The Crying Game Chapter 2: Hysteria, a beyblade fanfic

I do not own Beyblade or 1992 film "The Crying Game".

Songs mentioned in this chapter:

"Distraction" by Kehlani
"Yours" by Mariah Carey
"Good Thing" by Zedd and Kehlani

The Crying Game
-Hysteria-

- x -

I'm not always selfish, just bad at romance, it's not in my bones.

—

Kai flung his arm out over the dresser from under the covers, grabbing his phone that had disturbed his much needed slumber.

He finally had been allowed to sleep around the brim of dawn, partially inebriated since he'd been forced to seek refuge from his own physiological torments from the depths of his bottle of whiskey. While the alcohol had executed its job well; quickly numbing his brain so that he was able to sleep somewhat peacefully, his phone decided to ring.

Without even looking at the caller ID, he brings forth his cellar device to his ear.

"Speak," came out a gruff grunt. His voice hoarse, throat still coated with the whiskey.

"Morning sunshine! Did I wake you? Good!"

Kai groans inwardly, the last voice he wanted to hear, much less the first in the goddamn morning. 'Motherfucking redhead.'

"He wants to see you, Hiwatari. You're the boss' grandson, thus your presence is still required in this 'little organization'."

Despite the migraine he was enduring, he still could hear the trickling mockery behind every word that came out of the other's wretched mouth.

"The bastard has been dead for four years. I couldn't care less about the organization, and I decide when I wanna leave." He practically snarls the last part.

"It's an order, Kai." Yuriy counters, his tone booking no arguments this early morning. "Noon, you know where."

A sharp click emits from his end of the phone, their conversation disconnected quicker than it ever started.

"Fuck..." he clamps his forehead before dragging it down his face, a suffocating sigh slipping from his mouth.

If he was the one ordering him back, it could only mean there's a second part of the ordeal. Although he had been promised a hiatus after the last mission, he pondered the idealism of what could be in store for him this time around. It must've been major, otherwise they wouldn't have called him back so quickly.

Although three months may not seem like a short period of time, it definitely was not long enough. The repercussions of the last mission still had him on the edge, the man he murdered still rode on his back like an old scar marking.

'And her...' a little voice reminds him.

Kai rolls onto his stomach, face sunk deep into his pillow. He grits his teeth, his temper already being trailed. He wished the sun never rose ever again.

Dawn never brought anything good.

—

12:00pm; right on the dot. He was quite famous for his punctuality, despite never giving a damn.

His hands were stuffed into his dark jeans defensively as he walked right in the abandoned warehouse, his grasp gripping around his prized possession firmly; ready to cut down the next person who looked at him the wrong way. He could already feel the sensation of slicing throbbing throats as blood spilled all over his hands and sleek blade.

He inwardly smirked at the thought, walls and floors painted by scarlet as he venture further inside.

He kept his glower low, not sparing a single person a glance. Although this may perceived him as being an arrogant and condescending bastard by his so-called brothers, he did not care. He knew he was better than everyone else in this foolish organization.

However, he was not ready to return to the fold. He truly believed at this point of his life, with the fortune he was left with, he needn't to burden himself with these street rats any further. He had better things to occupy his time and money with.

How gravely mistaken he was to think such blasphemy. He knew that he could never escape this life. Alive.

He ignored all the curious stares and soft whispers as he ambles by, thankful no one approached him. Although he was humoured by the idea, but he didn't feel the unnecessary blood thirst today. He continued to stroll towards the back of the warehouse, where the office was behold.

He furrows his brows.

The office was like a vault of some sort; impenetrable. Although he still felt the need for that extra protection. Kai couldn't help but scoff at the damn coward. Hiding behind the shadows, pulling all the strings, while the brotherhood stained their hands with blood and left with the haunting memories of all the faces they've killed by his orders.

Over the years of working for his grandfather and Vladimir Volkov, this very man behind these doors had burnt many bridges, made more than a handful of enemies, and pissed off an innumerable amount of people. Kai knew there were many who sought after Kinomiya Hitoshi's blood.

Kai still remembered what the navy-haired demon said once, "all the more reason to hire extra firearm" as he so elegantly conjures it.

Deep mahogany eyes pry up at the two larger men that stood by the door, two sets of eyes bestowing him with equally hardened facades.

Kai crocks a brow before lifting his arms, knowing the drill. Like the others, the pair did not utter a word. Though, he cannot dodge the unspoken tension that'd emitted among the three of them while the largest between the two pats him down.

The man with the tatted face immediately strips Kai of his blade, a knowing brow rose at the dual-haired Russian with suspicious look. He tosses the weapon to his blonde counterpart

Kai stood guarded, now being unarmed with nothing but his fists. Challenge radiates his stance, he eyed at how the blonde tuck away his companion into their jacket pocket.

"You know the rules, Kai." Sergei's deep voice rumbles. He finally pushes the door open, allowing said male to gain entry.

"Whatever," the male shoves his hands back into his pockets, not sparing another glance at the duo.

The office looked identical as it did three months ago. 'What a shock,' he amuses himself, he figured the great Kinomiya Hitoshi would've wanted to renovate the warehouse.

He kept reminding himself that three months was never meant to be a leisure duration, it was merely a hiatus to aid rid the demons that continuously plagued his dreams. In which he was shockingly granted permission to, despite never needing permission to go about his own ways.

He operated under no man's command, even if it meant having to kill Hitoshi. He was willing.

