A/N: I was scared to continue this, though I have the whole story in my mind. Promise. One plot. LOL But I do hope you'll enjoy this short chapter.

I have to clear one thing, this is the official sequel of my fic Weakness and not Wedding Checklist. Sorry for the confusion for those who cares. I just need some characters to build that fic but that is purely out of my silliness that I, once upon a time, decided to write. Hehehe

I changed the title because I think the previous one sounded like a barn setting? I don't know. Hahaha. But the new title will make sense in the coming chapters.

Caro: I have to be honest. You brought this fic back to life! T_T I am so surprise when you send a review on Wedding Checklist asking about this fic. I thought no one remembered this. You made me cry *sniffs*

akiraismylover: How are you? Let's talk again! LOL I am grateful to you as well, you mentioned this fic before too *sniffing* Sorry, you know how skeptical I am to write drama fictions. Still... I hope you get the chance to read this and enjoy.

Angel: Aaaw. Thank you for your nice words. I hope you'll enjoy.

Star: My heart pumps like a jackhammer whenever you give reviews. Thanks so much.

Ghorl: Ano ka ba gurl! Kating kati na ako gawan ng fic si Sawakita! At dahil nagkachance, igrab ko na Ahahaha. Salamat sa pagbabasa, sana naaalala mo pa tong fic na to.

guest: Waaa thank you. My first review! Hope you still remember this.

One radiant autumnal afternoon, Sendoh forced his way inside the Rukawa's residence when the main door refused to open after sounding three perceptible knocks. "Kaede?" he called, coercing himself inside with a bag of food hanging around his wrist. His expression glooms after seeing his lover's current state, lying in the sofa with nothing to protect him from the bleak atmosphere. Curled, dull, comforting himself by hugging an ornamental vase.

Sendoh sauntered and crouched himself down in front of the sleeping figure. He reached for his face and carefully brushed his fingers on the pale skin. Lack of sleep and unhealthy habits are conspicuous over the face he learns to love for years.

With the familiar gentleness touching his face, the once icy stares, soulfully open. He glanced at the owner of the cold but languid hands. "Akira." He sat up but the urn never left his hold. Sendoh retained crouching, facing Rukawa's feeble gaze. He held onto his knees. "Kaede..." he whispered. "Please... I know it's hard to accept but you have to take care of yourself too." It's been 11 days since Nana's good soul parted this world - his world. Since then, Rukawa has never left home, grieving, powerless, devastated, anguished... refusing to accept that this home will never feel the warmth of his precious woman anymore.

"Kaede, you know she won't be happy seeing you like this..." Words of comfort he can only utter but deep inside he knew, nothing can heal the pain Rukawa is feeling right now but time.

"Akira..." Rukawa called softly, conceding his broken orbs on Akira's own. "Take me..."

Sendoh felt surprised and baffled for his intention.

Rukawa's fingers dug on the vessel, holding firmly, wrinkling his body in pain. "I can see her... everywhere I turn... but... I couldn't hold her..." Begging in brittle voice. "Take me away from here... please..." Tears forming, falling into the vase where this droplets are meant for.

Two affectionate hands cupped each side of his cheeks, gently lifting his head to meet his. Sendoh brushed off the tears he never wishes to see from the bluish but vivid ones. "Then allow me... Kaede." he caressingly whispered, taking one pale hand and brought it to his own cheek, smiling assertively at his lover. "Allow me to be... your new home."

"I can't believe you are being unprofessional over this!"

The co-founder stormed inside the CEO's crammed up room a day after meeting the most important client they have prepared for for the last months. He stood in front with his uncompromising stance. Akira gave him a little sullen glance then back to the papers requiring his signature, flipping each while Yukio continued nagging in front of him, giving no importance of the executive assistant's presence just beside him. "We've been planning this the whole month since they expressed their interest on our service and you blew it off just because your still-not-dead ex appears all of a sudden!"

When all the papers have been signed, Sendoh handed the bundle along with the executive pen he used. "Here you go. Can you give us a moment, Uekusa?"

