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The building where Akihito works is simple. There were five floors and each floor was dedicated to a specific section of the newspaper. In the lobby were two couches with a small round glass table in the middle and further up was the secretary's station, where you announced yourself if you had an appointment with the editor.
Akihito and his trusty bodyguard headed straight for the elevators since Takeda-san's office was on the third floor. The young man was a little worried because he still hadn't found a plausible excuse for Eichi's presence with him. Ever since he set foot in the building everyone was fascinated by the man dressed in black and white, completely ignoring his presence.
The blond looked up to observe the man. He had short black hair combed back, green eyes and well defined features. A nose that was neither too big nor too small, let's say it was proportionate and the lips were thin. The photographer thought that the man could model with the physique and face he had and the height of six feet two made all the charm he conveyed stand out.
Returning with his mind to the present he realized that the doors had opened. With a big sigh, he stepped out of the elevator and a little further down a corridor, he walked towards a door that was adorned only with a plaque engraved with: Takeda Matsumoto's office.
He turned to the man behind him and looking him straight in the eye, said: - "Eichi please stay out here. Can you please?"-he asked more as a plea than a favor. - "I'm sorry Takaba-sama but the orders are that you stay under my eyes at all times."- he said these words firmly and concisely with a face that didn't show any emotion. Akihito was really angry. He couldn't even talk to his boss alone. I'm not giving up this time. After regaining my composure, I state: - "Listen, one, your job is to protect me from thugs not innocent and good people. Two, I just need to talk to Takeda-san who is like a father to me and certainly wouldn't threaten me or anything like that. Three, it's not normal for a freelance photographer and journalist to have a bodyguard with him, so right now you stay outside this door and wait. Understood?"-as he spoke these words his eyes lit up and his gaze was reminiscent of the flames of a fire.
He is determined and will not let go. The boy is right because we are in a safe place anyway. Eichi was thinking about it and realizing that if he went inside he would have angered the young boss even more, he agreed to the blond man's request and shortly after he turned his back to the door to make sure no one entered. Akihito smiled and putting a hand on the guard's arm, he gratefully said a thank you and knocked on the door. As soon as he had permission to enter he opened the door and closed it behind him.
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The room was not very large but for one person there was enough space for a desk, two chairs in front of it, a two-seater sofa in the left corner and on the right wall a bookcase. The office was lit by a large window that allowed the sun's rays to enter unobstructed.
His boss was sitting behind the desk and holding a cup of coffee. As soon as he saw the boy he smiled and offered him to sit down. They had been working together for about five years now, and in that time they had developed a good friendship, more like a father and son bond, really.
"So Akihito," the older man exclaimed with a smile, "thank you for coming. I know I can always count on you, and most of all I know you're the best at taking shots from a distance without being seen."- he looked straight into the hazel eyes. Akihito raised an eyebrow because he knew that when his boss did that he wanted to entrust him with a job that was not exactly legal and "simple". Needless to mince words and get straight to the point. - "What do you want me to do Takeda-san? Who should I immortalize and why? -He smiled and took a sheet of paper. "I got a tip that the daughter of the Japanese senator is seeing a much older and married man. I would like you to find out who this man is and take pictures of the couple. The meeting should be tomorrow night in front of a hotel."-she paused briefly-"So you're in? I know that you don't usually devote yourself to gossip and scoops that have to do with betrayals and stuff like that but I know that you can be discreet."- Akihito didn't know whether to take the job or not. It's true that he was usually in charge of framing corrupt businessmen, politicians or people who had to do with the underworld but he needed the money plus he had nothing to do. At least I'll keep myself busy. - "Fine, I'll take it, but I hope the pay is good."-With a cheeky smile he took the file and stood up to leave the office. - "Don't worry, I'll pay you what you deserve, you just take nice pictures. Have a nice day Akihito."- Takeda smiled.
After leaving the office, Akihito and Eichi headed back to the car. Akihito wasn't exactly thrilled with the job but it was better than nothing. Seeing the time and knowing he had nothing else to do, he decided he would make dinner, review some photos he needed to finish editing, and watch a movie. I'd better enjoy the afternoon I had left in peace and quiet.
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Sion
Asami decided to take a short break and read from Eichi's report that they had just left the building where the boy worked and that he had a new assignment to do. Nothing dangerous or to do with the underworld. At least he wouldn't put himself in danger this time. Bored and missing his kitten, he picked up his cell phone to call him. Intently he lit one of his cigarettes.
On the third ring the boy decided to answer: - "Hello Asami, to what do I owe your call?"- he answered cheekily and amused. - "I was wondering what you were doing." - "Nothing in particular right now. - "Nothing in particular at the moment. While we're at it, are you going to be there for dinner tonight or are you finishing work late?"-. Asami smiled thinking that the young man was worrying if he would be home to have dinner together. - "Sorry but I have work until eight and a meeting after that I don't know how long it will last, so you can have dinner."- he said flatly also because he would much rather spend his time with the brat than at boring business meetings. At least tonight I'll have fun with someone. Asami was already thinking about what kind of torture he would use on Amane Suzuki. Akihito brought him back to reality: - "Ouch though, you work too much. It's not good for you."- he said in a grumbling voice. - "Are you worrying about me, Akihito? Or do you miss me too much and want me to come home earlier?"- he said, imagining the blush that would come to life on his boyfriend's beautiful skin. Akihito was embarrassed because it was true that he wanted Asami to work less but above all he wanted to spend more time with that Greek god. Oh God, what am I thinking. Stop. Stop, come to your senses! Regaining control of himself, he answered in a sarcastic and cheeky way: - "You'd love it if I missed you, too bad I don't. And while I'm at it I'll order some sushi and pay with your card. Bye."-I didn't even wait for Asami to respond and hung up. He smiled like a moron.
Asami looked at the phone and couldn't help but give a brief hint of a smile. That brat. As soon as I get home he's going to get a good lesson. She couldn't wait to finish all the work she had to do so she could get home and get down to more fun things like messing with the blonde boy. Putting the phone back in his pocket, he started working again.
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