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Sion
Asami was working without any hiccups. He had already concluded three deals that morning and was soon to go to lunch with a group of clients. Kirishima as his usual, was in and out of his office with files to be checked or already signed. By late morning he had written to the two bodyguards whose job it was to protect his beloved kitten, how things were going.
As he was smoking his cigarette and taking a short break from work, he thought again that it was very strange what Isao had sent him. Both guards had been outside the door and only when Akihito came out of the penthouse to invite them to have lunch together had they confirmed that he was actually inside the apartment. After they had written to him for permission to have lunch with their young man, he had asked them if anything had happened in the meantime. Eichi had replied to him that actually the whole morning had been very quiet and that they had not heard any noise coming from inside, and both guards were sure that the young leader had gotten up at least two hours earlier. They wrote to him that he seemed well rested and in good spirits.
Asami spun in his chair, stood up, and walked toward the glass window that overlooked the entire city. It is not like Akihito to be silent. She did not know what to think. He was happy that his brash young lover seemed well rested and in good spirits. If there was anything wrong, he was sure he would notice. But Akihito usually does not take suggestions from his bodyguards very easily, especially when it comes to going shopping. It is strange that he agreed to be accompanied to get some food without grumbling. The yakuza thought he was just rambling too much and that if Akihito had a problem or something was happening to him he would know or at least see at least one suggestion.
Shaking his head a little and finishing his cigarette, he sat down in the chair and plunged back into the business world.
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On the way to the food supermarket, Akihito kept wading outside the window, immersed in his world. He felt relaxed, refreshed, and at peace. I really did well to meditate this morning. I wonder why this habit was also lost. Another little voice answered him: because you're with Asami, and since you've been with him, dear Akihito, you've put many things aside. Akihito shook his head.
He hadn't really thought about what he was giving up when he finally agreed to this "relationship" with the yakuza. They are very different he and Asami, and everyone would see that. However, the young man wondered: was it just a character and physical difference or was there more to it? Akihito called himself a lover of life itself. He loved running, spending time with his friends and family, simple things like wading through a movie or taking a walk. He did not like to see people suffering or experiencing pain, and when he could, he always helped the one who would need support. He described himself as a sunny, lively, kind and selfless guy. He was never interested in money or power. From the outside he looked like just a guy who dressed in the first clothes he found in his closet and liked to do nothing all day long here. How wrong they are. If only they knew what passions I have and what really makes me feel alive!
On the other side we have Asami. A man who has built his own personal hell and empire. His charm strikes instantly, and you would be an idiot to say that he has no effect on you. He is confident and knows what he wants and gets it, most of the time. Always. Akihito cannot help but smile at this thought. You could say that his philosophy of life is: if I want something, I get it, and when it is mine, it is mine alone. He is exuberant, determined, intelligent, resourceful; and there would be a thousand other adjectives to describe him. But he too has his secrets and dark areas in everyday life. During the day, he looks like a raw god but at night, he turns into a devil. He does not tolerate lies and deception and if you think you can fool him, you pay the consequences. To all this can be added that he is quite a possessive man. Quite? It is better to say, very possessive, especially when it comes to you, Akihito. The young man at this thought grimaced and his gaze darkened a little. Seeing that those thoughts were making him lose his good mood, he decided to get out of his thoughts. But as he returned to the present, he could not shake off a feeling that made him feel heavy. Better not think about it!
The blond turned his gaze toward the windshield and noticed that they were standing in front of a building with large windows. In the middle were two large sliding doors, flanked by two columns of dark blue. At that sight, Akihito's mood could only go down. Of course, his two guards had to take him to the most expensive supermarket in the whole country and the only one from which the great Asami Ryuchi agreed to get food. And to think that the day had started out so well!
Tucking his head between the two seats in front of him, he walked out looking exhausted: - "Right here did you have to take me shopping? Wasn't a simple marketplace enough?"- Eichi turned to the chief jova and exclaimed: - "Takaba-sama this is the best, and anyway Asami-sama ordered us to bring him here!"- Akihito snorted: - "All right, wait here for me, I will stay a short time."- having spoken these words he opened the door before Isao could do it for him and got out of the car. As sai was heading toward the entrance, he noticed that his two guards were following him. Beginning to feel frustrated, he turned and asked, as calmly as he could manage: - "What are you doing? I said I'll go alone and I'll stay very little. You don't need to come with me."- Isao and Eichi shook their heads, and the former replied in an impassive voice: - "No way Takaba-sama. These are Asami-sama's orders and we have to keep you under our watch. You will not even notice us. Rest assured we would not be in the way."- Akihito was about to shout that he was not a child and did not need any protection especially if he had to do a simple shopping trip. Instead he took a deep breath and turning toward the sliding doors simply said: - "All right."-and began walking.
While they were inside the store, Akihito felt frustrated and angry, but most of all tired. I am not a child and I don't need anyone to control me! Asami and his stupid rules. When will he understand that I can take care of myself and that I am not always in danger? Not to add the fact that his every move is referred to his possessive lover. Plus he was angry at the guards because they had taken him to this stupid, too-chic supermarket. He shook his head. He knew it was neither Isao's nor Eichi's fault, only Asami and his commands. It was all so simple before he met Asami.
Suddenly he stopped. Am I really thinking that things would be easier without Asami? No, I'm just saying that they might be easier and that's all. Akihito not wanting to continue on that train of thought, resumed walking and headed to pay at the cash register to return to the penthouse and prepare lunch for him, Isao, and Eichi.
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The two guards who were following their young leader at a due distance were watching him closely. They knew he was not happy with where they were shopping but those were Asami-sama's orders and they could not disobey. The day had started well and Takaba seemed to be in a good mood but it was obvious that some of it had disappeared during the last hour.
Throughout the journey the young man had not uttered a word. He was quiet and observed the scenery outside. He seemed to be immersed in other worlds. As soon as he saw where they had stopped, his face tensed a little and as expected he complained because he wanted to go somewhere less expensive.
The strange thing was that when he had noticed that the two of them were also going inside the building with him, instead of hurling a series of unkind adjectives at his older lover and complaining that he didn't need them, as he usually does, he simply shrugged his shoulders, took a big breath, and said a simple, "All right." The two guards looked at each other, both surprised at that calm and self-condescending attitude. The young chief is very strange today. The two guards thought at the same time.
The shopping had all gone well until Takaba suddenly stopped in the middle of the rice aisle. It was as if he was lost, again, in his own thoughts. He had not yet spoken a word since they had entered, but it was odd that he should stop so suddenly.
Eichi wanted to ask the young boss if there was anything wrong, when the young man started walking again and headed for the cash register, as if he couldn't wait to go home. The two men looked at each other again. Something was troubling their young leader, and they would find out what it was. Without opening their mouths they followed Akihito and all three returned to the attic without uttering a word.
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