"Chapter 9: School and Rental Over"
Kyouhei stood once again inside Shoma Nakashima's office. Considering all options he has come to a decision. The road to accomplish the desires results is troublesome. He actually lacked the savvy to explain why he chose such. But it was all in the matter of trusting instincts. It brought comfort that his friends promised that even if they don't understand now, then can work it out later. At least he can expect forgiveness given that he will need it.
"Master Shoma, I accept your offer please fill me in the details."
Shoma smirked in amusement. This is going to be very interesting. Kyouhei is still young. His lack of parental love and anger issues made him a complex character. Soujiro did a good job at getting his temper at bay, but how deep is it really controlled? This challenge is something he will carefully look on. Shoma took out a piece of paper.
Kyouhei eyed item handed to him. It's a contract where the five rules of Shoma is stated:
1. Earn the full trust of the people closest to your heart.
2. Do not be picky with food. In the battle field keeping fueled is all that matters.
3. Create a lovely persona that is so charming people won't suspect you.
4. Be independent, live out of your comfort zone.
5. Know and understand the goal. Give it all you got to accomplish it.
Then underneath it are the tasks he is to fulfill. Kyouhei sighed, growing up is really tough. The required items were as follows:
1. One week after school ends, Kyouhei Takano must take all his belongings and leave the Nakahara mansion.
2. Upon leaving the Nakahara mansion, Kyouhei Takano is to take all his things to the institute of the visually impaired dormitory. He is to transfer to this school until he graduates high school.
3. The remaining days of summer vacation prior to senior year of high school shall be spent on Krav Maga training in Israel.
4. Kyouhei Takano is required to attend University studies and graduate with a degree.
5. Upon residing in the dormitory, weekends will be allocated to outdoor self-defense training in the school grounds.
6. During University studies, Kyouhei Takano shall reside in the Nakashima household. Or in any other Nakashima property may it be in or outside Japan.
7. Kyouhei Takano shall oblige to attend social functions that require his expertise. However, his wish to not be presented as a consort but a butler shall be honored.
8. Kyouhei Takano's time off in in the University shall be allotted to self-defense studies be it local or abroad.
9. Given that Kyouhei Takano decides to quit, he is not liable to payback anything incompliance to the previous agreement.
After scheming through conditions the blonde boy looked at his master. "Master Shoma, I am still allowed to talk to my friends' right?" The elder nodded. "Of course, as long as you excel in you do you can see them at your free time." Kyouhei lifted the paper. "With the conditions here, it looks like I will barely have free time."
"It's a matter of priorities Takano. The sooner you get this done, the earlier your freedom will be." Was the stern reply.
"A college education plus my senior year is five years master Shoma." The younger bluntly said.
"You are friends with Mine's niece right?" the younger boy nodded. "What does she have to do with this master Shoma?"
"Kyouhei, know how she can fight right? That girl can beat hawks with physical abilities alone. Intelligence wise not considering math she is at genius level. Culture wise have you heard her play the piano? That girl is even friends with the snow spirit in Hokkaido. And let's be honest looks wise with enough confidence she will be as dazzling as her aunt and mother. I have a strong feeling she will succeed as a pathologist."
"What does her achievements and status has anything to do with me master Shoma?" Kyouhei sort of felt irritated. Is he being compared to Sunako?
"Kyouhei I know Shigure talked to you. He made a request right?" the boy nodded. "As a butler you should be as good as your future master. I know with fine tuning you can be better than Sunako. There were times she defeated you right? Did you know the reason why?"
Kyouhei recalled then instances Sunako beat him. In that swimming competition at school she bested her time despite not wanting to swim. That fishing challenge for tuna in order to get an old woman's favor she won it too. The sports fest challenge, she was head to head with him too. Whenever they beat up bad guys they are at par too. How is she better? "I don't know master Shoma, how can she beat me?"
"She is stubborn and refuses to give up. Sunako applies rule number five a lot right?" Kyouhei remained silent. "I designed the program so that you can best her Kyouhei. Let's face it, due to your anger issues your will is lessened. If at extreme conditions it can be managed, you will be a worthy protector for her. Sunako has temperament issues too, that is why you have to support her on that."