The assistant nodded and left the room. This atmosphere was never new to him. Miboshi Yukio is an exact opposite of the caring CEO. A silvery stringy-hair guy, cut in layers with lengths about his neck. A few inch away from Akira's height, tall but slim in a women-like physique. Prim and proper. Expensively dressed most of the time. His angelic presence however is opposite when it comes to work. Professional but bossy, known for his authoritarian leadership. Ill-tempered. Formidable, too far in comparison with the loveable CEO. His brilliant mind however, helped this company to where it is now. Most likely the reason of his existence in this company, apart from his close relationship with the CEO.

Sendoh pushed himself back on his swivel chair and rubbed his forehead, easing his mind from the morning naggings from his dearest friend. He may be a terror professionally, but outside work, he is a brother. A person he can lean on in times of needs. The friend who never left his side during his miserable moments. "I know. I'm sorry." was what he could only say.

Miboshi sighed in disbelief. "Sorry?" He straightened himself and calmed his voice, crossing his arms against his chest. "Sorry won't fix this Akira."

"Yeah..." he said. This is their biggest shot for his company's advancement. And he jeopardize it all because of the sudden appearance of a too familiar person he once loved with all his heart. "I'll call them and asked for another chance..."

"And then what? Froze again? When you meet that ex of yours?" he cautionary uttered.

A vacant sigh. Surely, Miboshi won't let this ex thing pass without conversing about it.

"And here I am, thinking you are so over with that brat-"

"Address him properly Yukio..." He unconsciously said.

A shrewd look from Yukio was thrown, suspicious about his statement. "Who the hell cares Akira?!" Yukio and Rukawa's relationship, even back university days up to joining the corporate world, has never gone closer to friendship despite Akira and Yukio's brotherhood. Yukio hated Rukawa. Rukawa hated Yukio. Luckily for him, there was never a pressure on either side, something he is grateful for having Rukawa as his lover. But that was... long ago and never matter anymore.

"He's a client." he reiterated, implicating professionalism before Yukio accused him of another thing. "We need to respect him as much as possible."

The silver-haired crossed his arms again. "I don't give a fuck! Firstly he's not even here, so why should I give a care? And besides... he's just an assistant!"

"Like what Sawakita says, Kae..." he paused, correcting his mistake. "Rukawa's decision is his own."

"And you believe that? Don't you think that's suspicious?"

Sendoh knew the meaning behind Yukio's words. Yesterday was too surprising for him to mull about everything. A lot of questions filled his mind. Questions that can only be answered by one person he's ambivalent to get close with. "My thoughts are not important here. Sawakita's word is what truly matters."

"So how?" Yukio asked. "How are we going to get ES Corp back? What's your plan?"

"Like I said, I'm going to call-"

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation with Uekusa stepping inside the room. "Apologies for interrupting." he bowed his form. "But Rukawa called."

For some reason, Sendoh straightened himself in his executive chair, like a seemingly brightened reaction, which didn't escaped Yukio's narrowing and suspecting look. "Rukawa? He called."

Uekusa confirmed with a nod. "He called to inform us that ES Corp is still interested in pursuing the contract to our team. He wants to meet again tomorrow over lunch. Same place." he stated. In disbelief, the whole room was astound in silence for a brief moment. Sendoh gave his assistant a nod and left the room at once.

"He'll be there." he heard Yukio. "Surely, that selfish brat will be there."

Sendoh looked down on his now, empty desk, fingers rubbing against each other, mulling. "I know."

"Judging by how that selfish brat suddenly appeared out of nowhere, he must have moved on from you Akira, and I hope you are too or we are back to square one!"

Sendoh abruptly turned his deliberate and intense stares to his friend, confidently saying "I have."

But Yukio felt otherwise, blurting one name to remind Sendoh about the main purpose of this contract. "Think about Amara."

And as expected, Sendoh's welcoming remarks turned cold. "Don't your dare remind me of Amara..."

Speechless and threatened at first, but he anticipated that this will happen. He let out a sigh of defeat. "I'm sorry..." he mumbled, walked around the desk and towered beside Akira. He reached for one arm and squeezed it, showing his sincere apology through the warmth of his delicate hand. "I'm out of line..."

He smiled bitterly and patted Yukio's hand. "Don't worry about it."

Yukio's feather-like touch caressed Akira's chin and forced him to his direction. He smiled and softly says "How about a drink tonight?"

A friendly smirk escaped Sendoh, indicating the argument has been forgotten. "It may not be a good idea."

