Chapter 10
Okay, okay…I guess you didn't like the ninth chapter so much, did you? Honestly, I didn't like it, too, because I made Kazumi die. Well, when you read the other chapters, you'll come to realize I made those unfortunate things happen for a reason. About the rants, don't apologize. I take rants as tools to help the story improve. And those who're anticipating Jubei's return, well, I did say he'll be coming back, didn't I? But it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be returning to Shinjuku. That, the return, is going to happen, don't fret. And because you all want to know when, you'll have to wait two chapters more. Nevertheless, here is the tenth (can't believe it's already the tenth!) chapter of my story. Enjoy
Ban woke up with a horrid backache. To make it worse, he found himself hanging on a coconut tree with the use of countless strands of thin strings. There was a piece of paper sticking beside his hand.
"Mido-san,
I know you saw me in a horribly embarrassing state last night. However, I never permitted you to sleep beside me. Think about what you did while you're hanging on that tree. I deeply regret allowing you to witness me in my most mortifying form.
Kazuki "
"Darn that string cheese! It's his fault that I slept beside him last night! Does he think he's too attractive? Curse him!"
"You have any complaints hanging on top of that coconut tree?" Kazuki's voice said. "You were lucky I didn't cut your whole body."
"Hey, cheese, get me outta here! Let me remind you that it was your own doing which led me to sleep beside you!"
"What did I do? I can't remember anything."
"You were crying the heck out last night, you darn cheese! When you finally fell asleep I wanted to stand up and go back to the hotel room, but you called your needle boyfriend's name and pulled me back on the seat! I struggled to stand up again but you were so heavy! Look, it's your fault; now get me out of here!"
Kazuki remembered how he dreamt of Jubei the night before. Realizing that Ban might be right, he was obliged to let him down from the tree.
"I'm sorry. I was so worked up on what happened to Kazumi; I didn't realize what I've done."
"Don't ever think of hanging me up on a darn coconut tree ever again, you cheese!"
"Don't worry, I won't do that again." Kazuki headed back to the hotel to dress up. Ban noticed that the beautiful man was still so lonely.
"Wait, you cheese."
"What?"
"I know how it feels to lose somebody, with me as the reason why he was gone. Yeah, for a moment, you think it's your fault. In my case, it really was; but all you should do right now is, by all means, your very best to save the other lives lying in the line. It won't return her back to life, but at least, you'll feel better."
"Yes, I guess you're right. I'll just see you around some other time. Please say good bye to Ginji-san for me." Kazuki felt a little lighter after listening to what Ban said. Now, he's determined to do anything and everything to save the other contestants who are in danger. He went back to the hotel and got dressed. He saw Kazumi's things lying on the bed. He looked at them one by one and touched them.
"Don't worry, Kazumi-chan. I'm not going to let the others end up like you did. I'm so sorry."
There was a knock on the door. It was Megumi Misato.
"Kazuki, Lady Elizabeth is calling for a meeting."
Florencias is Lady Elizabeth when she is a judge for Japan's Next Top Model. When she is the head of NSSCA, she is Florencias. Kazuki walked out of the hotel room and saw Florencias and the other contestants.
"I am deeply saddened by Ms. Kazumi Fujishoin's death which was allegedly caused by suicide. We'll be going to her funeral which would be held this Sunday. Apart from that, next week, a very special guest will be coming over. Please prepare yourselves so you could give great impressions. That's all for today, go on and pack your things."
The other contestants went back to packing their things. Kazuki stayed outside.
"I'm sorry, Florencias-san, you trusted me but I failed you."
"It's not your fault, dear. We all didn't see it coming. It's my fault for not hiring backup."
Kazuki went back to his room to pack his things. A while later, the contestants headed for their bus and left. Kazuki felt sad on the trip. He had no one to talk to.
(In Germany)
"Are you sure you want to buy that, Jubei?" Mr. Chiba asked.
"It will look perfect on Kazuki's finger. I can't wait to return to Japan to see him again."
"You'll do it already? Why not wait? You're only twenty-one, son! You're still meant to enjoy your youth."
"It doesn't matter. I want to wake up beside him, fall asleep beside him, live my life with him forever. You know how I feel for Kazuki, don't you?"
"Yes, I do, but it's still too early."
"I think that it's the perfect time to ask him to marry me. I can't wait any longer. I love him so much."
"Kids these days are so rash. Well, I'm happy that you stay true to him even if you're far away. And there are so many beautiful women in here."
"They're just half as beautiful and splendid as Kazuki is. He's the only one for me."
"I wish you'll be happy forever."
"I'll make sure we will."
(Kazuki's back to Shinjuku)
"Toshiki, what are you doing in here?"
"I watched what happened. Condolences."
"I'm so useless, am I not? I allowed Akiko to murder her."
"It's not your fault, Kazuki. You didn't see it coming, did you? Don't blame yourself too much."
"I've to be extra careful with Akiko these days. I wonder how I could gather more information about her future victims."
"It's very difficult to do things like that, Kazuki. Florencias should hire a backup to work with you."
"I can't see her exact plans, which makes it more difficult than it should be."
"I wish I could help you with this, Kazuki."
"You already are, Toshiki."
"How am I helping you?"
"You're here for me. It assures me that I'm not alone in this."
"I'll always be here for you, Kazuki, no matter what." Toshiki promised, then began seriously, "Did you tell Jubei?"
"No, I didn't. He's not in the right condition for this. I don't want him to worry."
"I understand. If I were you, I won't tell him anything yet."
"I wish I could sneak on her room to see who she'll victimize next."
Before Toshiki could answer, a person with long, white hair and large green eyes walked toward Kazuki. The person spoke.
"You'll be able to, if you're a snake."
Can you guess who that person is? Well, you'll know on the eleventh chapter of Japan's Next Top Model: Kazuki Undercover. See you then.