Behind the jet-black desk made of solid onyx was where the navy-haired demon sat, like the king he perceived himself to be. No major bombshell that the redheaded fucker, who bestowed him such an unwelcoming awakening this morning, stood at the man's right. While on the left, she stood just as closely.

He notes the sapphire necklace adorning her aligned white neck. It once belonged to an old widow they were assigned to kill right after having murder her husband.

Her breasts were barely clad behind the black dress she was wearing, 'fucking whore.'

Double D implants paid by the dirty money she obtained after seducing the husband into her bed, the brunette led the senile fool to their demise. The chain of events ran vividly through his mind of that day; she had pushed the old lech off a bridge, hurling him right into the shallow icy waters. Kai was certain the old bastard had broken his neck before completely submerging into the river that December many years ago.

Julia had barely turned five when he first met her. And at the early age of eleven, puberty begun carving out her body into womanhood. The once wanderlust preteen, who once dreamt of becoming the next Hamasaki Ayumi, had died many, many years. After her first kill at the age of thirteen, she became blood lust ever since. Abandoning her life on the streets where he and Yuriy had first discovered her, it was not a difficult decision on her part to leave the vigor black and grey lifestyle. She wasn't given much of a choice after all, she was accepted in the orphanage and quickly became the abbey's little darling.

At first, it was merely self-defensive, there were many sickos prowling the streets of Tokyo. After that, it became a game. However, Julia wasn't the kind of girl to sleep around with just anybody. She had what she calls 'class'. She primarily targeted the rich, but never the powerful. She would declare the intimate invites, yes. At a luxurious cost that is.

Kai was beginning to think this entire organization had a fetish for bloodshed. The oozing deep crimson liquid accompanied by agonizing cries and desperate pleads for mercy, it was sickening. But it had its moment of satisfaction. And he knew he was no stranger to this...whatever this was called.

Seductive emerald eyes meet his deep wine gaze. He was well versed of how much Julia wanted to get into his pants. After all, first love never dies.

The pair were inseparable, they were always at each other's sides. After being the first to claim her virginity when she turned sixteen, their little romance took off from there. He recalled all the times he would fuck her against the wall or in his car, and other various places. Her breasts pressed so skin close against him, her razor long nails clawing into his back as he plunged into her with such aggression; leaving her sore for a few days. Old scar markings of the long gashes that had bounded on his pale back still remained. Just a reminder of how good it used to be.

But that love died a long time ago, along with the old Julia. Kai quickly realized how distasteful she truly was.

Of course he, himself, arose from a noble family. He could never love such...trash now.

While Ivanov Yuriy was also merely an orphan, who had been brought in to live in the abbey from the tender age of four, he was the only one in this entire organization he could call friend. His biological mother had given him up for drugs and alcohol.

Kinomiya Hitoshi was also among the handful of children his grandfather accepted in his orphanage. However, he was different from the others. Much different.

The gifted one, his grandfather and Volkov once labeled the older male. Hitoshi possessed the brains and dexterity to run this organization from the young age of fifteen, it was no wonder he became the head of it all.

"Kai," Hitoshi greeted him, "so good of you to come."

Kai could only stare back at the older male. He stood where he stopped, his back a few inches from the door behind him; needn't to approach any closer. A wicked smile curves over Julia's brownish mauve lips, in turn compelling him want to hurl his insides, but he abides his firm facade nonetheless.

Although, anyone would be blind to not notice he had no desire whatever-so-ever to linger any further than he had to.

"I assume you know why I've called you here."

Hitoshi stood from his leather chair, adjusting the collars of his black Italian silk shirt. He then smooths out the wrinkles of his dark grey suit, momentarily reclining his tailbone against his desk with his arms folded over. Kai inwardly growls. This man...every movement he made, it was all too smooth. All too calculating. He knew exactly what he was doing, and this made Kai even more sick.

"I tried to be understanding of your...situation, but this has gone long enough. It's time you come back, the brotherhood needs you."

Brotherhood, something he hadn't heard in a while. Who was the motherfucker trying to kid? His wholesome intentions have long been buried with his grandfather after partnering with Volkov of taking over. It was long until he overthrew Volkov and placed a hit on him as well. His mind fogged with nothing but greed and carnage. This organization had long lost its sole original intent and purpose.

"I know we've had our differences but I wouldn't have called you if we didn't need your particular...skills."

With a snap of his fingers, Julia steps forth and presents the bluenette with a big orange envelop. The Russian man cautiously watched the duo-haired female approach him like a python, her eyes cold and calculating; sinister intents brimming her profound green irises. Her perfume over-powering as usual.

"It contains all the info pertinent to your role in the operation and what is required of you," she bats her dark lashes, her voice oozed with magnetism.

Kai mentally deflect her advances, really hadn't missed her at all. He carefully takes the envelop from Julia, their gazes lock one last time before the brunette retrieves back to Hitoshi's side.

"Look it over and create a list of the items you might require from us. Julia will contact you in a few days."

'Fucking joy.'

"I know you rather be somewhere else, so I won't keep you."

Kai nods before turning to the door behind him; wanting to make himself scarce, he desperately wanted to get the hell out.

Hitoshi returns to his leather chair, seating down and lacing his fingers as he reclined on top of his desk against his elbows.

"Kai."

Said male did not turn around as he held the door open, his back facing the other male, not taking another step.

"Remember, this is your family. Don't be a stranger."

