TAKUMI-KUN
LOVING AND HATING
-Chapter 1-
"Takumi?"
Shingyouji was standing at the bottom of the stairs leading from The Coffee Shop to the apartment above, and calling to his friend.
Takumi's face appeared over the top of the railings alongside the stairs.
"Yeah Shingyouji?"
"When you come down can you bring me the invoices for the bread order please? I want to check something."
"Okay, I'll be down in a minute." Takumi went back into the room he used to use as a bedroom, but it was now his office. He went to the filing cabinet where all the invoices and receipts were neatly filed in alphabetical order. He took out the papers Shingyouji had asked for and after closing down the spreadsheet on the computer he had been working on, he ran nimbly down the stairs to the Coffee Shop.
"Here you are, is this what you're after?" Takumi passed the papers to Shingyouji, who quickly flicked through them and smiling, thanked his friend.
"That's great, thanks Takumi. The prices seem to be going up a lot just recently, it may be worth looking for somewhere else to buy from. I'll have a proper look afterwards, and I'll let you know."
As always there was a lovely smell permeating from the kitchen, Shingyouji had a batch of cakes in the oven ready for their Monday morning customers. Takumi had arrived at the Coffee Shop at 7.30am as always, having been dropped off by his boyfriend Gii, who then went on to work at the office owned by his family who ran a multi-national business.
"The cakes smell great as usual Shingyouji, it's a good job there aren't any calories in smelling cakes baking, I'd be enormous by now!" Takumi chuckled to himself, then became aware that Shingyouji was staring at him.
"It's beyond me how you are still so thin, Takumi, there may not be calories in smelling cakes, but the amount of my cakes you actually eat, you should definitely be enormous!" It was no secret that Takumi and Shingyouji's boyfriend, Toshi, were his chief tasters when it came to sampling the cakes, and they loved trying the new recipes Shingyouji tried out from time to time.
"I know, it's strange, but that's just the way I am I suppose. I hope it continues like that, I would hate to have to give up my second favourite hobby!"
Shingyouji raised his eyes to the ceiling. "No guesses as to what your number one favourite hobby is, I suppose?"
"You're right Shingyouji, it's playing the violin!" Takumi burst out laughing when he saw the disbelief on his friend's face. "Well that's not what I was thinking that's for sure! Where does Gii fit in with violin playing?"
"Ah, now that's for me to know, and you to find out!" Takumi and Shingyouji laughed again, then Takumi disappeared upstairs, to finish off the work he had been doing on the computer. It would be time to open up the Coffee Shop soon, so he needed to get finished before the morning rush began, with their friend Mika breezing in with a sandwich order.
"Ohayo Takumi!" Mika hurried in through the door, right on 8.30am as always. "Ohayo Mika, how are you today?" responded Takumi. "I'm great thanks. Here's our sandwich order as usual, ah, and I see Toshi has our coffee order ready as well! Arigato Toshi! You ready for College?"
Toshi had been very lucky to be sponsored by Gii's father to go part-time to College doing a Cookery course. He really enjoyed his 2 ½ days a week at the College, and he and Mika always walked together on the days he attended. "Yeah, I'm ready Mika, I'll just say bye to Shingyouji!" He hurried into the kitchen, where his boyfriend was adding final touches to the large array of cakes laid out ready for sale. "I'm off now, love; I'll see you at lunch-time okay?" Shingyouji looked up at Toshi with a smile.
"Have a good day Toshi, I'll miss you!" He leaned forward and kissed his beloved tenderly. Toshi hugged him tightly, returning the kiss. "I love you Shingyouji, don't work too hard will you, and take a break when you can?" Shingyouji nodded and smiled. "You'd better go, Mika the whirlwind will be impatient to be off!" With a last wave Toshi disappeared through the door.
It was only a five minute walk to the College, but Toshi enjoyed chatting with Mika and most days they would be joined by other friends along the way. Toshi couldn't believe how much his life had changed since Shingyouji and Takumi had rescued him when he was being attacked by three men who wanted to steal his bag. Now he had a job he really enjoyed, a comfortable home, lots of friends, but most of all, he had the love of his boyfriend Shingyouji. Toshi loved him so much, his heart ached for him when he was away from him, but he knew the College course was a really good thing; ultimately he would be able to be an even bigger help in the kitchen when he had some qualifications behind him.