"Master Shoma, why are you and master Shigure thinking of the possibility that Ms. Sunako will choose someone else? And why bother for her welfare if she does not marry into the family?"
"Shigure and Kyouya loves Sunako deeply. Even if she chooses another, as men of valor we Nakashima's will protect what we love. "Shoma stated simply.
"Isn't that betraying the other person they will choose to marry in the future Master?"
"We love at different levels Takano. Sunako as heiress to the Nakahara fortune will undergo immense difficulties. Ever since the beginning of time, we the Nakashima's have supported them. Our bonds are deeper than business relations or cultural tradition. In a spiritual point of view our families are soul mates, we cannot exist without the other. I am sorry to have to burden you this Takano. But as our contract states you can quit anytime."
"Master Shoma, based on your explanation refusal or giving up is synonymous to abandoning Ms. Sunako. She is an important friend to me. As said before I will protect her at all cost."
"And all cost includes my terms Takano, so do you accept?"
Kyouhei grinned. He will not lose to the horror girl turned lady. She can be stubborn for her own good sometimes. He will make sure she finds happiness, success and security because.. He paused his thoughts, because what? Because she is a special friend who tries hard for him too. Convincing himself with the reason Kyouhei signed the contract. He has a lot of explaining to do with his friends later.
Kyouhei was again alone with Sunako on the trip back home. His mind was in turmoil if the topic of his choice should be brought up. He glanced at her direction. She was seating close to the window looking outside. Was she unconsciously giving him space in order to speak up? Breathing in he decided to break the silence. "Ahem, I finalized my choice with master Shoma. It seems my time at the mansion will be limited." Sunako stared at him. "You're time is limited as it is now. What do you mean? Are you moving out?"
Kyouhei was surprised that her intuition was correct. "Yeah a week after school ends." He decided to keep the school transfer as a confession for another day. "I have to go directly to Hokkaido too at that same time. When I get back you won't be there anymore." The girl replied.
"I see. A grand family reunion?" Kyouhei pushed on. "Yes, I will be turning eighteen. My family wants me to have a debut party."
"Would that include potential marriage partner meet ups?" the boy somewhat bitterly asked.
"I don't know. But if there are, I am not accepting any proposals soon." The girl replied. "I have my life ahead me. Marriage is not an option for the next ten years."
" Nakahara.." Kyouhei paused. "You are the type to marry for love right?" He flushed at the question he looked away from her.
"I don't know how it feels to be in love yet. But I would prefer that he loves me just as much." She gave out a sigh. "However, I don't know if I am loveable. My liking of scary stuff could push people away once they know me. Then they will find out that I am a fake lady." Sunako looked down and tried to compose herself. She is yet to be convinced of her new found beauty and character.
"You are you. As long as you stay true to yourself and be presentable. I am sure many will be happy to love you." Kyouhei commented. Taking a breath he looked at the girl. "And besides, Master Shigure and master Kyouya are already interested in you. I think they are great people. If you decide to choose one of them no one will disagree."
"You are now loyal to your masters now Kyouhei? You're beginning to sound like their esteemed butler."
"Think whatever of it Ms. Nakahara. I'll be happily of service to you too." The boy remarked.
The drive home consisted of chitchats of the expectations of the debut party. The Nakahara's are quite traditional. Sunako is expected to wear a kimono at her introduction. Then change into an evening gown when the meal is served. This is to make her comfortable with dancing after dinner. She is expected to do a speech about future goals and gratitude to the guest. The girl is also expecting a list of who's who in the party so she won't miss the important people. The occasion is mentally draining.
"Can you handle all of it Nakahara?" Kyouhei asked as they got off the car.
"I have no choice but to do so." The girl replied. "I did aim to be a full pledge lady without losing myself right?"
"I am going straight to my room. It's been a long day you should rest too." The girl acknowledged the suggestion. They parted ways and as Kyouhei was near the room, he was surprised to see Ranmaru by the door. What could the resident play boy want with him?