He spared a split second to process the intent behind Hitoshi's words, his feet shuffling as quickly as the hurricane of thoughts in his mind. This building, and what it conveyed, was stifling him. He needed to get away, away and free of this oppression. After breaking free through the front doors, he inhales deeply, the bones behind his broad chest crackled as he exhaled. Relieving the stiffness incarnating his body, he continues to move quickly. Not looking back once until he reached his car. He quickly unlocks the vehicle, swinging the door open.

The bluenette plops onto his seat, starting the engine. He gripped the steering wheel, he looks straight ahead over his dashboard.

'Julia will contact you in a few days.'

He grits his teeth, he considers turning his phone off for the next few days.

Once a upon, when they were children, Kai found it endearing when Juila used to follow him around. Puppy love was cute, and had its fair share of merits just at the right times at the right places. But she stopped being cute when she evolved to alluring and dangerous, but it wasn't long until dangerous rapidly altered to sinister and insane and arrogant.

The whole time while they had their 'little meeting', Kai wanted to wipe that smug smirk off her fucking face. Particularly with his fists. Although, he does not condemn in hitting women. To Kai, Julia Fernandez was no woman. She was fucking trash. And he wanted to put her in her place, reminding her who exactly she was glowering at.

"I need a fucking drink."

—

Kai gulps the last bits of the clear burning liquid as he finishes analyzing the schematics, wrapping his head around of what he was going up against. After the first couple pages, it didn't take him long to see why they needed him. Of course, he was just the best.

The job required much finesse; precise planning and flawless execution. He heavily sighs. He sometime wished he wasn't gifted with the skills and talents in particular areas, maybe then would he be allowed to live a normal conventional life. Normal and boring.

He glances down at his watch, it was 8:57pm.

He picks up the bottle of vodka to pour himself another glass only to realize it was finished, he sighs and lifts himself off the couch. He gathers all the documents off the coffee table and shoves them back into its respected envelop, tucking everything underneath the couch.

He'll do it. But he won't be there for it. He mentally makes himself a checklist of the items required and the amount he'll need to pull this off. And after this, he was going to leave Japan forever. Yes, he'll return back to Moscow. Or maybe backpack around the world. Leave no tracks behind.

Resigning to this decision, Kai grabs his phone and a jacket and heads out; no destination in mind. He figures an evening cruise might aid his scattered thoughts.

9:43pm.

The slated-haired man wasn't the least surprised to find himself back in the same pub. Although he had been side-tracked majority of the day, this was his justification to the reason why he came back. However, he would be lying to himself if he'd denied that she hadn't been occupying a small portion of his thoughts all day as well.

He noticed the taproom was already in full swing as another singer performed on stage. He checks the time on his phone. It was still early, he told himself. He wasn't too sure what time Rei started her set, but he knew he arrived a couple of hours earlier than last night.

He leans against the counter behind, drink in hand and foot tapping almost impatiently; anxiously waiting for the first singer to end their piece already.

"You've got some balls coming back here."

Kai perks up at the voice behind, he turns and offers a slight grin at the bartender. "Johnny."

Said male's eyes hardened, "you're lucky I like my job so much, otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to take you to the back and teach you some fucking manners."

The Russian rose a brow in total ignorance, "what the fuck are you going on about?"

"Rei, you asshole!" The redhead practically growls, fuming.

'Shit!' Did Johnny know? If it weren't for the painted azure triangles on his cheeks, the warmth on his face would have certainly been evident.

"I don't know what the fuck you did or said to her last night. But whenever Rei finds someone worthy enough to go home with—which, I fucking warned you about, is a rarity—and doesn't come to work the following day, it's because the guy turned out to be a total douche bag."

"She's not here," understanding clicks in his head.

"No shit, Sherlock. She called in sick earlier, says she needed the night off because she wasn't feeling well." The hotheaded bartender splutters, animosity dwelling in his voice. "Rei is our little gem, and no way in hell am I about to let her get hurt again."

Guilt makes a reappearance on his conscious, Kai removes his arms off the counter to face the man on the other side.

"Now with that being said, you and I are done. Don't show your ugly mug here ever again, otherwise I'll beat the shit out of you. Job be dammed."

Kai slumps his shoulders, he momentarily reaches into his jacket and pays for his untouched beverage. Stumbling out of the pub without sparing another glance or word to the bartender, he shoves his hands into his pockets and decides to head home.

The redheaded man eyed the dual-haired male walk away before returning to his station, tending to customers after speaking his two cent.

Johnny's threats meant nothing to Kai, he knew he could take down said bartender with ease if it came down to it. But to discover Rei had been so affected by their encounter and to go so far as to skip work to avoid the pub. It only made him feel that much worse than he's already felt after the things he told her. And exploding such awful things to her in her own home. Fuck, he really was an asshole.

Now what? He desperately wanted to find her and apologize, but how? He knew he couldn't just show up at her condo, that would be crossing boundaries.

But he needed to see her again.

—

The next night, at exactly the same time, he returned back to the pub.

A girl, nowhere as beautiful or lovely as Rei, took the stage. He suppresses the twinge of fright that Rei may not show up again for the second night in a row. He fixates his focus on the singer to help ease his worry. She was attractive, he supposes, but there was nothing remotely special or interesting about her. She looked like one of the many other lounge singers across Japan. Her vocals also weren't impressive at all. It was decent, yes. But nothing to swoon over. What made it worse was when she would attempt certain notes outside her range, a deaf person could even tell this song was not meant for her voice. Knowing one's limitation was the key to success, but this 'singer' clearly did not know hers.

He impatiently surveys the crowds as he waited for his drink to arrive.

