Weeks after meeting with Goro, Akira was up into the late hours researching about Kippei Ebihara and couldn't find a single article that deviated from 'award-winning designer for 5 years in a row'. It was beginning to be frustrating, and the fact that the submission for the articles to be nominated for the awards is already a month away. It's so close. After telling it to Yahiko, he was floored; looking completely dumbfounded.
"He asked you to write what? About who? And why?"
"About some dude named Kippei Ebihara. I don't know, you know how the boss is, Hiko."
Yahiko sighed as he continued to tap on his keyboard. "Well, actually I have heard of him. He's some designer within our area who's known for his memorable yet functional designs. Aside from winning awards, he's also nominated for best team and best solo space."
"How'd you know about him? You actually look like you don't know anything about design."
"My girlfriend's obsessing about him since she attended the awards weeks back. She said he was such a hottie. Also, my friend, Shohei Aiba works in the same company as Ebihara. And also, works in his team. This is actually a wonderful opportunity, I can ask Aiba later on."
Akira's eyes grew wide. "You... have a girlfriend? Is this the same one or a new one?"
"Didn't you hear what I just said? I tell you of a wonderful opportunity to meet with your subject and all you heard was 'girlfriend'. She's a new one. The art student before her found out I was ten years her senior and called me a dirty old man and threatened to report me to the police."
"Haha, with all good reason. You don't really look respectable with your goatee and that pervert gleam in your eye," teased Aki, a simpering grin on her face.
"Shut up. Come on, have a look at what you just managed to search."
Yahiko peered over Akira's shoulder as they both researched about the Ebihara guy she was to write about. After scrolling past his several pages of achievements and awards, they finally reached his bio.
"Damn. This man is a monster, listen to this :
'Kippei Ebihara was won several awards for his innovative and phenomenal designs. Mixing sensual appeal, leisure, finance and utility; he makes it a point to deliver exquisitely executed proposals into realities for clients on a budget without breaking the bank. With a keen eye for style, color and comfort, he utilizes all aspects into a creation that rivals most designs; however, Kippei reigns supreme as he balances it out with the client's own identity, personality and image. He never leaves out a client in every little move he does, taking into consideration his clients' inputs and suggestions into every nook and cranny he transforms into a work of art in the modern world for his clients to marvel and enjoy. Kippei is goal-driven, will not stop to achieve the best for both ends and seals the deal, ready to move on to his next project; prepared, willing and most of all, determined to meet his future clients' expectations. His methods are a mix of the unorthodox and the methodological, making him a powerhouse in the design world as he never ceases to come up with brilliant masterpieces to showcase his passion in creating spaces that aim to please without even trying too hard. His first project was the 'Sunshine House', a therapy center dedicated to his late brother who stood as breadwinner and sent Kippei through school. Being the overachiever that Kippei is, older brother Kouhei can be proud seeing his brother live out the life he worked hard to provide from him, with Kippei making others happy with his beautiful works of art that not also preserve his clients' identities, but also their precious memories in every splash of color, furniture arrangement and light fixture.'
How can a man like this not be overly, totally gay?", asked Yahiko, totally shaking his head from the bio he just read aloud. "And he's straight, AND HOT." He pointed at a photo of Kippei Ebihara shaking a man's hand at the recently held design awards. "Look at him! He's all, 'Hey, I'm such an amazing designer and I'll shake your hand because I'm smug and shit, oh and did I mention I won again this year for Best Designer? No? Well, look at this trophy I'm holding, it's made from swarovski. You don't have one? Oh, hahahaha, you're a sad little shit'. I don't know if I'm impressed because he can be smug since he's hot, smart, straight and amazing as fuck, or if I'm mad because I'm not him and turning gay because he's hot, smart, straight and amazing as fuck! Look at his smile! He's belittling my person with it, indirectly telling me I'm as awesome as the pube on his thing! I bet even his pubes must be overachievers!"
"Goddamn it, Hiko, your analogies are completely out of this world. And stop giving me mental images, being seated next to you is a mental image I wish to forget everyday." Aki sighed as she gazed at his photo. "Sounds like he'll be difficult to write about," Aki said, looking at the other tabs on her monitor. "Damn it, I can't find any other bio of him online. I guess I better flip through the magazines. Hiko, can you get some from the break room? Just four would do from the design catalogue, you're gonna go there for coffee anyway."
