A/N: Hello my dear readers! I sincerely apologize for the extremely long wait for this update which is long overdue.
The last nine months have been extremely busy ones for me and I had a lot of stuff going on which kept me away from the pen and from writing.
But I'm happy to say that things have quieted down and that I'm going to have more time for writing again from now on.
And now, I present you with the latest chapter of "Sourire Encore Demain".
I hope that you will enjoy the read and that the length of the chapter makes up, at least to some degree, for the long wait.
Chapter 5
The streets of Harajuku were still relatively quiet when Shingyouji and Misu headed for a small, cozy coffee shop at nine o'clock on Thursday morning, a clear indication that it was "Golden Week" and that many people had left Japan's capital in order to return to their hometowns, to visit their friends and families or to simply go on a holiday trip to get away for a few days from the hustle and bustle of their fast-paced lives in the city.
"I hope you have a good reason for dragging me out of bed this early on a holiday, on a day I had planned for you and me to have a nice lie-in," Misu huffed and buried his hands deep in the pockets of his jacket, trying to stifle a yawn. "I expect you to make it up to me somehow."
"I promise Arata-san. I will indulge you all day tomorrow and the rest of Golden Week if you wish," the so addressed youth replied, a barely noticeable smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he basked in the rare moment of his boyfriend abandoning any pretense of coolness and of being open about his feelings instead. "Believe me when I say that I had been looking forward to spending a quiet morning with you too, but I wouldn't have asked you and Akaike-senpai to meet at our favorite coffee shop if it wasn't important."
"This meeting has something to do with Saki and Hayama, am I right," the older student mused giving his partner an expectant as well as questioning look and the expression the raven-haired youth was wearing on his face told him everything he needed to know. "In that case you are forgiven for making me get up so early and I will be indulgent, but I will hold you to your promise, you hear me?" "You guessed it," Shingyouji admitted and let out a sigh. "I have some news regarding our two friends that I would like to share with you. And don't worry about my promise. I'm determined to be as good as my word and be at your disposition for the entire Golden Week, ready to do anything you want me to."
"Anything…now that sounds interesting. What a dutiful and affectionate pet you are," Misu purred playfully, the sexy, suggestive undertone in his baritone voice causing the younger man to blush which made Misu's lips curl up in a triumphant, self-satisfactory smirk and pleased with the reaction his boyfriend was showing to his words he gave the raven-haired student a playful nudge before turning his attention back to the steadily growing number of people on the sidewalk as if nothing had happened and only about ten minutes later the couple reached their destination.
Once inside the coffee hop they requested a table big enough for at least three people in the back of the room and had just taken their seats when Shingyouji spotted Akaike in the entrance area and waved him over as soon as he had caught the young man's attention. "Good morning guys," Gii's best friend greeted the couple as he approached the table and offered its occupants a mild smile before sitting down next to Shingyouji. "I'm sorry for being a bit late, but I briefly stopped by Gii's apartment on my way here to check on our friend and to see how he is doing."
"No worries," we just arrived only a few minutes ago ourselves," Misu replied nonchalantly and gave his friend a light pat on the shoulder. "How is the patient's condition?" "The patient isn't doing that well, I'm afraid," the former president of Shidou Gakuin's disciplinary committee replied truthfully with genuine concern evident in his voice and let out a frustrated sigh. "The prospect of being pressured into an engagement with Musashino's daughter and the ultimatum he has been given by his father to come up with a good reason to cancel this marriage deal are really taking their toll on Gii," he continued after a brief moment of silence and began to fill his friends in with the details of what had happened earlier that morning.
"Hai," Akaike perceived the voice of his friend coming from the speaker of the interphone of Gii and Takumi's apartment about fifteen or twenty seconds after he had pushed the doorbell. "Hey Gii, it's Shouzo," he answered quickly and the words had barely left his mouth when the door opened, revealing an exhausted looking Saki Giichi who invited him inside. "Good morning Shouzo."
"Good morning Gii. I'm sorry for disturbing you this early on a national holiday, but I was in the area and so I thought that I might pay you a quick visit to check upon you," the so addressed student explained as he entered the apartment and followed his best friend into the living and dining area where he made himself comfortable on the sofa. "You are looking tired Gii. Have you spent another sleepless night," he asked gently, the dark circles under the other's eyes telling him everything he needed to know. "I tried to get some sleep, but after yesterday's events…," the hair of the Saki family stated truthfully, letting his voice trail off in mid-sentence and ran a hand through his slightly tousled hair, a pained and frustrated sigh tearing from him.
"Gii, if you have trouble sleeping because of everything that is happening in your life right now, then go to the doctor and get yourself some medicine. You need to rest, that means getting enough sleep, because if you don't it will be injurious for your health," Akaike replied in s slightly authoritative manner. "If you really want to be as good as your word and try to successfully undermine that marriage scheme your father has come up with before the deadline of the ultimatum he has given you approaches as well as to exert any effort to win Hayama back, the you will have to be in a good physical condition because the next couple of weeks are going to be tough and strenuous, make no mistake about that."
"I know Shouzo and I promise to take care of myself, so please don't worry," Gii sighed, smiling weakly. "I guess I should get ready for the day and do some research as to how I can prevent this engagement to Michiyo from happening, shouldn't I?"
"You should indeed because staying cooped up in here moping won't help the matter at all and it would also mean to lock yourself up with your own worst enemy, that is to say your troubled mind and your broken heart and I'm convinced that nothing good would come from that," the former president of Shidou Gakuin's disciplinary committee stated after he had acknowledged the words of his best friend with a firm nod of the head and gently placed his hand on the amber-haired youth's shoulder to give it a comforting and encouraging squeeze. "Ganbatte Gii, the situation might be though, but nothing is lost yet. Just try to stay strong and don't give up and as we said yesterday, Misu, Shingyouji and I will do whatever we can to see you through this, to help you prevent this engagement from happening and to assist you in getting Hayama to return to where he belongs which is your side."
"I will try Shouzo, I will try, but why do I feel that there won't be a happy ending for Takumi and me this time around," the heir of the Saki family sighed dejectedly and hung his head, trying desperately to hold back a couple of sniffles that were threatening to escape his throat.
"…and that's the state of events at the moment," Akaike sighed and his voice trailed off upon which a long moment of silence settled between him and his two friends whose faces were holding looks of genuine concern and worry. "Saki is losing hope and confidence that this whole mess can be straightened out and that he can get out of this arranged engagement and marriage deal somehow," Misu gravely stated the obvious scrunching up his nose in annoyance, "and I really can't blame him for it, considering the determination of his old man to bring this marriage about and how he went behind his son's back to make the engagement to Musashino's daughter happen, not to mention the issue with Hayama and that new boyfriend of his."
"The situation is extremely serious and I really worry for Gii," the former president of Shidou Gakuin's disciplinary committee said softly and pinched the bridge of his nose while letting out a deep sigh. "Now that Hayama has officially introduced his new love interest, Gii begins to realize that he might have lost his partner for good and that things might never go back to the way they used to be, even if he can find a way to get out of this arranged marriage with Michiyo and to keep his father from arranging more of these marriage deals in the future."
"Arata-san told me about the depth and strength of Gii-senpai's love for Hayama-san and that they met once when they were around eight or nine years old and that he has been in love with Hayama-san ever since. Maybe it was destiny that he was reunited with Hayama-san at Shidou Gakuin and after all these years Gii-senpai just can't imagine a life without Hayama-san, not to mention that he doesn't want to, right," Shingyouji pointed out with a solemn expression on his face upon which the other nodded in agreement and for a moment the three young men fell silent again before Misu's boyfriend finally spoke up once more. "I wonder whether Hayama-san is really as happy with his new lover as he wants us to believe or if he is just pretending because, even if he should have fallen out of love with Gii-senpai the news of his possible engagement must have affected him somehow. I'm sure of that."
