Mizuki as a friend.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to come back.” Manabu reassured him.
Mizuki childishly pouted. “I know. You’re just going to be away. That’s all.”
What was he supposed to say to that? He hesitantly grabbed his bag and headed for the door. He stopped at the entrance to put on his shoes. Mizuki watched him from behind. Manabu seemed to be much more relaxed, carefree, and opinionated these days. He subtly transformed bit-by-bit every day. Manabu was much more outspoken than when he first met him. It must have been because of the love Manabu held for Kazuki that was changing him. He was growing up to live, learn, and love.
As Manabu finished putting on his shoes, Mizuki breathed out. He had to control himself from restraining Manabu. Manabu was his own person. Mizuki was only his roommate and his friend. Just a friend.
“I’m going now. I’ll see you later.” Manabu waved his hand.
“Have fun. Bye.” Mizuki cheerfully waved his hand back at him.
Manabu faced his back at him, opened the door, and exited the room shutting the door behind him. That was it. Manabu was gone. Gone for the rest of the weekend.
The scene of Manabu and Kazuki cuddling each other from that day replayed in Mizuki’s mind. How could he have been naïve? Manabu’s heart lied with someone else from the very beginning. He sighed out loud and decided to lie in his bed.
As he headed over toward the bunk bed, he spotted Manabu’s empty side of the room. There was so much to Manabu Mizuki didn’t understand. But living with him, he discovered someone who intentionally shoved other people out of his world because he was afraid to get close. Why? Manabu thought those close to him might hurt him. In reality, he really wanted someone to relay his troubles to, but he wasn’t ready to open up yet… only because he hadn’t found the right companion.
Was Kazuki Manabu’s right companion? The thought depressed Mizuki. His eyes darted toward Manabu’s bed. It was neatly made with the nice fluffy pillow sitting on top. In Manabu’s spare time, he was drawing in his art pad on his bed confining himself in his own world. Mizuki tried to be nosy, but Manabu didn’t allow him to see his artwork.
Mizuki wryly smiled when he thought about how stubborn Manabu was. He imagined Manabu sitting on his bed already in his pajamas wearing that stoic face silently drawing away. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t see any of that tonight.
He approached the bunk bed and started to climb up, but his eyes immediately shifted to Manabu’s empty bed. Mizuki turned his eyes away from it continuing his climbing until he reached his bed. He wanted to sleep off his melancholy thoughts right now. He didn’t want to think about such depressing thoughts.
What was done was done. There was no changing the present.
Manabu exited the dormitory building wondering if Mizuki was going to be all right this weekend by himself. Hmm, what was he worried about? Mizuki was a grown man. Then why did he feel uneasy…? As Manabu reached the parking lot, he picked out Kazuki’s Ferrari car waiting outside. He noticed Kazuki leaning against his car aimlessly staring at the scenery before him.
It was already Friday night and that meant no school for the weekend. Kazuki insisted he stay over at his house until Monday morning when school started again. Manabu was about to protest against the idea, but Kazuki threatened him that he would make out in public again. Damn. He really hated Kazuki at times.
“Hello, Mana-chan!” Kazuki cutely greeted him.
“What gave you the right to call me that nickname?” Manabu pointed his finger at him.
“Umm… Well… You call me Kazuki, dropping my honorific, so I have to give you a nickname. Besides, I think Mana-chan sounds cute.” Kazuki handsomely grinned.
Manabu rolled his eyes at Kazuki’s illogical reasoning. There was no arguing with Kazuki about such frivolous matters.
“You brought a duffle bag?” Kazuki curiously inspected with his eyes.
“Yeah. Something wrong with that?” Manabu peered over at his duffle bag checking to see if it was zipped up.
Kazuki shook his head. “No, but I said you didn’t have to bring one.”
“And you would have clothes in my size?” Manabu threw at him.
Kazuki tapped his finger against his lips pretending to think hard about the matter. “No?”
Manabu dropped his head down in despair. “Yeah, exactly as I thought.”
Manabu put his duffle bag in the backseat and sat down in the passenger seat. Kazuki was elated that he would get to spend more time with Manabu.
With Rui and his father gone on their vacation to Kumamoto, Kazuki would have the house all to himself. He ordered Kenzo to do whatever the heck he wanted except to peek into his private weekend with Manabu. He didn’t want Kenzo go telling Rui about the things he was going to do with Manabu.
“Oh, are you hungry?” Kazuki casually asked him.
“A little.” Manabu gazed at flashing scenery as the car zoomed by each one.
“We can eat when we get to my house.” Kazuki happily told Manabu. “But we have to take a shower first while the food gets cooked.”
Manabu nodded his head. “That’s fine.”
Kazuki’s heart uncomfortably raced as he thought about the importance of tonight’s dinner. He grew embarrassed thinking about it. As promiscuous as he seemed to be in public, he had never dated around or had sex with anyone. People didn’t interest him enough to do anything of that nature… until he laid eyes on Manabu.
To make some small talk in the car, Kazuki decided to strike up a conversation with Manabu. Come to think of it, he didn’t know many of Manabu’s hobbies except that he liked to draw and read. There had to be something special about Manabu that attracted him so dearly to this easily agitated, but kind guy.
“So what kinds of things do you like to do other than to draw and read?” Kazuki spoke up.
“Me?” Manabu pointed at himself as Kazuki nodded. “Hmm… Not much really. I like listening to music.”
“Cool! What kind?” Manabu’s answer piqued his interest.
“Rock.” Manabu shyly answered.
Kazuki chuckled. “No need to be embarrassed. Me too!”
Manabu was surprised how Kazuki was very accepting of him. Kazuki never made fun of the things he liked to do or the activities he enjoyed.
“Oh, that reminds me. What did the art teacher want with you the other day?” Kazuki remembered how the art teacher wanted Manabu to stay after class one day.
“She wanted me to join the school’s art competition.” Manabu informed him.
“Oooh, that’s a tough competition. Lots of talented people join it.” Kazuki was impressed Manabu would be daring enough to compete in the competition.
Manabu sighed and frowned at the thought of Kazuki’s comment. “I know. When I see the past winners, it makes me wonder if I will stand a chance.”
Manabu was going to join the art competition and he needed to give Manabu all of the support he could. “Do you have any idea what you’re going to draw?”
“Not yet. The theme is beauty. I’m clueless as to what to draw.” Manabu bluntly told him while shaking his head since he was stumped.
Kazuki puckered his lips thinking hard as he drove on the road. He felt helpless since he couldn’t suggest any ideas for Manabu. He despised seeing Manabu unsure of what to draw. Although Kazuki had never seen any of Manabu’s more personal drawings, he witnessed Manabu’s simple yet powerful drawing in class. It was breathtaking and amazing beyond belief.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something wonderful that will blow everyone’s minds away.” Kazuki optimistically cheered him on.
Kazuki placed one hand on Manabu’s shoulder and rubbed it to reassure Manabu of his support. He would stand by Manabu’s side, no matter what, assisting him in any endeavor he could.
“Yeah.”
Manabu wasn’t sure why Kazuki was constantly comforting him. Kazuki didn’t have any obligation to do so. Did he feel in debt or something? Kazuki was a very mysterious and complex person. Manabu was having a hard time figuring who Kazuki was. Maybe staying over at his house would shed some light and provide some answers to Kazuki’s real persona.
When they arrived to the front gates, Manabu blinked his eyes in confusion. He looked back at Kazuki who raised one eyebrow.
“Is something wrong, Mana-chan?” Kazuki didn’t know why Manabu wore a perplexed expression on his face.
“Is…” Manabu was rendered speechless when the front gates opened.
Manabu glued his eyes on the spectacular sight of Kazuki’s place. Kazuki’s giant mansion spreading out… God knows how many acres. It probably went on and on for several acres. He didn’t know Kazuki was so filthy rich. Manabu gaped as he watched the mansion come into closer view. He would have never imagined stepping foot into such a luxurious place.
When Kazuki stopped the car, he noticed Manabu was still astonished by the view. Kazuki softly chortled and tapped his shoulder. “Come on, Mana-chan.”
Manabu recollected himself and closed his mouth. Damn… Kazuki’s place… A mansion… He could barely register stepping foot inside.