"How so?"

"When I drink with you, I always end up drunk then later find myself inside my apartment without any knowledge of how I got there."

Yukio laughed gracefully. "How about a sip?"

"A sip? Knowing you. One bottle is a sip." he joked.

"Don't worry... if ever you got drunk, you know I'll take care of you..."

"Indeed you will." he said and back to working on his laptop.

Yukio's lips curved, melting his gaze at the busy man in front. 'Always...'

Three light knocks on his fully opened door interrupted his concentration at hand. Sawakita, standing beyond the glass frame. "Can I come in?" Obviously jesting. He owned the place, so why asked? Rukawa rolled his eyes. "Tch. The hell is that question?" he mumbled, discarding the joke aside then back to work on the scattered papers at his desk. A chuckle was heard from the other guy's direction. He felt the door closed, an implication of a serious conversation to follow. Gladly, the partition of each room are frosted, essential for confidential meetings like this.

"You seem busy." he heard from the man approaching his table. Sawakita leaned his form, hands at the corner of his table. His eyes examined the papers but with no hint of special interest. "What are those?"

Rukawa bundled all in one hold and secured with a binder clip at the left corner. "Papers for tomorrow's meeting." he said then coerced the bundle inside a stringed-envelope.

"A-Sen?" Sawakita probed.

Rukawa gave the man his questioning glares. "What else? Any other meetings tomorrow, apart from this, that I should know about?"

Sawakita chortled. "Loosen up K. You're too serious."

He squinted. "Whatever." Despite the excessive responsibilities at hand, inherited from his father's early retirement, there was never a time Rukawa witnessed Sawakita fret over something work-related. He is an easy-going type of guy. Nonchalant. Breezy. A hard-working young adult yet placid. Poised in every situation. Some people define him as aggressive, arrogant, full of himself, intimidating from the way he talks and presents himself... and yet, his plan always accords his ways. His words are considered magnetic pieces, whatever he says, definitely has to favor his ways.

Sawakita moved from his desk and walked towards the window, watching the splendid view of Tokyo's tranquil night. Hued by brimming lights coming from buildings, streets, car beams and majestic skyscrapers. Perks of occupying a higher space on one of the tallest building in the city. "So..." he heard Sawakita's first word after having a piece of the cityscape but he continued collecting his things, preparing to leave the office. "... Are you ready?" Sawakita asked.

"Give me a minute, I'll just pack my-"

"I'm not asking about that." Sawakita cleared.

An insidious question halting his movement for a second. "I'm..." Preventing a deeper concern over the sudden inquiring topic, his hand moved again, gathering his belongings. "I've been ready... you know that of all people."

Sawakita scanted a smile, watching the busy one for a little while before drawing his attention back to the restless cityscape. Emitting a change in the atmosphere, he stretched his arms upward adding few groans. "I don't want to fly out yet." he cried out in regret. "I want to stay here more with you..."

"Not an option." Rukawa immediately discarded. "I already bought your ticket and prepared everything-"

"You know you are not obliged to do those things for me."

He paused again, landing his gaze on his things for seconds. "It's... It's part of our agreement." Finally, he grabbed the last piece of his belongings - his laptop, and shoved it carefully inside his corporate strapped bag.

"You're right..." he heard Sawakita.

Rukawa tapped each side of his pocket to ensure his wallet is secured. Feeling no bulge, he bent his half down to his left and pulled out one drawer. A blew of relief when the missing piece of his belongings is found inside. As he turned back to his table, his eyes widened in surprise upon catching a glimpse of two shining pieces of round silvers, elegantly stuck inside a cube-shaped box with Sawakita presenting himself beside it. "This... is our agreement."

He almost stood from his seat, still in awe after seeing the objects where its existence only pertains one thing. "Eiji..." But Sawakita gently pressed his shoulders down, holding him in his seat. "Six months Kaede." he softly stated with a sweet curve from his lips. "Six months... and nothing more."

Still and unprepared, he couldn't prosper a single word but only exchanging stares with Eiji's sparkling ones.

Sawakita descends himself to lean closer to Rukawa. "Keep them..." he whispered. "For now, keep them for me." He reached and closed the elegant box, placed it on top of Rukawa's open palm and secured it by closing the pale fingers. "Do what you need to do here. And once everything is settled, let's go back and stay forever in America."

