Playdate

Location : The Asami's Azabu Mansion

Time: Saturday, 07.30

Reiji entered the dining room only to find his Tou San placing tamago kake gohan on the table. Reiji smiles because his Tou san's cooking though simple and tastes average shows his love for his family. A powerful man like the Asami Ryuichi portrayed by the media and seen by public as such, was actually an ordinary man that is loving and devoted to his family even doing house chores willingly without any hint of reluctance. Reiji guess it would be a shocking revelation if it ever comes out to public that his Tou san was that domestic in real life. They can easily take out breakfast or go out to have some but his Tou san chose to make time out of his busy days to cook for his family. Not that often since he is usually vey busy but on his day offs, weekends or when his mom was sick or too exhausted after you know what (yeah that activity you know what I mean) or when mom's out of the country in the middle of nowhere for his job.

Looking at his parents, Reiji knows that there are ways to express love even in the subtlest way like those long hugs his parents often does in the genkan or in the kitchen or pretty much wherever, how his tou san looks relaxed in his mom's lap, sometimes burying his nose in the crook of mom's neck seemingly enjoying his scent when they huddled together on the couch watching mom's favorite scary movies, how his parents are open and vulnerable in front of each other leaving their defenses, simply being comfortable in their own skin and with each other and how they were a united front in face of a big problem. It makes him disgusted when he remembered the shallow, blatant and shameless flirting and seductions man and women alike shown to his Tou san even in front of his family. Ugh stop! Remembering that will make me lose my appetite, Reiji grimaces.

"Morning Tou san.. Where's Mom?" Reiji asked.

"Morning, he's in the shower getting ready to take you, said he's going to skip breakfast."

"Why? Is he feeling sick?"

"No, he just had a breakfast meeting for his new project with Fatale."

Reiji hummed then they ate their breakfast in silence and when Reiji was done with his meal his father casually asked about his play date today with Hime and his siblings. Hearing the word date made Reiji blush a little.. God, why is my mind doing this selective thing where I tend to focus only on words that excites me. Ryuichi quietly chuckles seeing his son's reaction. Puberty huh... Reiji then explains that though it's still far from a date but it's still a progress so Reiji is going to take advantage of it really well, getting to know Hime in his element. His Tou san just said it's good to hear that Reiji has progress and continue to affiliate with good friends, it's a plus that they are from distinguished families. Reiji felt reluctant to ask flirting tips from the man Hime admired but considering his Tou san is the epitome of an attractive man with years of dating experience under his belt Reiji guess he could use a few tips. Smirking, his old man casually said that flirting is basically 90% in your mind. You got to have the right mindset and only then you will naturally ooze confidence and charm that will attract others like moths to flame. The right mindset is believe that you are the most desirable and it will be the best thing that ever happened to them if you give them your attention even just a little bit. Huh such arrogance, but befitting of the man.

His Tou san then tell him that when he was younger he hadn't dated, like he had no patience and time to do that. What he wants he will always get it. Back then he never knew what love is at least not enough to fall in love with someone. Living in the streets made him surrounded by transactional deeds. Attraction, urges, just means to an end. Everything was driven by greed and lust, trust is hardly found. No place for emotion and he learned very soon to switch off his feelings for the sole purpose of survival. He warned Reiji while flirting and seduction is an art in itself and often useful in their kind of business, he needs to exercise caution on which girls or boys he choose to 'affiliate' with because they might have ulterior motives and could be their enemies in disguise, know the difference between sexual attraction and love because they are not the same though it might feel the same.

Tou san also said that as it is now girls or boys would line up for a chance to date Reiji or most likely willing to do any other things Reiji wanted to gain experience in that matter just like he did back then. Reiji can basically take a pick and as long as he played it safe his Tou San wouldn't mind. Since Reiji is not a breeder there's no risk of pregnancy. But one thing you could also do is save yourself for the person that really matters, just like your mom did. All those flings and pretty faces meant nothing when you have found the one, as cliché as it may sounds. That is if you're lucky, you'll meet someone that truly matters that feels like they were made just for you with their flaws and imperfection that strangely also makes them perfect for you. It will be more meaningful and fulfilling than anything that you have experienced for it is love like no other. Reiji smiles knowing full well that his Tou san was talking about his feelings for his mom.