When Manabu opened his door, he saw a butler rushing out of the mansion and swiftly arriving before Kazuki’s car with a few of the housemaids scurrying behind him.
“Kazuki-sama.”
“Bring Manabu’s bag up to my room.” Kazuki naturally ordered them. “Also, please prepare us some dinner.”
Kazuki eyed the butler who cleared his throat and nodded his head. “Yes, sir, right away.”
Manabu stood in amazement and shock as the butlers opened the door, took his bag away, and immediately disappeared. It was like Kazuki’s word was law around the house. There was no disobeying him. He… he had servants to do all the menial tasks for him. Gosh… Manabu only saw these types of things in movies. To be staying and living here for a bit… It was almost unimaginable.
They headed inside of the house and arrived at the foyer. Manabu examined the shiny roof and elegant foyer decorated with statues, paintings, and Chinese calligraphy hanging on the wall. The golden marble floor shimmered due to the fluorescent lights lighting up the hallway.
“Wanna take a tour of my place? It’s kind big… but I’ll show you the places that are relevant for our stay here.” Kazuki gladly offered to give him a tour.
“S-sure.” Manabu’s eyes darted around the place.
“Stay close next to me, okay? I wouldn’t want you getting lost in this place.” Kazuki reached for Manabu’s hand and grabbed it.
He immediately intertwined his fingers with Manabu’s and led the way. Manabu’s heart fluttered when he stood next to Kazuki. Kazuki was holding his hand like couples would. Did this mean something…?
Kazuki gave him a brief tour of the study rooms, hallways, kitchen, the pool and jacuzzi, and lastly he showed him the spacious cherry blossom garden located behind his house. Manabu was in awe when they arrived at the cherry blossom garden behind Kazuki’s house.
“You have this?” Manabu adored the sight of the cherry blossom flowers lightly swaying in the wind.
“Yep. It’s been here since I was little.” Kazuki nodded his head. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah…” Manabu automatically agreed without even thinking.
His breath was taken away due to this amazing sight. Manabu would love to sit here all day long and study these beautiful flowers. Perhaps he could draw these for the art competition…
“Wanna see my room?” Kazuki excitedly said breaking his thoughts.
“Okay.” Manabu continued staring at the garden.
“Let’s go, Mana-chan.”
As Kazuki lead him down the huge hallway, Manabu took note of the red carpeted floor and the polished, silver walls. Tables with huge flower bouquets decorated the hallway. Even the vases gleamed in the light. Manabu couldn’t help but glue his eyes at every ornate object placed around this house. This house was bigger and fancier than he imagined. He wondered if it compared to the size of their school.
Kazuki stopped in front of a pair of big double doors. What room did they arrive at?
Kazuki opened one of the double doors and signaled for Manabu to enter first. “After you.”
Manabu stepped inside and yet again was dumbfounded by the sight. His jaw dropped open due to the copious space. This room… was like a mini-house. All that was missing was a kitchen. Damn. There was even a fridge.
“What is this room? It has everything…” Manabu headed toward the living room area of the room.
“It’s my room.” Kazuki nonchalantly answered him.
“It’s your room?” Manabu turned his head around the place trying to take in everything at once.
“Hehe. Of course, silly. Why else would I bring you here?” Kazuki chuckled finding Manabu’s reaction too adorable.
Kazuki closed the door behind him and watched Manabu soak in everything his room had. Standing here staring at Manabu was beautiful. Everything in this room might have been pretty and worth more in yen value, but Manabu was irreplaceable and worth much more… more than his own life.
“Hey, Mana-chan, do you want to take a shower?” Kazuki asked him.
Manabu spotted his duffle bag sitting near the night stand located next to the bed. He immediately believed Kazuki had other intentions in mind. “Not together.”
“Oh, of course not!” Kazuki broke out into laughter. “Goodness, Manabu, you’re so perverted.”
“What?!” Manabu was appalled by Kazuki’s comment. “Excuse me! I don’t know who’s talking!”
“Hehe.” Kazuki giggled at Manabu’s upset expression. “Anyway, tonight, at dinner, the theme is going to be traditional Japanese styled.”
“Traditional Japanese style?” Manabu didn’t know what he meant.
“Where we have to sit on the floor and eat.” Kazuki deviously smiled.
Manabu knew exactly where this was heading. Damn Kazuki’s silly idea. “Wait. Don’t tell me we have to dress up for this dinner?”
“Why not? I already ordered the maid to prepare a set of costumes for you to choose from. So it’s time for you to take a shower!” Kazuki winked his eye.
“Dammit, Kazuki! Why do you do this to me?” Manabu gritted his teeth in frustration.
“Because…” Kazuki was about to openly confess his love for Manabu, but stopped himself. No. He had to wait to say those precious words. He would get a chance to say them during dinner. But not now. “Because I can.”
Manabu frowned upon hearing Kazuki’s words. “I hate you.”
“Aww, you know that means you really like me.” Kazuki pretended to play around with Manabu. “Anyway, I’m going to be taking a shower as well. Ring the maid when you’re done so she can bring you the rack of yukatas.”
And that was that. There was no arguing with the stupid idea. Manabu didn’t understand why they had to dress up. Eating was eating. There was nothing special to it.
When Manabu entered the bathroom, it amazed him. The whole bathroom was made of marble and glass. Everything in here must have cost a fortune. He spotted a bathtub further inside, but placed the thought to the back of his mind since he had to quickly take a shower.
After taking a soothing shower, Manabu wore some boxers and dried his hair. Hmm… He spotted a button to call on the maid. Manabu contemplated whether he should listen to Kazuki’s request or not. In the few minutes he stood there pondering, he decided to push the button. When he exited the bathroom, he heard a knock coming from Kazuki’s bedroom door.
Manabu didn’t expect the maid to arrive so quickly.
“Excuse me, sir. It’s the maid with the yukatas.” she politely introduced herself from behind the door.
“Umm…” Manabu wasn’t sure what to say. He wasn’t use to this whole concept of someone serving him. Usually, he would dress himself up. “Come inside.”
Urk. He did his best not to sound commanding or bossy. The last thing he wanted was to be haughty around the servants because he knew what it felt to be treated like one.
Manabu spotted that maid coming inside rolling in a rack of yukatas. He narrowed his eyes and took a step back to examine the designs and colors of these yukatas. The yukatas had beautiful designs of cherry blossoms, butterflies, and other elegant designs. Hold on a second. This type of yukata was specifically meant for girls. What kind of sick joke was this?!
He robotically turned his head over toward the maid. He restrained himself from getting upset with her since she probably didn’t have a fault in this idea. “Are you sure this is the rack of yukatas I’m supposed to choose from?”
“Umm… Master told me to make several yukatas for a girl since he said he was bringing one over...” she timidly answered him realizing Kazuki’s statement to be utterly false.
Manabu slowly breathed in controlling his temper. He was going to have to confront Kazuki later about this matter. He wasn’t a fucking girl. He was a man. Fine. He would find something to make Kazuki regret that he gave him women-styled yukatas. Now… which one would Kazuki like?
“What color does Kazuki like?” Manabu inquired the maid.
“Sir?” she blinked her eyes.
Kazuki waited downstairs in the opulent dining room sitting down on the comfortable, squishy cushion. He decided to eat in one of the special dining rooms where it was old fashioned in the sense one would have to sit on the floor to level with the table to properly eat the food. He softly hummed a made-up tune to himself wondering what took Manabu so long.
He was thinking about how to properly ask Manabu to go out with him for real. He no longer wished for Manabu and him to have an ambiguous relationship. He wanted to openly confess his true feelings to Manabu. Hopefully, Manabu felt the same way.
The food would be done in a matter of minutes. Where was Manabu? He didn’t want Manabu to eat cold food. He was here to be a great host and serve the best to him. Manabu deserved the best after all.
“Sir, Manabu-sama is here for you.” one of the housekeepers announced through the closed sliding door.
“Oh! Come inside!” Kazuki anxiously gave the housekeeper permission to open the door.