"Regarding that matter I have a confession to make," Akaike replied meekly which caused Misu and Shingyouji's eyes to immediately fix upon him and looking into the expectant faces of his friends he took a deep breath before revealing the details of his encounter with Takumi at the convenience store five days prior, the fight they had gotten into and the reaction of ebony-haired youth to the accusations he had been confronted with. "I'm anything but proud of what I have done and my behavior towards Hayama was inexcusable, but what's done is done, no matter how much I wish it hadn't happened," he sighed ruefully and ran a hand through his hair. "I can't take back what I said to him."
"Don't be too harsh upon yourself. You might have made a mistake, But I'm sure things will work out somehow," Misu stated confidently and gave his friend an encouraging nod of the head. "We are all strung up these days because of this breakup and everything that has happened in consequence of it, you more than anyone since you are Saki's best and oldest friend. Hayama knows that too and he isn't the kind of guy who is resentful and unforgiving. Go to him, apologize and talk things over with him and I'm sure that you can count on his forbearance, but for now what we should be focusing on is to find someone who could get Hayama to open up and to talk."
"I'm already one step ahead of you guys regarding that matter and that's why I asked you to come here today," Shingyouji announced proudly. "I found the perfect person to get something out of Hayama-san and it apparently worked." "Who is it and what do you mean with 'it apparently worked'," Misu and Akaike asked curiously in unison, the surprise at the revelation the other had just made evident on their faces. "Why don't you see for yourselves," the so addressed youth replied smirking and pointed towards the entrance where another guest was just being welcomed by the staff, a guest who turned out to be none other than Katakura Toshihisa.
"Good morning guys, good morning Sho-chan," the young man greeted the group cheerfully once he had arrived at the table and leaned in to give his boyfriend a loving peck on the cheek before he sat down across from him. "I'm sorry for being late, but I lost my way. This café is a bit difficult to find for someone like me who isn't familiar with the area. Long time no see minna." "Yes, long time no see indeed," Misu replied with a mild smile tugging at the corner of his mouth while Shingyouji was grinning from ear to ear and Akaike was staring at the new arrival with his mouth slightly agape.
"Toshihisa, didn't you say you would arrive sometime on Friday afternoon the last time we talked on the phone," Gii's best friend finally spoke up, making no effort whatsoever to hide his astonishment. "How come that you are already here?" "Aren't you pleased to see me and happy that you will get to spend more time with me than you expected," the so addressed student pouted in the most adorable manner, feigning hurt which earned him a sweet, tender kiss on the cheek from his boyfriend. "Of course I'm happy to see you, I'm just astonished that you arrived one day early and without letting me know," Akaike replied offering his partner a warm and loving smile. "It isn't like you to act in such a way."
"Actually it's two days earlier because I have been in town since yesterday afternoon," Toshihisa explained smiling somewhat secretively. "I had planned to come on Friday, but then Shingyouji gave me a call and filled me in with the news about the breakup of our friends, Takumi's new lover and Gii's prospective engagement, so I decided to come into town as quickly as possible to see if I can be of any help." "I see and have you met Hayama yet," Misu asked curiously and glanced at his boyfriend from the corner of his eye while covering the young man's hand with his own to give it a gentle squeeze, thus letting its owner know how much he approved of the sophomore's actions. "Shingyouji hinted at something of the sort just before you came."
"I met him indeed last night," Shouzo's boyfriend answered truthfully and with a faint sigh tearing from him he reported everything that had come to pass the previous night after he and Takumi had reached the hotel room, Shingyouji, Misu and Akaike's faces growing darker with almost every detail he revealed. "…and that's why I called Shingyouji and asked him to arrange this meeting because apparently nothing is the way it seems and Takumi is anything but alright. The way he broke down yesterday was quite frightening and I'm really worried about him and I dare say that Gii isn't doing much better, am I right?" "You certainly are," Akaike sighed and was just about to say something else when he was interrupted by Shingyouji.
"So, everything Hayama-san has told us about having no more feelings for Gii-senpai and having fallen for that Hasegawa guy instead were nothing but lies," the raven-haired youth exclaimed with relief written all over his face, "nothing but make-belief to cover up the real reason for his decision to end his relationship with Gii-senpai. I knew it!" "Hayama's words 'how can I be okay with it? I love him!' say it all," Akaike remarked solemnly, trying his best to, at least for the time being, ignore the feeling of guilt that had begun to gnaw at him as he once more recalled the things he had accused the ebony-haired violinist of the other night. "Something fishy is going on here, now the question is what."
"Very fishy indeed," Misu stated grimly and furrowed his eyebrows, "and I have the sneaky suspicion that the crux of the matter is the arranged marriage with Musashino's daughter that Saki's father is so determined to bring about. I mean before the spring break Hayama and Saki were as much in love with each other and as lovey-dovey as ever. Then only two weeks after the beginning of the new semester Hayama suddenly ends their relationship, giving only muddled half-true explanations for his actions before he, out of the blue, presents us with a new love interest and to top things off Saki-senior does not only show up right after the breakup but conveniently has a prospective bride for his son in tow and now that Hayama has finally admitted that he is still deeply in love with Saki, it is pretty clear what's going on here if you ask me."
"Takumi was somehow pressured into ending things with Gii," Toshihisa murmured his voice laced with disgust and the others nodded quietly, Shingyouji grimacing while Akaike and Misu tried holding up straight faces, "a forced breakup to clear the way for a matrimonial alliance that will without a doubt be in various aspects very beneficial for the Saki family and their business imperium." "It sure seems that way, now doesn't it," Shingyouji piped in and snorted, "but I still find it hard to believe that someone like Saki-senior who already has so much power, money and influence would deliberately destroy his only son's romantic relationship with complete disregard for his feelings and those of his partner just for the sake of gaining even more power and a higher status. It's cruel and disgusting!"
"Yes, it is," Toshihisa huffed in annoyance, "but more importantly, what do we do now?" "We investigate," Misu replied almost instantaneously. "Ever since I heard that name 'Musashino' for the first time I can't get it out of my head. For some reason it sounds awfully familiar and as soon as we are done here I will go and do some sleuthing regarding that matter." "Good, I will use some of my contacts to get a little more information about Musashino's daughter. Maybe something turns up that can help us to solve this puzzle," Gii's best friend added with determination before turning to his boyfriend. "I think you should stay with Hayama. You already got him to admit the truth regarding his feelings so if you spend more time with him, you might actually be able to find out some details that could help us and Gii."
"That leaves me. How about I try finding that Hasegawa fellow and see if I can have a little chat with him," Shingyouji suggested once Toshihisa had voiced his agreement to his boyfriend's plan. "Apparently he has agreed to pose as Hayama-san's new love interest, so it's very likely that he knows at least to some degree what's really going on here. But what about Gii-senpai, shouldn't we tell what we have found out so far?"
"I don't think that would be a good idea right now," Akaike explained thoughtfully. "I don't like to keep Gii in the dark about this new development, but let's keep this between us for another twenty-four and set up a meeting with Gii for either tomorrow night or early on Saturday when we have gathered some more information. You know how reckless and irrational that guy can be when it comes to Hayama. Can you imagine what he would do if we told Gii that we have the suspicion that Hayama was pressured into ending their relationship, but that there is no solid evidence except for Hayama's statement that he is still in love with him? Gii is so worked up over the breakup and the arranged marriage that would go to his father and maybe even Musashino without thinking about the possible consequences and rage havoc."
