3

Ayase welcomed the monotony of university.

Throughout each day, the brief hours away from the apartment helped him gain back a sense of normalcy. His previous complaints over the boredom of his classes transitioned into enjoying the slow passage of time. The more time the professor droned on about their subject, the more time Ayase stayed inside of the classroom. He even began asking questions which delayed his classes from ending faster.

Whenever he put out his hand, he ignored the grumbling of his neighboring students. His constant questioning made him an unpopular student for some time. The studious students furiously wrote down notes on the answers his questions brought out.

Once his recovery process made its way through the rumor mill, the sudden dislike of him went away. The fact he didn't let sickness derail his studies formed a newfound level of respect among his fellow students.

The respect didn't matter at the end of the day.

Sure, the understanding of his peers and professors kept him from falling deeper into his dark thoughts while attending his classes.

He returned back to Kanou's apartment to receive another night of abuse.

When Ayase saw Kanou leaning against his car, he bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from crying. His private hours of mental composure disappeared before his eyes. He needed that time to put himself together. Without it, he knew he would break and sob without control. Kanou's threats kept him from releasing his sorrow.

Kanou despised it when he cried.

Ayase didn't know why Kanou expected a different reaction out of him. Forcing a half of a soulmate couple to have sex with someone else always caused distress. Many soulmates end up losing their minds from having their autonomy taken away from them. The fact that his soulmate felt his devastation and offered him comfort, pushed him forward. Whoever this person was, wanted him to remain strong.

As he walked across the street, Ayase's rapid beating heart deafened his ears. With each step he took, he felt himself growing faint. He swayed on his feet, but he forced himself to keep on moving.

Stopping in front of Kanou, Ayase's grip on his backpack slacked. The strap slipped off of his shoulder and it fell onto the concrete in a thud.

Ayase swallowed in his cowardice before he spoke. "K-Kanou-san."

"What took you so long?" Kanou blew out a line of smoke into the air. "Does Kuba let you take your time?"

Ayase dug his fingers into the palms of his hands. He didn't dare look into Kanou's eyes. His disdain of him was obvious to himself.

He stammered out. "P-Professor office hours."

Kanou huffed in irritation. "Since when?"

Ayase responded. "It is required for my professor to check over my work o-or to better describe his lessons. I-I can't let my grades slip. I-"

Kanou dropped his cigarette onto the ground and stepped on it. "Then, you better finish those office hours fast. Kuba will report to me if you're not coming to the car on time. Remember," He said. "We have your schedule memorized. Do I make myself clear?"

Ayase nodded his head, "Yes."

"Good." Kanou grumbled before opening the passenger car door. "Get in."

Ayase crouched down to pick up his backpack before he slipped into the car. The sound of a slamming car door made him jump. He held onto his backpack as Kanou got in the car. Kanou said nothing else before the turned on the car. The music of the radio filled up the silence.

Ayase kept his eyes on his lap throughout the car ride. Any little discrepancy was judged through Kanou's harsh stare. Whenever he twitched, he felt Kanou's stare bearing into his side. Any attempts of asking for help or jumping out of the care was useless. He knew the public wouldn't dare try to intervene on his behalf.

Ayase thought of anything other than the man driving the car. He thought of his lessons, his acquaintances, different topics that took his mind off of Kanou's presence. It only worked for so long.

His mind reverted back to hurtful memories.

Lifting up his head, Ayase winced at the stiffness in his neck. Having kept it in the most awkward position for too long, he reached behind his neck and massaged the area. His stiffening body didn't help him in keeping his muscles relaxed. His sudden movement brought him another glance from Kanou.

When he noticed the startling brighter lights, he realized they were not going in the right direction. In fact, they were far away from the condo.

Nothing prepared him for the realization that Kanou didn't take him home straight from his classes.

Kanou breached into the club district with an assured sense of direction. Somehow, he managed to snag a parking spot during the beginning stages of when the bars opened. As Ayase checked his surroundings, he noticed there was no stream of people hurrying inside the bar they parked in front of. In fact, the few people who went inside, tended to look over their shoulders before running through the front door.

In his distraction, he didn't notice Kanou opened the door. Kanou's gruff voice demanded. "Get out. We're wasting time."

Ayase flinched back. Averting his eyes from Kanou, he hurried out of the car with his backpack clutched in his hands. He followed after him into the club he looked at.

It didn't take him long to figure out the theme of the bar.

It was a drag bar.

The decorations were plain, but pleasing to the eye. Nothing gaudy, no bright lights. Everything fit with the wooden paneling of the visible rooms. The boisterous personalities of the different looking employees overshadowed the classical music. He found himself looking at the clothing of the employees in order not to make eye contact with them.

Daring to look at Kanou, he saw the absolute disgust on his face. As they walked through the middle of the bar, patrons and employees alike stayed far away from Kanou. Kanou's dangerous aura further emphasized his lack of friendliness to anyone in the bar.

These people made a berth big enough for them to go straight ahead.

Ayase didn't stray from his side. He made himself small and didn't make any attempts at getting attention onto himself.

