Kindness

The next morning, I woke when the light from the drawn curtains warmed my face. Although I was exhausted from the night before, I had fallen into such a deep sleep that I awoke full of energy. As I went to stretch I felt the warm fabric covering my body shift. Unaware of it before, I recognized the familiar cologne. Glancing down, I saw a blazer covering my body. Eisuke's blazer.

At some point in the night, Eisuke had found me in this room, and seeing I had no blanket, he had covered me. I smiled at the thought. His kindness warmed my soul, even if it was such a small gesture. I held on to the blazer, as I stood and stretched. Relishing in the moment, I walked over to the French doors and opened them to step out onto the balcony. The morning air was still brisk, which prompted me to instinctively wrap myself in Eisuke's oversized jacket. Enveloped in his smell, I tip-toed onto the balcony, breathing in the fresh air.

I stood there for a few minutes, overlooking the city just beginning to buzz with commuters. The sun peaked over the horizon, the mountains casting shadows over the city. The sky was a beautiful blend of reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges. Humbled by the incredible opportunity I had been given, I didn't have to dig deep to find the enthusiasm to take each day with a new positivity. It had been a long time since I found myself to be this happy. I sighed contently before heading back to the room to begin my day.

Walking through the wine cellar, I turned to the kettle to put on some water for tea, then went to the Keurig to begin making coffee. I held my breath as I tip-toed through the hall. The entire penthouse was eerily silent. I assumed everyone still had to be asleep. Turning the corner, I searched for the bathroom to quickly freshen up. Surprisingly I found it with ease, closing the door behind me just enough so I would be able to hear if the kettle started whistling before I was done. The bathroom was incredible. The bath was a black marble, unlike the rest of the marble in the hotel. The shower was enclosed in a frosted glass and could have quite possibly been the size of my apartment. I relished in the sophistication, curling my toes on the plush rug beneath me. The mirror was simple and elegant, above the sink, set in a simplistic black frame. On either side were lamps that stuck out of the wall, below them were towels hanging neatly on rings. By the sink was a single rose in a crystal vase. It was silly and somewhat out of place, but I couldn't help but find the charm in the placement.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of Eisuke's blazer hanging off my shoulders. Careful not to ruin his jacket, I rolled up the sleeves as I quickly splashed water on my face, removing what was left from the makeup that lingered from the night before. I regarded my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my hair so that I could keep it out of my face. Adjusting my dress, I gave myself a satisfactory nod before heading back out to the kitchen. The bitter yet warming aroma of coffee drifted through the penthouse, sure to wake anyone who was still in a peaceful slumber. Unsure of who would want what, I only began to make tea for myself and coffee for Eisuke. With his cup of joe prepared perfectly in my hand, I headed to his office. As I approached, I could still hear him typing away determined on his lap top. I'm sure the time spent last night had taken him away from his duties as a CEO and thus had put him into his work-crazed state.

I smiled as I approached his desk to find the coffee I had given him last night was completely finished. I replaced the old cup with the new cup, and turned to walk away from his desk.

"Thank you," I said quietly before exiting the office.

I savored the moment, his unresponsive behavior couldn't bother me this morning. Butterflies danced in my belly, as I semi-raced out of Eisuke's room. As I made my way back to the kitchen, I could hear the hushed voices of the other bidders.

"Good Morning!" I greeted them as I bowed my head. "Would any of you like tea or coffee?"

"Good Morning beautiful lady." Baba said hoarsely. His voice sending shivers down my spine. His voice was saturated in masculinity that in that moment, drove me crazy with desire.

"Good Morning, Baba." I said shakily, trying to regain my senses.

When I turned to smile at him, his hair hung sexily in front of his eyes. He was propped up where the corner of the counter met the wall of the wine cellar. He wore a slightly oversized grey shirt that clung to his shoulders. His defined and muscular collarbones were exposed, which brought a blush to my cheeks when I caught a glimpse of them. He rested his head in his hand as he gazed at me.

"My my, are you getting friendly with Eisuke already?" Baba asked, raising an eyebrow.