Reiji then said that he had met beautiful boys and girls but so far none of them attracted him. He only feels for Hime and it feels like it's not going away anytime soon. Yes of course he wants to do things with him and sometimes it feels uncontrollable but he thought that he should wait lest he just make Hime hate him. His tou san stared at him in silence for a second, then said if that is so then you must do your best for it. Like a predator hunting its prey you need to observe what he's like, what you can do and what you cannot. Create chances, improve yourself and flaunt your qualities. It's not always attack you have to lure also, push and pull. Let them come to you, shower them with attention and small gifts, don't scare them especially if they're small and fluffy type. Hmm..small and super cute will be more precise. Fluffy? not so much. Hime can be curt and blunt at times. After thanking his father, Reiji then wash the dishes. By the time he finished washing the dishes, his mom was ready and being hugged by Tou san. Reiji immediately picks up his bag, say goodbye and that he will wait beside the car then get out of the front door leaving his mom and tou san to do their goodbye ritual which usually consists of hugging and kissing and kissing and kissing some more and who knows what else Reiji rolled his eyes not the least bit eager to see that. As soon as I am able, I'm going to live at my own place that will give them more freedom to do what they want fufufu.

15 minutes later, his mom finally showed up with cheeks still blushing. Reiji decides to tease his mom saying he looks like a cute teenager with cheeks blushing so love strucked. His mom then pinched his cheeks saying that cheeky kids should get punished then off they go to the basketball court which conveniently located near his mom's favorite Ramen shop, Ichiraku. Arriving at the basketball court, it's easy to see that Hime and his siblings have arrived. They're currently stretching. Hurriedly saying goodbye to his mom, he entered the court. Eyes focusing solely on Hime's stretching figure. Oh what a pleasant surprise, Hime's body is flexible. Oh that pose..Hmm Reiji is liking this. Damn! I must look like a pervert..I need to behave remember! Just one wrong move and those brocons will blow up and Hime will surely hate him. For now Reiji has to reign in his thoughts to behave in 'friend' mode.

Looks like there are two new faces, one a caucasian looking pink haired boy seemingly the same age as Kazuki and the other a red haired kid probably the same age as Reiji. They immediately spotted him and called Shiki and Kazuki letting them know that Reiji has arrived. Hime blankly stare at Reiji and gave him a small nod of acknowledgment. The red haired kid apparently his name was Kagami Yuki surprisingly was friendly while Luciano Durante the pink haired guy was smiley but Reiji knows its only for politeness sake. After the greetings over then they proceed on dividing into two team. Hime was calm, Yuki constantly saying he's gonna team up with Hime and beat Shiki and Kazu Nii, while Shiki smugly said you're ten years too early kiddos. Luciano seems more interested in observing Reiji. Ah..another brocon detected. In the end, Reiji team up with Kazuki and Luciano. While Hime, Yuki and Shiki in another.

Hime was the smallest amongst them and Reiji almost considered not to play seriously but then Hime will find out he was underestimating him and urgh Reiji can't afford to think of the consequences. He noticed that though Hime was smaller, Yuki and Shiki listened to him attentively apparently Hime is the one strategizing. Hmm..wonder how he's gonna play. The light in his eyes showed how excited he is for the game. Pretty soon the game started and boy how Shiki's team dominated. Yuki was also proven to be a menacing threat. Hime while looking docile was an amazing support to his teammates. Shiki or Yuki can just randomly run to the basket and moving like when they're about to shoot only to have the ball safely arrived on their hands to dunk it. The movement of the ball was seemingly abnormal but there's no doubt it was a result of someone who excels at passing.

