-Chapter 2-
Later on when Mika had left to go home and all the cleaning and tidying had been finished in the Coffee Shop, Gii suggested to Takumi that they went home as well. "I think Toshi needs to have a long rest now Takumi, he's had a rough day. Will you be okay now Shingyouji? If you want us to stay longer it's not a problem though. What do you think?"
"I'm sure we'll be fine thanks Gii." He looked down at Toshi, but was concerned by the strained look on his face. "Are you okay love? You look worried."
Toshi tried to smile but everyone could see the distress he was in. Gii spoke quietly to Toshi. "Tell us what's wrong Toshi. We're all your friends here and we want to help you."
"I'm sorry Gii. It's just that I'm really worried my stepfather will come here to the Coffee Shop and try and hurt us! I couldn't bear it if he hurt Shingyouji, it's all my fault...I'm really scared Gii!" A sob escaped from Toshi and a tear trickled down his cheek. Shingyouji wrapped his arms around him and held him close.
Gii could feel the anger against Toshi's stepfather welling up inside, but he tried very hard to be calm and spoke in a matter-of-fact way, trying to pass on to Toshi calming thoughts.
"None of this is your fault Toshi. Your stepfather is a wicked man who will be caught by the Police and punished. I think the Coffee Shop is quite secure, Takumi and Shingyouji made sure when they first moved in here that security of the premises was done properly."
Shingyouji nodded. "Yes, we did Gii. There are locks on all the windows and doors, I'm sure no-one could get in here Toshi, please try not to worry."
Gii was thoughtful for a moment. "We had a Security Firm doing some additional work for us at our Offices last week, I'll give them a call tomorrow and ask them to come along and make sure everything is up to date here. Maybe we could have security cameras installed at the back and at the front? Let's see what they say when they've had a look, okay? As for tonight, Takumi and I can stay here if you want, or you two could come and stay at our place?" He glanced at Takumi and could see he was in full agreement with Gii.
"No problem at all Toshi. Shall we stay here tonight? Will that make you feel a bit safer?" Takumi leaned towards Toshi while he waited for his answer.
Toshi looked at his friends. "No, it's okay Takumi...Gii, we'll be fine I know. Sorry for being dramatic! You two get home now and we'll see you tomorrow, bright and early!" Toshi smiled at them and looked up at Shingyouji who hugged him. "Well done Toshi. If we give in to the fear, it means that evil man has won, and he's never going to win because we won't let him!"
"Well said Shingyouji! That's the right spirit to be in and we'll all stick together." Shingyouji and Toshi started grinning at each other and spoke in unison. "All for one, and one for all!" Gii gave Takumi a puzzled look and Takumi was equally perplexed. "Toshi and I decided we were the four Musketeers earlier!" The four friends laughed together then Gii and Takumi took their leave.
Takumi was very quiet on the drive back to their apartment. Gii completely understood how Takumi was feeling, and drove in silence for a while. Eventually he put his hand on top of Takumi's and squeezed it gently. Takumi looked up at his boyfriend and gave him a small smile. "Sorry Gii, I can't stop thinking about poor Toshi. He's such a gentle loving person; he didn't deserve to be treated like that!" Takumi's eyes started to fill with tears, he had tried to be strong all day and now he felt he could relax his feelings in front of Gii.
"You're right Takumi, he didn't. That man is a bully and bullies always pick on people who can't defend themselves. It makes me so mad; I wish I could physically do something to that bully!"
It was Takumi's turn to hold Gii's hand. "I'm sure the Police will catch him Gii and deal with him. If we try and retaliate we'll probably get into trouble as well."
Gii chuckled. "You always talk sense my love. Let's be strong for Toshi and Shingyouji!" After a short lull in the conversation, Gii said. "I've been thinking Takumi. Shall we start looking for an apartment that's a bit nearer to the Coffee Shop? If it's nearer to the Coffee Shop it will also be nearer for my work as well. It would be quite nice to move, and you'll be able to have a say in where it is and what we want in it. What do you think?"
Without even saying a word, Gii could see from Takumi's face that he thought it was a wonderful idea! Takumi's big brown eyes were shining with happiness, and his smile made Gii's heart fill with joy. "I'll take that wonderful smile to mean you agree with me then!" Gii couldn't help laughing; this handsome young man meant the world to him and filled him with such love.
"Oh Gii, I love you so much! I have thought it would be handy to live nearer the Coffee Shop, it would save time in travelling and I could walk there if it's close by. After the trouble today, it would make me feel so much happier knowing we can be there really quickly if necessary!"