"Okie. Can I have some coins? I'm out of coins as of the moment. You know how those blasted vending machines love to take my bills. I'm safeguarding my moolah from now on." Yahiko stood up and stretched his hands up to the ceiling, a big yawn escaping his mouth. "By the way, I'll be going off early tonight. Le girlfriend and I have a little movie night at her place," he said, a grin on his lips forming.
Aki scowled as she handed him coins from her purse. "That disgusting horny grin on your face is creeping me out. Go think your fantasies over there and keep me out of it."
"You sure don't want to go try hitting it off with me, Aki? I don't mind you being married and all," said Yahiko with a straight face.
"After hearing your Ebihara impersonation and marveling at his pubes, I don't want to be alone in a hallway with you; who knows what other rancid things you can do. Or even say."
Yahiko tutted. "You're such a prude."
"Not really, I'm just married."
"That too."
Aki waved off Yahiko, placing her chin on her hand as she propped her elbow on her desk. She stared at her subject's photo on her monitor, anxiously wondering how she's going to start her article with him. Judging from his bio and his reputation, he seems someone not really interested in trifles such as being interviewed and wouldn't care less unless it revolved around his job. With a sigh, she leaned back on her backrest, thinking what she could write about him. Aki looked at Kippei Ebihara's face and narrowed her eyes.
"You're pretty good-looking, aren't you?", she said under her breath. "And you won't make my job easier too, huh?"
She stared a little more as if expecting the photo to reply, however she simply sighed heavily as she massaged her temple.
"Hey Aki,"
Lifting her gaze, she saw one of the editors looking at her with a seemingly concerned look on his face.
"Oh, Watanabe, what's wrong?", she asked.
Choi Watanabe was one one of those bosses that really didn't talk much and was more acquainted with deadlines than with the people who worked beneath him, however, he was kind and always meant well for everyone, even to the ones he barely interact with. His parents were friends with hers and maintained good business with them by always including their breweries in their issues. From what Aki remembered, Choi came from a wealthy family of brewers and recalled that Koichi did business with his father once. He chose to work for the paper instead of working for his father; but also takes over from time to time when is father isn't around. Their wines have been major sellouts and the Watanabe brand has been Koichi's prime goal to set a contract for them to invest in his company. Koichi didn't seem to be aware that the son worked with Aki and she on the other hand didn't tell him since she didn't want to burden herself with work that is unrelated to hers. There were times she felt guilty, most especially when Koichi would complain on how the Watanabes are "too finicky and complicated to work with"; but she'd just stay quiet and not mention anything more. Doing so might just make things worse and besides, Koichi may be her husband, but he wasn't much of a husband anyway he has to do his business on his own.
"Uhm, has your husband talked to you about the party tonight to be held at Napa Hotel?", he asked cautiously, talking in a slightly lower tone to keep anyone from hearing.
Frowning, Aki simply shook her head.
Aki felt a little tightness in her chest. Well, what is there to expect, Koichi doesn't even talk to her. "He hasn't told me anything about it.. Why?"
Choi thought for a moment. "Well, just so you know, wives are welcome to come along. It will also be good for you to see what your husband does yourself."
Aki noticed that Choi put an emphasis on the word 'wives'. She met Choi's eyes. There was a gleam in them that seemed to hide something more and 'It will be good for you to see what your husband does himself'? Choi in fact looked like he actually had something more to say, and Aki could feel herself getting nervous. Judging from how awkward he looked and how uncomfortable the atmosphere became, there was no denying that Choi knew something. Aki straightened up to lean forward and ask, but from her peripheral saw a disgruntled looking Yahiko stomping back to his desk.
"I better go," said Choi, glancing at Yahiko. "Talk to you later. Or later tonight, if ever."
"Choi- wait-"
But, Choi went back to his office and closed the door behind him.
Yahiko saw Choi leave Aki's desk and eyed him suspiciously. "What did the hermit want with you?", he asked nonchalantly, plopping down the magazines on Aki's desk while he sipped his drink. "Here, got you some hojicha tea latte."
"You come at the worst possible moment."
Aki sighed heavily and took the latte Yahiko got for her. She was curious on what Choi seemed to know. Her heart couldn't stop throbbing in her chest. A part of her wanted to march to Choi's office and get the answer straight but the other half wanted to just have Koichi explain himself that night. A voice in her mind said that she's better off not knowing instead. Aki was now bothered, and she knew it was something big. It was worse because her husband seemed to be involved.
"What? I didn't know it was a particularly tender moment you two shared!" Yahiko sank down his seat and sulked. "Anyway, what's up? You look pale."
Aki sipped her tea and didn't say anything more. Her mind flitted over to what Choi had said.