'Please be here,' he chants. 'Please be here tonight, kitten.'

He wanted to see her again—no, he needed to see her again. Not only to apologize and lift this immense repentance that'd weighed his heart since the other night, but because... quite frankly, he just really missed her. There wasn't much to it, he yearned for her touch again. Without even understanding it himself, he just simply couldn't get her out of his mind. He frightened himself of how obsessed he was of her after realizing that he'd jerked off in the shower late last night and again this morning. Her perfect face clouding his memories. He's never been so frustrated by a woman before. And the knowledge that she was not, at least biologically, a woman made his obsession even scarier.

"I thought I told you not come back here, jackass."

Kai turned around, his wine eyes narrowing at the voice behind him. Johnny glowered at him with just as much defiance. Fucking redhead, he wasn't some punk he could scare off with a couple of empty threats. As far as he could tell, they both shared similar builds, it could be anyone's victory. He also remembered the organization he worked for, so Johnny was merely a bug who could be easily swattered.

"You did," he remarks as calmly as he possibly could muster. "But if you recall, I simply left. There was never a mutual agreement of banning me from this place."

This vexed the bartender gravely, the audacity this man possessed was simply unworldly. "Listen here, dips-"

"No dipshit, you listen!" Kai pounds his fists, "you wanna tussle, then let's go! You don't scare me the slightest, but consider the job you claim to love so much, it won't take you very long to become a street rat! And don't forget about everyone here, people are bound to get hurt and it will all be because of your dumbass ego and stupidity!"

Content that he got his point across, the Russian male fixes his composure before he continues. "I know I fucked up royally, but how many of those assholes ever came back? I'm going to assume none, so that should say something about my character."

Johnny halted every part of him that wanted to knock the dual-haired male square in the face, his whiten fists visibly shaking. As much as he would rather jump off a cliff than to agree with the other, he was, in fact, right. None of those men ever came back to the lounge after learning about Rei's little secret. But this man was the first, and as much as he hates him now and probably will only continue to hate, he held a grudging ounce of respect for him for honouring his mistakes.

"Just don't fuck up again," an indignant grumbles slips out the Scottish man's mouth, he slides over Kai's beverage.

Kai smirks in victory at the retrieving male as he claims the first sip of his rum and coke.

The lounge began to slowly dim when the singer had finally finished her song. It was now 11:30pm. Kai picks up his glass and finds himself a table in the further back, still close by the bar but far from the stage. He grows nervous when the entire lounge went pitch black, the oxygen in his lungs froze as he waited in breathless anticipation.

Do you, do you, do you, do you wanna be...

The music finally begins, filling the deafening silence. The light starts to lift again, but only so slightly, the lounge remained dim. He sees three other singers side by side, assuming they were the background vocals. And then at the very right of the pub, a pillar of brighter light shines.

Do me a favor, pick me up, take me out later

And from the first silky note, he knew it was her... his Rei.

His kitten.

Don't worry about no paper
'Cause I got much stacked up for nights like this

Although her accent was evident, her vocals shone and could not be denied by even the heavens above. This surprised him immensely, he didn't expect Rei to know English. While the song she sang was definitely a western number, her voice flowed so flawlessly like the original singer's. Her voice was like sweet, sweet vanilla in this number.

The song started off slow, but had a slight upbeat to it. The chanting and whistling roars from the crowds when Rei finally steps out from behind the folding doors, Kai awes at the sight of her.

She cat-walked to the mic stand in the middle of the stage, a light bounce in her steps; her movements were flirtatious and cute whilst a hand was placed on top of her hip. A playful smile adorning her pretty features.

This saddened Kai to some degree, that smile was probably just a cover-up to mask the pain he inflicted.

Her make-up tonight looked much lighter than the night he first met her. It was a simple glam look that consisted of winged liner and a muted pink lip colour, he could still see her natural beauty behind the sheer coverage. And just as he mused this before, she did not the extra enhancements at all. She was so, so lovely on her own. She had soft curls that were held up high in a ponytail, secured by a white bow; her hair was split into two parts, each section cascading on either shoulders. She wore a white, knee length, flowy dress that hung off her small shoulders, accompanied by white strappy heels. She had on a pair of pearl earrings, matching white rhinestone bracelets and a statement necklace.

God, she looked like an absolute angel. And it was killing him.

My life can get crazy, I deal with shit on the daily
But baby, I'm thinking maybe
We could agree to work it out like this

Rei secures the microphone onto the mic stick, her delicate hands trailed slowly against her mic distractedly, ascending and descending the stand. Two other performers shortly appear onto the stage with her, their movements begin to synchronize. He was swept away, completely captivated when they began their choreographic set.

I need you (you, oh) to give me your time (give me your time)
I need you (you, oh) to not wanna be mine

He then remembers why he wanted to her badly in the first place.

Her hips start to sway side to side to the music, coquettish but yet playful. It was maddening, the things she was doing to him without really doing anything to him. Now regretting not taking her the night they met, he ponders how it would feel to make love to her.

Are you down to be a distraction, baby?
But don't distract me, let me ask you, baby
Do you, do you, do you, do you wanna be
A distraction, baby?
Do you, do you, do you, do you wanna be
(Yeah, yeah)
Are you down to be a distraction, baby?
But don't distract me, let me ask you, baby
Do you, do you, do you, do you wanna be
A distraction, baby?
Do you, do you, do you, do you wanna be

Rei pulls out her mic and heads down the stage. She ventures the among crowd, getting up close and personal with the audience.