The first time Reiji actually gone head to head with Hime. Reiji smiled at Hime and Hime only smirked while dribbling, Reiji continued to guard, observe and predict where Hime's gonna go and try to prevent him to pass the ball. Hime's stoic face gave nothing away. Then Hime does this fast crossover and easily getting passed Reiji to score, showing Reiji that he was perfectly able to do this by himself. Reiji can't believe that he fell for that. He should know that Hime was a really good player despite his size and age. He's agile and fast, cunning also. Then again Hime is the son of basketball prodigies that repeatedly won Nationals. Reiji himself was not bad, he was able to stop Shiki and his formless shooting from scoring several time and sometime he caught Hime staring at him. Yeah, see how cool I am Hime and fall..fall hard for me.

As the game progressed, he can kind of read Hime's movements and was able to block his pass several times, yeah and that was using his utmost effort. He can cooperate easily with Kazuki and Luciano who was also good at observing and strategizing, much to his surprise. By the time the game ends 68-75, the winner was Shiki's Team. Surprisingly, Hime then approached Reiji with a smile, offering to fist bump and said that the game was fun and that Reiji has high potential for someone whose not really that into basketball. Huh, he even noticed that basketball was not Reiji's hobby. Yuki seems to accept him just fine while Luciano doesn't say much other then what's necessary to Reiji. Hime though quiet was more chatty than usual, was looking relaxed and having fun.

They cool down on the benches while getting to know each other. Apparently Yuki lives in Los Angeles and only stayed in Hime's house for a month for holiday same with Luciano who studies at some private school in London. They're here to celebrate after Yuuma's training period also for work. Hime and his siblings already booked a job to model for various brands in Tokyo Kids Fashion Week 3 weeks from now. The venue unfortunately not one of Asami's establishments. But Reiji's family sure got invitation for the front row seats. Reiji was often offered to model but Reiji was more interested in being a photographer instead of a model. Sometimes he accompanied his mom for his photoshoots, learning a trick or two in photography. Tried it for himself, developing it, felt more fulfilling for him. They exchanged contacts, social media accounts unsurprisingly Hime only have social media accounts managed by Fatale entertainment. Other than that it was created by his admirers or companies affiliated with him. Hime only shared his personal pictures with his close circle. Reiji understand that though Hime was able to do his job as a model and public figure the real him him is actually a private person.

After their game, they decided to go play at Shiki's house which is 15 minutes walking distance from the court. On their way home they pretty much captured the attention of passerbys, girls and boys alike. So used to being in the spotlight, they became indifferent to all those giggling and chatter and oogling and snapping pictures, was just like everyday routine for them so they just ignored it and walk on. Glad that none of them tried to initiate contact. Arriving at Shiki's mansion, they were greeted by Hime's other sibling a cute purple haired Murasakibara Mirai and the heavenly smell of food. Hime instantly hug Mirai asking how he's been and what's he cooking. Apparently, Mirai was busy cooking at Shiki's kitchen preparing scrumptious lunch consisted of French garlic and mushroom soup with croutons, ratatouille, beef bourguignon and also chocolate espresso mousse cakes with mango filling. Reiji couldn't believe that a kid like Mirai was able to produce such high quality food. They immediately dig in, apparently it wasn't only to celebrate the end of Hime's training but also Mirai's advancement to Tootsuki High School Division when Mirai was only 12 years old. Hmmm.. Tootsuki huh no wonder he was able to create such dishes considering Tootsuki was one of the leading culinary academy in Japan and has gained international recognition including the World Gourmet Organization. Mirai was also the son of Murasakibara Atsushi the renowned pastry chef and owner of premium confectionary chains.