As usual, the Coffee Shop was very busy in the mornings, people wanting coffees to take away, sandwiches and cakes for lunches. While Toshi was at College, a young woman called Kimiko came in to help serve the customers alongside Takumi. She was a young mother who had a 6 year old daughter, and she would come into the Coffee Shop as soon as she had taken her daughter Mai to school.
It was lunch-time, and as he always did on Mondays, his half day at College, Toshi hurried out of the College to go back to the Coffee Shop, where he would have some lunch whilst helping Shingyouji make sandwiches and wraps etc. for the customers. He had had a great morning, they were learning about nutrition in different types of foods, things he had never understood before.
He was halfway home and looking forward to seeing Shingyouji, when he felt an arm roughly grab him around the neck! He quickly tried to wriggle free, but the arm kept him secure, and he was finding it hard to breathe! A hard, rasping voice right next to his ear whispered. "Don't bother trying to get away brat, I've got a knife and I'm not afraid to use it!"
Toshi suddenly felt a sharp pain just below his ribs, and he had no doubt at all that it was a knife, and this man would use it. There was something familiar about the man Toshi felt, even though he couldn't see his attackers' face, but he was so scared he couldn't think straight. He tried to escape again, but the knife seemed to be digging even further into his side! The voice spoke again. "Well, you look as though you've done alright for yourself brat! You must have some money now, have ya? You'd better let me have..." Suddenly a woman's voice started to shout really loudly.
"Hey, what are you doing with that boy? Get away from him before I call the Police!" The man swung around, and saw an older lady hurrying along the pavement behind him. Her shouting had drawn attention from other passersby who were also looking at him, and a man was starting towards them.
With a vicious shove the attacker threw Toshi to the ground, and made his escape, running quickly towards some wasteland, and disappeared from sight. The lady who had shouted out was beside Toshi now, and he realised it was Ryoma-san who owned the sweetshop next door to the Coffee Shop. She leaned forward and helped Toshi to his feet, and the passerby arrived at the same time.
Ryoma-san was very concerned for her neighbour, she had been some distance away when she saw the man grab Toshi and it had shocked her to see how rough he had been. The passerby was also worried, but after thanking him and Ryoma-san he told them he was okay, and would get home now. Ryoma-san walked with him to the Coffee Shop, but instead of leaving him at the door, she walked in with him.
Takumi glanced up as the door opened and smiled when he saw Toshi and Ryoma-san. His smile quickly turned to a look of concern when he noticed Toshi's shocked white face. Ryoma-san had her arm around his shoulder in a protective manner, her face equally shocked.
Takumi hurried towards his friend. "What's happened Toshi? Are you alright?" He glanced at Ryoma-san hoping she would be able to explain.
"Toshi's had a nasty experience Takumi; I was walking behind him quite a distance off, when a man just suddenly grabbed him around his neck. Toshi was struggling to get free but the man just seemed to tighten his grip. He seemed to be holding something in his left hand, but I was too far away to see what it was. I started hurrying then, and I started to shout out loudly, another passerby heard me and started to come forward as well. The man turned round and saw us approaching and threw poor Toshi to the ground and ran off. Toshi is badly shaken Takumi."
Takumi put his arms around his friend. "Come through to the kitchen Toshi, you too Ryoma-san you both need a sit and a drink." The customers in the Coffee Shop were looking on in concern and shaking their heads in disbelief. They were all regular customers and liked the young men who ran the Coffee Shop because of their friendly, cheerful manner.
Shingyouji looked up as the group entered the kitchen, one glance at Toshi's face was all it took to make him realise something was very wrong. He quickly removed the plastic gloves he had been wearing to make the sandwiches, and he hurried to Toshi and embraced him. Being back with his dear boyfriend started the tears flowing down Toshi's face, and he buried his face in his shoulder and sobbed.
"What's happened Toshi? Shhh, ah, you're alright now love. Come and sit down over here." He looked at Ryoma-san's white face as well. "You need a seat as well Ryoma-san, come over here and sit down. Can somebody please tell me what's happened?" When they were both seated Ryoma-san repeated to Shingyouji what had happened in the street.