"That's a deal then Takumi, we'll start to look straight away. There's building going on over the road behind the Leisure Centre I think, we could check that out tomorrow if you like and work from there? The more I think about it the more excited I feel!" Takumi leaned towards Gii and pecked him on his cheek. "I'll save my real thanks for when we get home, you need to concentrate on driving at the minute!"
"The sooner this journey ends the better then, my love, with a promise like that!" The lovers smiled at each other in happy anticipation.
Back at the Coffee Shop Shingyouji and Toshi both went around making sure everywhere was locked tight, and Toshi relaxed visibly when he was sure everything was secure.
"Come on love, let's go and have something to eat upstairs then we can have a quiet evening watching a film or listening to some CDs if you like. We could probably do with an early night as well. What do you fancy eating tonight? I could do you an omelette if you like, something quick?"
As they entered the apartment Toshi sighed happily. "I love being here with you Shingyouji, it's like a safe haven isn't it...yes I would love an omelette please, I'll make the coffees while you do that. Shall we watch that film we recorded last week and didn't get time to watch? I think it was a comedy wasn't it, which would be a good thing to watch at the minute!"
"Great idea love, let's get the meal ready and we can watch the film while we're eating. How is the wound feeling now? Don't forget Misu said to take painkillers if you were in any pain."
"It's aching now, I'll take some tablets when I go to bed, that should help me sleep a bit better." Toshi went to Shingyouji and slid his hands around his waist from the back, resting his cheek on his shoulder. "I love you Shingyouji, thank you for everything you do for me."
Shingyouji slowly turned around and put his arms around Toshi's shoulders. He gently kissed his boyfriend's lips, holding him close to his chest. After a while he lifted his head and smiled at his precious boy. "I love you Toshi, more than you'll ever know. We're a couple, a partnership, and people who love each other look out for each other, don't they?"
Toshi smiled and nodded. "Come on then, let's get this meal cooked; I've just realised how hungry I am!" Shingyouji gave Toshi a quick squeeze and started whisking the eggs, while Toshi made the coffees.
Gii and Takumi finally arrived home. "Are you hungry Takumi?" Gii asked. "I'm starving Gii! Would it be okay if we eat first?" Takumi sidled up to Gii and put his arms around his neck. "I know I promised to thank you properly when we got home, but I'm so hungry, I don't think I have the energy for anything else at the minute!" He buried his face in Gii's shoulder and could feel Gii's chest moving as he was laughing.
"Hayama Takumi, you really do know how to wheedle your way round me, don't you! As it happens I'm hungry as well so just this once I'll let you off the hook...but only until we've eaten, understood?"
Takumi lifted his head from Gii's shoulder and looked at him with those big brown eyes and a beautiful smile. "Okay Gii, I understand." They both burst out laughing and Gii kissed Takumi.
Gii went to the refrigerator to see what they had in that would be quick. "We've got that pizza here still, and plenty of salad. Will that do Takumi? The pizza will only be 10 minutes or so and the salad's already washed, we could even get a quick shower while it's cooking! What do you say? I feel grubby after such a long day you must too; it gets hot in the Coffee Shop at times doesn't it."
Takumi paused. "Umm, a shower would be nice but from experience I can't see us only being in there 10 minutes, can you? I'd hate the pizza to burn!" Gii was grinning at Takumi. "Alright, you might have a point there! We'll shower after we've eaten! Now get that pizza in the oven while I put the salad on the plates before I faint from hunger!"
The young men enjoyed their meal and a glass of wine. "That's better! I feel human again now with a full stomach." Gii sat back in his chair and looked at Takumi expectantly. Takumi knew exactly what Gii wanted now but pretended not to notice, and began collecting the plates and glasses from the table. As soon as he had put them down near the sink Gii was out of his chair and enfolded Takumi in a bear hug. "You are such a tease Takumi!" and he began kissing the love of his life fervently, kissing his forehead, then his cheeks and then his mouth. The kiss was returned with equal passion leaving them both breathless.
"Alright Gii, you win! Let's go and get that shower now, I think I've made you wait long enough haven't I?" Takumi smiled that special smile, causing Gii to groan with pleasure.
The following day at the Coffee Shop was busy as always. Shingyouji had tried to persuade Toshi to stay in bed but he refused, insisting that apart from being a bit sore where the stitches were, he felt fine. Shingyouji felt a bit anxious for his boyfriend but knew it was pointless trying to make Toshi do anything he didn't want too. "Alright then, but any sign of being unwell, and you must go upstairs to the apartment, agreed?"