I need you to respect it (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Sometimes this shit get me stressing (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
So I need you with me to keep me right and keep me up all night

A few droplets of sweat ran down his temples; anxiousness and excitement churn in his belly, half hoping she would approach his table and half hoping she doesn't. He wanted her to stare deeply into his eyes with those golden orbs of sunshine, bound him under her spell.

We can get faded
This life can make you so jaded
So we can stay shaded just to us and try to get it right, oh

He observes the way she approaches a few of the men in the crowd, there were a few who tried latching onto her wrist as she saunters around the floor.

Kai frowns at this, not liking the idea of other men touching Rei. But he knew he had to abide to his civilized facade, resisting the urge to throw punches. After all, it was all just part of the act, there was no ill will behind any of it...right?

But within that frustrating flash moment, Kai witnessed red.

I need you (you, oh) to give me your time (give me your time)

Rei nestles comfortably on a gentleman's lap, one leg propped on top of the other. Cries and whistles echo throughout the pub. The man firmly laces a strong arm around the raven-haired beauty's little waist, she gazes into their eyes as she sang. She trails gentle fingers underneath the gentleman's chin and jawline as though she was hypnotizing him, and this pushed Kai right to the very fucking edge.

I need you (you, oh) to not wanna be mine

She winks at the star-eyed stranger before sliding off their thighs, the foreign gentleman bidding a farewell kiss on the back of her hand. Rei wanders around the floor some more, her enchanting presence gracing the entire pub. Everyone was in total awe by her elegance and beauty.

Who was he kidding? Perhaps, she wasn't even bothered by the other night... or perhaps, she had already forgotten who he was and the things he said? Was he being a narcissist for believing...maybe, just maybe, she was getting back at him by flirting with the audience?

A gorgeous girl like her? Who the actual fuck was he really kidding? With the snap of her fingers, she could bring any man down on his knees and worship the floor she walks on. She could have any man she wanted. And she... was totally out of his reach now. He heaved a disconsolate sigh, the least he could still do was apologize, right? He contemplates if she would even to want to hear him out at this point.

He recommences to scrutinize her torturous performance. She mingled with both the men and women, engaging with them. A couple of the guys in the crowd twirled her around, her dress spun like a white lace parasol.

He wasn't sure whether he should feel disheartened or relieved that she didn't notice him sitting only a mere metres away from where she entertained. She returns to the stage, her delicious hips swaying to and fro like the night he was invited to her home.

Rei places the mic back on the stand, taking one last breathy rift as the song was close to ending. Her voice hitting all the right notes that just made the song sound even more exquisite than the original track. Now, that was what is expected of an impressive vocal range.

I can't say I give my all
But tonight, I'd risk it all
Woah, woah, woah
Are you down to be...

His lady in red was like a black widow spider; she lured him, seduced him and was now ready to kill him.

The darkness in the pub had finally lifted, the entire lounge was filled with light once again. But even so, try as he might, Kai would not swift his sight anywhere else. His eyes only wanted to look at her, remember her.

Her song had finally ended, Rei takes a gracious bow with her fellow performers and background vocals. Everyone in that room—including the musicians—stood on their feet and vigorously clapped and whistled. Hollering words of amazement and praises. Kai subconsciously found himself clapping as well, certainly not secluding himself from the crowd.

"Thank you so much," oh that chocolate voice...how much he's missed it.

Rei smiled brightly, blowing kisses and waving at everyone. She patiently waited for the audience to settle from her first act before she could continue. "You're so lovely and I'm very happy to see all of you tonight. You could've been anywhere else in the world, but you're here with me and I appreciate that."

The slated-haired man could wholeheartedly agree with everyone in this lounge tonight that he wouldn't have it any other way. He just wanted to see her. The singer's set lasted for about another hour or so. Mesmerized by each and every song she sang and the transition of every melody and beat flowed so beautifully.

12:27pm, it seemed like Rei was almost done her turn in the spotlight.

"You've all been so wonderful, and I thank each and every one of you for coming to see me. My last song for the night is a classic and also my personal favourite, and it's called 'Yours'."

'Mariah Carey fan?' Kai grins, discovering this bit of wholesome information.

You brighten up the moon and stars at night
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours, yours

God, her voice... was an doubtingly one he could never get tired of. It was as though he was watching her again for the first time. Her voice was one anyone could easily fall asleep to, clear any clouds of aversion that one might be under.

The idea was tempting, yes. But it also meant drifting away into the land of dreams, and that was something he simply could not afford slumber on.

At last, Rei's set came to an end. The entire crowd rose in a standing ovation, clapping and cheering for her amazing performance. Rei thanked everyone once again and her pink lips curling with a gracious smile. She bid everyone a goodnight and a "see you all soon", and then shortly ambling off the stage without looking back.

The Russian attentively watches her retrieving back. When her figure finally vanished from his view, he grabs his barely touched drink and heads back to the bar.

He notices soft jazz music playing in the background. Although people were still ordering food and drinks, the pub was mellowing down.

Kai took a seat, coincidentally on the same stool he sat on when he first set foot in this place. He observes Johnny tending to the other customers from the croner of his eye. He drums his fingers against the wooden counter, swirling his drink.

He unconsciously waited. Hoping the pretty kitten would waltz by the bar and have a drink before she left like the other night.

His leg was restless, his foot tapping against the floor was becoming unbearable. He wanted to see her, say sorry... and maybe start again? He could only dream so much. Would a girl like her even hand out second chances to certified assholes like him? That was unlikely, but it wouldn't hurt to try either.