Takumi had been busy getting Toshi and Ryoma-san a warm drink and brought them over and put them on a small table. "We need to call the Police Shingyouji. That man can't be allowed to get away with this!" Takumi was incensed that someone could hurt his friend like this.
Toshi suddenly spoke for the first time. "No! Please don't call the Police Takumi! It'll just make him even madder; he'll come back for me again! Please Shingyouji!" He turned his tearstained face towards his boyfriend, pleading with him.
"Why are you so frightened Toshi? Did you know this man?" Toshi was so upset he couldn't speak for a long time, but eventually he gave a small nod. Shingyouji put his arm around Toshi's shoulders. "You're safe here with us Toshi. You have lots of friends here who won't ever let anything happen to you. This man needs to be stopped before he hurts you or anyone else again. Do you understand?"
Toshi looked at Shingyouji's beloved face. He knew deep down he was right, but the fear of the man was intense. Toshi knew he had to be brave, so he looked at Shingyouji and said hesitantly. "It was my stepfather Tanaka Iwao. After he threw me down I caught sight of his face as he was running; I hoped I'd never have to see him again." Takumi and Shingyouji knew a bit about the stepfather and his nastiness to Toshi. His stepfather was the reason Toshi had been living rough when they first found him badly beaten in the alleyway all those months ago.
Once he had said those words Toshi felt a bit better. "He had a knife in his hand Shingyouji, I could feel it digging into my side."
"Let me look Toshi, see if there's any damage." Toshi turned around and Shingyouji and Takumi could immediately see blood on the back of Toshi's shirt. They looked at each other in horror but tried not to make a fuss. Shingyouji spoke. "I tell you what Toshi. Why don't you and I go upstairs to the apartment so I can have a proper look? Are you okay down here, Takumi? Perhaps you could ask Kimiko if she could stay on for a bit longer today, until she has to collect Mai from school. I think Toshi is going to need a rest this afternoon."
Takumi was so upset at the thought of his friend being hurt, he could only nod in agreement. Shingyouji led Toshi out of the kitchen and upstairs to the apartment. "I'll ring the Police from the apartment Takumi."
Ryoma-san looked worriedly at Takumi. "Is he hurt Takumi?"
Takumi nodded. "There's blood on the back of his shirt Ryoma-san. I think you have saved Toshi from being badly hurt today. I don't know how we can ever thank you enough." Takumi could feel the tears pricking his eyes but he tried to put on a brave face.
"I only did what anyone else would have done, Takumi. I don't need any thanks. You really must call the Police now though. This is a very serious incident. That poor boy, he must have been terrified. What sort of man does that to an innocent youngster like that?" Ryoma-san shook her head. "I'll have to go now Takumi, get back to my shop. I'm more than happy to speak to the Police when they arrive, just send them next door to me, okay?"
Takumi thanked Ryoma-san again, and walked with her to the door. Kimiko was looking anxiously at Takumi, as were some of the customers. He knew he had to let them all know what had happened. After he had told them briefly what had happened they were all shocked that something like this could happen right there on their doorstep, and they all hoped Toshi would soon recover.
Kimiko said she was happy to stay on until she had to get Mai from school later on which was a relief for Takumi, and she and Takumi carried on, serving the customers and filling sandwich orders when required.
When Shingyouji and Toshi entered their apartment, the relief at being safe at home with his loving boyfriend made Toshi start to sob again. It was heartbreaking to hear and all Shingyouji could do was wrap his arms around his precious boy and just wait for the storm to calm.
Eventually the tears stopped and Shingyouji gently stroked Toshi's hair back from his face. "Do you feel a bit better now Toshi? Shall I look at your side for you, see what the damage is?"
Toshi nodded and lifted his shirt so Shingyouji could see. There was a wound about 1 inch long in his left side that was still bleeding. Shingyouji couldn't tell how deep it was without prodding it, and he was afraid to hurt Toshi. "I'll put a dressing on it for now but I think we should go to the Hospital and let someone look at it for you Toshi, I can't tell how deep the wound is." Seeing the cut had made Shingyouji even more determined to ring the Police and he picked up his phone. After explaining to the Operator what had happened he was assured that an Officer would be at the Coffee Shop shortly.