Toshi leaned forward and kissed Shingyouji tenderly. "Agreed Shingyouji. I would much rather be in the kitchen with you than on my own upstairs though!"
As usual Gii dropped Takumi off at the Coffee Shop but instead of driving on to his own work, he came in with Takumi to check up on how Toshi was, and to make sure their friends were managing alright. Gii and Takumi were really pleased to see that business was as usual, both young men busy in the kitchen and the wonderful cake aroma filling the air.
"Was everything alright then, last night?" Gii asked. "Did you manage to sleep okay Toshi?" "Yes thanks Gii. I took some painkillers to help with the pain, and I feel much better today. Thanks again to all of you, I don't know what I'd do without you."
Takumi put his arm around Toshi's shoulder in a brotherly gesture. "We don't know what we'd do without you either. Don't forget we're the Four Musketeers! All for one, and one for all!"
The four friends laughed together. Gii then said. "I'd better get going now, glad you're okay Toshi! I'll ring that Security Firm when I get to work as well, see when they can get here to check everything out. Bye Takumi see you later." Takumi hugged Gii and kissed him. "Bye Gii, I love you." Gii touched Takumi's face and whispered. "I love you too Takumi." With a final wave, he left for work.
It was mid-morning when the Coffee Shop door opened yet again, and looking up Takumi saw the two Police Officers from the day before, coming into the Shop. Toshi was in the kitchen with Shingyouji making up a sandwich order when Takumi let him know the Police were there.
Shingyouji said. "You take them up to the apartment Toshi, and I'll follow you up as soon as I've finished making this order, alright? Will you be okay love?"
"Of course Shingyouji, don't worry." After removing the plastic gloves and apron he had been wearing, he went through to the Shop and invited Officers Yoshida and Kato up to the apartment. He offered to make them coffee but they politely refused, so when they were all seated it was Officer Kato who spoke first, asking Toshi how his visit to the Hospital had gone.
"I had three stitches put in the wound which was deep. The Doctor said the knife had only just missed my kidney, so I was lucky. I've a dressing on the wound and have to go back on Saturday to see if it's healing, and if so, I'll have the stitches out." The Officer nodded and told Toshi she was glad it hadn't been worse.
Officer Yoshida then spoke. "After we left here yesterday, we went to speak to your neighbour Mrs. Ryoma, and she confirmed all you had told us about the incident. She had a really good look at the assailant as well, and is sure she would be able to identify him if necessary. We then went to the address you gave us where your stepfather had been living, but unfortunately he left there about a month ago. We made enquiries with neighbours there but no-one knew where he had gone."
Toshi's heart sank. That meant his stepfather was still out there somewhere! Just at that moment Shingyouji came into the living room. "I'm sorry I'm late, I was in the middle of making sandwiches for lunchtime." Shingyouji looked at Toshi as he sat down next to him and knew immediately that something was wrong.
"Is there any news? Was there any sign of that man at his house?" The Officer told Shingyouji about the stepfather no longer being at that address and that none of the neighbours knew where he had gone. Shingyouji was very worried hearing this news, but tried hard not to show it in front of Toshi.
"What about Toshi's mother? Was she not there either?" Officer Yoshida shook his head and looked at Toshi. "Apparently your mother left that address several months ago. I'm sorry we don't have any better news for you, but I can assure you we are going to do our utmost to find this man. Our records show that he has convictions for many crimes, and we will be contacting other Police Departments in an effort to catch him."
Officer Kato spoke quietly then. "We know how worrying this is for you both; it would be best if you took sensible precautions until this man has been apprehended. I'm not saying these things to scare you, but just always be aware of whose around, always go out with other people. Make sure you always check locks and security here."
Shingyouji spoke. "One of our friends is arranging for a Security Firm to come here and check everything is up to date. We're also thinking of having security cameras fitted front and back. We'll definitely be on our guard until this man is caught, don't worry."
"That's a really good idea about the cameras. Quite often just the fact that they are there can deter intruders. They'll just move onto somewhere else that's an easier target."
Officer Yoshida gave Shingyouji a card with several numbers on it. "Don't hesitate to ring any of these numbers if you are at all worried, day or night. This man needs to be in custody and we'll do everything we can to put him there."
The Officers took their leave, and Shingyouji went downstairs with them to show them out. Officer Kato spoke to Shingyouji as she was leaving. "I hope we haven't frightened Toshi, it's a terrible thing for him to go through, but we needed to emphasize to you about being careful."