I caught him surveying my apparel, before I remembered I had Eisuke's blazer on from last night.

"Don't be silly, Baba." I argued. "I…" I started, but thought better of it. I'm not going to try to explain what I thought happened last night. After all I'm not completely sure. "What would you like Baba, tea or coffee?"

"Coffee please."

I nodded, turning to the other bidders in the room. Ota was at the kitchen table, hunched over papers that looked similar to various prints. Ota looked rather disheveled, almost as if he hadn't actually slept. Soryu, on the other hand, was at the opposite end of the counter completely dressed and seemingly put together. He was flipping through what looked like a brochure.

"Mr. Oh, what would you prefer to drink?" I asked, interrupting him.

He glanced up with a frown on his face, still seemingly thinking about what he was reading in the brochure. He softened his gaze a bit before responding.

"Coffee." He said before turning back to his brochure.

I walked over to Ota, where I heard him muttering various things to himself. I cleared my throat so not to startle him. When that didn't work, I spoke up.

"Ota, would you like a coffee or tea?" I whispered.

"Huh? Oh," he said running his hand through his hair, looking at me briefly. "Coffee."

"Right away." I smiled.

I returned to where the Keurig was so that I could make the coffees as requested. I opened the cabinet to get a mug, but soon realized that they were just slightly out of reach. I stood on my tip toes stretching my hands as far up as I could, but I could just barely feel the cool ceramic mug brushing my fingertips. I came back down on my heels, adjusted my dress, and thrusted myself back on my tip toes stretching as far as I could. Disappointingly my fingers brushed against the cold ceramic once more causing frustration to boil up in me.

I heard a giggle escape from behind me, as I came back down on my heels, and spun around. I attempted to glare at Baba as he stifled another chuckle by placing his hand on his lips. I was about to say something until a familiar body brushed up against my own. Leaning back against the counter, I felt almost trapped by Eisuke, as he closed the distance, reaching up behind me to get the mugs I had struggled to reach before. I looked up at him, admiring the closeness between us. Seconds rushed by as he placed each mug gently on the counter next to me, his cologne invading my senses each time he raised his hand back up. Wordlessly he turned back around and exited the kitchen.

The Keurig dinged behind me, reminding me of the three coffees I still had yet to make. As I began making each coffee, I placed the sugar and milk on the counter between Soryu and Baba. I quickly returned with their coffees. As I was wrapping up with Ota's coffee, I realized I had an additional mug, one that belonged to Eisuke from earlier this morning. I set up Eisuke's to brew as I walked Ota's coffee over to him.

"Here Ota." I said, unsure of where I should put it, in fear of ruining whatever he was sporadically working on.

"Thanks." He muttered holding out his hand.

By the time I walked back to the kitchen, Eisuke's coffee had finished. I turned around to the counter to measure out the right sugar and milk. I gently stirred the liquid around, blending the ingredients, before walking out of the kitchen. I stopped in the doorway, turning back around, looking at the bidders. This is your life now, I thought happily.

"Would anyone like breakfast?" I smiled.

"Absolutely, princess." Baba responded before taking a sip of his coffee.

"Hmmm." Soryu nodded in agreement.

Nodding, I turned back around and headed to Eisuke's office again. As I walked down the hall I couldn't help but smile. It was absolutely impossible to suppress my joy. I entered Eisuke's room, heading over to his office, but was surprised when I didn't find him there. I spun around looking to see if I had missed him. Exiting the office, I suddenly became aware of the steam that had been escaping the private bathroom of his bedroom. Completely unware of it before, I heard the spigot water stop, and the door suddenly swung open. Frozen in my spot, I stood holding his coffee with both my hands, watching as Eisuke stepped out of the bathroom with a towel tied around his waist.

In his other hand, he had a smaller towel as he sopped up the water from his hair. He stood for a second, looking out the window, seemingly unaware of my intrusion. Water glistened in the sun light as it dripped off his body. There was a musky smell that emanated from the bathroom as he turned to face me. Stunned, I blushed, his chest was so defined and masculine. My eyes wandered slightly before meeting his.