He couldn’t wait to see what Manabu looked like! He purposely told the maid he was bringing a girl over this weekend just so he could get Manabu to look beautiful as he was supposed to be. Normal clothes didn’t do justice for Manabu’s beauty. Therefore, he decided to create clothing, which would bring out the beauty hidden within Manabu.
“Hmm…” he hummed to himself.
He wondered how Manabu reacted when he discovered he would have to wear a yukata. He chuckled to himself imagining the angry, but cute countenance on his face. Hmm, too bad he couldn’t watch Manabu’s reaction. He was busy making sure all of the preparations were ready and set.
When the housekeeper opened the door, it was Kazuki’s turn for his jaw to drop. Manabu wore a lavish white yukata with the most outrageous, but stunning design of pink cherry blossoms. Unlike the other yukata, this one was a bit lower and exposed more of his bare neck and chest. Kazuki’s heart suddenly raced at the speed of lighting. God… Out of all outfits to choose, Manabu had to choose a very seductive one. He had no idea Manabu knew how seduce him.
Manabu still wore his sleek black glasses, but the maid obviously fixed his hair and applied some makeup in order for his face to glow in the light. God… Manabu completely bewitched Kazuki. He studied every inch of Manabu’s gorgeous features. Damn, if Kazuki wasn’t hungry and had an important purpose for dinner, he might have skipped dinner and jumped to the next stage…
“Ahem.” Manabu’s cough interrupted his hypnosis.
“Uh… sit down.” Kazuki waved his hand motioning Manabu to sit down next to him.
As Manabu approached, Kazuki scented a strong, but sweet perfume on Manabu’s body. God… He couldn’t resist himself to whiff the pleasant aroma on Manabu. His insides knotted tightly together. Damn. He momentarily shifted his eyes away. Shit. He had to keep his composure and not get too hyper.
Manabu took a seat down next to him. Kazuki’s heart thumped, but he controlled himself. Damn. Manabu was so beautiful right now, he wished he could smother Manabu in kisses and fuck him at this very moment. He calmed his nerves down. No, no. All of that could wait until after dinner. Right now… There was something more important.
Manabu slightly faced Kazuki to see the reaction on his face and noticed Kazuki with a nosebleed.
“Kazuki! Couldn’t you at least restrain yourself?” Manabu scolded at him.
“What are you talking about?” Kauzki, unaware of the nosebleed, innocently asked him.
“You’ve got a stupid nosebleed, you pervert.” Manabu slightly scooted away from him.
Kazuki stammered on his words trying to come up with a good, damn excuse. How the hell was he supposed to react when he saw Manabu dressed up in such a sexy outfit? It was calling out his sexual desires. He couldn’t help, but ogle his eyes at Manabu. He was a man!
“How do you expect me to react?” Kazuki quickly used a napkin to wipe away his embarrassing nosebleed. “I’m a man, you know. I’m not exactly attracted to girls.”
“Whatever. I don’t need to hear this.” Manabu exasperated and turned his head away from Kazuki.
Deep down inside, Manabu was glad that Kazuki got a nosebleed. Humph. He deserved to feel uncomfortable around him if he had to wear this stupid, girlie outfit. He wasn’t going to let himself be the only one suffocating.
Before Kazuki had a chance to defend his manly actions, the servants came inside to serve the gourmet food to them.
One after another, they arranged a whole bunch of plates filling up the whole table. Manabu was stunned by the amount of food on the table. He never ate this much in his whole life. He could hardly believe it. This was almost like heaven to him.
Having this much food to eat was like paradise. The fresh scent of the cooked food rose to his nose. Manabu deeply breathed in closing his eyes. He couldn’t wait to try everything on the table.
“Please enjoy your meal.” the last maid quickly nodded her head and immediately left the room without another word.
“Let’s dig in.” Kazuki picked up the slick, black chopsticks from the table.
As they ate, Kazuki noticed how Manabu ate in small portions with grace and elegance. He looked at himself realizing how he gulfed down all of his food. He swallowed the bit of rice in his mouth and remembered how Manabu didn’t eat much naturally.
Kazuki placed his chopsticks down and pushed some of Manabu’s hair behind his ear. Manabu paused in his eating watching Kazuki from the corner of his eye. He finished chewing down his food and swallowing it before he spoke up.
“What is it?”
“Nothing.” Kazuki shook his head. “It would be bad if your pretty hair got caught in the food.”
Manabu’s cheeks grew a darker shade of pink when Kazuki uttered the word pretty. He shifted his eyes away and continued to eat pretending he didn’t hear Kazuki’s compliment. Kazuki genuinely smiled as he watched Manabu eat. He wouldn’t mind if he could just stare at Manabu all day long.
During dinner, Kazuki made small talk pointing out certain dishes Manabu didn’t recognize. Kazuki informed him about the dish, the ingredients, where it was caught, and any other pertinent information. Manabu was amazed at how Kazuki could be knowledgeable about cooking. He didn’t even normally cook. It only proved he read more than he let on.
There seemed to be much more about Kazuki that he didn’t know. Would he, one day, learn more about Kazuki? Even the darkest part of himself?
Kazuki was proud to show off his knowledge. He specifically ordered the servants to cook all of these dishes since he wanted the best for Manabu. He read cooking books before when he was little child so his tool of photographic memory served him well in this matter. The servants were astonished at how Kazuki could know so much about such a topic, but he shrugged off their amazement. He would do anything for Manabu.
When Manabu and Kazuki finished eating, the servants took the dishes away. Manabu was quite stuffed. There were so many delicious meals that he had to try them all. Fried shrimp, steamed lobster, roasted duck… and the list went on. He never had eaten so much in one meal. He felt quite satiated eating that huge feast.
“Want some desert?” Kazuki suggested.
Manabu hesitated. His stomach was almost at its limit due to the big meal. Did he have some room left for desert?
“Come on. You have to try some mochi.” Kazuki persuaded him.
Manabu pondered on the matter before answering Kazuki. “Fine.”
The servants came inside laying a big plate of mochi decorated with the appearance of certain animals. Some had the decorations of a cat, rabbit, fish, and other small animals. Manabu adored the artwork put into the mochi. He had to admit that it was cute.
“You like its appearance?” Kazuki broke his thoughts.
“Sorry, I always get mesmerized by art.” Manabu apologized.
Kazuki figured this would be a good time to discover more about Manabu’s character. He loved Manabu so much, but… he hardly knew anything about him. He knew Manabu was a kind, gentle person who fortified a barrier around himself shielding off any strangers as a means of protection. Kazuki couldn’t believe he was granted the chance to witness Manabu’s astonishing art skills in class. He was able to draw anything out of thin air. Manabu could draw and paint better than he ever could.
“Oooh, you seem to like art a lot.” Kazuki pointed out.
Manabu was always attracted to art even as a child. Partially, it was the way to escape his dreadful world, but at the same time, he felt he could convey more than one thousand words without saying anything. Not to mention that the beauty of art was more incredible than any word could ever describe.
“Yeah, I’ve always loved art ever since I was growing up. It was a way for me to see the world above and beyond. It opened my eyes to a beautiful place.” Manabu poetically spoke as he gazed at the sweet buns.
Kazuki silently listened to him. He never knew Manabu had such a philosophical and poetic side to him.
“Have you ever seen that famous place in France? The Louvre Musuem. I heard it’s one of the largest art galleries in the world.” Kazuki mentioned as he remembered reading about the place being known for holding tons of art pieces.
“I’ve only heard about it. Never been there myself. Someday, I wish I can go.” Manabu answered in a soft tone.
Kazuki carefully watched Manabu’s countenance. He seemed to be disappointed and saddened. His chocolate brown eyes continued to study the artwork of the mochis.
“Hey, next time we have a long break from school, I can bring you to France to see it.” Kazuki threw out a crazy idea.
Manabu arched one of his eyebrows. “Are you crazy?”
“Maybe! Come on. If it’s something you always wanted to see, why not?” Kazuki shrugged his shoulders with a silly smile on his face.
Manabu was speechless. How could Kazuki openly offer to bring him somewhere? Plane tickets were expensive and traveling was not cheap expense. Why did Kazuki do so much for him?
“Now, let’s eat!” Kazuki handed Manabu the rabbit located in the middle of the plate while he grabbed the cat-shaped one for himself.