"You did not go to her room today. You had an argument?" Ranmaru asked teasingly.
"No just tired." Was all the blonde could answer.
"You don't want to talk with her any further is that it? Are you keeping something Kyouhei?"
"Why are you here Ranmaru?"
"You told us last week that the Nakashima's had a proposal. Now back from training you are avoiding alone time with Sunako. So I am assuming you agreed on something that she did not particularly like. Hence this distance."
Kyouhei wonder if he really is this transparent to his friends. "Us and the rest of the boys later in my room after five minutes. " With that he entered the door and closed it. Ranmaru with shuffling shoulders went on his way. Kyouhei even managed to order him call Yuki and Takenaga. Well friends need to be supportive.
On the dot the three boys gathered in Kyouhei's room. Kyohei was sitting on the bed together with Yuki while Ranmaru and Takenaga opted to sit on the floor. "So why you called us here Kyouhei?" The shortest boy asked.
"I am to explain my current deal with the Nakashima's. But before I spill you all have to swear that no one else will know. Not even your girlfriends got that?" Kyoehei declared. The other boys nodded and Kyouhei forwarded his hand, the gesture lead the other three to place their hands on top of his as a form of pact. "This we swore as brothers." Takenaga declared.
Kyouhei explained that he has to leave the mansion a week after school ends. All summer will be dedicated to the Krav Maga training in Israel. As soon as school starts senior year will be spent on the institute for the blind. When he gets to the university he will be living with the Nakashima's. He honestly said his concern with the schedule lined up, even if it's not forbidden to see friends the reality is impossible. But he took the bait, there was no way to access these things if he will not play along.
"That is what difficult for being a commoner right Kyouhei? But maybe when things settle down we can make time." Yuki consoled.
"It will be difficult really. But I will going to Paris, Yuki wil transfer to Kansia and Takenaga is going to the US. So if you are busy you won't miss us that much." Ranmaru teased.
"They did say you can quit and not be obliged to pay right? Take all you can and once all that is need is rounded up make your decision." Takenaga added in.
"Thanks for the support guys. Hopefully things go well." Kyouhei expressed in relief.
"Why can't you tell Sunako that?" Ranmaru refreshed his question. "It sounds harmless to me. Why can't you tell her? She will most likely study abroad for pathology anyway."
Kyouhei kept silent why can't he tell her? "Guys you know that Aunty was one of the first persons who ever cared about me. Being welcomed in this house was the only time I got security. Sunako-chan came and took care of us. I mean everything from meals, laundry and cleaning. I virtually paid them almost zero. But after all this, leaving this house and switching to my employer.." He paused thinking of a way how to make it sound logical. "I feel like leaving this house, is just like me turning my back on their kindness. As if I made a one hundred and eighty because the Nakashima's are paying me."
"So in short you want to pay them back or do something for them Kyouhei?" Yuki clarified.
The blonde nodded. But how can he pay the Nakahara's who practically has more than he can ever have in his lifetime. "It's quite obvious I cannot offer tem anything. And in the past I was really a pain specially to Sunako-chan."
"Kyouhei, I don't think Auntie and Sunako will mind if you choose to be a better person. It is best to tell them in advance. Who knows if they knew they will ask you the favor you want to give them." Takenaga explained.
"Takenaga is right Kyouhei. Just tell them the deal you made with the Nakashima's. I honestly have a hunch that maybe Aunty knows this already. Their families are close. She is bound to see this coming." Ranmaru encouraged.
Kyouhei dropped to the bed. He really needs to talk to Aunty and Sunako soon. Until now they have no idea of what Aunt Mine's phone number is. She calls based on whim same as her visits. He must grab his chance when the opportunity comes.
"I will talk to Aunty first then Sunako." The blonde declared.
His friends agreed and silently they knew why he would speak to the girl last. It is really hard to part with someone important even if it's temporary. With a smile on their faces, they offered words of encouragements and well wishes for the boy's future adventures. Being left in the room Kyouhei allowed succumbed to sleep.