Rukawa kept his silence but grasped the cube inside his palm.

Sawakita leaned forward and planted a kiss on Rukawa's forehead. "I'll return to Japan from time to time, until then... I'll see you."

"Is he really back?! Is Kaede-kun back?!" Anika vented out from the other side of Akira's mobile speaker, almost reaching every wall of his unit.

"Geez nee-chan. Can you keep it down? I wonder how Takenori can stand you." he mocked.

"Shut up!" Anika loudly exclaimed. "But really? Is he back in one piece? Alive and well?"

Since morning, or even yesterday night, people started calling and sending messages, ringing his phone from time to time, only to ask one particular question - Kaede's sudden return to Japan. For six years, no one in their circle knew about his whereabouts. He was gone with no contacts left. No traces of him. Not even his parents nor his father, whom he used as his excuse to leave for America.

Is he alive? Is he in America or Japan? Everyone is clueless... especially him, a lover for thirteen years.

"He is. From bones to flesh, alive and well." he confirmed, hoping this is the last same question of the day or if anticipated correctly, entire week. "He is my client."

"And you accepted?"

He scoffed before taking a twirled pasta inside his mouth. "Of course." he said in between munch.

"Are you certain?" The concern in her voice is not new to him. Everyone does the same after he answered. "You know the reason why I have to."

"I know that." Anika muttered. "For Amara, I know. But, isn't that too toxic to work with your long-time ex-lover? You've been together ever since you're nineteen!"

"It's been six years nee-chan." he exclaimed with a light chuckle. "I'm perfectly okay. It's all in the past." Words uttered in confidence and firmly positive, earning a long silence from the other line. A sigh was heard. "Akira, I'm just worried..."

"You're cringing my spine nee-chan." he joked. "Stop acting like mom." and laughed on his own statement. He may be acting positively about people's reaction on his claims of 'moved on' but it was honestly vexing him, because for him, that is an actual truth.

Using the same tactics on other people's call, "Gotta go nee-chan. Stop disturbing me, I can't finish my dinner." he quipped. "Say hi to Takenori for me and my nephews and nieces, I hope you'll have more." A joke he used to throw at her sister, who has four kids now, only to ridicule her. "Akira, you-" He ended it right away, knowing he'll be cursed once again. He chuckled with a light shaking of his head.

The unit has gone quiet once again, with his lips straightened, dazing at his meal while he continued on twisting on his fork. A meal reminding him of a special night. Too splendid for him to forget.

November 26. Fall.

"Akira, I want pasta."

Rukawa blurted out of nowhere while wandering off the bleak and flimsy street of Tokyo with his lover on his side.

Sendoh gasped. "Oh my gosh, you're craving. Don't tell me you're pregnant? Am I going to be a dadd-"

He elbowed his side. "The heck are you saying."

Sendoh laughed while rubbing the aching side of his abs, despite having a thick trench coat. "Okay. Okay. Let's buy a takeout. We can't be late." he murmured and passed along the streets, heading to the nearest Italian restaurant he could find.

"Where are we exactly going? And who are we meeting?" Rukawa asked, following his lover's lead.

Sendoh gestured a finger on his lips. "It won't be a surprise if I say it now. Be patient Kaede."

He contemplate but gave up in inquiring for more. "Tch. Annoying."

After almost thirty minutes of strolling with their takeout on Sendoh's wrist, the lovers had reached a particular mid-rise building which seems to have seven levels. Old but not that shabby. The surrounding looks bland, nothing fancy to capture ones eye at first glance of its exterior. "Who are we meeting again?"

Sendoh rubbed the back of his head, acting as if mulling but Rukawa knew the indication of this gesture. He has forgotten the name of course. "Let me guess, you forgot the name."

"No. No. No. It's in the tip of my tongue." He closed his eyes and acted smartly thinking. "Her name is..."

A brow instantly arched. 'Her?'

"Sendoh-san?" A voice of a woman coming from the entrance of the building, approached Sendoh directly and offered her hand. She introduced herself, saving Akira's weak memory. "I'm Erina. It's nice to finally meet you in person."