"Well, then the mission is clear, uncovering the truth behind the breakup of Takumi and Gii and then get them back together. Takumi and I are meeting just after lunch time for a shopping spree and I think that might be a good opportunity to work him a little more," Toshihisa exclaimed softly while rubbing his hands and once the four friends had finished their breakfast they parted ways in order to put their plans into action.
oOo
Michiyo took one last glance at her reflection in the mirror and nodded to herself in self-satisfaction before she left the ladies' restroom that was located on the ground floor of the Saki Corporation and headed towards the elevators, her destination being the office of Gii's father on the top floor of the company building. Once the elevator had come to a halt at the designated floor and the doors had opened the young woman squared her shoulders and marched determinedly over to the desk of Saki-senior's secretary.
"Is Saki-san in," she asked politely. "My name is Musashino Michiyo and if it is possible, I would like to speak to him for a moment. It won't take long." "He is at his desk, please go ahead," the so addressed woman replied smiling politely and motioned towards the wooden door at the end of the corridor. "I will inform him that you are here." "Thank you," Musashino's daughter stated in a businesslike manner before she headed for the office of the man of whom she had begun to think of as her future father-in-law and after only a couple of knocks she was invited inside.
"Good morning Michiyo-san, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit so early in the day and on a national holiday on top of that," Saki-senior greeted the young woman with a mild smile while motioning for her to take a seat. "Good morning sir. Thank you for receiving me without a proper appointment. I know how busy you are," Gii's prospective fiancée replied smiling sweetly, "and I won't take up much of your time. I'm only here because I have a proposition to make regarding your son and myself." "A proposition, what kind of proposition," the head of the Saki family asked curiously and raised his eyebrows. "What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I know that Gii is responsible for organizing this year's executive party of the Saki corporation and since your son and I got along so well on our date yesterday I was wondering if it would be possible for me to assist Gii with the preparations for this event," Michiyo explained the sweet smile on her lips never wavering. "It seems to me that Gii is almost as busy as you are with his studies and his work here at the company which he both takes very seriously, so if I was to assist your son in the organization of the executive party it would be a great opportunity for the two of us to spend more time together and to get to know each other better, all without keeping Gii from performing his duties."
"I must say that I really like your proposition," Saki-senior spoke up after a brief moment of contemplative silence and offered the young woman a mild smile. "Therefore you have my approval. I expect my son to stop by sometime before lunch today and I will take that opportunity to tell him the news. I'm sure he will be delighted."
"Thank you very much Saki-san for approving of my suggestion. I'm really looking forward to working together with your son and I'm certain that he and I are going to make a wonderful team," Musashino's daughter replied in the sweetest manner and offered the middle-aged man a grateful smile. "I can't wait for the two of us to get down to business, but for now I will take my leave and won't take up any more of your valuable time." And with that Michiyo rose to her feet and bowed respectfully to the head of the Saki family before she left the office, smiling victoriously to herself as she made her way down the corridor towards the elevators.
"Mission accomplished," she sighed in a self-satisfactory manner as she rode down to the ground floor while fishing her mobile phone from her handbag. She quickly selected a certain number form the directory and pushed the 'call' button as soon as she had stepped into the lobby. "Moshi, moshi? Dad, it's me," she spoke up once her call had been answered. "I'm just calling to tell you that everything went according to plan and that I have accomplished what I set out to do. I will be working together with Saki Giichi from now on."
"Well done Michiyo, that's good news," Musashino's voice which was ringing with satisfaction echoed in the young woman's ear. "I'm very proud of you. Do whatever it takes to make this marriage happen." "Rest assured father that I will," Gii's prospective fiancée replied confidently. "I don't have any deeper, romantic feelings for Giichi on a personal level yet, but he is handsome and unarguably one of the best matches on the market considering his wealth, power and status and I'm sure that I can eventually make him fall in love with me now that we are going to work together."
"That's good. I'm confident that you will find a way of wrapping Saki Giichi around your finger. I see you at the dinner party tonight," Musashino replied with a light chuckle and only a moment later Michiyo pocketed her phone before she headed towards the entrance only to almost bump into Gii as she approached the doors, but to her dismay the hair of the Saki family acknowledged her only with a cool and distant sounding "ohayo" as he walked past her, making no attempt to halt his steps in order to have a polite chat.
"Don't tell me that you are still angry about yesterday," the young woman exclaimed and let out an exasperated sigh. "It was just your ex-boyfriend. I really don't understand why you are making such a big deal out of this."
"Introducing yourself as my fiancée to anyone IS a big deal," the amber-haired student snapped and stopped in his tracks at last. "You could have been overheard and you know very well which tremendous impact certain news, such as an engagement, usually have in our circles and it doesn't matter that it was my ex-boyfriend to whom you introduced yourself in that way. What matters is that you aren't my fiancée yet and until the day our engagement is officially and formally announced you have absolutely no right whatsoever to introduce yourself to any of my friends, relatives, acquaintances or my family's business relations as my bride-to be and now excuse me please. I have to see my father."
"Oh, he is impatient to see you as well. I think he has some interesting news he wishes to share with you," Michiyo replied with a smug smile playing about her mouth, successfully hiding her frustration about Gii's harsh and cold words behind it as well as the anger about the fact that the young man didn't bother to reply and simply walked past her instead without exchanging any goodbyes. "Whether you want it or not, but there is no way for you to get out of this arranged marriage," she hissed once the heir of the Saki family was out of earshot and clenched her fists before she stomped out of the building while Gii made his way to the top floor.
"That smug smile on that woman's face doesn't mean anything good," he murmured to himself as he walked past the desk of the secretary and down the corridor to his father's office. "Come in," he heard the voice of Saki-senior only a couple of seconds after the sound of his knock on the door had faded and taking a deep breath in order to brace himself for whatever was coming next, Gii entered the room. "Good morning father." "Good morning Giichi, please have a seat," the so addressed president of the Saki corporation greeted his son. "How are you this morning?"
"For various reasons not too happy as you well know," the amber-haired student replied in a calm yet resolute manner, unwilling to play his father's game of exchanging polite banalities, "but I'm sure you haven't asked me to come here today only to ask about my wellbeing." "Of course not. There are some business related matters I would like to discuss with you and I asked Kobayashi-san to fill you in with the details since I have various other important affairs to take care of. I also have some news I hope you will approve of," the head of the Saki family began and gave his son and heir a stern, expectant look before he continued. "Michiyo-chan stopped by earlier and she made a proposition which I liked very much."
"I know that she was here," Gii replied nonchalantly, trying to keep his cool, deliberately choosing not to inquire about the proposition his father had just mentioned. "We briefly met in the lobby, but didn't talk much." "I see," Saki-senior stated calmly and offered his son a mild smile. "Anyway, what Michiyo-chan proposed was…" And with that the president of the Saki Corporation told his son all the details about the idea Musashino's daughter had come up with. "I think it was a great suggestion and I also think that the two of you should spend a little more time together from now on, so I gave Michiyo-chan my approval and I hope that you will approve of this idea as well and treat the young lady in a gentleman-like manner."
"You know how I feel about all this, but however that may be, I know that I don't have any choice in the matter, so I won't bother discussing this with you," Gii snorted and shot his father an angry glare before he rose to his feet and exited the office, silently swearing to himself that he would do anything in his power to assign tasks to his prospective bride-to-be that would keep her away from him as much as possible.