"It's okay, I completely understand your motives. We'll be careful. Thank you." Takumi looked at his friend Shingyouji, hoping there had been good news but he could see from his face that there wasn't.
"Toshi's stepfather wasn't at the address Takumi, apparently he left there a month ago and Toshi's mother had left months ago as well. I'm worried now, Takumi. That man's still out there and who knows what he'll try next! I've got to try and protect poor Toshi somehow, his confidence is already low. This might make him even worse. I'd better go back upstairs to him Takumi but we'll be down in a minute."
"Don't worry Shingyouji, it's quiet at the minute so take your time." When his friend had gone upstairs Takumi rang Gii. "Gii I'm sorry to ring you at work, are you able to talk for a moment?"
"Of course my love, I'm having a small coffee break at present. I've also just rung the Security Firm about checking the Coffee Shop and I've emphasized that it's urgent. They hope to be able to get someone to you later this afternoon, okay?"
"That's great news Gii, arigato! We've had some bad news here I'm afraid. The Police have just been to speak to Toshi and apparently Tanaka isn't at the address Toshi had and none of the neighbours know where he's gone! Toshi's mother left the home several months ago as well! Ah Gii, they're both so scared, but Shingyouji's trying to be strong for Toshi. This is all just so cruel Gii..." Takumi couldn't speak any more he felt so emotional.
"Listen my love...I'm going to see if I can get away earlier today and I'll come to the Coffee Shop so we can all have a good talk, and make our plans to help Toshi get through this ordeal, alright sweetheart? I wish I was there now so that I could hold you in my arms and make you feel better!"
Takumi smiled. "Just talking to you is making me feel better Gii! I love you so much, I can't wait to see you later. I'd better go now; I've got some customers waiting. See you later Gii!"
"Bye my love. Take care of yourself and love to Shingyouji and Toshi!" Gii felt very worried after his conversation with Takumi and was racking his brain to try and work out what their next move should be. His parents were due back from America next week, his father would be the best one to consult about their dilemma but in the meantime, he had to come up with a solution to protect his friends!
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the Coffee Shop had become well known in the area recently. Takumi would spend half an hour or so playing his violin for the customers and people would call in for a coffee and cake so that they could listen to him. Takumi wasn't sure this particular Tuesday was a good day to be playing, but when he expressed his doubts to Shingyouji his friend was adamant he should still play. "Our customers love to hear you Takumi and I think it would help for this to be just a normal Tuesday, don't you? Please will you play?"
Takumi smiled at Shingyouji and nodded. "Yes, you're right Shingyouji, I'll play as usual!" He went upstairs to get his violin and checked the tuning before he came down to the Coffee Shop again. He always stood at the back of the Shop and when he was ready, he began playing one of his favourite pieces of music. As always Takumi became lost in the moment, he loved playing his violin so much.
When he had played his third and last tune, Takumi smiled and bowed politely to the customers who were clapping and smiling. As he put away his violin a customer who he hadn't seen before approached him. "Congratulations! You are a very accomplished violinist young man!" Takumi smiled and thanked the man. "A mutual friend of ours asked me to come today and listen to your playing, a Mrs. Hayashi?"
Takumi's eyes lit up on hearing the name. Hayashi-san was Gii's aunt and had supported Takumi and Shingyouji from the moment they had opened the Coffee Shop. "Ah yes, she's a good friend of ours! She has also encouraged me with my music a lot; I have a great affection for her."
The man smiled and nodded. "She has told me so much about you Takumi-kun. My name is Matsuno Kin..." He reached inside his jacket and produced a business card and passed it to Takumi. "My main job is in computers but in my spare time I am the conductor of an amateur orchestra. We haven't been playing together very long, and we do it for fun, and occasionally we play for people who are raising money for charity. We would love it if you would come and join us! We meet once a week on a Thursday evening over at the Leisure Centre. Do you think you would be interested Takumi-kun?"
Takumi looked down at the card in his hand, trying to give himself a bit of time to think. "It's difficult to say at the moment Mr. Matsuno, running this business is very time consuming..."
"I'm sorry Takumi-kun! Of course you need time to think about it. Look, my mobile number and details are on the card, please feel free to ring me if you want any more details. Perhaps you could come and just see for yourself before you make a decision?"
Takumi smiled and nodded. "Of course, I'll think about it and let you know tomorrow if that's okay? I really enjoy playing my violin I must admit and if I can fit a visit in to come and listen to your orchestra, I'll certainly give it a try!"