Obviously, he knew something she didn't.
Aki came home around 6 that evening. Obviously drained from working all day and submitting side articles, she plopped on the sofa and huffed.
"Aki, is that you?"
Aki glanced at her left where Koichi's office was. She prickled her ears a bit more and heard movement in the room. What a strange surprise! Koichi's home! Her mind recalled what Choi had said about a dinner party at the ritzy Napa Hotel. Her heart gave a sudden leap. It was rare for Koichi to be home at such an early time, so maybe...
"Yes, it's me, Koichi," she answered. Aki felt torn but somehow a part of her was relieved that he was there early.
He came from his office and Aki saw he was wearing one of his nicer suits. She could see what a handsome man he is, and very well-mannered, but still, her heart still hasn't overlooked at how poorly he treated her recently. Koichi stared at Akira who was clearly exhausted on the sofa. A miffed look crossed his face as his eyebrows met together in the middle when he put on his necktie.
"What's this? It's only 6 in the evening and you're looking as if you swam from here to Okinawa," he expressionlessly said.
Aki was waiting for him to say something. She didn't bother say anything as she just gave him a wry smile. "Of course I have work, Koichi." She saw that he was struggling with his tie and stood up. "Let me help you put on your tie."
Koichi tutted first, but let it go and allowed her.
There was a little warmth radiating in her chest. In a way, she thought of him maybe recognizing her now as his wife and was making it up to her for treating her poorly. Aki properly tied his knot together and as she gently pulled the tie down, she glanced up at Koichi who was looking at her. Their stare lingered a little, with Aki feeling Koichi's hands gently landing on her hips. A little chill coursed through her, with her clearing her throat to break their little contact. It made her awkward since what happened in their kitchen was still fresh in her mind. She tugged firmly on his tie a little and patted it on his chest.
"There, it's fixed."
"What're you looking at?", he coldly asked.
"I just thought you looked pretty good tonight. Are you going somewhere?"
Koichi cleared his throat and looked away, a slight pink on his cheeks. "As a matter of fact, we are. I have business dinner with a partner and I don't know why, but you're allowed to come. They said wives can join in. I figured it'll be good to know the wives since you'll be needing female friends to be with when us guys play golf or have our meetings and parties."
Aki looked up at him, eyes slightly wide. "Are you... are you asking me to go with you?", she asked, somehow impressed.
Koichi scowled at her. "Yes. What else? Can you at least try to keep up tonight? I don't want to look like an embarrassment." He gave one last look at Aki and said, "Well, there is after all a purpose for having a pretty wife after all."
Aki lowered her gaze, a little blush on her cheeks. Why was he suddenly being nice?
"I'll give you thirty minutes. Wear something nice."
Before Koichi turned around, Aki stood up and took his hand.
"What are you doing wasting time for?", he asked looking irritated.
"Thank you...", said Aki, giving him a tender smile. "I appreciate you asking me to go with you."
Maybe it was just because he had a bad day and a business venture turned out wrong. Maybe he was trying to make it up to her now in his own way. Koichi may be a man of few words and completely combative at times, but Aki thought again and figured maybe he was now warming up to her.
Koichi scoffed lightly, a wicked glint in his eye appearing. He slapped her hand away from him.
"What're you talking about? This doesn't mean I actually want you to go. They've been asking me to bring you so I will just take you to make them shut up. Don't get silly things in your head, Aki. As my wife, you are obligated to keep your promise and fulfill my requests. I'm not doing this because I want to. Get ready, you are wasting my time."
He went on back in his room, leaving Aki to quietly nurse the new stab wound on her heart. Her chin trembled, her fists shaking; and she couldn't believe for a split-second that she was actually considering that MAYBE Koichi was changing.
How wrong she was for thinking he's actually warmed up to her.
"Mrs. Natsukawa, such a pleasure to see you finally. Your husband has kept you quite a mystery from all of us for quite a while; now I can see why."
"Ah, thank you. It is nice to meet you, Mr. Miyazawa. My husband has said many things about you."
"Oh? Like what? Like how I beat him in golf? Hahahaha!"
"Well, there is something about a nice swing, but left the part where you beat him out," said Aki, not knowing what she was talking about since Koichi didn't talk to her at all, but best tracked on golf to make small-talk.
"I adore your beautiful wife, Mr. Natsukawa, not unlike my wife and all the other wives here; she's funny and is so relaxing to talk to! You are indeed a lucky son of a bitch!"