"I…" I started, adverting my eyes to the ground. "brought you another coffee. But you weren't in your office, so I was about to go back to the kitchen, but then you came out. I'm sorry the for the intrusion!" I exclaimed.

Eisuke didn't say anything, instead I could hear him taking steps toward me. The scent from the shower grew stronger as he neared me. He was unbearably close, before I was forced to lift my head. He was so quiet, what was he thinking!? He looked at me, taking the mug from my hands. His long fingers brushed against mine, as he took the mug. He sipped on it, closing his eyes briefly, before opening them again. Although I could feel the embarrassment growing fast inside me, I couldn't draw my eyes away from him.

"Sleep in here tonight." Eisuke said after some thought and some more coffee.

"I couldn't possibly intrude." I insisted.

"Nonsense." He said, walking past me, his towel hanging loosely from his hips.

"I slept fine in the piano room." I asserted. "I can sleep there until this ordeal is over."

Turning around I found him looking at me with an amused look. He sipped his coffee again, before putting it on an end table that lived in the corner of the room. My eyes widened as he opened the doors to a massive walk in closet. Curious, I found myself following him over to the closet. As he stepped in I could see the black walls, housing various shirts, suits and pants. Although the room was massive, the clothing only filled one side of the closet. In the center of the closet, were two freestanding bureaus. One had a vase that housed a single rose and had several drawers. The other was transparent on top, appearing to be where he had housed jewelry, cufflinks, or whatever perhaps even ties.

"It's not up for discussion." Eisuke said turning around to face me.

As he turned around to reach for a shirt behind him, his towel slipped slightly further down his waist. Noticing this, I excused myself from the room. Hurriedly, I walked back to kitchen, where the others were waiting for me. Without a word, I opened the refrigerator hastily pulling out the eggs, cheese and milk. Combining all the ingredients, in addition to some fresh herbs, I focused intently on cooking to distract my mind from the interaction between Eisuke and myself.

In a matter of minutes, I was able to complete breakfast, serving it to each of the men who sat before me. Wiping my hands on a rag, I sighed with content, as I returned to the piano room to retrieve my belongings. I slipped into the elegant heels and strode out of the spare room.

"Enjoy fellas." I said, waving as I headed out of the kitchen.

"Where are you off to princess?" Baba questioned in between bites.

"I have a job I have to get ready for!" I exclaimed, smiling. "Please leave the dishes for me to complete later when I return."

I bowed to all three men, before exiting the room. I stopped at the top of the stairs, my hand on the railing, as I remembered I was still wearing Eisuke's blazer. Dejected, I shook my head, retracing my steps back to his bedroom. I quietly entered the room, to find Eisuke talking on the phone while looking out the window. Hoping to go unnoticed, I slipped out of the blazer, carefully draping it over the back of a chair. Mixed feelings rampaged through me, leaving me disheartened for having to leave behind his blazer, but also feeling overly joyed to have been able to wear it.

"Harumi." I heard Eisuke call from behind me, as I had reached the doors.

"Yes?" I said turning around to face him.

He was still facing the giant window, his hands in his pockets. He didn't say anything else, which prompted me to take a few more hesitant steps toward him.

"You've been excused from your work today." He said as I approached him.

Confused I surveyed him from behind. I watched him as he turned around to face me. His face was expressionless as he started toward me.

"Today we are going to give Carolina a tour of the city. I will need you to be by my side all day."

He continued walking until he was right in front of me. His eyes locked with mine as he raised his hand to my cheek. His thumb swept across my cheek as his fingers caressed my skin. His eyes steadfast in my own. His hand lingered for a second, as I lost myself in his touch. It felt like an eternity had passed as he stood there touching my face.

"Go retrieve your necessities from your apartment. I expect you to return within 15 minutes."

My heart sunk a little as the warmth from his hand vanished from my cheek. Taking a minute to regain my composure, I turned to face him.