As Manabu chewed into the mochi, Kazuki anxiously watched Manabu. He was nervous as to when Manabu would discover the embedded item. He tried his best to keep his nerves down while he ate his own mochi, but his mind kept on wandering back to it. Damn. He was most worried about Manabu’s reaction and what he would say.
Manabu enjoyed the red bean taste and bit into it some more. He took another bite and chewed on the piece, but suddenly his teeth hit against something very hard. He contorted his face wondering if this was some childish prank Kazuki pulled on him or if the chef was trying to kill him.
The hard object moved around in his mouth for a while before he could concretely feel it. Damn. Why did the object taste like metal? Manabu closed his eyes as he spit the object out of his mouth. When he opened his eyes, he was sat in astonishment.
It was a ring made of silver band carved with diamond stones. Manabu could hardly believe what he was seeing. No, no, no. This was some sick joke.
“Do you like it?” Kazuki anxiously inquired.
“Kazuki, what is this?” Manabu brought the ring closer to his face.
Kazuki wasn’t sure how to approach the topic, but didn’t Manabu know what a ring meant?
“What do you think it is?” Kazuki beat around the bush avoiding Manabu’s question.
Manabu stared at the ring reluctant to accept its meaning. It couldn’t be… It couldn’t be… Was this truly from Kazuki? Kazuki? But… But… Kazuki? Out of all people… Kazuki? Not that he didn’t like it… In fact, he wanted to eagerly accept this ring, but… Kazuki?
“Manabu, when I first laid my eyes on you, I knew something was different about you.” Kazuki spoke up amid the awkward silence.
Manabu probably didn’t believe him, but he was serious. He had to convince Manabu he was telling him the truth.
“As I got to know you, I gradually… I gradually… found myself attracted toward you. There wasn’t a single moment I didn’t want to spend without you. And then I realized. I was in love with you.” Kazuki confessed his true feelings to him.
Kazuki loved him? But… he was nothing compared to everyone else at school. He was normal looking. He was hard to get along with. He was stubborn and unwilling to bend down. He… had such terrible qualities. Why would Kazuki ever like him? Was he being for real?
“Kazuki, this is…” Manabu wasn’t sure what to say.
“Mana-chan, you’re the first person who I’ve willingly invited to my house.” Kazuki firmly stated. “Throughout my entire life, I’ve never dated. I’ve never seen anyone else. But you were different than everyone else, Manabu.”
“You always made me want to be with you every second, stand by your side, and… Well… You gave me a reason to wake up in the morning and smile every single day.” Kazuki’s voice and expression transformed into one that was serious.
It was rare that Kazuki ever became serious around him. Come to think of it, Manabu heard how Kazuki made jokes in class, but he never smiled and was cruel to others. He never played pranks on others, but he never stopped people from hurting an innocent bystander. To everyone else, Kazuki wore a straight face all the time and hardly ever broke a smile. He was known as the soul whose heart, abandoned by life, was unable to properly work.
“Manabu… Being a mafia’s child is a lot harder than you think.” Kazuki surprisingly admitted to him.
“I might have all the materialistic items I ever want, but… I hardly ever see my dad. I don’t have a mom. I don’t have any real friends. I live here by myself really. And everyone outside of this house… is too scared to talk to me since they… think I’ll kill them in their sleep.”
Manabu silently listened to him. This was the other side of Kazuki he never revealed to Manabu until this moment. Was this the dark part of himself that Kazuki hid from everyone?
“I guess what I’m trying to say is that… you shed some light into my dark world, Manabu. And I’m wondering if… if… You feel the same as I do for you. Do you love me, Manabu?”
Did he love him? That was a stupid question! But… Was Kazuki saying this to coerce him to admit his feelings for him? Or did Kazuki actually love him?
“I… I…” Manabu wavered on what to say.
“This is the first time I’ve ever admitted to someone about… my dark life.” Kazuki paused keeping his sights on Manabu. “I know you think I might be making this up, but I’m for real. Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past by people who were supposed to love you, but… I will never hurt you, Manabu.”
Kazuki… could read him like a thin piece of paper. He was extremely perceptive and observant. Damn. Manabu knew he could never hide from Kazuki. He managed to find Manabu’s weak point, but never laughed at him about it. Could it be…? Could that be the reason why Manabu loved him so much?
Kazuki honestly cared for him and would never turn his back on him. No matter how annoying and irritating Kazuki could be, he only had the best intentions, only wanting to do everything to prove his love for his paramour.
“Manabu, I love you.” Kazuki leaned in and softly placed his lips onto Manabu’s.
Manabu closed his eyes, as he tasted Kazuki’s sweet lips. His heart pounded harder and louder than ever before. Kazuki cared about him. Kazuki loved him.
When Kazuki parted his lips, he took a moment breathe and noticed tears streaming down Manabu’s face.
“Manabu? Are you okay?” Kazuki was worried about him.
He swallowed as he nodded his head unable to speak. Suddenly, tears gushed out of his eyes and he suddenly broke down into massive tears. The tears flowed out from his eyes uncontrollably. He couldn’t believe it. How embarrassing. How could he let this happen to him? Very unmanly.
But he knew the real reason why he shed these tears of joy. Someone found him important. He was someone’s reason to be here… to be living. Someone on this planet cherished him because of who he was. He meant something more than just a living being to someone else on this planet.
Kazuki didn’t expect Manabu to cry a river of tears. He slightly smiled knowing that Manabu was shedding tears of joy. Kazuki took the silver ring sitting in Manabu’s hand. He was finally going to ask him.
Kazuki closed in toward Manabu’s face, gently moved Manabu’s hand, and licked Manabu’s salty tears. “No need to cry, Mana-chan. I’m here for you. I always will be.”
Kazuki wrapped his arm around Manabu and softly patted his back. Manabu withheld his sobs. God. He was overjoyed by Kazuki’s mini-speech that it made him break down into tears. He buried his face into Kazuki’s chest to conceal his wet face.
Kazuki sat there for a few minutes lightly patting Manabu’s back as he quietly subsided. This was the least he could do for Manabu right now. He could comfort and hold him in his arms.
From the moment he met Manabu, he could tell that Manabu was someone waiting to be saved. Many people had hurt him. But he would never do that to Manabu. He would never hurt him. He would protect him at all costs.
Kazuki snatched a napkin from the table and tapped Manabu’s shoulder. “Need this?”
Manabu hastily snatched it, without answering, to wipe his tears in order to dry off his face. When Manabu finished wiping off his teary, wet face, he saw Kazuki holding the silver ring on the palm of his hand.
“Manabu, I’m not asking for marriage, but… I want you to think of it as my gift to you if you accept it.”
“Will you be my boyfriend?” Kazuki finally popped the question hoping it didn’t sound lame.
This would be his first time ever asking someone out. He might have seemed like the guy who dated a million people, but he was far from it. Manabu would be his first and only.
Part B
Chapter: 5a/??
Author: atmosphere_zero
Beta-Reader: misfitmisfit (Thanks a lot! <3)
Genre: Angst, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School life, AU
Rating: R - NC-17
Warnings: Abuse, Strong Language, Some Violence, Suggested Sexual Scene, Explicit Sexual Scenes (Fingering, Masturbation, Nipple Play, Teasing, Orgasm Denial, Orgasm, Oral Sex)
Band(s): Alice Nine, Ayabie, Sadie, ScReW, the GazettE
Pairing(s)/Character(s): KazukixManabu, MizukixManabu, KazukixUruha, ToraxByou, KenzoxRui
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the bands, people, artists, and musicians mentioned in the story. The story is a work of pure fiction and is in no way meant to represent or reflect the real bands, people, artists, and musicians mentioned in any way. Any similarities are pure coincidences. I do not make anything off of the story as this is simply meant for pure entertainment. No harm or disrespect in any way is intended.
Summary: Behind the fading color of the cherry blossom petals, the truth unveils itself.
Comments: This chapter finally gets to the weekend-ish so it's mainly lots of KazukixManabu moments in this one! This is one of my (probably failed) attempts to write an explicit sex scene so please forgive me if it's not awesome ;_; As always, the chapter is broken into two parts due to LJ's text limit. Please read both parts to enjoy. More in the author's note in the next part. Enjoy!