"Are we doing alright here, sir?" He perks up from his whirling trance to the smiling waitress over the bar.

He nods his head, "would you happen to know where Rei might be?" Jesus, he sounded pathetic.

The girl giggles knowingly, "you just missed her, sugar. She left right after her set."

'Fucking shit!'

Kai instantly jumps off the stool and nods curtly at the waitress, rummaging for some money; he leaves a generous tip and abandons his untouched drink. He races through the front doors, hoping to catch her before she got into a taxi. A defeating feeling stirs in the pit of his gut, half knowing she was probably already gone. He pries around the streets, but much to his woes, she was no where to be seen.

He bolts through an alley that led to the back, but it was empty. Just like he'd known it would be.

"Dammit."

—

The following night, Kai sojourned vigilant.

Indulging in another flawless, enchanting performance, his sight never once left her. Every movement she made, his eyes would follow. However, still remaining within a legal range, he didn't want to come off as a creep. Even though, he pretty much felt like one.

She just wouldn't exit his mind. Even if their next encounter meant being the last time, he needed her to know that he was so, so sorry.

Rei looked effortless as always, tonight she wore a sequin rose gold cocktail dress with white pumps. Her make-up appearing even sheerer than yesterday, but she looked so amazing regardless. She was amazing.

As soon as she headed off stage, Kai got off his stool and made his way to the vanity rooms.

Unfortunately, two bouncers stood guarded by the performers' dressing rooms. Seeing how he was already spotted, he went out to the back and waited for her there.

Nearly waiting for two hours, he lets out a frustrated growl. He'd really anticipated that he'd would able to catch her emerging through those doors, but kismet struck him out for the second night in a row. He decided to walk the way home, figuring it would bring some sort of clarity to him.

When had he lost his mind?

—

On what felt like the fifth night of chasing his lady in red, in the same pub, he sat at the same bar on the same stool. Nursing his seventh beer...or perhaps his eighth beer? He lost count.

Although she had another set tonight, he couldn't watch her. He couldn't indulgent another one of her performances. Her beauty ached his eyes and her soulful voice tore his soul.

Knowing that he wouldn't get the chance to speak to her, only depressed him even further. At this point, he considered if showing up at her condo unannounced was his only option. Was he prepared to engage at that level of stalking? He would like think that it wouldn't come to that, but the latter choice looked rather slim now.

"Why don't you give up?" Johnny asked, genuinely curious. As an animal lover, the guy looked like a kicked puppy; he couldn't help but feel a sliver of empathy for him.

"Can't," he mutters miserably, taking another swing of his beer.

Perhaps, this man actually harboured feelings for Rei? Although, they've only met once. And from his understanding, their encounter did not end very well. For the life of him, the redheaded bartender could not wrap it around his head. So maybe...?

"How come?"

"I just can't."

Johnny shook his head in complete pity for Kai, evacuating to leave the man to drown in their own thoughts.

Kai gulps a mouthful of the tepid beer. He ordered the pub's darkest draft, he figured the stronger alcohol content would be enough to numb him. No longer tasting anything anymore, the fuzzy beverage slides down his throat effortlessly. He curses his high tolerance underneath his breath.

He really needed something to numb the pain, goddammit.

He then remembers the glass bottle of white wine he got from a trip to the Philippines. It was around 65% alcohol based. He'd been saving for occasions like this; the last time being three months ago when he had burnt that man alive. He couldn't sleep for four days, and the wine came in handy to cure his insomnia.

"Scotch on the rocks, Johnny."

That voice...

Kai—very, very slowly—twisted his head in the direction of where it came from, he feared that if he looked the voice would disappear.

Oh... she looked so beautiful. Even more so now that he's witnessing her again up close for the first time since that faithful night.

"Long night, kitten?" Johnny asks, just like the other night. He slides over Rei her drink.

"You know it," Rei flashes a toothy grin, relishing her first sip.

Kai could see a pearly fang just barely poking out from the curve of her pink lips. He hastily looks away, hunching himself to appear discreet. God he felt so stupid. What was he supposed to say to her? This was his chance to make things right and here he was; flabbergasted, tongue-tied and nervous all at the same time.

He knew he couldn't just launched an apology on the first breath. But he also knew if he tried to strike up a conversation, she would only think of the insensitive insolence, and then most likely slap him—very hard—across his face and walk away.

Still, he couldn't let this opportunity slip through his fingers. She was right there and he couldn't lose her again. Mustering all the courage he could, he stumbles off his stool and carefully approaches her.

"Rei?"

Said beauty briefly glances over her shoulder and immediately froze at who called her, her drink halts halfway to her mouth when she recognizes who it was.

Kai gulps thickly, he could see the familiarity flicker within her golden eyes... and a flicker of something else.

"Rei, I...-"

Breaking free from what felt like a spell, Rei quickly downs her scotch and gathers her trench coat and clutch, hastily walking away from the slated-haired man.

He started reaching out for her, about to go after her when a restraining hand grabs his arm. He hurls a furious glare at Johnny, but said Scottish man wasn't going to have any of it.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he warns sternly.

Kai shook off the male's hand off, "but I have to talk to her."

"Look, I get it. But causing a commotion is only going to get you thrown out of here, or possibly banned for life. And putting your hands on her? Not a smart move, Rei is...shall I say, treasured around here. Everybody adores her, there are even people who come from far and wide just to hear her sing. If you touch her without invitation or any way she doesn't like, you might as well castrate yourself."