Sendoh shook the hand back. "Right. Erina. That's it! That's the name." he laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Rukawa gave the woman a scan. Judging by how she dressed, the maintain curve, age must be in...mid-twenties. And the fact that she is smiling like some crazy fan girl over his boyfriend, with their hands still shaking for like minutes now, is starting to hit his jealous-waifu boiling point!

Erina turned to him, finally freeing Sendoh's hand. "This must be the boyfriend... Rukawa-san?" she greeted and offered the same hand which he accepted willingly. Good thing, she knows her place. For if not, Akira will get some beating later. "Rukawa is fine." he said, still uncomfortable hearing the 'san' after his name.

"Happy to meet you both. So shall we?" she said, implying to follow her inside the premise.

The lovers complied, trailing behind. A sudden light punch hit Sendoh's side, astounding him. "What was that for?!" A high-pitched whisper, drawn from the pain, but not too loud so the lady in front won't be disturbed. Rukawa leaned with a scowl on his face, whispering "You're looking at her chest!" Obviously lying. He just wants to throw a tease.

Sendoh chuckled on the accusation he found untrue. "Are you crazy? I'm onto flat-chested for years now!" Another punch on his side, "Shut up, pervert!" he exclaimed, with a tint of blush on his face, and walked passed him. Despite the ridiculous mood, Sendoh is feeling grateful as he watched his lover's back, for finally, Rukawa has starting to move forward from his grandmother's passing.

The lady escorted them from the elevator, to the fifth floor until they reached a certain room with 504 numbers posted on the white wall, besides the wooden door.

For some unknown reason, when Erina placed a pack of keys bundled on a wire on Sendoh's open hand, his heart started pounding on its own.

"Everything is yours now Sendoh-san." Erina said. "I must excused myself quickly though, I'm afraid I have to hurry home."

Sendoh delightfully grasped the keys. "Don't worry about it. Enjoy the night Erina-san."

She bowed his head. "Again, thank you for entrusting me. If you guys need anything just call me, I'll drop by the unit tomorrow morning." She bowed and left the lovers alone.

Rukawa is still caught up on his place. Speechless and in disbelief.

Sendoh turned to him, finding his astound reaction, making his little surprise worthwhile. His lips melted in a curve. He took one pale hand and placed the keys on top of his open palm and secured them with his pale fingers. "This... is your new home." he whispered. "Our home..."

He gaped. Voice caught in his throat. This moment is too surreal for him. The wish to escape the only place he called home but haunting him of one person he couldn't part ways yet, was expressed two days ago. And now, he is standing right in front of the two new homes welcoming him in open arms, the unit and Sendoh Akira's warmth. Touched by how this blissful moment crawled to his heart, he moved his feet and snaked his arms between Sendoh's arms and hips. Hugging his man tightly, letting him feel his appreciation in silence.

"Aaaw. This is a first." Sendoh joked, knowing Rukawa is not someone who publicly displays a romantic gesture. He returned the hug back, embracing his boyfriend's slim figure.

"Shut up." he muffled on Sendoh's thick fleecy coat. "But... how?"

Sendoh moved back a little to face Rukawa, but Rukawa's hands are still locked behind him. "I bought it yesterday." he proudly says.

His brows furrowed. "How could you have that kind of money?"

He tittered. "I only settled the down payment. This old building has a flexible scheme which miraculously affordable for me. And the balance needs to be paid in months-"

"I'll share!" he exclaimed in full determination. "This is my home too!"

Hearing Rukawa's words calling a strange unit 'home', melted his heart. He cupped his face and descended a soft kiss on his lips. "I knew you'll say that." he whispered. "I'm sorry though. This is the only place I can afford. Far from the elegant-looking you got used to."

He frowned and closed the gap, "As long as you are in it, it's a home for me."

Sendoh softened once again and lightly kissed Rukawa's temple. He broke the hug and swayed the younger in front of the unit's still secured entrance. He handed the keys to him then squeezed his shoulders. "Will you do the honor? As the missus of the borrower?"

He scowled behind. "Don't call me that."

He beamed.