"May I take a little longer as I need to shower." I suggested rather than asking.

"Shower here."

"I-in your shower?" I stuttered.

"I don't need to repeat myself." He dismissed as he slipped behind the doors of his office.

I glanced at my watch, making note of the time before running out the doors of his bedroom. I dashed through the hall, sliding down the stairs, and into the lounge, where I darted to the elevators. I had no time to think, no time to argue. I just needed to get everything I could from my apartment. I tapped my foot as I waited for the elevators, although they only took a moment to arrive, it felt like I was wasting time. In a matter of minutes, I was in the hotel lobby, rushing through a crowd of people into the busy Tokyo streets.

As I drew my key out of my clutch to open the door of my apartment I glanced at my watch to check on the time. Good, still ten more minutes. I opened the door to my apartment and searched the closet for a suitcase. I hastily opened it, throwing various clothes into it. I gathered together five shirts, five pairs of pants, my work uniforms, and some accessories. I rushed over to the drawers opening them grabbing handfuls of undergarments tossing them in the suitcase. Hurrying over to the bathroom, I quickly grabbed my toothbrush, toothpaste, and other bathroom and feminine necessities. I scanned the room for anything else that I might need, taking a minute to regain my composure. Grabbing a few other necessities, I closed my suitcase zipping it up, and rushed back out the door. Locking the door behind me, I glanced back at my watch surveying the time. I had five more minutes to make it back to the hotel and up to the penthouse before I would meet the wrath of Eisuke Ichinomiya.

"Why are you rushing?" I heard a voice question behind me as I burst out of the employee apartment doors and into the busy Tokyo streets.

Confused, I turned around only to find that no one was there. Unfazed by the bizarre encounter, I turned back around to face the busy street. I cut my way through the crowds of pedestrians, rushing to Trés Spades. By the time I reached the elevators in the lobby I had only two minutes to make it back to the penthouse. Knowing it was inevitable that I would be returning later than Eisuke had anticipated, I sighed heavily and gave in to defeat. Entering the elevator, I finally became cognizant of the number of people eyeing me suspiciously. Self-consciously I pushed the elevator button for the penthouse suite. I sunk into the back of the elevator as people boarded and disembarked when the elevator made the appropriate stops. Eventually, I was the only one on the elevator, which enabled room for thought.

I was snapped back to reality as the elevator doors opened and I was greeted by none other than Baba himself.

"Fancy meeting you here." Baba said grinning.

"I really am in a rush, Baba." I said apologetically storming past him.

Without another word, I rushed up the stairs and darted down the hall to Eisuke's room. In his office again, I was hoping he would not notice I was a few minutes late. I stopped at his door with my suitcase by my side and took a deep breath before entering.

"I've returned." I announced.

"You're three minutes late." He stated.

"I'm sorry." I apologized bowing my head with my eyes closed. I always hated to admit defeat, but when someone else announced it, it stung even more.

"Stop apologizing." I heard him say closer than I had remembered.

I felt the soft familiar touch of his fingers raising my chin to look at him. I opened my eyes, as his fingers brushed the disheveled hair out from eyes, tucking it behind my ear.

"I didn't get to where I am today by apologizing." He said peering into my eyes. "Remember, wolves don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep."

His words sunk in as he cupped my chin in his hand. He's offering me words of wisdom, I thought to myself. You're kinder than I thought, Eisuke.

"Go." He said ushering to the shower before returning to his desk.

I bowed, before exiting his office. I placed my suitcase on the chair that was closest to the bathroom, unzipping it, pulling my clothes out before they wrinkled up. I really wasn't paying attention earlier when I had pulled clothes from my closet. I managed to pull a white, laced shirt, and black jean capris from the selection before rushing off to the bathroom. His private bathroom was immaculate. There were two enormous mirrors with two lights on either side. The walls were a steel gray, with matching cabinets. Towels were housed on the bottom, along with other various bathroom accessories. There was a long, beautiful white marble tub in front of a window with burgundy drapes. On the other wall was a shower encased with glass. The glass wasn't frosted, so you were able to see right through. There were still droplets of water from when Eisuke had taken his shower.