"That woman is a nuisance," he sighed once he was safely inside the elevator, ruffling his hair in desperation as he rode down to the fifth floor and when the doors of the elevator opened quietly, revealing a deserted corridor the young man breathed a sigh of relief before he hastily made his way down the hall, finally stopping at the door to an office that was labeled 'Kobayashi Mamoru, general manager'. After a couple of soft knocks he was almost instantaneously invited inside and with one last quick glance over his shoulder to ensure that he was indeed alone on the corridor Gii disappeared behind the door.
"Good morning Kobayashi-san, thank you for making room in your busy schedule to see me," he greeted the male employee who was sitting behind his desk and bowed respectfully. "I'm well aware of how occupied you always are being the general manager as well as my father's assistant, so I'm really grateful." "You're welcome Gii. I have been expecting you all morning," the so addressed man replied offering his visitor a mild smile. "Why don't you have a seat?"
"I take it then that you managed to get the files and documents I asked for," the heir of the Saki family said quietly while sitting down across from his father's assistant, his voice laced with hope and his hazel-colored eyes gleaming with curiosity, thus betraying the young man's true feelings despite his seemingly calm exterior. "Yes, I did, but I entreat you to keep them secret and safe," Kobayashi replied solemnly giving his visitor a stern look and once Gii had nodded his understanding he unlocked the top drawer of his desk and handed the handsome upper-class man a sealed A4-sized envelope. "This is all the information I could gather in such a short time without your father getting suspicious or noticing something. If he finds out that I gave you these files, it could cost me my job."
"I assure you that I will keep these documents out of sight until I'm home," Gii replied with sincerity as he accepted the envelope and put it into his bag. "I really appreciate what you have done for me, but if you don't mind me asking, why have you decided to go behind my father's back and to help me?" "I'm doing it because I know that there is someone in your heart already and because I feel that Saki-sama's way of going about this whole marriage by forcing you into an engagement you don't approve of with a young woman you don't know at all is wrong. I hope that these documents can be useful for you in your endeavor of preventing this engagement and marriage from happening."
"Thank you Kobayashi-san, I really appreciate what you have done," the heir of the Saki family answered offering his father's assistant another grateful smile before rising to his feet. "My father mentioned some business related matters you are supposed to acquaint me with, but would it be okay if we postponed that briefing session until tomorrow?" "It isn't anything major, your father just asked me to go with you through some updates regarding the stages of a couple of projects you are involved in that's all, so I think there is no harm in having a brief meeting sometime tomorrow instead of today," the so addressed man stated smiling. "Besides with those documents in your bag and your head full of thoughts regarding that marriage issue, I doubt that you would pay attention to any word I say."
"I will quickly take my leave then and get out of here before I get caught by my father. Dewa shitsurei shimasu." And with that Gii bowed respectfully to his father's assistant, exited the office and quietly slipped away by using the stairs instead of the elevator and the back entrance of the company building.
oOo
"Come on, come on," Toshihisa urged Takumi over and over again, literally dragging the ebony-haired youth out of the entrance to Shibuya station and towards the famous Shibuya crossing. "Where shall we go first," he exclaimed gleefully rubbing his hands in excitement, "109, Lumine, Parco, Marui? I have really been looking forward to a shopping spree here in Tokyo." "You are certainly looking very excited," Takumi replied smiling mildly. "Aren't there any shopping malls near your university or your apartment?"
"Well, of course there are some department stores and a few smaller shopping malls too, but Kobe can't offer the large variety of shops that Tokyo can, Shibuya especially," the so addressed student explained chuckling, "so every time I get to go to Tokyo to visit Shouzo, you and the other guys I'm looking forward to a day that is spent window shopping, checking out some stuff that isn't available in Kobe and so on and if I get to do it with my best friend, then that's even more fun! I'm really happy that you agreed to spend this afternoon with me and we do have a lot of catching up to do. It seems that a great deal has happened since our last meeting just after New Year's Day."
"True…true," Gii's beloved murmured quietly and his friend another mild smile, trying his best to hide the discomfort the other's words had caused him behind it, "but for now, let's get down to business. What do you think about starting this shopping spree of at 109 Men's and then going to Parco or Lumine afterwards?" "Sounds like a plan…oh, and maybe we can go to one of the sentos in the area once we are done," Toshihisa exclaimed cheerfully. "What better way to end a shopping spree than having a hot, relaxing bath. Do you by any chance happen to know a nice, public bath that isn't too far from here?"
"Well, there is 'Kannoyu-sento' which is about ten minutes' walk from the station," Takumi replied truthfully after a moment of silent contemplation. "It's a nice bath with a sauna, a couple of interior baths and a comfortable outdoor area with a nice rotemburo or two and it's really cheap as well. The entrance fee is about five-hundred yen I think." "That sounds just like the perfect kind of place for a good, hot bath. Please Takumi, let's go there," the other student exclaimed happily and gave Gii's beloved the most adorable puppy dog eyes, a scheme forming in his head. "I know you aren't particularly fond of public baths or hot springs, but since we haven't seen each other for four long months, would you oblige me and come to 'Kannoyu' with me? Pretty please?"
"Alright, aright, I promise," Takumi sighed in defeat, not having the heart to turn his best friend down despite the fact that he was anything but thrilled at the prospect of going to a public bath and gave the brown-haired youth an acknowledging and affirmative nod of the head. "But now let's get going. If we keep standing here any longer discussing what we could do, we won't get any shopping done at all, so come on." With that Gii's one and only started heading for the traffic lights with Toshihisa following suit and for the next few hours the two friends explored shop after shop, laughing and chatting animatedly as they looked closely at the goods on offer and occasionally tried something on.
True to his word Toshihisa bought a couple of trousers as well as some shirts and accessories and the sun was already hanging low in the evening sky, dying it in beautiful shades of orange, red and purplish-blue when the two young men at last reached their final destination of their afternoon out 'Kannoyu Sento'. Once they had paid their admission fee and received their bath towels Takumi and Toshihisa headed for the men's changing room where they quickly stripped off their clothes and soon they were soaking in one of the nice rotemburo in the outdoor area of the sento which they had entirely to themselves.
"This is really nice, the perfect ending of a wonderful, exciting afternoon," Toshihisa sighed contently. "Thanks Takumi for agreeing to come here." "You're welcome and I have to admit that this bath is a very nice and comfortable place indeed," Takumi replied smiling mildly, "besides, I felt I owe you this much after everything you have done for me yesterday night. I know it must have been a sorry sight when I lost my composure like that."
"Don't you worry about that. Breakups are never easy regardless whether you are the one who is leaving or the one who is being left behind," the so addressed student replied thoughtfully, trying to prevent a victorious smirk from stealing itself upon his lips for his scheme had worked out just the way he had planned it and he now had his ebony-haired friend exactly where he wanted him, "but you sure seemed very much shaken last night by the recent events concerning Gii and yourself."
"Maybe because I couldn't really talk to anyone about it," Gii's beloved replied quickly, trying his best to sound convincing. "Speaking to one of the guys would have been very awkward and pretty much the same goes for speaking to Kaoru-chan." "Well, that's understandable," Toshihisa mused and fell silent for a moment, carefully contemplating the words he was about to utter next. "However, if you don't mind me asking what are you planning to do now? Do you want to stay single for a while and enjoy a bachelor's life or do you want to try building something with Hasegawa-kun, despite the fact that you are still very much in love with Gii?"