Shingyouji went to the bathroom for the First Aid box and to Toshi's wardrobe to get him a clean shirt. After covering the wound with a dressing, he helped him into the shirt then he led him to the sofa and they sat next to each other. "I'm sorry for causing all this trouble Shing..."
Shingyouji leaned forward and kissed Toshi gently on the lips. "Don't say things like that, do you hear me? You've done nothing wrong at all! I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you, I feel so angry! That man needs to be stopped Toshi, you do understand that?"
Toshi nodded sadly. "I know Shingyouji, I'm just so scared he'll turn up again." "You're with your friends now love, we'll be on our guard so try not to worry." Toshi leaned his head on Shingyouji's shoulder and held his hand tightly. "Arigato Shingyouji, I love you."
Shingyouji felt his throat constrict with unshed tears. "I love you as well Toshi, we'll all be alright, okay? We'll have to call ourselves the Three Musketeers won't we?" Toshi couldn't help chuckling to himself. "Don't you mean the Four Musketeers? You forgot Gii I think!"
"Oh yes! Mustn't forget Gii, he's a great person to have on our side! All for one, and one for all! That will be our motto from now on!" They both laughed at the thought and felt a lot better.
After the lunch-time rush was over Takumi was able to find time to run upstairs to check up on his friends. He remembered to knock on the living-room door this time after embarrassing Shingyouji and Toshi once before when he walked in on them! He heard a faint "come in" from Shingyouji and walked into the room. Both the young men were grinning at Takumi having also remembered the incident well! "How are you Toshi? What was the wound like Shingyouji, is it bad?"
"It's a nasty cut Takumi, I can't tell how deep it is so as soon as the Police have been, I'm going to take Toshi to the Hospital so they can look at it properly. The Operator I spoke to said the Police would be here quickly, so it should be soon."
"Ryoma-san said she would be happy to speak to the Police as well, so to send them in to her shop. I'd better get downstairs again; I'll bring the Officer up when he gets here."
"Thanks Takumi, you're a good friend, I don't know what I'd do without you." Shingyouji's voice was full of emotion.
"Hey now, you stop that! You're my best friends and that's what friends do!" Takumi smiled reassuringly at his friends, and quietly closed the door and made his way down to the Coffee Shop.
It was ten minutes later when two Police Officers arrived. Takumi showed them upstairs to the apartment and left them with Shingyouji and Toshi.
It was one male Officer and one female Officer who were assigned to the case. After taking details of Toshi's full name and address they asked him what exactly had occurred. Toshi spoke quietly but clearly, and Officer Yoshida wrote down the incident. Officer Kato was concerned when Toshi told her about the wound in his side, and when she looked at it, she agreed with Shingyouji that he should go to the Hospital and have it looked at properly.
When Officer Yoshida started to question Toshi about his stepfather, Tanaka Iwao, Toshi could feel the fear starting to creep back into his mind, fears that for the last few months had begun to subside but now were back with a vengeance. Shingyouji was holding Toshi's hand tightly, trying to give his boyfriend courage to face this ordeal.
The Officers were pleased that Toshi was able to give them his stepfather's last known address, and also that their neighbour Mrs. Ryoma was willing to give them a statement. Officer Kato offered to take Toshi to the Hospital, but Shingyouji assured her he would be able to take him. The Officers then left to go and speak to Ryoma-san and told Toshi they would keep him informed of any progress in the case.
As soon as the Officers had left, Toshi just collapsed into Shingyouji's arms, his body shaking with suppressed fear and anxiety. Shingyouji wrapped his arms around his beloved's body and just held him, whispering words of love and encouragement to him. Gradually the shaking stopped and Toshi was able to look up at his boyfriend. "Arigato Shingyouji. You fill me with such strength, you mean everything to me."
Shingyouji just smiled down at his love, and leaned forward and kissed him gently. "We give each other strength Toshi, it's not just one-sided this relationship you know." After sharing another tender kiss, Shingyouji suggested they went to the Hospital for the check-up.
On arriving at the Hospital, the two young men made their way to the Accident and Emergency Department where the receptionist asked for Toshi's full name. "Morita Toshi." He had to give his address and date of birth also. As they were sitting waiting for Toshi's turn to be seen, they were both surprised to see Sagara-senpai walking towards them. Sagara had qualified as a Doctor the previous year and he looked very business-like in his crisp white coat and a stethoscope around his neck.