The foxy eyes stared at the keys for a little, giving himself a moment to feel the new home from this tiny pieces of metal. He picked one with the 'main door' written on it. But Sendoh held his wrist. "Wait!" he said, stopping Rukawa's attempt in an instant. "Are you aware of the tradition when couples are about to enter their new home-"

"No." Rukawa immediately declined before Sendoh could even finish. He knew what he was referring to. One of the partner, usually the wife, must be carried in bridal style at first step inside a new house to share. Obviously, he's the one to be carried.

Sendoh simply laughed on it. He's expecting this reaction anyway.

Back to opening the door, Rukawa inserted the key on the door handle's hole. Before he twisted it, an idea to thank the man for this profound effort popped into his head. It's out of his personality but it will definitely pleased the man who did nothing but love him unconditionally. "Akira..." he called.

"Yes?"

His blushing prospered up to his cheeks and ears. "Once we enter... I want to do it."

Sendoh found himself speechless. In disbelief of what he just heard.

The blushing continued as he repeated. "That thing... let's do it."

The awe forming Sendoh's mouth turns to an ear-to-ear grin. He patted either side of Rukawa's shoulder due to extreme excitement. "Quickly! Quickly! Open it now!" It's a once in a blue moon for Rukawa to initiate their intimate moments.

Rukawa scoffed. "Doaho." he murmured. He inhaled an amount of this blissful moment before twisting the key. His mind began foreseeing everything that could happen inside this new home. Next step to adulthood. Next level for him and Akira's long-time relationship. Feeling the excitement crawling into his heart, flashing the idea of him with Akira cuddling while watching movies or playing console games together, sleeping besides each other on their gigantic bed with a bit of discussion of how their day goes. Experimenting new dishes. Buying furniture and building the easy-assembled ones together. Maybe add a little garden on their balcony so Nana is still part of this home...

But the door didn't open.

His brows furrowed and twisted the key again, still no clicking was heard.

"What's the matter? Hurry up Kaede." The eager one said. Ecstatic to start his favorite alone time with Kaede.

"But it won't open." Rukawa repeated, twisting the key more.

"What do you mean it won't open? Are you playing tricks on me?" Sendoh muttered, starting to wonder if Rukawa's proposal is true.

"No! It really won't." With his continuous twisting adding a little bit of his force, the key suddenly broke - with half of its parts left inside the hole. He bit his lips and stated the obvious, "Oops. It broke."

Sendoh jaded, slamming a palm on his forehead. The anticipated intimate night was gone in a snap...

The meeting was held at the same place. A-Sen representatives, Sendoh and Yukio took one side of the table while Sawakita and Rukawa sat across them. An awkward atmosphere surrounds them, for one obvious reason.

"Come on guys, cheer up." Sawakita tried to lighten up the heavy mood. Sendoh cued the purpose of the meeting. "Sawakita, allow me to sincerely apologize for my behavior last time. It was unprofessional and-"

Sawakita gestured a hand to stop him. "Completely understandable Mr. MVP. Please... let's put it all behind us and move on in this project. I am keen to see its progress in the months to come." he stated. "Besides, like I said, I'm looking forward to work with A-Sen Builders."

"I sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm on our service and for considering us for the second time." A heartfelt sincere gratitude coming from the CEO himself, supported by the co-founder. "We assured you Mr. Sawakita, your hotel will be in good hands at A-Sen Builders." he stated. Sawakita gave him an eye in the corner, with a twitch on his lips, different from how he addressed Sendoh. Sawakita moved back, resting at the cushion behind. "Why don't we start devouring a nice meal first before exhausting our wrists in signing papers? Is that okay with you Mr. MVP?"

"By all means."

"Perfect." he exulted and snapped his fingers as a signal. Waiters come in, filling the private room with the soothing aroma of each dishes to be served.

Sawakita reached for one disposable chopstick wrapped in white paper first before offering the food to the two guests. "Please, help yourselves." The representatives nodded in appreciation. He then, tear the wooden chopsticks and gave it to the raven-haired. "K?" which Rukawa took willingly. An act witnessed by someone who used to do it for the same person. He looked down and focused all his attention on his own plate. His expensive and rich-looking fish however needs more pepper to taste. So he reached for the tiny black porcelain with holes on top which coincidentally, Rukawa is reaching for as well. Their fingers touched along with their bluish orbs finally exchanging gazes.

Rukawa returned his hand back to his chopsticks.