"I don't know Toshihisa, I don't know," the ebony-haired youth sighed dejectedly and hung his head. "I haven't really thought about that yet." "Well, the way I see it you have several options, even returning to Gii's side," Akaike's boyfriend explained carefully. "You still have feelings for him after all and Gii loves you so much that he would surely welcome you back with open arms and give your relationship a second chance. It isn't too late to go back to him you know?" "I know Toshihisa, I know, but I just can't," the so addressed youth whispered with a slightly shaky voice. "I also know that you want me to tell you in all detail why I decided to leave Gii all of a sudden after all these years, but I can't do that either. All I can tell you is that I know what I'm doing and that I'm going to be okay, so please stay out of this."
"Listen Takumi, I don't mean to pry and if you don't want to talk about this breakup and the reasons which led you to end things with Gii, then we won't," Toshihisa said truthfully, yet anything but happy about the fact that the conversation was heading in the opposite direction he had intended, "but I'm one of your oldest friends and naturally I worry about you and I just want to know you that I'm here to listen and that nothing you relate to me regarding this matter will ever be shared with Shouzo, any of the other guys or Gii himself."
"Thank you, I really appreciate your concern, but I'm going to be alright. I just need some time, that's all," Takumi answered stubbornly and faced his friend properly once more, offering him a slightly shaky smile, "and Gii will eventually be okay as well I suppose." "If you are sure that this is what you really want then you have my support," the brown-haired student stated with sincerity, well aware of the fact that had gambled and lost and that he was, at least for the time being, left with no other option but to put a good face on the matter. "I just hope that you won't come to regret your decision one these days."
"I'm going to be alright, you will see," Gii's one and only repeated firmly before quickly changing the subject. "I think we should slowly but surely get ready to leave here and to head back to the station. It's already past seven o'clock and I have the night shift at the convenience store. It's a long shift and I don't want to get there with only a few to spare before the start of my shift. "Oh yes of course, it completely slipped my mind that you have to work tonight," Toshihisa stated, grinning sheepishly and only about ten minutes later the two friends were back in the changing room getting dressed. "Do you have any plans for tomorrow? I'm going out with Shouzo tomorrow night, but I'm free in the afternoon," Toshihisa explained as the two friends were walking back to the station, "and I'm only here for a few days, so if you like we could meet tomorrow afternoon for a coffee."
"I would love to, but I'm afraid I can't," Takumi replied with a regretful sigh. "I have accepted a double shift tomorrow, evening and night shift. That means I will be working from four o' clock in the afternoon and since I also have the nightshift today I will get home around seven o'clock tomorrow morning, go to bed immediately so that I can catch a few hours of sleep and then around two o'clock I have to get ready for the next shift, but Saturday or Sunday afternoon would work. Besides, even if I didn't have to work tomorrow, I'm sure that Akaike has planned something for the two of you. I bet he is incredibly delighted that you have arrived earlier than planned."
"I will definitely ask Shouzo and check what kind of stuff he has planned for the duration of my stay," the so addressed student stated cheerfully. "Just promise me that you won't overdo it and take on more shifts than you can handle. I know that the money you get from this part-time job is important for you in order to get by and that school holidays are always good to make some extra money, but Golden Week is also meant to be a relaxing time. This is our final year as undergraduate students and it's going to be a very busy not to mention stressful time, so you should rest as much as you can during holidays and weekends.
"I will take care of myself, don't worry," Gii's beloved answered truthfully and began fishing the pockets of his jacket for his commuter pass as they neared the entrance to the station. "Well, I guess this is where we have to say goodbye. I will take the JR train, but you have to take the subway right?" "Yes, take care and I will definitely message you about another meeting on Saturday or Sunday before I have to return to Kobe," Toshihisa replied and gave his friend's shoulder an amicable squeeze before he disappeared in the entrance of the subway station once the two young men had bid each other goodbye.
oOo
"Good morning Kobayashi-san, what's on the agenda for today," Gii greeted his father's assistant who was waiting for him in the lobby of the company building of the Saki Corporation on Friday morning. "Nine o' clock sharp, you are as punctual as ever Saki-san," the older man returned the greeting, smiling mildly at the amber-haired student. "As for the agenda, you have a briefing session at ten o'clock in regards to the executive party which Musashino-san's daughter will attend, then an appointment with the florist at twelve o'clock and an appointment with the caterer at two o'clock in the afternoon."
"I see, has anyone been assigned yet to deal with these appointments," Gii asked smiling mildly to himself when the other shook his head in denial. "Leave it to me then. I will assign the tasks myself to certain employees during the briefing session," he continued in a businesslike manner before finally changing the subject. "Are there any new regarding the…well…the other matter?" "I will provide you with a few more documents at a convenient moment sometime today," Saki-senior's assistant replied in a lower voice. "Unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on much though, but I hope that it might be of some use to you."
"I see," the hair of the Saki family sighed dejectedly and for a fleeting moment his face fell before he continued in a calm and composed manner. "But anything, no matter how insignificant it might seem at first glance is better than nothing at all. I really appreciate what you are doing for me Kobayashi-san. I know that you are treading on very thin ice and I swear that I will make it up to you and reward you for your efforts." "Don't mention it Saki-san, I just want what's best for the company and the Saki family, you especially and while I'm sure that Saki-sama has a similar motivation, I'm not so sure that forcing you into a marriage of convenience is the right way of achieving that goal," the so addressed man replied smiling mildly. "I don't know much about this whole marriage deal, but…" he continued after a brief moment of silence only to be interrupted in mid-sentence by the voice of Musashino's daughter.
"Good morning Gii," the young woman sing-sanged sweetly. "I'm really looking forward to our working together on arranging this year's executive party of the Saki Corporation. I'm sure we will make a wonderful team, wouldn't you agree?" "Good morning Michiyo-san," the amber-haired student returned the greeting in a reserved and slightly distant manner before turning his attention back to his father's assistant. "Please go ahead Kobayashi-san, I shall be with you in a couple of minutes to go over the final updates for the meeting," he stated politely upon which the middle-aged man bowed respectfully and took his leave.
"Going over notes for the briefing session, so you won't have any time to enjoy a cup of coffee with me before the meeting," Michiyo spoke up as soon as Saki-senior's assistant was out of earshot, not bothering to hide her disappointment. "I had hoped we could have a little chat." "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I take my responsibilities as the future owner and CEO of this company very seriously," Takumi's ex-boyfriend replied in a business-like manner. "The meeting starts at ten o'clock in the conference room on the fifth floor, please be on time."
"Don't worry I will be. The last thing I want to do is to embarrass myself or you, especially since we are about to get engaged," the young woman replied in the sweetest manner, a self-satisfactory smile playing about her mouth. "Maybe you and I could have lunch together after the meeting?" "I'm afraid but my schedule for the rest of the day is already full," Gii stated in an emphatically indifferent fashion. "Besides, I want you to understand one thing right from the start. This is a company and not a playground for couples or singles in search of a partner. I have a job to do and you are here to work as well, so don't try to turn this collaboration, which I had no choice but accept, into a series of lunch and after-work dates with me. See you at the meeting." And with that the heir of the Saki family turned sharply on his heels and walked off into the direction of the elevators, leaving a cross looking Michiyo behind.