Previous Chapters: Chapter 1a/ Chapter 1b || Chapter 2a/ Chapter 2b || Chapter 3a/ Chapter 3b || Chapter 4a/ Chapter 4b || Chapter 5a/ Chapter 5b
School was over and the weekend was to come! Mizuki would have been super thrilled… if he didn’t just hear the worse news coming from Manabu’s mouth. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Wait. So you’re really going over to Kazuki’s house tonight? But Manabu…” Mizuki pleaded with him not to go.
Manabu was double-checking if he already packed everything. He brought a big duffle bag with all of the necessities as well as his art supplies… just in case. Kazuki said he didn’t have to bring anything. But Manabu didn’t want to listen to the perverted guy.
“I already promised him that I would go.” Manabu faced Mizuki.
There was no stopping their strong love from growing. All he could do was watch Manabu get taken away by Kazuki with no fighting chance.
“Okay… but promise to call me?” Mizuki gave in with an attachment. “Because I still care about you as a friend, you know.”
The last sentence guilt tripped Manabu. Why was Mizuki making him feel horrible for going? Dammit. What was he supposed to do?
“I will.” Manabu nodded his head.
What else could he say to ease Mizuki’s fears? He thought of him as a friend as well. He never met anyone who was willing to step in and take all of those silly pranks. He didn’t want to lose Mizuki as a friend.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to come back.” Manabu reassured him.
Mizuki childishly pouted. “I know. You’re just going to be away. That’s all.”
What was he supposed to say to that? He hesitantly grabbed his bag and headed for the door. He stopped at the entrance to put on his shoes. Mizuki watched him from behind. Manabu seemed to be much more relaxed, carefree, and opinionated these days. He subtly transformed bit-by-bit every day. Manabu was much more outspoken than when he first met him. It must have been because of the love Manabu held for Kazuki that was changing him. He was growing up to live, learn, and love.
As Manabu finished putting on his shoes, Mizuki breathed out. He had to control himself from restraining Manabu. Manabu was his own person. Mizuki was only his roommate and his friend. Just a friend.
“I’m going now. I’ll see you later.” Manabu waved his hand.
“Have fun. Bye.” Mizuki cheerfully waved his hand back at him.
Manabu faced his back at him, opened the door, and exited the room shutting the door behind him. That was it. Manabu was gone. Gone for the rest of the weekend.
The scene of Manabu and Kazuki cuddling each other from that day replayed in Mizuki’s mind. How could he have been naïve? Manabu’s heart lied with someone else from the very beginning. He sighed out loud and decided to lie in his bed.
As he headed over toward the bunk bed, he spotted Manabu’s empty side of the room. There was so much to Manabu Mizuki didn’t understand. But living with him, he discovered someone who intentionally shoved other people out of his world because he was afraid to get close. Why? Manabu thought those close to him might hurt him. In reality, he really wanted someone to relay his troubles to, but he wasn’t ready to open up yet… only because he hadn’t found the right companion.
Was Kazuki Manabu’s right companion? The thought depressed Mizuki. His eyes darted toward Manabu’s bed. It was neatly made with the nice fluffy pillow sitting on top. In Manabu’s spare time, he was drawing in his art pad on his bed confining himself in his own world. Mizuki tried to be nosy, but Manabu didn’t allow him to see his artwork.
Mizuki wryly smiled when he thought about how stubborn Manabu was. He imagined Manabu sitting on his bed already in his pajamas wearing that stoic face silently drawing away. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t see any of that tonight.
He approached the bunk bed and started to climb up, but his eyes immediately shifted to Manabu’s empty bed. Mizuki turned his eyes away from it continuing his climbing until he reached his bed. He wanted to sleep off his melancholy thoughts right now. He didn’t want to think about such depressing thoughts.
What was done was done. There was no changing the present.
Manabu exited the dormitory building wondering if Mizuki was going to be all right this weekend by himself. Hmm, what was he worried about? Mizuki was a grown man. Then why did he feel uneasy…? As Manabu reached the parking lot, he picked out Kazuki’s Ferrari car waiting outside. He noticed Kazuki leaning against his car aimlessly staring at the scenery before him.
It was already Friday night and that meant no school for the weekend. Kazuki insisted he stay over at his house until Monday morning when school started again. Manabu was about to protest against the idea, but Kazuki threatened him that he would make out in public again. Damn. He really hated Kazuki at times.
“Hello, Mana-chan!” Kazuki cutely greeted him.
“What gave you the right to call me that nickname?” Manabu pointed his finger at him.
“Umm… Well… You call me Kazuki, dropping my honorific, so I have to give you a nickname. Besides, I think Mana-chan sounds cute.” Kazuki handsomely grinned.
Manabu rolled his eyes at Kazuki’s illogical reasoning. There was no arguing with Kazuki about such frivolous matters.
“You brought a duffle bag?” Kazuki curiously inspected with his eyes.
“Yeah. Something wrong with that?” Manabu peered over at his duffle bag checking to see if it was zipped up.
Kazuki shook his head. “No, but I said you didn’t have to bring one.”
“And you would have clothes in my size?” Manabu threw at him.
Kazuki tapped his finger against his lips pretending to think hard about the matter. “No?”
Manabu dropped his head down in despair. “Yeah, exactly as I thought.”
Manabu put his duffle bag in the backseat and sat down in the passenger seat. Kazuki was elated that he would get to spend more time with Manabu.
With Rui and his father gone on their vacation to Kumamoto, Kazuki would have the house all to himself. He ordered Kenzo to do whatever the heck he wanted except to peek into his private weekend with Manabu. He didn’t want Kenzo go telling Rui about the things he was going to do with Manabu.
“Oh, are you hungry?” Kazuki casually asked him.
“A little.” Manabu gazed at flashing scenery as the car zoomed by each one.
“We can eat when we get to my house.” Kazuki happily told Manabu. “But we have to take a shower first while the food gets cooked.”
Manabu nodded his head. “That’s fine.”
Kazuki’s heart uncomfortably raced as he thought about the importance of tonight’s dinner. He grew embarrassed thinking about it. As promiscuous as he seemed to be in public, he had never dated around or had sex with anyone. People didn’t interest him enough to do anything of that nature… until he laid eyes on Manabu.
To make some small talk in the car, Kazuki decided to strike up a conversation with Manabu. Come to think of it, he didn’t know many of Manabu’s hobbies except that he liked to draw and read. There had to be something special about Manabu that attracted him so dearly to this easily agitated, but kind guy.
“So what kinds of things do you like to do other than to draw and read?” Kazuki spoke up.
“Me?” Manabu pointed at himself as Kazuki nodded. “Hmm… Not much really. I like listening to music.”
“Cool! What kind?” Manabu’s answer piqued his interest.
“Rock.” Manabu shyly answered.
Kazuki chuckled. “No need to be embarrassed. Me too!”
Manabu was surprised how Kazuki was very accepting of him. Kazuki never made fun of the things he liked to do or the activities he enjoyed.
“Oh, that reminds me. What did the art teacher want with you the other day?” Kazuki remembered how the art teacher wanted Manabu to stay after class one day.
“She wanted me to join the school’s art competition.” Manabu informed him.
“Oooh, that’s a tough competition. Lots of talented people join it.” Kazuki was impressed Manabu would be daring enough to compete in the competition.
Manabu sighed and frowned at the thought of Kazuki’s comment. “I know. When I see the past winners, it makes me wonder if I will stand a chance.”
Manabu was going to join the art competition and he needed to give Manabu all of the support he could. “Do you have any idea what you’re going to draw?”
“Not yet. The theme is beauty. I’m clueless as to what to draw.” Manabu bluntly told him while shaking his head since he was stumped.
Kazuki puckered his lips thinking hard as he drove on the road. He felt helpless since he couldn’t suggest any ideas for Manabu. He despised seeing Manabu unsure of what to draw. Although Kazuki had never seen any of Manabu’s more personal drawings, he witnessed Manabu’s simple yet powerful drawing in class. It was breathtaking and amazing beyond belief.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something wonderful that will blow everyone’s minds away.” Kazuki optimistically cheered him on.