The next day started normally. However as Kyouhei was to leave for work, he saw Sunako waiting by the shoe lockers. He kept eye contact as he changed to outdoor shoes. She was intently looking at him too. "This year you don't owe Aunty rent right?" the girl commented. He responded with a yes and the female continued. "After your training, are you coming back?" He froze at the question. He was not ready to answer her yet. "I know the Nakashima in depth trainings once started will take years to finish. It's not just a lesson but a lifestyle. So if you are going this path, you will most likely not come back soon." Sunako finished.
Kyouhei sighed. She knew his situation but why? "How do you know?" he was all he can muster.
"Both my parents, graduated from that discipline. I was asked to do so too after middle school. I was supposed to stay in Hokkaido but things happened and plans changed."
"Where you supposed to train with one of my Masters?" the boy inquired.
"I was supposed to be with Shigure Ji-nii." Kyouhei muttered "I see" and kept silent. The girl loced eyes with him again. "I am I correct Kyouhei?"
She called him by name. This conversation is just so heavy breathing is beginning to feel difficult. In defeat he mustered. "Yes you are. I have to leave the house and this school."
"You have a week before leaving right?" the girl inquired. He nodded in confirmation. "Can I ask a favor Kyouhei?" His eyes widened, she barely asks for favors. But he is all ears on this one. "Tell me Sunako, I will do my best to accomplish it."
The girl smiled meekly "When I visit the ancestral home, can you accompany me?" Her request made him blush. Why is she taking him to meet her family?
"The debut party being planned, they might assign an escort. I do not know if I can make it with an unfamiliar person. So if I want to make it out of this party, it is better if it's you. I know you hate escorting on parties. Is it okay?"
Kyouhei kept silent. She is comfortable with him. Not Master Shigure nor master Kyouya only him. His heart began to swell and a smile crept on his face. How can he refuse? He already said he would accomplish it right? "It would be an honor to be by your side Sunako."
Sunako smiled back. The girl kept talking about telling her parents and aunt about it. She said that he need not worry about the attire. More likely they will be dressing him up with a Yukata. For the transportation the two of them cn take the commercial flight or one of Aunty's private jets. She realls her grandmother not being much of a strict woman whenever she chooses friends. However she barely remembers cousins coming from her grandfather and grandmother's siblings.
"What does your family do Sunako?" the boy asked. He had always been curious where they got their fortune.
"From what I know, since the shogunate times our clan owns a huge amount of land. Then when feudal japan ended, our ancestors focused on farming, recreational facilities such as onsens and medicine and entered trading. When the modern day came in my grandfather was a doctor, my grandmother was an accountant. Together with grandfather's brother and sister, one of each the manages ski resorts, hotels and department stores in Hokkaido. Aunt Mine pioneered in the fashion business overseas and when she got married acquired an oil company. Dad is managing and expanding the e-commerce from Japan to Africa and Europe. Mom makes sure he doesn't overwork. You saw how extreme he could be."
Most of what he was already told by Soujiro. But its different hearing it from her. "Wow you guys are really loaded. How did the Nakashima's fit in?" the blonde inquired more.
"They have always been protecting us since the shogunate."
"Where there intermarriages? Like was there a branch of the Nakashima's that united with a Nakahara?" the boy pressed on.
"In the past, both heirs always male so the main branches have no intermarriages. From what I know, maybe it was fifty years ago and the blood relation now is too far from us the main branch of the Nakahara."
Kyouhei recalled that Sunako was called the heiress. Meaning for the first time in years a female will the head of the Nakahara's. Which possibly explains why Shigure is protective of her. No matter how strong, Sunako is still a lady. "You have a lot of work lined up for you right Sunako?"
"I really don't want to think about it yet. But yeah there is a lot."
The conversation ended and both kept silent until the training was reached. "Congratulations on ending your rental problems by the end of the year." The girl stated out of the blue. "Hopefully with all the things that need to change I can get through it well."
Sunako faced him, she was not smiling but there was a bright glint in her eyes. "I will be awaiting the day you make it Kyouhei."
"Thanks, I am happy you are going to wait for me."