"No matter how distant you treat me Saki Giichi, sooner or later you will have to accept the fact that I'm your bride-to-be," Musahsino's daughter muttered under her breath and grit her teeth, standing for a long moment somewhat forlornly in the lobby before she finally straightened her back and headed for the conference room with her head held high. When she entered the room only a few minutes later several employees had already gathered and were occupying some of the tables and chairs. The young woman took her seat at a table in the front row and Gii arrived soon afterwards with his father's assistant in tow, paying no particular attention to his prospective fiancée, much to the dismay of the latter, and thus the meeting started at ten o'clock sharp, just as it had been scheduled to.
After having bid the employees good morning and having welcomed them to the briefing session the heir of the Saki family requested the updates regarding certain stages of the event planning several people before he proceeded to allocate the tasks that still needed to be taken care of. "…and that leaves the meeting with the florist and the catering service today," he announced factually. "Musashino-san, I would like you to take care of the decorations and flower arrangements for the party. The with the florist is scheduled for twelve o'clock and I have arranged for one of our drivers to pick you up after this meeting and take you to the flower shop as well as back here afterwards. I'm going to do a final check of the guest list right after this briefing session and then I will meet the caterer to discuss the menu for the party. Are there any questions?"
For a brief moment silence settled between the occupants of the room before Kobayashi finally spoke up. "Saki-san, if you don't mind I would like to accompany you to the meeting with the caterers. Since I'm you father's assistant I have all the latest figures regarding the budget and so on and I'm sure that I could be of some assistance to you." "Very well Kobayashi-san and thank you very much for your consideration," Gii replied politely before addressing everyone in the room, ignoring the sour face Michiyo made when their gazes briefly met. "If there aren't any other questions or concerns I will bring this session to an end. Thanks everyone for your time and your hard work." With that he let his voice trail off and bowed slightly to the employees before finally dismissing them.
"Gii, since we are supposed to be working together, I would much rather accompany you to the caterer than going to the florist," his prospective fiancée approached him once they were the only ones left in the room. "I have experience in dealing with catering services and I'm sure I could be of just as much use to you as your father's assistant." "Michiyo, let me spell it out for you, so that you don't get any wrong ideas. For me working together with you means only that you and I are working on the same project and not that you will be following me around, going wherever I go as if you were my shadow," Gii replied sternly. "As I said earlier, this is business and nothing else. I'm in charge of this event project and if you disagree with any of the arrangements or my way of handling things, then you are free to quit."
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a hindrance to you or to slow down the progress of the event preparations," Musashino's daughter said contritely and lowered her head in embarrassment. "Once I'm done at the florist I will wait here for your return from the caterer so that I can give you the details of the arrangements I have made and do you think we could have dinner together with your father tonight?"
"We will see. I'm not up to date regarding my father's plan and arrangements for today," Takumi's ex-boyfriend explained calmly before changing the topic of the conversation back to business related affairs. "Anyway, I think you should get ready. The driver ought to be in the lobby already waiting for you." "I guess I should," Michiyo stated obediently and offered the amber-haired youth a mild smile. "Is there anything in particular I need to know?" "This envelope contains all the information you will need. You can study its content in the car," Gii answered and held out a brown, A5-sized envelope to the young woman who accepted it with another forced smile. "I see you later then," she stated, trying to sound casual and finally took her leave upon which the heir of the Saki family slumped onto his chair with a deep sigh tearing from him.
"What a meddling troublemaker that woman is," he murmured grimacing in annoyance and pinched the bridge of his nose for a long moment before he at last turned his attention to the guest list that was lying in front of him on the table together with the information regarding the catering service and about two hours later he went down to the lobby where his father's assistant was already waiting for him. "Saki-san, I took the liberty of not requesting a driver, but decided to drive you myself," the middle-aged man explained in a quiet voice as he and Gii made their way to the parking deck in the basement of the building. "That way we can take care of the matter we briefly spoke about this morning without having to worry about being overheard or about being watched by curious eyes. I hope you approve of this arrangement."
"I do indeed," the amber-haired youth replied smiling mildly. "Thank you very much. Could I ask you another favor?" "Of course what can I do for you," Kobayashi said good-naturedly and gave his employer's son a curious as well as expectant look. "Musashino-san's daughter will return to the company after her meeting with the florist and seems to be determined to go out with me and my father for dinner tonight, but I have no intention to go out on a dinner date with her," Takumi's ex-boyfriend explained, his cheeks turning crimson. "I know what I'm about to ask you is not considered very civil or polite, but could you, at some convenient moment during the meeting with the caterer call the company and have someone inform Michiyo that something came up that needs to be taken care of immediately and that I therefore won't return to the office today and to have dinner with her and my father?"
"Don't worry Saki-san, I will handle it and I promise that I won't tattletale. That young lady is really persistent in her endeavors to stay close to you, isn't she," Saki-senior's assistant remarked upon which Gii let out a deep sigh and scrunched up his nose before mumbling "she sure is and I'm running out of time."
oOo
Akaike, Misu, Shingyouji and Toshihisa were occupying one of the tables in the picnic area of Yoyogi park, neither of the four friends being in particularly high spirits. "I hate this," Toshihisa murmured and let out a frustrated sigh. "The deadline of the ultimatum Gii has been given by his father in only half a day away and we are not much closer to solving this mystery than we were the day before yesterday. Speaking of Gii, where is he anyway?"
"It's almost eleven o'clock, so he should be here any moment now and then we can discuss what we have found out," Akaike replied quietly, trying to remain calm and gave his boyfriend's arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure that Gii has done some research himself and maybe he could dig something up that, in combination with everything that we have found out so far, will finally lead us to the next piece of this puzzle."
"Speak of the devil," Misu piped in and pointed towards a path that was leading from the pond to the picnic area. The others let their gazes wander into the appointed direction and could almost instantaneously spot the heir of the Saki family approaching the tables, his hands buried deep inside the pockets of his jeans while the gentle morning breeze ruffled his amber-colored hair.
"Hey guys," the handsome upper-class man greeted his friends once he had reached the table and slumped onto the free seat. "How are you?" "Much better than you apparently," Akaike replied with a stern undertone in his vice and gave his best friend a concerned look. "You spent another sleepless night, didn't you, despite your promise the other day to take care of yourself." "I guess there's no use in denying that I did," Gii sighed ruefully and began to massage his temples. "But I had a good reason. I spent the night going again and again over some documents I could get my hands on, documents related to that matrimonial alliance my father would like to bring about, but unfortunately I couldn't make much headway. Musashino's company is apparently going through some financially difficult times and would greatly benefit from an alliance with the Saki Corporation, but I assume that my father already knew about this before he agreed to an arranged marriage between Musashino's daughter and myself, so bringing this matter up as a reason to blow off the engagement won't be enough to make my father change his mind. I tried to do some more sleuthing, but couldn't find out much more than what was already mentioned in the documents."
"I checked out the name Musashino and the result of my research ties in with what Gii has found out, so it won't be of much help I suppose" Misu spoke up quietly. "That guy's company competed against my father's business as well as several others for a very lucrative business contract with a big foreign company. In the end the client chose to work with my father and it's because of this affair why the name 'Musashino' sounded so familiar to me when I first heard it. Musashino lost the contract to my father, but he would have needed it to bring his business back on track, but I assume that Saki-senior has full knowledge of this affair. He isn't the kind of guy to make big, important decisions unless he knows all the relevant details and can calculate the risk."
"True that," Gii sighed dejectedly. "So, the way I see it we have reached a dead end and with the ultimatum ending tonight…" "I'm not so sure about that," Akaike interrupted his best friend confidently. "I checked out Musashino's daughter and couldn't find out anything suspicious about her and her involvement in this scheme. She seems to be a pawn like you in this game of power and status, though a willing one, but I think that Toshihisa has something he would like to tell you."