Mr. Matsuno smiled and shook Takumi's hand. "That's great news, I hope you'll be able to join us Takumi. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow then!" With that he said goodbye and left the Coffee Shop.
As always Shingyouji and Toshi had enjoyed listening to Takumi's playing and were now curious to know who the man was who had been talking to him. Takumi couldn't help laughing at his friends. "You two, you're so nosey aren't you! If you must know, Gii's Aunt Reika had asked him to come and listen to me play. His name is Matsuno Kin and he's the conductor of an amateur orchestra and wants me to go and see if I would like to join them."
"That's brilliant Takumi! You told him you would didn't you? That would be so good for you, give you a hobby away from here, something different; and I bet Gii will think it's a good idea as well. He's always encouraged you, right from our Shidou days hasn't he!" Shingyouji was really happy for his friend.
"I told Mr. Matsuno I would think about it and ring him tomorrow. I'll need to talk about it with Gii later on. Oh, I don't think I told you did I, we're going to look for a new apartment, somewhere near to the Coffee Shop! It will be easier for both of us being nearer, not so far for Gii to get to his Office as well. I spoke to him a while ago and he's going to try and leave work earlier today so we can talk about strategies for keeping everyone safe here as well."
"You're not moving just because of us, are you Takumi?" Toshi looked at Takumi with a frown. "You don't need to do that, we'll be okay, won't we Shingyouji?" His boyfriend hugged him closely. "Of course we will, but I have heard Takumi moaning about being so far away..." Shingyouji grinned at Takumi who smiled back. "If we lived nearer we wouldn't have to get up so early, that is true!"
Shingyouji laughed out loud. "See Toshi, I was right!" Much to Takumi's relief some customers came to the counter to be served, saving him from more teasing from his friends.
Gii arrived at 4.00pm, Takumi was so pleased to see him walk through the door, and his heart gave a little leap of joy. After greeting everyone and ordering a coffee, Gii went to sit at a table; he could see his friends were all busy for the moment so he wanted to just enjoy being at the Coffee Shop. He always appreciated the atmosphere of friendliness and homeliness in the Shop and his pride for Takumi and Shingyouji gave him such a thrill.
Takumi brought Gii his coffee and just then the door opened again, and a man wearing a black jacket with a Security firm logo on it, entered. Gii recognised the man who had been at his Office and stood up and shook his hand. He turned to Takumi. "This is the man from the Security firm Takumi. I know you're all busy, shall I show him around? I know where everything is I think."
"Yes, thanks Gii that will be great."
Gii took the Security Officer outside, showed him all their locks and bolts etc. and then out to the front of the Shop for him to check there as well. After having a good look around, the man went into the kitchen to speak to Shingyouji and Toshi.
"The security measures you've got in place now are very good; you shouldn't have a problem with anyone being able to get in at all." Shingyouji and Toshi smiled at each other with relief. "Mr. Saki was saying you wondered if a security camera at the front and rear of the premises would be an idea, and I think it probably would be. You could have a monitor in the apartment upstairs and if you were at all worried, you'd be able to see if there were any intruders. It would also record images, so that could be useful as well."
Without hesitation Shingyouji nodded his head in agreement. "Yes please, we think that's a great idea. How soon would you be able to install the cameras?" The Security man got out his mobile phone to look at his diary.
"I have a free space on Thursday morning, would that be convenient for you?"
"Yes that'll be fine, thank you very much. We'll sleep much happier in our beds knowing we've done all we can to stay safe." Shingyouji shook the man's hand, feeling very relieved.
The man spoke briefly to Gii as he was leaving, and hurried off to his next appointment.
Gii smiled at Shingyouji and Toshi. "That must make you feel a lot happier you two! And with the added security of the cameras you'll be really safe. Hopefully the Police will track Tanaka down soon and lock him away for a very long time. I think the only thing we need to make sure of is that Toshi is never on his own outside of the Coffee Shop."
"You're right Gii." Shingyouji turned to Toshi. "When you're at College Toshi, you are always with Mika and other students going there in the morning aren't you? Monday is just half a day, so if there's no-one to walk back with, I'll come and meet you. It's only a 5 minute walk there, so I wouldn't be away from the Coffee Shop for long. Then Wednesdays and Fridays when you do a full day, don't come home for lunch, take a packed lunch and stay in the College, then there are always students to walk back with at home time. Does that sound alright to you love?"