"Oh sorry." Sendoh uttered, gesturing a hand to offer the tiny porcelain container. "Please, have it first."

"No. You go." Rukawa mumbled.

Sendoh gave him a smile. "I insist, Rukawa."

"It's fine." he averted his gaze back to his meal. "Go ahead."

"No. Please go-" But the exchange of courtesy ended when Sawakita did the liberty to take the black container and poured some on Rukawa's plate. "Is that enough?" he asked Kaede who bobbed his head a little and returned on his food. Sawakita straightened himself and offered the pepper to the other man who needed it.

His lips quirked as he took the pepper from Sawakita's hand and poured a little amount on his own plate... by himself.

After the partly tasteful meal, A-Sen representatives started placing the important papers to close the deal with ES Corp. Sawakita, with Rukawa's assistance, started filling each piece of the contract with his signatures.

Despite the busy atmosphere, waiting for Sawakita to finish all the necessary papers to sign, Sendoh couldn't understand why his eyes couldn't prevent themselves from taking a quick glance at a specific direction. He tried to refrain himself and focus them on each papers being signed, but there was like a magnet pulling his eyeballs at that certain direction.

"Aaaah done!" Sawakita slouched himself back, twirling his aching wrist from signing. "I really hate signing."

"Get used to it." The assistant uttered and neatly bundled the papers with a clip.

Sawakita turned to his assistant with amusement on his eyes. "I should teach you how to forge my signature next time." he joked, swaying the Montblanc branded executive pen he used to signed the contracts. Rukawa ignored the humor and rudely grabbed the pen from his boss. He began reviewing the signed papers, ensuring nothing is missed before he submits to the A-Sen representatives.

Sawakita scoffed, then turn to the other CEO. "Sendoh, you smoke?" he asked.

"For two years, yes. But I quit four years ago."

Eiji compelled a frown. "One won't hurt right?" beaming away. It seems Sawakita will still insist even if he continued declining. He was a chain smoker for the said two years but was able to quit for a reasonable cause. "How about I accompany you on your break? I'm fine with smoking areas..."

"Excellent." he exulted and both gentlemen left the private room.

Darting glares are felt on his direction. He continued refusing a care while reviewing the signed papers. The glares however, speaks out. "Why do you have to come back?" he heard, but he didn't respond. "Stop ignoring me brat!" A growl with a stomp on his fist on the table. It seems the Yukio waited for the room to clear before confronting him.

He lifted his head and responded with his usual blank gaze.

Yukio's brows furrowed more, clenching his jaw. "Your presence seethes me."

"I'm not surprised." still inexpressive.

"We're fine without you here."

"Who's we?" A mocking statement which Yukio understood the implication. He fisted. "Fuck you."

The raven-haired simply ignored him, declining to give the man more of his attention, and lowered his head back to the papers.

"I said stop ignoring me!" Yukio urged another stamp. "Did you come back to ruin Akira's life once again?!"

He froze.

A smoke puffed out of Sawakita, courteously blowing it away from the non-smoking companion. "Are you sure you don't want to?" he asked, offering the box to him. Sendoh waved a hand to decline the box for the third time. Sawakita simply shrugged his shoulder "As you wish..." he said and placed the cigarette box in his inner pocket. "So... Miboshi Yukio, a friend from university right?"

Not surprising if Sawakita knew the origin of Sendoh and Yukio's relationship. He seems to have known him from head to toe. It's either from Rukawa, which is unlikely, or from a private detective. "Aye."

Sawakita puffed another before uttering a suspicious question. "You trust him?"

He was taken aback from the sudden probe of his relationship with his so-called brother. Yet, he responded out of politeness. "Yes. He's a brother for me." he said, earning a shady smirk from his client. "Brother huh?"

A sneering tone he heard if not mistaken. His brow flinched to the center but stayed composed. "Yeah."

Piercing silence kept returning every time Sawakita indulge on his cigarette. Sendoh is usually the chatter when around a client, but with Sawakita, he felt different. His vibe however, is indeed aggravating.

"Kaede and I are together."

An out of nowhere revelation quivered him. He got his own intuition but hearing it officially... struck him.

Sawakita turned to his calmed presence with a slight purse of a somewhat victory across his lips. "You know what I mean when I say together... right?"

Composing himself, he gave out an assuring smile. "Certainly."

