Hi! Thank you so much for the reviews. I'm humbled by the responses you gave toward this story, my second one. I tried to reply to everyone and for those who has their account closed to replies, I wish you know that I appreciate your comment. *bow*
Disclaimer: Viewfinder is not mine. Only the pleasure of writing this piece is mine.
"Whoa..their faces are so clear in these pictures." The proud criminal photojournalist absent-mindedly spoke as he studied each photos that he successfully snapped last night.
He was laying across the couch in his living room, feet dangling on the arm of the humble sized couch. The adrenaline rush he experienced on last night occasion caused him to feel tired more than usual and he slumped himself onto the couch the second he was through the door. He couldn't spare any more minute on the photos and fell asleep on the spot.
Satisfaction swelled in his chest. He managed to get what he wanted and skillfully insulted those men who were after him. What can be more satisfying? A wide smug grin appeared on his face.
His thumb continued to press the small button on his expensive camera, browsing through the pictures. None of them particularly caught his attention as he did so-although he was dead sure that all of them would get him a good pay this time and at the same time the police would be able take action as they have evidence- until the next one popped into the screen. His eyes refused to tear it's sight away from an unfamiliar face. For about fifteen seconds, he stared at the face, mind numb.
He didn't realize back at the scene that he had taken a picture that was totally focused on a man. The man was obviously not a henchman by the way he looked. He looked majestically powerful-and disturbingly gorgeous-and he can feel how dangerous the man merely based on what he captured in his viewfinder. God help him if he happens to meet that guy. An involuntary shiver crept down his spine when he saw the man's eyes; his golden eyes was showing a death glare.
Unwilling to immerse himself in a stupid chill-to-the-bone sensation, Akihito put the gadget down onto the table and paced to the bathroom to channel his attention somewhere else.
Thirty minutes later, he had his bath and clothed himself in his typical definition of comfortable; boxer and thin sleeveless shirt. The hands of the clock was sharp at ten when he finally went to bed. He was a heavy sleeper and drowsed off almost immediately.
Unbeknown to Akihito, a few men in black suit were scattered around the apartment building, watching every possible exit and entrance the moment their boss gained the information on him.
"He just went to sleep, sir." Suoh reported as he cut the phone call from his subordinates stationed at Akihito's place.
His employer, none other than Asami Ryuichi, was standing with his back turned on him. Asami didn't respond to the recent news, he kept his stare on the view of the city he practically own from the large window however, ended his silence as he uttered his next order.
"You're dismissed. Go get a good rest." The tone he used made his stoic bodyguard speechless. Suoh never heard him speaking in a less commanding voice.
"Thank you, Asami-sama. Good night." Respectfully, Suoh bowed and left.
The silence reigned again in the luxury office after Suoh left. Asami slipped one hand into his breast pocket and took out the box of cigarettes, putting one stick between his lips before lighting it.
His expression was calm as usual, giving out nothing for people to decipher. However, underneath that facade, his mind havocked. All the memories he had about his lover conquered his thoughts. He was so glad, finally, he met the one he had been longing for since the last time. The one that had been waiting for him. If he didn't consider how Akihito would react, he'd have grab the boy right away. He missed him to the point of losing words. Patience had always been his weapon to get anything he desired, he never failed to get his hands on whatever he wanted before. But, right now patience seems too hard for him. Kirishima had precisely reported to him everything about his boy, when and where he was born, who is his family, and most importantly, how he lived.
His disapproval was obvious when he learned his lover's occupation was a criminal photojournalist-despite the fact that he'd already witnessed it by himself.
He recalled how close it was for his men to capture Akihito last night. He couldn't bear the possibility that he could have killed his lover if the boy wasn't surprisingly good at running. Maybe Akihito was lucky, but there are no guarantees that he'll always get to escape in the future. And there is just no way he'll let the same thing that happened to Akihito previously repeat itself. Asami's knuckles produced audible sound when he curled his fingers into fists. It was all his fault before. It was his incompetent that killed Akihito.
Everyone in the residence was busy, the maids in particular. They made sure everything was in order and definite perfection to ensure disappointment won't be seen from their master, Akashi Koichi.
Today was special for their master as a visit from a possible business partner was expected. The person they were expecting for wasn't someone that their master want to have in the bad term situation. In short, the person was important and are not to be irritated.
"Father, why is everyone sounded so in rush? Did something happen?" The young man, the only young master of Akashi household, Akashi Akihito asked.
"An important person for our business is coming here today. That's all." The older Akashi allowed a smile to spread across his lips as he patted his son softly on the head.
"I bet this person you are waiting for is really important. Even Daisuke had to run errands."
Daisuke was one of their many workers, and also the only friend of Akihito. Seeing how comfortable he was with Daisuke, his father had assigned Daisuke to accompany him so that he won't be bored. He have never left his house, not that he didn't want to but he had to. What else can he do when he is blind? His father was all worried whenever it comes to him.