After lunch, they all lounged in the game/movie room where there was many comfortable couches and they all just chat and play games mostly it was Shiki, Kazuki, Yuki and Reiji playing games while Hime, Luciano and Mirai was lounging at the sofa. Hime's laughter are like music to Reiji. Seeing him smile so often was making reiji fall even deeper for the smile was as beautiful as a blossoming flower. Clearly he's loved and spoiled by his brothers. Hime then moved to another sofa to lounge by himself, reading a book. At one point Reiji noticed that Hime's looking at his mobile, tapping furiously for about 25 minutes and then put the phone back in his pocket with a sigh, Reiji guess it was work related. Tired of playing games, they switched to watching movies, and by the Time Reiji look back to Hime. Hime was already asleep with his head in Luciano's Lap and arms hugging Luciano's waist. Luciano gave a triumphant smirk to Reiji knowing how jealous that would make Reiji. Ugh, but Reiji choose to be patient, it was Luciano's privilege as Hime's siblings, Reiji woudn't dream of Hime being that close with him. Reiji just put his attention back to the movie, he wont give Luciano the pleasure of seeing him jealous.

Meanwhile..

Akihito arrived at one of those posh café in Ginza for the breakfast meeting with Kise Ryouta the President of Fatale Entertainment and a Chief Editor from Business Insider Japan Sagara Makio. Apparently the project was to make special up close and personal coverage of the Akashi Family in light of the upcoming 150th year celebration of Akashi Corporations. It was also about the latest Akashi Corps Achievement of multi billion dollars worth transaction with several countries that was called the Deal of the Year. And also to cover about the future Heir. The magazine wants Akihito as the photographer and quite surprisingly The Akashi's already gave their consent of having the interview with several terms and agrements. Later On, Akashi Tetsuya was also present at the meeting, bowing politely for being late then they start discussing the details of the project. Akihito feels like he has met him somewhere but he's not sure where Akihito observes Tetsuya Akashi and see how much he resembles Yuuma Chan. He's beautiful, with pale skin and lithe body wrapped in a stylish but simple attire, has polite and gentle demeanour yet quick on the uptake and observant, the word still water runs deep perfectly described him. Known as a kind person being a philanthropist with his charity works. Smart also as he was a lecturer at Tokyo University for Faculty of Education. Akihito was glad he doesn't have to deal with a snobby elite bitch not scarce in this kind of environment.

Done with the meeting, Akashi Tetsuya took his time to chat with Akihito. Saying that one of the reason The Akashi's are willing to be interviewed were because Akihito was the photographer. Akashi san said that he admired Akihito's works, attending some of his exhibition when he has time and has purchased some of his works from Kirara's (Kagami's wife) gallery to be displayed in some of their establishments. He also knew that Akihito was involved in many charity works and he was interested in collaborating with Akihito for the new program for orphanages in remote areas of Japan. Akihito expressed his willingness to participate as he's also interested with the program, he even suggested that they need to involve their kids in this project. Which Akashi san quickly agreed with. They ended the chat with a promise to keep in touch. See Reiji, mommy can help you to you know. Truth is, after interacting with Akashi Tetsuya san, Akihito started to entertain his husband's idea that maybe it was good after all if Reiji was in a relationship with Yuu Chan. He was well aware that Akashi Seijuurou choose to not get involved with the underworld, probably this will encourage Reiji to stay away from that world either. Well, a mother can hope right? In the silence of his car, Akihito smiles at the idea of his family hearing about this progress.

He arrived at home to find his husband having his monthly check up with Dr. Midorima Shintaro. Upon seing the doctor, Akihito suddenly remembered that he saw Akashi Tetsuya san years ago at the hospital..wait he still have pictures of that day when Reiji met the Baby.. Oh my god...I hope my memory didn't fool me.. After greeting his husband and the Doctor, AKihito shuts himself in his workroom. Lookin for those old pictures in his laptop, then after 15 minutes searching he found exactly what he was looking for. Looking at the baby it was no doubt that that was Yuuma chan and the light blue haired mom holding the baby basket was Akashi Tetsuya for sure. Akihito was stunned, don't know what to think of this. He then reproduced the picture to show it to his husband.

Later that night Ryuichi looking back at the picture, his mind can't help remembering the silly prophecy years ago which now doesn't seem so silly anymore. If that was true, surely it would be a very good thing indeed. It's good that there were upcoming projects that made their families closer. Something needs to be done, Ryuichi smirks.