"Should I worry?" Sawakita steadied, expressionless.

"About what?" An unnecessary question, for both of them knew what Eiji is inquiring about.

Sawakita scoffed. "We both knew what I'm talking about."

Sendoh sends a convincing curve. "Rukawa and I are... over. You got nothing to worry about."

The former known number one high school player in Japan finished the cigarette and blew the last ounce of smoke, returning Sendoh's convincing ones with a small curl on his lips. "I do hope so..."

An impudent beam formed Yukio's. "Did I voiced out a fact?" A supposing victory was only shrugged off by Rukawa, giving no amount of care. He fisted and raged even more. "I knew something is off about this!" he growled, leaning closer. "You suddenly showed up after six years, and now persuading a contract with Akira? You're pathetic!"

"Am I?" Rukawa rebutted. Yukio gritted. "Fucking leech!"

"And if you are too deaf to hear, allow me to say it again, choosing A-Sen builders is Eiji's idea, not mine."

"You think I would believe that?!" he growled. "You may have fool Akira but not me! I know you and your hideous plan. Hiding behind Sawakita to crawl yourself back to Akira?"

Rukawa straightly stared at him.

Yukio snorted. "What a poor man..." he uttered, referring to Sawakita. "Another victim of this manipulative pathetic fox." adding a mocking smirk. "You haven't changed..."

"Are you done?"

"I won't let you go near Akira! I will never let that happen. You got that... brat."

"Do what you want, I don't care." he returned. "My purpose is clear and concise as discussed."

"I don't buy it."

"I'm not as good as you in hiding things, Miboshi."

He infuriates. "What the fuck are yo-"

"Tell me, how hard it is to hide your natural black hair?"

Yukio is baffled by how Rukawa pushed him off the edge with his ambiguous statement, as if accusing him. "You aasho-"

He was cut off when the private room's door opened as the two bosses of each party headed back to their table. "Sorry ladies..." Sawakita said as he scooted himself inside. "Having a great time?"

The infuriating aura of Yukio's quickly returned to his charming presence. "Indeed Sawakita-san. Did you have a nice break?"

Sendoh dropped his car keys on a ceramic leaf bowl and hanged his trench coat atop the rack. He went straight to his bedroom and threw himself on the comforting mattress of his bed. Undressed. Tired. Completely worn out. Not because of anything work-related, but by this inexplainable once familiar addiction starting to creep back to him.

He loosened his tie, rested his eyes by shutting them close and brushed off his fingers in between his still, gel-ed hair. Bluish orbs soulfully opens, darting against the blank white ceiling. Contemplating... pondering, dwelling on this feelings he once believed he's over with.

"Kaede and I are together..."

He cupped his face.

For the last years, he has learned to discard this one great love he once knew. Buried deep somewhere he didn't risk the chance of looking back. Forgotten. Shattered pieces already mended. Completely healed from the heartaches that drawn him to his most miserable state.

He is certain.

He is confident.

He has reconnected to his usual self...

But why does Sawakita's claim pierced an undefined feeling...

A sentiment grew but shattered quickly inside his frail heart...

A failed hope to beg for a second chance...

Saturday afternoon. Gloomy and rainy weather covers the city of Kanagawa. A nostalgic place where he nurtured half of his life, particularly at this certain place he went straight onto after escorting Sawakita to the airport - Nana's home.

Memories. Good or bad. Happy or sad, gradually flashing inside as he deeply scanned every corner of this exterior he once called home. A sunny house back then, gloomed not by the weather alone, but by its abandonment over the years. "Nana..." he whispered to himself. "... I'm home."

He stood there, under the shade of his umbrella. Ends of his coat soaked with few drops from the heavy rain, but refrained from moving... allowing this nostalgia feeling crawled its way back to him. Memories he never lost. Memories he refused to buried away...

"I knew you'd be here."

A familiar voice passing through the pelting, thin raindrops.

Needless to turn, for this particular soothing voice...

this comforting and warm presence...

the familiar heat beyond the bleakness...

this man...

this certain person...

has never and will never be forgotten...

by his heart...

"Sendoh."

A/N: How was it?

I actually wanted to use 711 as the apartment number but it sounded cheesy so 504 it is. LOL.

Thank you for reading!