Kazuki placed one hand on Manabu’s shoulder and rubbed it to reassure Manabu of his support. He would stand by Manabu’s side, no matter what, assisting him in any endeavor he could.
“Yeah.”
Manabu wasn’t sure why Kazuki was constantly comforting him. Kazuki didn’t have any obligation to do so. Did he feel in debt or something? Kazuki was a very mysterious and complex person. Manabu was having a hard time figuring who Kazuki was. Maybe staying over at his house would shed some light and provide some answers to Kazuki’s real persona.
When they arrived to the front gates, Manabu blinked his eyes in confusion. He looked back at Kazuki who raised one eyebrow.
“Is something wrong, Mana-chan?” Kazuki didn’t know why Manabu wore a perplexed expression on his face.
“Is…” Manabu was rendered speechless when the front gates opened.
Manabu glued his eyes on the spectacular sight of Kazuki’s place. Kazuki’s giant mansion spreading out… God knows how many acres. It probably went on and on for several acres. He didn’t know Kazuki was so filthy rich. Manabu gaped as he watched the mansion come into closer view. He would have never imagined stepping foot into such a luxurious place.
When Kazuki stopped the car, he noticed Manabu was still astonished by the view. Kazuki softly chortled and tapped his shoulder. “Come on, Mana-chan.”
Manabu recollected himself and closed his mouth. Damn… Kazuki’s place… A mansion… He could barely register stepping foot inside.
When Manabu opened his door, he saw a butler rushing out of the mansion and swiftly arriving before Kazuki’s car with a few of the housemaids scurrying behind him.
“Kazuki-sama.”
“Bring Manabu’s bag up to my room.” Kazuki naturally ordered them. “Also, please prepare us some dinner.”
Kazuki eyed the butler who cleared his throat and nodded his head. “Yes, sir, right away.”
Manabu stood in amazement and shock as the butlers opened the door, took his bag away, and immediately disappeared. It was like Kazuki’s word was law around the house. There was no disobeying him. He… he had servants to do all the menial tasks for him. Gosh… Manabu only saw these types of things in movies. To be staying and living here for a bit… It was almost unimaginable.
They headed inside of the house and arrived at the foyer. Manabu examined the shiny roof and elegant foyer decorated with statues, paintings, and Chinese calligraphy hanging on the wall. The golden marble floor shimmered due to the fluorescent lights lighting up the hallway.
“Wanna take a tour of my place? It’s kind big… but I’ll show you the places that are relevant for our stay here.” Kazuki gladly offered to give him a tour.
“S-sure.” Manabu’s eyes darted around the place.
“Stay close next to me, okay? I wouldn’t want you getting lost in this place.” Kazuki reached for Manabu’s hand and grabbed it.
He immediately intertwined his fingers with Manabu’s and led the way. Manabu’s heart fluttered when he stood next to Kazuki. Kazuki was holding his hand like couples would. Did this mean something…?
Kazuki gave him a brief tour of the study rooms, hallways, kitchen, the pool and jacuzzi, and lastly he showed him the spacious cherry blossom garden located behind his house. Manabu was in awe when they arrived at the cherry blossom garden behind Kazuki’s house.
“You have this?” Manabu adored the sight of the cherry blossom flowers lightly swaying in the wind.
“Yep. It’s been here since I was little.” Kazuki nodded his head. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah…” Manabu automatically agreed without even thinking.
His breath was taken away due to this amazing sight. Manabu would love to sit here all day long and study these beautiful flowers. Perhaps he could draw these for the art competition…
“Wanna see my room?” Kazuki excitedly said breaking his thoughts.
“Okay.” Manabu continued staring at the garden.
“Let’s go, Mana-chan.”
As Kazuki lead him down the huge hallway, Manabu took note of the red carpeted floor and the polished, silver walls. Tables with huge flower bouquets decorated the hallway. Even the vases gleamed in the light. Manabu couldn’t help but glue his eyes at every ornate object placed around this house. This house was bigger and fancier than he imagined. He wondered if it compared to the size of their school.
Kazuki stopped in front of a pair of big double doors. What room did they arrive at?
Kazuki opened one of the double doors and signaled for Manabu to enter first. “After you.”
Manabu stepped inside and yet again was dumbfounded by the sight. His jaw dropped open due to the copious space. This room… was like a mini-house. All that was missing was a kitchen. Damn. There was even a fridge.
“What is this room? It has everything…” Manabu headed toward the living room area of the room.
“It’s my room.” Kazuki nonchalantly answered him.
“It’s your room?” Manabu turned his head around the place trying to take in everything at once.
“Hehe. Of course, silly. Why else would I bring you here?” Kazuki chuckled finding Manabu’s reaction too adorable.
Kazuki closed the door behind him and watched Manabu soak in everything his room had. Standing here staring at Manabu was beautiful. Everything in this room might have been pretty and worth more in yen value, but Manabu was irreplaceable and worth much more… more than his own life.
“Hey, Mana-chan, do you want to take a shower?” Kazuki asked him.
Manabu spotted his duffle bag sitting near the night stand located next to the bed. He immediately believed Kazuki had other intentions in mind. “Not together.”
“Oh, of course not!” Kazuki broke out into laughter. “Goodness, Manabu, you’re so perverted.”
“What?!” Manabu was appalled by Kazuki’s comment. “Excuse me! I don’t know who’s talking!”
“Hehe.” Kazuki giggled at Manabu’s upset expression. “Anyway, tonight, at dinner, the theme is going to be traditional Japanese styled.”
“Traditional Japanese style?” Manabu didn’t know what he meant.
“Where we have to sit on the floor and eat.” Kazuki deviously smiled.
Manabu knew exactly where this was heading. Damn Kazuki’s silly idea. “Wait. Don’t tell me we have to dress up for this dinner?”
“Why not? I already ordered the maid to prepare a set of costumes for you to choose from. So it’s time for you to take a shower!” Kazuki winked his eye.
“Dammit, Kazuki! Why do you do this to me?” Manabu gritted his teeth in frustration.
“Because…” Kazuki was about to openly confess his love for Manabu, but stopped himself. No. He had to wait to say those precious words. He would get a chance to say them during dinner. But not now. “Because I can.”
Manabu frowned upon hearing Kazuki’s words. “I hate you.”
“Aww, you know that means you really like me.” Kazuki pretended to play around with Manabu. “Anyway, I’m going to be taking a shower as well. Ring the maid when you’re done so she can bring you the rack of yukatas.”
And that was that. There was no arguing with the stupid idea. Manabu didn’t understand why they had to dress up. Eating was eating. There was nothing special to it.
When Manabu entered the bathroom, it amazed him. The whole bathroom was made of marble and glass. Everything in here must have cost a fortune. He spotted a bathtub further inside, but placed the thought to the back of his mind since he had to quickly take a shower.
After taking a soothing shower, Manabu wore some boxers and dried his hair. Hmm… He spotted a button to call on the maid. Manabu contemplated whether he should listen to Kazuki’s request or not. In the few minutes he stood there pondering, he decided to push the button. When he exited the bathroom, he heard a knock coming from Kazuki’s bedroom door.
Manabu didn’t expect the maid to arrive so quickly.
“Excuse me, sir. It’s the maid with the yukatas.” she politely introduced herself from behind the door.
“Umm…” Manabu wasn’t sure what to say. He wasn’t use to this whole concept of someone serving him. Usually, he would dress himself up. “Come inside.”
Urk. He did his best not to sound commanding or bossy. The last thing he wanted was to be haughty around the servants because he knew what it felt to be treated like one.
Manabu spotted that maid coming inside rolling in a rack of yukatas. He narrowed his eyes and took a step back to examine the designs and colors of these yukatas. The yukatas had beautiful designs of cherry blossoms, butterflies, and other elegant designs. Hold on a second. This type of yukata was specifically meant for girls. What kind of sick joke was this?!
He robotically turned his head over toward the maid. He restrained himself from getting upset with her since she probably didn’t have a fault in this idea. “Are you sure this is the rack of yukatas I’m supposed to choose from?”
“Umm… Master told me to make several yukatas for a girl since he said he was bringing one over...” she timidly answered him realizing Kazuki’s statement to be utterly false.