Aki smiled genially and bowed. She was happy for choosing her white scoop neck sheath dress that was until her knee. It fit her like a glove, giving her a little confidence as Koichi's associates gathered around them once they came in. Feeling the stares on her, Aki felt timid, but she kept her best to smile at them and greet them all. Her mind still tracked back to their apartment, her insides still churning with hurt from her idiocy. Koichi was unkind and brazen, not even considering her feelings with regards to this request. Talking to one of Koichi's main bosses was nice, but it was heart-wrenching since they had to lie to him and pretend to have a good relationship as husband and wife. Aki wanted to leave so many times and wanted to just go home to no longer put up with the lie, but Koichi was right; she was his wife and she had to stand by his side even if it hurt.
"Mr. Miyazawa, such kind words from you. You make me feel like the luckiest man in the world. My wife is indeed the source of my drive to do better business," Koichi said, greasing over his words. "Our home is warm and full of love having her to go home to."
Aki inwardly raised her eyebrow. Hearing Koichi say the word 'love' was like nails on a chalkboard.
Mr. Miyazawa laughed. "Hearing sentiments from you is quite shocking, Mr. Natsukawa. Having such a beautiful and career-oriented wife is a man's dream; a mixture of strength and independence! Not to mention funny and witty too. Tell me, are there little Natsukawas following through anytime soon?"
Aki gave a side glance to Koichi.
"Considering my wife's hectic schedule and career goals, why, I have to wait up for her to come home and plan a family, but she always tells me she's too tired," said Koichi with no hint of remorse. "I do miss her at times, but I just understand and simply wish she'd come home more often.
Aki's eyes widened. What. HE was the one who always comes home late! HE was the one who says he's always tired! HE's the one who doesn't want to start a family! Aki sighed quietly and plastered on an apologetic smile, acting her best. Arguing won't do good after all and Aki just wanted the night to be over and done with.
"Mrs. Natsukawa, give your husband a little time and spend your evenings planning ahead for your bundles of joy!"
"I do need to get my priorities checked. I do hate the fact I am not being a good wife to my husband," she sarcastically said, making Koichi give her a little glare without his boss noticing. "My husband who's so caring and loving, preparing meals for me and helping me around the house. I am such a lucky woman to have him with me!"
"Now, now honey; such flattery is so heartwarming that I almost can't believe you mean it," said Koichi, a pointed smile forming on his lips.
Aki simply smiled sarcastically at him and told him, "Oh you know I mean that with every breath on my body. Sometimes, I actually wonder myself if I am deserving of such love coming from you."
"Such love! I am clearly envious!", marveled Mr. Miyazawa.
"My wife, indeed one of a kind. No wonder I love her and am thankful she married me."
Aki's smile faltered a bit hearing him lie to his boss. Koichi slipped a hand around her waist, keeping her close to him as they made the rounds and greeted their associates. It was the same thing for each, lie after lie piled up; with Aki looking more and more morose as they made their trips all over the place. As they were able to get to their table, Aki wasn't smiling anymore. She was angry and didn't show any glee in meeting Koichi's partners in business anymore. He was just using her to get a meal ticket to the best place he could possibly get in his business goals. She downed her glass of champagne, her features rigid and her breathing barely masking how furious she was.
"What's with that face? Smile. You're shaming me," hissed Koichi to her ear. "Mr. Yashida is one of the topguns in my company and I want him to meet you. If you look like that, it's going to be a major disaster on my part. Keep up, will you? He's coming this way."
Aki glanced at Koichi, a glare escaping from her amber eyes as she calmed herself. She didn't want to lie anymore. She no longer wanted to stay and pretend what isn't supposed to be. There was no point.
"I don't want to do this anymore! You're making me feel bad about lying to your bosses and you're just really pushing me down to the ground with this attempt of yours to get a better seat in the board room!", Aki hissed back through gritted teeth.
Koichi held her hand underneath the table tightly and squeezed hard. Aki winced a little and strained to yank her hand back.
"Listen, do you think it matters to me how you feel? If I don't make a move I can't really provide for you now, can I? Stop being so fucking emotional and don't give me your lectures and bullshit!", said Koichi to her ear, finally letting go of her hand. He then stood up and said, "Ah, Mr. Yashida, finally nice to see you along with your... wife."
Aki looked up and saw Mr. Yashida and his fairly younger wife, Ai Yashida. Ai Yashida's slut red lips curled into a smile that made Aki's skin crawl.
It was as if Ai knew her, and was eager to stab her in the face the moment their eyes met.