Not that he can help it, Akihito sighed silently.
"Really? I specifically told everyone that you are not to be left all by yourself." Koichi's early soft expression had turned hard.
"Please don't worry. I'm fine."
Akihito wasn't lying. He meant it. It was so rare for him to be alone and he appreciated it very much. Somehow, he felt more peaceful when he wasn't surrounded by maids all the time, alert to his needs however, much exaggerated. When he wanted to stand, more than two pairs of hand would lurch to his arms, aiding him as if he won't be able to do it on his own. When he wanted to take a brief stroll at the garden, two maids would be on each of his sides, asking too often if he was tired, and only God knows how many more behind him.
They were nice, and respectful but he felt suffocated each time he had to accept such treatment. He wished he could have a little freedom. There were a lot of things he missed since he was a child due to his impairment and weak body. Now, he was twenty-three years old and nothing changed. He doesn't want to die in the same state. What kind of life is that?
"Hn."
Koichi once again touched his precious son's head top, chasing away the wariness that began to build in his chest. He loved Akihito more than anything else. After his wife died from giving birth to Akihito, he was so sad. The sadness doubled when he found out that the son his wife fought for till death was visually impaired. Yet, Akihito was his son, his own blood and flesh. The moment he had Akihito in his arms, he secretly cried, much to his surprise. He vowed to love him more than himself that day. Fearing for Akihito's wellbeing, he never remarried.
"Akashi-sama, Takahashi-san is here." A maid politely announced, head down.
"Ah. Looks like I have to go."
Koichi kissed Akihito's forehead, and slowly began to get on his feet. He wanted to talk to his son longer however, he had no choice.
"Um. Father-" Hesitantly, Akihito spoke and Koichi stopped from moving
"Yes?"
"C-can I come with you?"
Koichi was slightly taken aback by Akihito's request. Akihito never showed any interest to business and he never asked him to learn it since he didn't want Akihito to feel pressured. Maybe Akihito was lonely enough until he want to follow him solely to get someone to talk to.
"Of course you can."
Abruptly, Akihito's face brightened and Koichi's heart throbbed . Nothing makes him more pleased than a happy Akihito.
"Let's go." Koichi reached for Akihito's arm and patiently steered him to the tea room where his guest was waiting.
A wide grin appeared on Akihito's already cheerful face as they start to walk. He knew his father must be quite shocked but he simply wanted to be with his father a little more.
Akihito's room was a bit farther to the tea room, and with Akihito's limited movement, they took almost five minutes to arrive. Koichi, however, wasn't bothered by the fact that he was late even the teeniest bit. He was with his son, after all.
The maid who has been dutifully tagging along behind them moved forward and slid the shouji door open gracefully. Her head was still down as she stepped to the side to let her masters enter the tea room.
"Akashi-san." A deep baritone voice greeted them as soon they were in the room.
For Akihito, it was the first time for him to know such an influential and dominant aura in a voice. He nearly shivered involuntarily.
"Takahashi-san. My apologies for keeping you waiting." Akihito sensed his father bowed slightly beside him. "I hope you won't mind me bringing my son along. He usually doesn't show interest on any meeting but somehow he had a different thought today. He is my only son, Akihito."
"Nice to meet you, Takahashi-san."
Hearing his father's brief explanation, Akihito couldn't stop smiling to himself. Now he felt like a spoiled brat.
"The pleasure is mine, Akihito-kun."
The arms his father had wrapped on his left upper arm gently tugged him down to sit on the tatami. Politely, he settled down.
"Akashi-san, I must say that your house is one of the houses that I found so peaceful."
"I love a peaceful surrounding. Thank you, Takahashi-san. I'm honoured to hear that from you."
Merely as an audience, Akihito said nothing and hear tentatively on the two men's discussion after the short leisure conversation. He understood why his father didn't have him taught on business matters, and he also never give any thought on learning it. Listening to the smooth but productive meeting proved that he really doesn't suit such situation. He got what they were talking and negotiating about yet, he found himself weary.
Well, it was him who wanted to come so he had to endure it. It won't be respectful to his father's guest if he suddenly excused himself or snoozed right there. Worse, it might even affect his father attempt to create a deal.
It seemed like days until the meeting was finished. The deal was sealed with agreement and he can tell that both parties were satisfied. He sighed innerly, concealing his smugness.
"Takahashi-san, I'm sure you have to stay in this town tonight before you go back. Why don't you stay here tonight?"
A brief silence was evoked in the room as Takahashi contemplated. His golden eyes wandered to Akihito, however without letting Akashi Koichi notice. He can actually reject the older man's invitation but part of his heart refuses to leave so early.
"Sure. I'd love to enjoy the serenity here. Thank you Akashi-san."