The Russian man slumps back onto his stool, overwhelmed with ultimate defeat and devastation that his potentially one and last chance have passed.

A small frown tugs the bartender's mouth slightly, "if it's meant to be, it's meant to be."

"I'll see you tomorrow," Kai slaps a wad of money onto the counter and walks out of the pub, unsuccessful yet again.

—

Last night he thought thoroughly of what he was going to say to her, that was if he got the chance. From the time he left his condo and stepped into the pub, he was fairly confident he was going to make things right again. That is until Rei's set was about to begin.

11:30pm on the dot, he waited to see his pretty kitty. But there was no sign of Rei anywhere, instead another singer had taken the stage.

Anxiousness stirs in his belly, he quickly turns to Johnny behind the counter. "Is Rei sick again?"

Oh no, was seeing him again frighten her from coming into work tonight? ...or perhaps, did Rei go home with another man last night? Had it ended up like their first night? Envy blooms in his chest, he did not care if it looked obvious, he wasn't going to suppress his jealousy.

Johnny rose a brow, he decides to humour himself. "Why, would that bother you? Please say yes."

"Just answer the damn question."

The redhead chuckles, "no she isn't sick. Rei occasionally takes gigs at other places, that is if the money's right. This place had her booked a few weeks ago if I recall."

"Why the fuck didn't you bring this up last night?" Kai practically growls.

"Must've slipped my mind."

"Asshole," he grumbles, "what time does she start?"

"Midnight, I would imagine."

The slated-haired male nods, lifting himself off the stool. "Where's the place called? I should be able to make it in time."

Johnny bevels his head over his shoulder, "now why should I tell you anything?"

Kai took a minute to comprise his eyes almost painfully before reclining over the counter, "in case you haven't realized by now, you and I are practically friends now. So in the nature of our 'friendship', why don't you help a brother out?"

This interested the bartender, he knew it probably bruised the other man's ego to ask for help. Nonetheless, he rose a thick brow intriguingly.

"I'll even make you a promise, if I strike out tonight, I won't show my face here ever again."

"Ever?" Johnny gasps in disbelief.

"Just for a week."

"Hmm... a break from your ugly mug for a week actually sounds fucking fantastic. Fine, it's called The Phoenix's Dungeon. You heard of it?"

Heard of it? His organization owned it, he even had a personal investment in that place. But he needn't share that snippet of information. Kai merely nods, he quickly finishes his drink in one single swing before paying and bolting right out.

12:02am.

The Phoenix's Dungeon was another realm away from Rei's diverse inviting environment. It was located at the opposite ends of the town, removed from the red-light district a few years ago.

Both pubs shared similarities. However the Phoenix's Dungeon was an upscale to the Red, it was a members only type of setting. This did not mean that seedy, shady bankrupt activities still didn't occur among the folks who loiter the taproom. Everything just came at a higher price. Whatever a client wanted, so long as they could afford it, the client was sure to have it.

Kai considered himself lucky tonight; none of the members from the 'brotherhood' were there. The last thing he needed was for them to think he was coming back. He loomed his deep red eyes across the smoke filled room, watchful but discreet. His main and only objective was his precious lady in red, and hurtling Rei in the midst of any potential crossfire would only draw more gossip among the folks.

Everyone here was nowhere innocent by any means. For all he knows, Hitoshi probably hired someone to shadow him this whole week.

He grabbed a seat in the back, shy from the lights and overwhelming stench of Cuban cigars, expensive musk and narcissism.

The piano man abruptly alters the jazzy soft melodies, tapping the white and black keys to a more aggressive rapid tune. A pillar of light shines from the left side of the stage.

And there she was, all dressed in black.

Rei had her hair down tonight; sleek and straight, her long bangs framing her heart-shaped face so perfectly. She was clad in a thigh length black trench coat, the belt accentuating her little waist; making her hourglass figure more profound. She wore knee length heel boots, teasing just a few inches of smooth wonderful skin. Her makeup looked even more sultrier than when he first saw her; looking at her now was as though he staring at her alter ego. She painted her lips with a luscious dark mauve lip shade.

She looked like trouble, and Kai was drawn like a moth.

I book myself tables
At all the best restaurants, then eat alone

He eyed her slowly make her way down the spiral stairway, her steps calculating and elegant. Her long slender fingers curled around the microphone securely, her other hand ghostly dragging against the banister.

I buy myself fast cars
Just so I can drive them real fuckin' slow

Rei looked out over the crowd, her golden gaze was hard and intense. It almost made him shudder.

Her height shortly descends when she finally reaches the foot of the stairs, she begins her way around the taproom floor. She wounds around the tables of men who were enchanted by her, and only her.

I like my own company
Company, I don't need it
I'm not always cold
I'm just good on my own, so good on my own

The man notices that there were no women among the crowd, it was a complete cock zone. Men folk all alike, dressed in tailored expensive suits, Italian silk shirts and leather shoes, eyed her hungrily as she made her rounds.

I've always been told, one day, I'll find
Somebody who changes my mind
If they come along, I won't think twice

Every so often, she would halt by a random table and drag her long fingers across a gentleman's cheeks and down their chest. To which the gentlemen would take her hand and place a kiss on it afterwards.

This drove Kai mad.

'Cause I already got a good thing with me
Yeah, I already got everything I need
The best things in life are already mine
Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me
'Cause I already got a good thing with me
Yeah, I already done everything I dream
I'm good by myself, don't need no one else
Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me
'Cause I already got a good thing

His appearance at the Phoenix's Dungeon was no coincidence, she had to have known he was persuading her by now. Especially with last night's run in, he knew that she knew he was going to try find her again.