"Really, what is it," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed in surprise and fixed his gaze immediately upon Akaike's lover. "Come on, tell me already!" "Well, I met Takumi twice over the past two days and I found out that he apparently lied about having fallen out of love with you," the so addressed youth began somewhat hesitantly and filled the heir of the Saki family as well as the rest of the group in with the details of his shopping spree with Takumi two days prior. "This whole situation is really getting to him and the news about your prospective engagement has affected him much, much more than he is willing to admit. Takumi still loves you more than anything in this world and he has said so himself."
"How…how long have you guys known about this," Gii inquired his eyes wide with disbelief and drew in a sharp breath, how long?"
"Since the day before yesterday and before you start yelling at us for having kept you in the dark about this for these past twenty-four hours, let me tell you that we had good reasons for what we did," Akaike piped in immediately and gave his friend a stern and solemn look. "Although Hayama hasn't revealed anything regarding the reason for his sudden decision to break up with you it isn't hard to guess that his actions are obviously related to the arranged marriage your father and Musashino are trying to bring about between you and Michiyo. However there is no conclusive evidence for our theory and we were simply worried of what you would have done if we had told you the news immediately, so we figured it would be best to keep this particular piece of information between ourselves for one day and to use the time for research, in hopes that we would find something that could be helpful to you, something that you could use to confront your father with. If you want to win this battle you have to go about it in a rational way and you can't allow your feelings or fears to get the better of you. In order to prevent this arranged marriage from happening you need to present your father with factual reasons as to why you object to the arranged match with Michiyo combined with conclusive evidence for your claims."
"You might have a point there Shouzo. You really know me too well," Gii stated chuckling bitterly, "but what am I supposed to do now? Knowing that Takumi still loves me and apparently didn't end things with me out of his own free will won't be of much help in talking my father round and in the documents I received over the past two days I couldn't find anything helpful either. In one email to Musashino my father mentions a 'project wakaru', but he was clever enough not to go in to any more details. I assume that this name is a code of some sorts related to the arranged marriage between Michiyo and myself, but there is no hint whatsoever that could lead me to the discovery of the reason for Takumi's decision to leave me."
"We figured that much as well and that's why I tried to get in touch with Hasegawa, the guy who pretends to be Hayama-san's new boyfriend," Shingyouji spoke up. "Unfortunately he seems to have returned to his parents' house for Golden week according to the manager of his dormitory on campus, so I went to the student affairs office to ask for his contact details, but for privacy reasons the secretary refused to share them with me, so for now I couldn't find out anything that would help you and Hayama-san and I'm really sorry for it. However, I'm determined to keep trying to get something out of that Hasegawa fellow."
"There is nothing to be sorry for Shingyouji, You did your best and what more could I ask for," the heir of the Saki family replied ad offered his raven-haired friend a kind, grateful, yet somewhat melancholic smile, "and that goes for all of you. Though it seems that this time I'm really trapped and that there isn't any way out of my dilemma, I want to thank you guys for everything you have done for me until now. It really means a lot to me."
"Don't give up yet Gii," Akaike stated determinedly and gave the handsome upper-class man and encouraging pat on the shoulder. "The deadline of the ultimatum your father has given you might be tonight, but didn't Saki-senior say that the official, public announcement of your engagement wouldn't be made until the executive party at the end of next month? That still gives you and us plenty of time to do some more sleuthing and to work on Hasegawa as well as Hayama. As long as one of them comes clean before the party and tells us what really happened, you can use this information to turn things around."
"And believe us that we will do whatever it takes to make either Hasegawa or Hayama sing like mocking birds now that we know that nothing in this whole mess is the way it seems," Misu added in an authoritative manner, the serious expression he was wearing on his prominent features making it clear how determined he was while Shingyouji and Toshihisa nodded eagerly in agreement, their faces also portraying expressions of seriousness and determination.
"It sure seems that getting either Takumi or his friend Hasegawa to talk is my only chance of getting out of this arranged marriage scheme," Gii sighed dejectedly and desperately ran a hand through his hair. "My father wants to see Michiyo and me in his office at six o'clock tonight and it isn't difficult to guess what kind of news he will announce regarding that girl and myself, so until then I will make one last attempt to clear this whole mess up once and for all before things get worse than they already are. Therefore I need to get going." And with that the handsome upper-class man rose from the table. "Wish me luck guys," he added trying to sound casual and offered his friends a weak, trembly smile.
"Of course Gii, we will keep our fingers crossed and rest assured that we will also continue our sleuthing as soon as we are done here," Akaike replied in the most encouraging and reassuring manner while the rest of the group nodded their heads firmly in agreement and once they had exchanged their goodbyes the heir of the Saki family took his leave. "Well regarding the place Gii wants to go to…are you thinking what I'm thinking," Toshihisa asked quietly as he let his eyes linger on the retreating back of the amber-haired student until it was out of sight. "I dare say that we are," Misu confirmed solemnly, "and I wish him the best of luck in his endeavor. He will need it."
oOo
"Hayama-san, could you please change the garbage bags outside before you go home," the shift leader approached Gii's beloved with a couple of empty plastic bags in his hands. "Once you are done you can call it a day and return home to get some rest. If I remember correctly you have another shift from ten o'clock tonight until six o'clock tomorrow morning, right?" "Yes, that's correct, but I don't mind it," the so addressed youth replied and accepted the garbage bags with a fleeting smile before making his way over to the garbage bins just outside the entrance to the store. He was just about to remove the full garbage bag from the second bin in order to replace it with an empty one when a well-known voice caused him to freeze in his motions. "Takumi…"
For a long moment the ebony-haired student remained motionless and then finally turned around to face the man who had just his name with so much tenderness, affection and sadness, his heart beating so hard in his chest that it hurt. "G-Gii…wh-what are you doing here," he asked trying to sound unperturbed by the sudden and unexpected appearance of his ex-boyfriend. "What do you want?"
"Takumi please, we need to talk," the heir of the Saki family began carefully, but with a resolute undertone in his rich, firm baritone voice. "We need to talk about something that is important for both of us." "I really can't imagine what that could be," the so addressed youth retorted coolly, exerting every effort to harden his heart and to keep his defenses from crumbling in front of the man he loved more than anything in the world. "You are as good as engaged to the daughter of one of your father's business partners and I'm dating Kaoru-chan now, so there is nothing left to say or discuss regarding you and me."
"I don't think so Takumi. As far as I'm concerned there are still plenty of things left to say between us," Gii replied quietly and tried to place his hand gently on the shoulder of his beloved who instantly moved away in order to evade the touch. "Listen Takumi, I love you, always have and always will and I know that you are still having feelings for me as well and it isn't too late for us to straighten things out," he explained softly while letting his hand drop, trying to hide his disappointment about the reaction of the other to his attempt of touching him. "I know that Hasegawa-kun isn't the reason why you broke up with me, but in order for us to make things right you need to tell me the truth. I'm not engaged to Michiyo yet because my father gave an ultimatum until tonight to present him with a good reason to call of this arranged marriage deal and if you speak up now, this engagement won't happen, so please Takumi, talk to me! I beg you! I don't want to spend my life with anyone but you!"
"Gii, I repeat it one last time. There is nothing to say," Takumi replied in a distant manner with an unreadable expression on his face and finally turned away from his ex-boyfriend, "and even if there was, it wouldn't matter." "How can you say such a thing," Gii exclaimed in despair and clenched his fists as he fought to keep his emotions under control. "It matters to me! Takumi please, please help me to get out of this and to save us, our relationship, our love!" "There is no 'us' anymore Gii," the so addressed youth retorted sharply and drew in a deep breath. "As far as I'm concerned we are done talking, so please leave. As you can see I've got work to do."