Nervously I turned the water on in the shower, closing the door before returning to the sink, where I unpacked the bag of bathroom necessities. After I quickly brushed my teeth, I stripped, careful to hang the dress on the door latch, before jumping into the shower. I hastily washed my hair, taking a minute to bask in the sweet combination of his musky shampoo and my floral scent.

Refreshed from the shower I wrapped my body in a white fluffy towel, soaking up the water from head to toe. I wrapped my hair with the towel somewhat like a turban. Slipping into my replacement clothes I hung the wet towels on two empty hooks. I couldn't imagine living in such a lavish state in solitude. For a minute I was saddened, knowing that Eisuke had all of this to himself. Not willing to waste any more time, I opened the door to the bathroom, walking out into the fresh air of his bedroom. I was startled to find him waiting by the window before he turned to me.

Anxiously I ran my hand through my damp hair, pulling it out from my face. He casually walked over to me, closing the distance again between us. My heart began to race again, as he stopped, his eyes regarding my clothing. I suddenly became incredibly conscious of my appearance, giving a slight tug to the slightly revealing lace shirt.

"I didn't really have much time to…" I started.

I was interrupted by his hand as it brushed against the exposed skin on my side between the black jeans and the lace shirt. His fingers locked in the loop of my jeans, pulled me toward him, causing our bodies to collide. His other hand moved up my arm, finding a stray strand of wet hair, and tossed it behind my back. He gazed down at me for what felt like an eternity, before tucking his hand behind my neck. In his arms, my body felt like Jell-O, and I was pretty sure he was aware of this.

"As my girlfriend, you should be used to this type of affection." He whispered barely audible to me.

Speechless, I found myself searching his eyes for some sort of explanation for this unusual behavior. I opened my mouth to say something but was immediately silenced as he lowered his head, his lips touching mine. His lips were softer than I remembered, they were also pressed harder against my lips. I suddenly felt something warm and wet brush the bottom of my lip, begging for entrance, shocking me. Instinctively I parted my lips a bit more allowing the foreign intruder in. His tongue explored my mouth, as I silently thanked the gods for allowing me to brush my teeth before this. The kiss lasted only moments before I heard footsteps enter from the office.

"Eisuke, don't make me wait any longer…" A familiar female voice echoed through the room.

As we parted, Eisuke gave me a final look of desperation before skillfully wrapping an arm around my waist, stepping off to the side of me allowing me to see our guest.

"Carolina, you arrived earlier than Harumi and I anticipated." Eisuke playfully scolded. "Harumi was just finishing getting ready."

He gave me a gentle pat on my lower back where his hand rested as I regained my senses.

"Y-Yes, I am sorry to have made you wait, Carolina." I bowed, glancing over to the window where I noticed my suitcase was missing. I nervously glanced at Eisuke, who motioned to the closet.

"We'll wait for you while you grab a jacket and your shoes from our closet." He encouraged as he let go of my waist.

I nodded silently walking over to the walk-in closet I only briefly explored earlier. I was surprised to find that my suitcase was nowhere in sight, but rather my clothes had lined the once barren side of the closet. In addition to my own clothes were other various clothes that miraculously multiplied. Between the two walls were his and her shoe racks. I walked over, glazing over the selection. Since we'll be walking, I ought to wear something relatively comfortable. My fingers traced the heels of the shoes before landing on a pair of petal pushers. They were a beautiful peach color with sequenced gems at the toe. Slipping them on, I pulled a white angled jacket with zipped up pockets. The jacket was higher in the back and lower in the front, but was irresistibly cute. I admired the clothing selection. There was variety from formal, business and casual.

"Ahem."

I heard Eisuke grunt as he leaned up against the walk-in closet door.

"Let's go." He insisted.

I sheepishly walked toward him, only briefly catching my reflection in the mirror. I don't look half bad! I exclaimed in my head, smiling. He pushed open the door allowing me to exit before him.