Sagara was equally surprised to see them and stopped to speak to them. "Konnichiwa! What brings you two here?" He looked quizzically at Shingyouji. Sagara had been a student at Shidou Academy also, but had been two years ahead of Shingyouji.
"Toshi's been attacked in the street Sagara, he has a small stab wound in his side and the Police suggested he came for a check up. I'm hoping it's not too deep, it's hard to tell." Sagara was immediately concerned for Toshi. "I'm very sorry to hear that Toshi. Do you know who did it?" Shingyouji told Sagara the story briefly. "I hope they catch him quickly Toshi it must be worrying for you." Toshi thanked Sagara for his concern, and as they were talking another familiar face came into view and Shingyouji was pleased to see Misu striding towards them.
"Hi there! Is everything alright?" He looked down at his friend Shingyouji then looked fleetingly at Sagara with a small smile. Shingyouji again briefly explained what had happened to Toshi. "That's awful Toshi! I'm just coming on duty, let me get organised and I'll take a look at you." He quickly went into one of the side wards to get ready.
"I'll leave you two now in Misu's very capable hands, I'm just going off duty. I'm sure Misu will let me know later how you got on. Take care Toshi!"
Toshi's name was soon called, and he went through to the cubicle. Misu and a nurse were waiting for him, and after he explained what had happened the nurse helped him onto the bed and Misu carefully examined the wound. "Umm, this is quite a deep wound Toshi, it's only just missed your kidney. We'll need to clean it up and I'll put some stitches in there for you. Have the Police been notified about this attack?" Toshi nodded and told him they had suggested he come to the Hospital. "I'm glad you came, it definitely needs treatment."
After the nurse had cleaned the wound, Misu administered a local anaesthetic to the area then carefully put three stitches in the deep cut. Finally the nurse applied a dressing, giving Toshi instructions to keep it dry for a few days, and to come back in five days to have it looked at and if it was healing well, to have the stitches removed.
The nurse helped Toshi to sit up, and after thanking her and Misu, he went outside to where Shingyouji was waiting anxiously for him. "Is everything okay love? How do you feel?"
Toshi smiled. "It's okay Shingyouji, Misu's put some stitches in it and I've got to come back in five days to have them removed."
Misu came out of the cubicle then and smiled at them. "Providing he does as instructed and keeps the wound dry, it should heal well. You'll probably find the wound will be painful when the local anaesthetic wears off, take some painkillers, they'll help. It's been nice seeing you both again, perhaps we could all have a get-together soon? Are Gii and Takumi both well?"
"They're fine Misu, and a get-together would be great. Do you want to give me a ring when you are free; I know how busy you get!" Shingyouji couldn't help laughing; Misu was notorious for being so busy he quite often couldn't make appointments.
Misu grinned sheepishly. "I know, I know! But I really will make an effort, honestly! I'll try and get Sagara to come along as well."
"How's that going then, with you two? Are you seeing each other?"
Misu hesitated for a moment. "Well, sort of. We're taking it slowly for now, but I hope we'll become close eventually."
"I'll keep my fingers crossed for you then Misu. I think you two really should be together." He turned to Toshi. "Now come on love, let's get you home, you must be tired after the terrible day you've had. Thanks again Misu, and don't forget to ring soon!"
Toshi thanked Misu as well, and hand in hand he and Shingyouji left the A & E department. Misu watched them go, a smile on his face. He didn't get chance to ponder any longer on the couple as his next patient was waiting.
It was nearly closing time at the Coffee Shop by the time Shingyouji and Toshi got back. Kimiko had had to leave to collect her daughter Mai from school, but fortunately Mika, having heard at College about Toshi's ordeal, had called in to find out how he was. Realising Takumi was on his own, she quickly put her coat and bag in the kitchen and started to help serve customers.
Takumi was very relieved when his friends came through the door, and he hurried forward to hug Toshi. "Are you okay Toshi? What did the Doctor at the Hospital say? Is the wound bad?"
"I'll be fine Takumi, don't worry. I've had three stitches in the wound, but fortunately the knife just missed my kidney."