When they made it to the main counter, Ayase was in awe at the gorgeous kimono worn by the bartender. He saw a lot of women look their best on their coming of age ceremony. The elaborate patterns on their kimonos made him somewhat envious of them being able to show off these designs to the world. He knew he would have to wear a solid color on his yukata when he reached twenty years old.

The bartender had perfectly applied makeup that emphasized his features. He slammed a glass of whiskey onto the counter. He glared at Kanou with an intensity that Ayase never hoped to achieve.

"You leave for two weeks and come back like nothing happened?" The bartender drummed his manicured nails onto the wood of the counter. "Do you have any idea how long-"

"I'm leaving Ayase here for you to look after." Kanou interrupted Someya's rant as he picked up the glass. "I have business to attend to and you owe me a favor anyway, Someya."

Someya turned to Ayase. Stunned at his appearance, he didn't expect to see someone so beautiful at Kanou's side. For as long as he knew him, Kanou didn't present any lover in his line of sight. The only reason he figured out Kanou began his sexual exploits was through hearing it the rumors from the gossip mills in school. His line of work made the man a paranoid mess. Any woman he fucked was tossed out the hotel room once he finished. He didn't leave them any choice in freshening up either.

He was always surprised that women went back to Kanou despite the shit treatment. Then again, he saw plenty of his employees take abuse in order to keep a patron

Despite the delicate feminine features, he knew Ayase was a young man. The sort of young man that straight and over masculine men didn't dare surround themselves with. Having someone accuse them of being gay was a high offense to someone as prideful as Kanou.

Someya would have killed to have someone like Ayase to work for him. Not to disregard any of his employees, but cute boys were amazing assets. The adorable appearance alone would sooth any awkward first timers into having a good time.

"I'm not a babysitting service." Someya frowned. "I have work to do."

Kanou downed his whiskey and put the empty glass onto the table. "Put him to work then."

Ayase looked up in fear at the implied reference to work. He didn't know what else Someya did in the bar, but he hoped it wasn't anything close to what he did for Kanou.

Someya waved off Kanou's suggestion. "Full house. I don't need the extra body." He checked the clock on the wall and sighed. "I'll take him to the back for my lunchbreak. Now, get."

After Kanou left for his job, Someya lead him into his office. Throughout Someya's disarming and charming chatter, Ayase felt the tension leave his shoulders. Someya exuded a warm and genuine aura. A vast difference from Kanou. He felt safe in displaying his normal

Someya returned with a large pot of tea on a tray. "Thank you for keeping me company." He placed the pot on his desk with a carefree smile. "It's been a while since I entertained someone in my office. I usually have my employees come in for a nice chat every once in a while."

Ayase hunched his shoulders as he fiddled with the sleeves of his shirt. "T-Thank you for the tea."

Someya served Ayase a cup of tea while sneaking peeks at him. Throughout the few minutes he spoke to him, a thought came into his mind. Ayase was Kanou's soulmate. It made the most sense to him. The sudden arrival of a young man in Kanou's life and the overprotectiveness over him.

Of course, Kanou kept this revelation a secret from the public. Kanou didn't express his emotions and preferred a tight knit sense of privacy. His profession further made the man cold and unfeeling for anything other than his self interests.

Soulmates didn't have a place in Kanou's plans.

Too bad.

Someya would have snatched Ayase for himself if they were soulmates. He didn't have semblance of shame in showing off his soulmate to the world.

Someya went around his desk in excitement. "Congratulations!" Someya grasped Ayase's hands into his own with a beaming smile. "Oh, I always wondered what Kanou's soulmark looked like. The stingy bastard never let me see it even though he saw mine. What does your soulmark look like?"

"Don't touch me." Ayase snapped back his hands and backed away from Someya. Bumping into the chair, he fell onto the cushions. "Don't you ever comment about my soulmark! You have no right!"

Someya retracted his hand with a frown. Ever since Kanou commented about having brought a young man into his home, Someya kept his words to himself. Kanou disputed any implications of being gay. In Someya's experience, many closeted men rejected their soulmate in an attempt to appear normal.

Kanou invited nobody into his private home. One night stands were conducted in love hotels or in the woman's home. Meaning, Kanou found his soulmate and hid him from the public. A way to keep his masculinity intact.

As a result, Someya never suspected a man Kanou's soulmate.

Wanting to lessen the tension, Someya said. "My apologies."

Ayase breathed through his nose to control his panic. If Someya thought he was Kanou's soulmate, then other people thought the same thing. The mere idea of being connected through fate with that man, caused Ayase's stomach to roll.

"How dare you ask me about it. It is private."

Someya placated Ayase. "I know. Soulmarks are nothing to expose, but...Kanou would never have brought someone home unless they were his soulmate."

"My soulmate is not Kanou. I saw his desecrated soul mark… when he-" Ayase hugged himself and almost curled himself into his chair. "My soulmate is someone else."

"Oh, dear one-" Someya knelt beside Ayase and placed his hands onto the handle of the chair. "Do you know who your soulmate is?"

Ayase shook his head. "No. But, I felt them."

Someya arched a brow. "Felt?"

Ayase burrowed his face into the fluff of his hood and shut his eyes. "Did you know that you can feel your soulmate through touching your mark? I never felt them before so I think...we touched it at the same time."