Manabu slowly breathed in controlling his temper. He was going to have to confront Kazuki later about this matter. He wasn’t a fucking girl. He was a man. Fine. He would find something to make Kazuki regret that he gave him women-styled yukatas. Now… which one would Kazuki like?
“What color does Kazuki like?” Manabu inquired the maid.
“Sir?” she blinked her eyes.
Kazuki waited downstairs in the opulent dining room sitting down on the comfortable, squishy cushion. He decided to eat in one of the special dining rooms where it was old fashioned in the sense one would have to sit on the floor to level with the table to properly eat the food. He softly hummed a made-up tune to himself wondering what took Manabu so long.
He was thinking about how to properly ask Manabu to go out with him for real. He no longer wished for Manabu and him to have an ambiguous relationship. He wanted to openly confess his true feelings to Manabu. Hopefully, Manabu felt the same way.
The food would be done in a matter of minutes. Where was Manabu? He didn’t want Manabu to eat cold food. He was here to be a great host and serve the best to him. Manabu deserved the best after all.
“Sir, Manabu-sama is here for you.” one of the housekeepers announced through the closed sliding door.
“Oh! Come inside!” Kazuki anxiously gave the housekeeper permission to open the door.
He couldn’t wait to see what Manabu looked like! He purposely told the maid he was bringing a girl over this weekend just so he could get Manabu to look beautiful as he was supposed to be. Normal clothes didn’t do justice for Manabu’s beauty. Therefore, he decided to create clothing, which would bring out the beauty hidden within Manabu.
“Hmm…” he hummed to himself.
He wondered how Manabu reacted when he discovered he would have to wear a yukata. He chuckled to himself imagining the angry, but cute countenance on his face. Hmm, too bad he couldn’t watch Manabu’s reaction. He was busy making sure all of the preparations were ready and set.
When the housekeeper opened the door, it was Kazuki’s turn for his jaw to drop. Manabu wore a lavish white yukata with the most outrageous, but stunning design of pink cherry blossoms. Unlike the other yukata, this one was a bit lower and exposed more of his bare neck and chest. Kazuki’s heart suddenly raced at the speed of lighting. God… Out of all outfits to choose, Manabu had to choose a very seductive one. He had no idea Manabu knew how seduce him.
Manabu still wore his sleek black glasses, but the maid obviously fixed his hair and applied some makeup in order for his face to glow in the light. God… Manabu completely bewitched Kazuki. He studied every inch of Manabu’s gorgeous features. Damn, if Kazuki wasn’t hungry and had an important purpose for dinner, he might have skipped dinner and jumped to the next stage…
“Ahem.” Manabu’s cough interrupted his hypnosis.
“Uh… sit down.” Kazuki waved his hand motioning Manabu to sit down next to him.
As Manabu approached, Kazuki scented a strong, but sweet perfume on Manabu’s body. God… He couldn’t resist himself to whiff the pleasant aroma on Manabu. His insides knotted tightly together. Damn. He momentarily shifted his eyes away. Shit. He had to keep his composure and not get too hyper.
Manabu took a seat down next to him. Kazuki’s heart thumped, but he controlled himself. Damn. Manabu was so beautiful right now, he wished he could smother Manabu in kisses and fuck him at this very moment. He calmed his nerves down. No, no. All of that could wait until after dinner. Right now… There was something more important.
Manabu slightly faced Kazuki to see the reaction on his face and noticed Kazuki with a nosebleed.
“Kazuki! Couldn’t you at least restrain yourself?” Manabu scolded at him.
“What are you talking about?” Kauzki, unaware of the nosebleed, innocently asked him.
“You’ve got a stupid nosebleed, you pervert.” Manabu slightly scooted away from him.
Kazuki stammered on his words trying to come up with a good, damn excuse. How the hell was he supposed to react when he saw Manabu dressed up in such a sexy outfit? It was calling out his sexual desires. He couldn’t help, but ogle his eyes at Manabu. He was a man!
“How do you expect me to react?” Kazuki quickly used a napkin to wipe away his embarrassing nosebleed. “I’m a man, you know. I’m not exactly attracted to girls.”
“Whatever. I don’t need to hear this.” Manabu exasperated and turned his head away from Kazuki.
Deep down inside, Manabu was glad that Kazuki got a nosebleed. Humph. He deserved to feel uncomfortable around him if he had to wear this stupid, girlie outfit. He wasn’t going to let himself be the only one suffocating.
Before Kazuki had a chance to defend his manly actions, the servants came inside to serve the gourmet food to them.
One after another, they arranged a whole bunch of plates filling up the whole table. Manabu was stunned by the amount of food on the table. He never ate this much in his whole life. He could hardly believe it. This was almost like heaven to him.
Having this much food to eat was like paradise. The fresh scent of the cooked food rose to his nose. Manabu deeply breathed in closing his eyes. He couldn’t wait to try everything on the table.
“Please enjoy your meal.” the last maid quickly nodded her head and immediately left the room without another word.
“Let’s dig in.” Kazuki picked up the slick, black chopsticks from the table.
As they ate, Kazuki noticed how Manabu ate in small portions with grace and elegance. He looked at himself realizing how he gulfed down all of his food. He swallowed the bit of rice in his mouth and remembered how Manabu didn’t eat much naturally.
Kazuki placed his chopsticks down and pushed some of Manabu’s hair behind his ear. Manabu paused in his eating watching Kazuki from the corner of his eye. He finished chewing down his food and swallowing it before he spoke up.
“What is it?”
“Nothing.” Kazuki shook his head. “It would be bad if your pretty hair got caught in the food.”
Manabu’s cheeks grew a darker shade of pink when Kazuki uttered the word pretty. He shifted his eyes away and continued to eat pretending he didn’t hear Kazuki’s compliment. Kazuki genuinely smiled as he watched Manabu eat. He wouldn’t mind if he could just stare at Manabu all day long.
During dinner, Kazuki made small talk pointing out certain dishes Manabu didn’t recognize. Kazuki informed him about the dish, the ingredients, where it was caught, and any other pertinent information. Manabu was amazed at how Kazuki could be knowledgeable about cooking. He didn’t even normally cook. It only proved he read more than he let on.
There seemed to be much more about Kazuki that he didn’t know. Would he, one day, learn more about Kazuki? Even the darkest part of himself?
Kazuki was proud to show off his knowledge. He specifically ordered the servants to cook all of these dishes since he wanted the best for Manabu. He read cooking books before when he was little child so his tool of photographic memory served him well in this matter. The servants were astonished at how Kazuki could know so much about such a topic, but he shrugged off their amazement. He would do anything for Manabu.
When Manabu and Kazuki finished eating, the servants took the dishes away. Manabu was quite stuffed. There were so many delicious meals that he had to try them all. Fried shrimp, steamed lobster, roasted duck… and the list went on. He never had eaten so much in one meal. He felt quite satiated eating that huge feast.
“Want some desert?” Kazuki suggested.
Manabu hesitated. His stomach was almost at its limit due to the big meal. Did he have some room left for desert?
“Come on. You have to try some mochi.” Kazuki persuaded him.
Manabu pondered on the matter before answering Kazuki. “Fine.”
The servants came inside laying a big plate of mochi decorated with the appearance of certain animals. Some had the decorations of a cat, rabbit, fish, and other small animals. Manabu adored the artwork put into the mochi. He had to admit that it was cute.
“You like its appearance?” Kazuki broke his thoughts.
“Sorry, I always get mesmerized by art.” Manabu apologized.
Kazuki figured this would be a good time to discover more about Manabu’s character. He loved Manabu so much, but… he hardly knew anything about him. He knew Manabu was a kind, gentle person who fortified a barrier around himself shielding off any strangers as a means of protection. Kazuki couldn’t believe he was granted the chance to witness Manabu’s astonishing art skills in class. He was able to draw anything out of thin air. Manabu could draw and paint better than he ever could.
“Oooh, you seem to like art a lot.” Kazuki pointed out.
Manabu was always attracted to art even as a child. Partially, it was the way to escape his dreadful world, but at the same time, he felt he could convey more than one thousand words without saying anything. Not to mention that the beauty of art was more incredible than any word could ever describe.