Shingyouji's smile soon soothed Takumi's anxiety. "You'll never believe who the Doctor was Takumi!" Seeing his friend's puzzled expression he carried on. "It was Misu! He was on duty and he put the stitches in the wound. Toshi's had a lucky escape Takumi."
"I'm glad you escaped serious injury Toshi, but it's still a nasty wound. Fancy Misu being the Doctor! Mind you, he must be in his final year of training now, so I suppose it's not so surprising."
Toshi spoke then. "You'll never guess who else we saw! It was Sagara-senpai! I don't know him very well, of course..." Takumi interrupted. "None of us did Toshi, except Gii. Shouzo once told me Sagara really liked Gii at school..."
Just then, the Coffee Shop door opened and in walked the man in question, Gii. "Did I hear my name being mentioned by any chance?" He grinned at them all and then laughed out loud when he saw the embarrassed look on Takumi's face. "What did I do at school, hey? What am I being blamed for now?"
Takumi went to his boyfriend and put his arms around his waist and Gii returned the hug. Takumi grinned at Gii. "Sorry Gii! I wasn't blaming you for anything, honest!" Takumi suddenly became serious. "Toshi has had a terrible experience today Gii. Look, you and Toshi go and sit at one of the tables. Shall I make us all a coffee?" Gii suddenly looked towards Toshi with a worried look.
Everyone agreed coffee was a great idea. "Let me get the coffees first, then Shingyouji and Toshi can fill you and Mika in on all that's happened."
The friends all gathered around one of the tables, and Takumi brought over their coffees and joined them. Gii was sitting next to Toshi and touched his hand. "Do you want to tell me what's happened, or would you rather Shingyouji did?" Toshi was looking anxious, and glanced down at the table.
He looked up then towards Shingyouji. "Will you tell them, please Shingyouji? I don't know if I can talk about it again." Shingyouji put his arm around Toshi's shoulders. "I'll tell them love, don't worry."
He then spoke quietly, and told Gii and Mika all the terrible details of Toshi's ordeal. Mika was very shocked to hear all the details, she and Toshi had become good friends over the past few weeks and she felt angry that her friend had been hurt. Gii was looking very serious now. "This has been a nasty experience for you Toshi, I'm sorry this has happened to you. It sounds like you did everything right Shingyouji calling the Police, and having your injury seen to at the Hospital Toshi. Thank goodness Ryoma-san was nearby as well, it sounds like her quick thinking saved you from further injury."
The friends all agreed they had a lot to thank Ryoma-san for. "I was thinking I would get her some flowers, just as a little thank you." Murmurs of approval for Shingyouji's idea could be heard from the friends.
Gii spoke again. "Did the Police say what would happen next?"
"They're going to Toshi's stepfather's address to see if they can find him and will contact us as soon as there is any news. I hope they throw him in prison and let him rot, that's what he deserves!" Shingyouji's effort to stay strong was beginning to crack now and he hugged his precious boy while he struggled to stay calm.
Gii realised they needed to lighten the mood now, and turned to Takumi with a smile. "Right, my love, you were about to tell everyone something about me when I first walked in here, weren't you? Want to tell us what it was then?" The corners of Gii's mouth were twitching with suppressed laughter, knowing he had embarrassed Takumi again.
Takumi started to tell Gii about Misu being the Doctor who had dealt with Toshi's injury, and about them also meeting Sagara-senpai in the Hospital waiting room. "Toshi was saying that he didn't really know Sagara and I was telling them that only you had known him at school really, and that he had liked you..." Takumi's voice trailed off then and he looked shyly at Gii.
"That's all true Takumi, but you also have to add that it was a one-sided attraction, I never had any feelings for Sagara at all. You're the only one I was ever interested in, you know that don't you?" Takumi smiled at his boyfriend and agreed. "But don't forget Sagara moved onto Misu when he realised I wasn't interested! But by then our Shingyouji had got Misu's attention." Gii started to laugh. "Goodness, this is getting complicated! Let's stop there, all's well that ends well as the saying goes!"
Shingyouji joined in the laughter. "Actually, from what Misu was telling us, he and Sagara are getting quite friendly again. Fingers crossed it works out for them both this time!" Takumi and Gii nodded in agreement.