Someya shook his head. "No, I didn't know." He looked down at his left shoulder, hidden underneath his kimono, was his soulmark. "I never had a reason to do it. My soulmate wouldn't agree with my lifestyle so I never thought to look."

Ayase opened his eyes and peered at Someya. "Are you sure? Soulmates are supposed to be your other half. The one who completes you. Surely they would love you unconditionally."

"Not always." Someya shrugged his shoulders. "I met plenty of people whose soulmates rejected them or even abandoned them. Plenty of my girls went through heartbreak because their other half shut them out because they dressed up as women. We are not a social norm, Ayase-san."

Ayase's eyes prickled with tears. "I'm so sorry."

Someya shook his head before patting Ayase's quivering hand. "No, I'm sorry." The sudden onslaught of crying made Someya's heart drop. Kanou had done callous, hurtful things throughout his life. Many of which she sat through on account of their long lasting friendship.

He never thought he would see the day where Kanou stole another person's soulmate.

"What the hell did you do to Ayase-san?!" Someya snapped at Kanou.

Sitting in Someya's office, Kanou tossed back a serving of sake. Dealing with Someya came with drinking copious amounts of alcohol and tuning out half the conversation. The fact that Someya dramatized his situation made his headache all the more prominent. He was shocked that Someya commented on his private business. For the most part, Someya listened to him and said nothing.

Ayase's vulnerable and weak appearance stirred Someya to speak up. Not that Someya's input would do a thing to change his mind. He bought Ayase. He owned him.

Someya had no idea of the things he did in his line of work. Sure, he disclosed certain deals, but nothing that brought danger in the man's life. At least, he gave Someya the peace of mind of having nothing horrible happen to him. He didn't lead anyone dangerous to his bar and made sure to cover his tracks. His sullied hands would remain stained and unpure.

Kanou answered him with a glare. "None of your business."

"You made it my business when you left him with me for the night. Do you have any idea of the ramifications of your actions?"

Kanou waved a hand to Someya to get him to continue. "No. Please, continue."

"The poor boy is petrified of you." Someya's lips turned into a terrifying sneer. "I had to calm him down with pills and a whole teapot's worth of tea. How are you able to live with yourself?!"

Kanou hunched his shoulders and averted his eyes. "Easy. I don't think about his reactions and do everything in my power for him not to leave my side." He drank another serving of alcohol. "Besides, he is going to university. He's not holed up in my condo."

Someya shook his head and paced around Kanou's office. Lifting his arms over his head in frustration, he spat out. "Here I was, happy for the fact that you found your soulmate. Despite your shit attitude, even you would have a soulmate. Did you know his reaction to my congratulations? He yelled at me in horror. The kid hates you."

Kanou swirled his glass around. "He'll grow accustomed to this new chapter in his life."

Someya paused in place. "Are you hearing yourself? Forcing a relationship with half of a soulmate pair is a horrible thing to do to a person! Why do you think a majority of rape cases end in suicide?"

Kanou rolled his eyes. "My actual soulmate died when I was a child. I have lived through life just fine and without any bad effect. Besides, I have fucked multiple women who have soulmates. Ayase isn't any different."

Someya stalked forward and poked Kanou in the chest. "There is a big difference, Kanou. Those women wanted to fuck you, Ayase doesn't want to. You make it up to this kid or you will end up with a dead one."

When Kanou returned from Someya's club, Ayase noted a change in his demeanor. For the most part, Kanou stopped himself from touching him or even going near his personal bubble. He suspected that Someya brought up his mental breakdown in his club to soothe Kanou's anger. For some reason, another person's opinion brought a sense of mercy. His own pleas of mercy did nothing to sway Kanou into stopping his actions.

Of course, Ayase didn't question Kanou over what happened in the club. Even if he wasn't afraid of the guy, Kanou didn't seem like the type to talk about his day. Any little thing he did wrong, earned him a night of being thrusted into like he was nothing. Even if he acted to Kanou's expectations, he ended up under Kanou at the end of the night.

Ayase's nerves skyrocketed whenever he spent any extended amount of time with Kanou. Kanou triggered his instincts to escape, but his self preservation kept him from even trying.

Besides, he didn't want Kanou to change his mind and treat him even worse than before.

He wanted to semi enjoy this sense of calm before the inevitable storm.

When they went to sleep, Kanou placed a pillow barrier between them. Ayase watched from a distance in confusion. He made sure to look at Kanou's every move. This sudden change in Kanou's mannerisms was a trick.

It had to be a trick.

Kanou changed into pajama bottoms before he went to the bathroom. Ayase used the time to change into his own pajamas, ones that Kanou bought him, and slipped into the bed.

Kanou said nothing to him when he returned from the bathroom. He slumped onto his side of the bed and turned his back toward him. Sometime passed before Kanou turned off the lamp on his side of the bed, leaving them in complete darkness.

Ayase laid down and faced the wall while he clutched his pillow in his arms. Throughout the night, he was hypervigilant of Kanou's breathing and his movements. He didn't want to fall asleep and have the nightmare begin.

TBC