“Yeah, I’ve always loved art ever since I was growing up. It was a way for me to see the world above and beyond. It opened my eyes to a beautiful place.” Manabu poetically spoke as he gazed at the sweet buns.
Kazuki silently listened to him. He never knew Manabu had such a philosophical and poetic side to him.
“Have you ever seen that famous place in France? The Louvre Musuem. I heard it’s one of the largest art galleries in the world.” Kazuki mentioned as he remembered reading about the place being known for holding tons of art pieces.
“I’ve only heard about it. Never been there myself. Someday, I wish I can go.” Manabu answered in a soft tone.
Kazuki carefully watched Manabu’s countenance. He seemed to be disappointed and saddened. His chocolate brown eyes continued to study the artwork of the mochis.
“Hey, next time we have a long break from school, I can bring you to France to see it.” Kazuki threw out a crazy idea.
Manabu arched one of his eyebrows. “Are you crazy?”
“Maybe! Come on. If it’s something you always wanted to see, why not?” Kazuki shrugged his shoulders with a silly smile on his face.
Manabu was speechless. How could Kazuki openly offer to bring him somewhere? Plane tickets were expensive and traveling was not cheap expense. Why did Kazuki do so much for him?
“Now, let’s eat!” Kazuki handed Manabu the rabbit located in the middle of the plate while he grabbed the cat-shaped one for himself.
As Manabu chewed into the mochi, Kazuki anxiously watched Manabu. He was nervous as to when Manabu would discover the embedded item. He tried his best to keep his nerves down while he ate his own mochi, but his mind kept on wandering back to it. Damn. He was most worried about Manabu’s reaction and what he would say.
Manabu enjoyed the red bean taste and bit into it some more. He took another bite and chewed on the piece, but suddenly his teeth hit against something very hard. He contorted his face wondering if this was some childish prank Kazuki pulled on him or if the chef was trying to kill him.
The hard object moved around in his mouth for a while before he could concretely feel it. Damn. Why did the object taste like metal? Manabu closed his eyes as he spit the object out of his mouth. When he opened his eyes, he was sat in astonishment.
It was a ring made of silver band carved with diamond stones. Manabu could hardly believe what he was seeing. No, no, no. This was some sick joke.
“Do you like it?” Kazuki anxiously inquired.
“Kazuki, what is this?” Manabu brought the ring closer to his face.
Kazuki wasn’t sure how to approach the topic, but didn’t Manabu know what a ring meant?
“What do you think it is?” Kazuki beat around the bush avoiding Manabu’s question.
Manabu stared at the ring reluctant to accept its meaning. It couldn’t be… It couldn’t be… Was this truly from Kazuki? Kazuki? But… But… Kazuki? Out of all people… Kazuki? Not that he didn’t like it… In fact, he wanted to eagerly accept this ring, but… Kazuki?
“Manabu, when I first laid my eyes on you, I knew something was different about you.” Kazuki spoke up amid the awkward silence.
Manabu probably didn’t believe him, but he was serious. He had to convince Manabu he was telling him the truth.
“As I got to know you, I gradually… I gradually… found myself attracted toward you. There wasn’t a single moment I didn’t want to spend without you. And then I realized. I was in love with you.” Kazuki confessed his true feelings to him.
Kazuki loved him? But… he was nothing compared to everyone else at school. He was normal looking. He was hard to get along with. He was stubborn and unwilling to bend down. He… had such terrible qualities. Why would Kazuki ever like him? Was he being for real?
“Kazuki, this is…” Manabu wasn’t sure what to say.
“Mana-chan, you’re the first person who I’ve willingly invited to my house.” Kazuki firmly stated. “Throughout my entire life, I’ve never dated. I’ve never seen anyone else. But you were different than everyone else, Manabu.”
“You always made me want to be with you every second, stand by your side, and… Well… You gave me a reason to wake up in the morning and smile every single day.” Kazuki’s voice and expression transformed into one that was serious.
It was rare that Kazuki ever became serious around him. Come to think of it, Manabu heard how Kazuki made jokes in class, but he never smiled and was cruel to others. He never played pranks on others, but he never stopped people from hurting an innocent bystander. To everyone else, Kazuki wore a straight face all the time and hardly ever broke a smile. He was known as the soul whose heart, abandoned by life, was unable to properly work.
“Manabu… Being a mafia’s child is a lot harder than you think.” Kazuki surprisingly admitted to him.
“I might have all the materialistic items I ever want, but… I hardly ever see my dad. I don’t have a mom. I don’t have any real friends. I live here by myself really. And everyone outside of this house… is too scared to talk to me since they… think I’ll kill them in their sleep.”
Manabu silently listened to him. This was the other side of Kazuki he never revealed to Manabu until this moment. Was this the dark part of himself that Kazuki hid from everyone?
“I guess what I’m trying to say is that… you shed some light into my dark world, Manabu. And I’m wondering if… if… You feel the same as I do for you. Do you love me, Manabu?”
Did he love him? That was a stupid question! But… Was Kazuki saying this to coerce him to admit his feelings for him? Or did Kazuki actually love him?
“I… I…” Manabu wavered on what to say.
“This is the first time I’ve ever admitted to someone about… my dark life.” Kazuki paused keeping his sights on Manabu. “I know you think I might be making this up, but I’m for real. Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past by people who were supposed to love you, but… I will never hurt you, Manabu.”
Kazuki… could read him like a thin piece of paper. He was extremely perceptive and observant. Damn. Manabu knew he could never hide from Kazuki. He managed to find Manabu’s weak point, but never laughed at him about it. Could it be…? Could that be the reason why Manabu loved him so much?
Kazuki honestly cared for him and would never turn his back on him. No matter how annoying and irritating Kazuki could be, he only had the best intentions, only wanting to do everything to prove his love for his paramour.
“Manabu, I love you.” Kazuki leaned in and softly placed his lips onto Manabu’s.
Manabu closed his eyes, as he tasted Kazuki’s sweet lips. His heart pounded harder and louder than ever before. Kazuki cared about him. Kazuki loved him.
When Kazuki parted his lips, he took a moment breathe and noticed tears streaming down Manabu’s face.
“Manabu? Are you okay?” Kazuki was worried about him.
He swallowed as he nodded his head unable to speak. Suddenly, tears gushed out of his eyes and he suddenly broke down into massive tears. The tears flowed out from his eyes uncontrollably. He couldn’t believe it. How embarrassing. How could he let this happen to him? Very unmanly.
But he knew the real reason why he shed these tears of joy. Someone found him important. He was someone’s reason to be here… to be living. Someone on this planet cherished him because of who he was. He meant something more than just a living being to someone else on this planet.
Kazuki didn’t expect Manabu to cry a river of tears. He slightly smiled knowing that Manabu was shedding tears of joy. Kazuki took the silver ring sitting in Manabu’s hand. He was finally going to ask him.
Kazuki closed in toward Manabu’s face, gently moved Manabu’s hand, and licked Manabu’s salty tears. “No need to cry, Mana-chan. I’m here for you. I always will be.”
Kazuki wrapped his arm around Manabu and softly patted his back. Manabu withheld his sobs. God. He was overjoyed by Kazuki’s mini-speech that it made him break down into tears. He buried his face into Kazuki’s chest to conceal his wet face.
Kazuki sat there for a few minutes lightly patting Manabu’s back as he quietly subsided. This was the least he could do for Manabu right now. He could comfort and hold him in his arms.
From the moment he met Manabu, he could tell that Manabu was someone waiting to be saved. Many people had hurt him. But he would never do that to Manabu. He would never hurt him. He would protect him at all costs.
Kazuki snatched a napkin from the table and tapped Manabu’s shoulder. “Need this?”
Manabu hastily snatched it, without answering, to wipe his tears in order to dry off his face. When Manabu finished wiping off his teary, wet face, he saw Kazuki holding the silver ring on the palm of his hand.
“Manabu, I’m not asking for marriage, but… I want you to think of it as my gift to you if you accept it.”
“Will you be my boyfriend?” Kazuki finally popped the question hoping it didn’t sound lame.
This would be his first time ever asking someone out. He might have seemed like the guy who dated a million people, but he was far from it. Manabu would be his first and only.
Part B