"Takumi…," the heir of the Saki family whispered brokenly and for a long moment a tense, oppressing silence settled between the two young men before Gii finally spoke up again. "Alright, I get it. Forgive me Takumi for having bothered you during your working hours and for having taken up so much of your time," he breathed softly, his voice shaking with emotion and after another brief moment of silence, during which he waited for a reaction from his beloved that never came, the handsome upper-class man finally turned to leave. "Sayonara, o genki de."
"Sayonara Gii," Takumi sniffed once he perceived the sound of footsteps that were growing more distant with every passing second, his voice barely more than a faint whisper and his vision clouded with a veil of tears and when he at last turned around to face the street once more, the amber-haired youth was already out of sight. "Please forgive me."
oOo
Michiyo was sitting in the refreshment area in the lobby of the Saki Corporation letting her gaze travel repeatedly back and forth between the large clock on the wall and the main entrance of the company building and jumped to her feet as soon as she could spot Gii's amber-colored mop of hair. "Cutting it a little close, aren't you? It's almost six o'clock she greeted her prospective fiancé and gave him a reproachful look. "Where have you been all afternoon and what have you been doing? You look terrible."
"That's none of your business," the so addressed heir of the Saki family hissed and turned his back on Musashino's daughter. "I don't think that I owe you any explanations for where I'm going or for what I'm doing in my free time and now come on, my father will be already waiting for us so let's get this over with." With that Gii headed towards the elevators, Michiyo following suit after a brief moment of hesitation and with a sour look on her face and only a few minutes later the couple was standing in Saki-senior's office, exchanging polite greetings with the head of the Saki family.
"Well my dears, I will come straight to the point," Gii's father spoke up once he and his visitors were seated. "I called you both here today because I have something important to tell you, something that concerns the two of you and your future as well as that of the businesses you are supposed to take over someday. I had a long, fruitful conversation with Musashino-san this afternoon and I'm happy to tell you that we both agreed that the two of you make a perfect couple in our estimation."
"So, what you are trying to say is that…," Gii began solemnly only to be interrupted by his father in mid-sentence. "Yes, my son," the middle-aged man stated in an authoritative manner. "As of this day you and Michiyo-chan here are engaged to be married." "Saki-sama, I can't tell you how honored and delighted I am," Musahino's daughter piped in smiling sweetly. "I promise that I will do everything in my power to be a good wife to your son and a worthy daughter-in law to the Saki family."
"I have no doubt about that my dear," Saki-senior replied with a good-natured smile playing about his mouth before he turned his attention to his only son and heir. "Giichi, don't you have anything to say to your pretty bride-to-be?" "No, I don't and as far as I'm concerned everything has been said already," the amber-haired youth replied nonchalantly and for a moment a tense silence settled between father and son which was only broken when the head of the Saki family finally picked the conversation up again. "I expected some more appropriate words from you, but however that may be, let's focus on what lies ahead. I have arranged a lunch meeting with Musashino-san tomorrow during which we are going to discuss the remaining details and then your engagement will be officially announced to the public on Wednesday."
"But that's directly after Golden Week," Gii exclaimed in surprise and disbelief while a victorious smile began to form on Michiyo's lips. "Wasn't the engagement supposed made to be made public at the executive party at the end of the month?" "Yes, that was the plan, but after due consideration Musashino-san and I came to the conclusion that it is more beneficial for everyone involved if we announce the news about your engagement to the public as soon as possible," Saki-senior explained in a businesslike manner, "I hope that neither of you won't have any objections to that." "I don't mind it," Michiyo declared confidently while Gii remained silent with a stony-faced expression displayed on his handsome features. "I'm very glad to hear that," the head of the Saki family announced before rising to his feet," and now I think the two of you should go out and have a private celebratory dinner."
"Father, I have something I would like to speak to you about," Takumi's ex-boyfriend finally spoke up, just in time to cut his fiancée, who was about to say something, off before she could utter a single syllable. "It's an important matter of business." "I see," Saki-senior replied thoughtfully, knitting his eyebrows in suspicion and finally turned to face his future daughter-in-law. "Michiyo-chan, could you please make yourself comfortable downstairs in the lobby for a while? I will send Giichi down to pick you up as soon as we are done here." "But of course Saki-sama," the so addressed young woman replied politely and quietly took her leave after having bid the head of the Saki family politely goodbye.
"Alright Giichi, what do you want to talk about," Saki-senior addressed his son in plain language almost as soon as Michiyo had closed the door from the outside. "I'm curious to hear what you have to say." "Father, I would like to postpone the official announcement of my engagement with Musashino's daughter to the public," the amber-haired student explained factually and with a straight face. "There is something that I need to straighten out before I can agree to this arranged marriage of convenience for that's what it is in my eyes."
"I'm sorry son, but I won't allow there to be any further delays regarding your union with Michiyo-chan," the so addressed head of the Saki family replied in a manner that made it clear beyond any doubt that his decision was final. "We had an agreement and you had your chance. I gave you three days to find a good reason as to why you can't marry the daughter of my business partner and you couldn't come up with anything, so…" "That's not true," Gii exclaimed angrily thus interrupting his father. "I firmly believe that Takumi has left me out of his own free will, but I need more time to investigate this matter further."
"Fine, but hasn't Hayama-kun started dating one of his classmates recently," Saki-senior asked unperturbed and gave his son an expectant look. "Yes, it seems that way, but…," Takumi's ex-boyfriend began but was cut off almost instantaneously. "In that case there is nothing more to discuss," the head of the Saki family spoke up sharply while making his way to the door in order to open it as a proof that the conversation was over. "The announcement will be made exactly as Musashino-san and I have planned it and now I think you should pick up your fiancée in the lobby and take her out to a nice restaurant."
"And I thought that you would put my feelings before your own ambitions," Gii remarked bitterly, his voice laced with disgust as he walked past his father, the man he had always looked up to and stomped off towards the elevators. Once inside one of the lifts he slammed his fist into the wall and let out a muffled, frustrated half-scream before he finally rode down to one of the lower office floors.
Knowing that the offices of the regular employees were unoccupied on weekends and national holidays the handsome upper-class man stepped out of the elevator and quickly made his way down the hall to the stairwell. Without hesitation he flew down the stairs, managing to slip away from the company building unseen and he had just reached the entrance of the nearest subway station when his phone went off. With a groan of annoyance leaking from between his lips the amber-haired youth yanked the device from the pocket of his jacket to check the caller ID and immediately recognized the number that was flashing on the display of the phone.
"Sorry my friend, but I'm not in the mood for a conversation right now," he murmured to himself as he pushed the 'ignore call' button and finally switched off the device completely. "What I need right now is a drink." And with that the heir of the Saki family entered the station and headed downtown.
A/N: And that's it for this chapter...
How did you like it? Please let me know your thought and opinions by leaving a review in the comment box below.
As usual: 5 reviews = new chapter...and I promise that I won't make you wait another nine months for it to be published.
And until next time, here are a few questions for you to dwell on:
What is Gii going to do?
Will the guys be able to make Hasegawa-kun talk?
How will Takumi react to the public announcement of his ex-boyfriend's engagement?
How will these developments affect his friendship with Akaike and the others?
Find the answers in the next update of "Sourire Encore Demain"
Until next time, stay safe!
Princess Serenity-chan