Toshi was thoughtful for a moment. "It would be easier if I didn't go at present, Shingyouji, then when my stepfather is..."
Gii interrupted Toshi. "No Toshi, don't say that. Giving up something you're enjoying like that means that your stepfather is winning! Show him he's not, Toshi. Carry on with your life, we'll just take all the precautions that we can to protect you!" Gii put his hand on Toshi's shoulder and smiled at him.
Toshi nodded and smiled back at Gii. "You're right Gii, arigato! I'll be strong from now on I promise."
"That's great Toshi, good for you. Now, I expect Takumi has told you we are hoping to move apartments?" The friends all nodded. "There are new apartments being built over on the other side of the road, near the Leisure Centre. How about we all go and have a look when we've cleared up here, and then I'll treat us all to a meal out somewhere, okay?" Takumi hugged Gii and smiled.
"Thanks Gii, sounds like a good idea to me! You up for it Shingyouji and Toshi?"
"Well I'm never one to turn down a free meal, how about you Toshi?" Shingyouji smiled at his boyfriend who responded with a chuckle. "Me too Gii!"
Later on that evening after the Coffee Shop was spick and span, the four friends walked over to the building site that was close to the Leisure Centre. The building itself was complete, only the exterior gardens needed to be finished. After studying the board outside the site, which gave the details of the apartments for sale, they were surprised to see a sign saying 'Only two Apartments left!' Gii made a note of the contact numbers and a website address. He wanted to be able to find out more information about the Builders and prices etc.
"What do you think about the look of the building Takumi? Obviously we need to see inside and find out more details, but I certainly like the look of it from the outside."
Takumi looked at Gii with shining eyes and his beautiful smile. Gii couldn't help laughing. "Oh, I can see from that face you like what you've seen so far!" Takumi slid his arm around Gii's waist and felt his boyfriend's arm immediately wrap around his shoulders in a warm hug.
"I love it so far, Gii, but as you say we need to look inside. What do you think Shingyouji and Toshi? It would certainly be really handy for the Coffee Shop and a lot nearer your office as well Gii."
"It looks amazing Takumi! I hope the inside looks just as good. Will you ring them tomorrow Gii?" Shingyouji was very excited for his friends, and he loved the idea they would be living close by.
"This would be great for you as well Takumi, didn't that man say the orchestra rehearsed at the Leisure Centre?" Toshi looked at Takumi with interest.
Gii spoke then. "Oh, what man is this my love? And what orchestra is Toshi talking about?" Toshi realised then that Takumi hadn't had chance to tell Gii about the visit that day from Mr. Matsuno.
"Let's go and eat Gii, I'm starving, and I'll tell you all about it when we're settled in the Restaurant okay?" Gii agreed they must all be hungry, but he was very curious about the orchestra story.
Once they were all seated and the waiter had taken their orders, Takumi began to tell Gii about Mr. Matsuno, the orchestra and that Gii's Aunt Reika had asked him to visit the Coffee Shop to listen to him playing his violin.
"Ah, yes! I remember her telling me about this a couple of weeks ago! Did it go well my love? Was Mr. Matsuno impressed with you? I'm sure he was!" Gii took hold of Takumi's hand lovingly.
Takumi didn't want to appear boastful so he just nodded and said. "I think it went alright Gii. He wants me to go and visit when the orchestra is rehearsing on Thursday, but I told him I needed to think about it for a while, and I would ring him tomorrow."
Gii smiled at his modest boyfriend and squeezed his hand. "You must go Takumi! You love playing your violin don't you, and you are so good! You had a world class violinist tell you that didn't you, and Inoue Sachi should know talent when he hears it!" Inoue was a good friend of Gii's from being boys and had also played with Takumi in a concert when they were young.
Shingyouji joined in then. "We've already told him he must go Gii, it would be good for him to have a hobby away from working all the time. At least go and have a listen Takumi, you don't have to commit yourself to anything do you, it's all voluntary after all!"
Takumi couldn't help laughing. "You three, all ganging up on me again! You really are taking our motto seriously aren't you? "All for one and one for all!" Alright, I'll go on Thursday evening and have a look and listen! Now, can we change the subject please...Oh good, here come our meals, I thought I was going to have to start eating the tablecloth, I'm so hungry!"
The friends thoroughly enjoyed their food and a glass of wine, and afterwards they all walked back to the Coffee Shop where Gii had parked his car. He and Takumi went inside with the others and the security was thoroughly checked, giving Shingyouji and Toshi peace of mind for the night. Gii and Takumi said goodnight then and made their way home.