Although Johnny had stated her appearance at the pub tonight was booked weeks prior before they even met, he wondered if she was singing this particular song to him. If she had last minute rehearsed these lyrics, knowing that he will come here tonight to see her again.

'I've become a fucking masochist, what the fuck.' Kai found himself grinning like a idiot for the first time in a long time. What has become of him?

I make myself up
Just to dance in the mirror when I'm at home
I pose and take pictures
Then send them to people that I don't know
I like getting compliments
Complements how I'm feeling, oh
I'm not always selfish
Just bad at romance, it's not in my bones

As the raven-haired beauty wound her way on the floor, she inches closer and closer to him. Excitement and trepidation churn in his gut, butterflies flutter vigorously in his belly, his heart pounding so quickly. It was happening all too fast.

When she was a mere few feet away, he straightens his back, eyes hardening. She spun in his direction, their gazes finally meet.

Her voice wavered ever so slightly, but she was a professional. He highly doubted that anyone noticed, they were all too busy gawking at her. Whatever spell she wove them under. 'Bastards,' he tightens his fists. He had expected her to avoid him and move along, but to his surprise she drew in closer. As though she was challenging him, he stared deeply into those lovely eyes.

I've always been told, one day, I'll find
Somebody who changes my mind

Rei brought a hand towards him, just the tips of her long nails pressed against his cheeks. When Kai made no move to haul away from her touch, he leaned into her soft caress; in turn, she was cupping his handsome face, thumb against his strong jawline.

If they come along, I won't think twice

He stared right into her hesitant gaze, deep red eyes were vigilant and held a longing to be touched by her once again. He gingerly held her hand, pressing their hands together against his painted cheek.

Rei's eyes were guarded, it was though she was trying to comprehend the kind of sick twisted facade he was fronting right now. Remembering that she was still in the midst of performing, she quickly withdrew herself from him and ambled to the gentleman at the neighbouring table.

He only inwardly sigh when her retrieving back met his sight, she was now fondling with another man. Visibly torturing him. This time, he knew she was getting back at him. And this pissed off Kai.

He had to remind himself where he was, it would be utterly foolish of him to forget. He wasn't just another customer, he never knew the types of connections people who came to Phoenix's Dungeon have. And the last thing he ever wanted was to bring those terrors to Rei's doorstep.

'Cause I already got a good thing with me (Good thing with me)
Yeah, I already got everything I need (Everything I need)
The best things in life are already mine
Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me
'Cause I already got a good thing with me (Good thing with me)
Yeah, I already done everything I dream (Everything I dream)
I'm good by myself, don't need no one else
Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me
'Cause I already got a good thing

Her song has finally reached at its end. He slid off his chair and went to the bar, applauds and praises roaring behind him. He ventures to the end of the bar, a spot that was dim and discreet. He figured this was the safest place for them to finally talk, he only hoped that she will come by for her complimentary drink.

Another singer had taken the mic. He assumed she was only booked for one act, seeing how talented she was. It would just be overtime for her to entertain the men here any longer.

"Are you stalking me, Mr. Kai?"

Kai swallowed the bitter contents in mouth before looking over at his side. He was met with an annoyed looking kitty-cat, her arms crossed over her non-existing bosom and her hip poking to the side. She glared up at him, those radiating eyes fuming behind dark lashes.

He smiled a genuine smile, her looking mad was sort of endearing. He couldn't help himself, but he also knew this was not the time to fuck around. This was his one and last shot to make things right between the two of them.

"I prefer to think of it as going the extra mile."

Rei rose a delicate brow, she decided to take the seat beside him. The bartender then passes her her beverage, she stirred the rum and coke with the straw before taking a sip. She then looks at him, giving him all her attention.

Instead of looking at her, he looked straight ahead at the multi-coloured bottles of wines and liquors.

"Rei, listen I-"

"Johnny told me you've been coming to the Red the entire week."

Kai was flabbergasted, "you mean you knew?" He refrain himself from sounding surprised.

She nods. She held her gaze low; unable to look at him, her body shrunk as she idly stirs her drink with the black plastic straw.

"Rei, I'm so-"

"What do you want from me?" She abruptly asks, her voice was so small and frail.

God, he felt like such a bastard, what has he made of this girl?

"You," he says in a solemn voice. He twists his body to face her, he wanted to yank her into his embrace, hold her tightly until the pain she felt dissipates. "Just you."

She glances up over at him, her expression displayed signs of wariness. The memories of the other night raced through their minds, he could tell by her grim front the pain he cast and cruel words he spoke, the deep tear that was bandaged by distractions ripped open again. He sincerely hoped that she didn't think he was trying rubbing salt onto those wounds.

"How do I know you won't run away again?"

Kai captures her delicate hand, pressing his lips onto the soft supple skin.

"I won't," he says with finality, looking right at her.

He tenderly smiles when Rei gingerly draws her hand back, a light blush colouring her cheeks. It was endearing to see her react the way she did.

Kai was known for being a control freak. And if her mind was anything like his right, it was war zone of chaos. He wasn't sure what he was about to embark on, but he knew that he wanted her. Just her. After a week of going absolute crazy over her haunting face and voice and touch. He needed her. But he also knew she would taking a risk if she decided to give him a second chance.

"Okay..." she agrees gently.

He knew nothing could take this away from him now. Relief, euphoria, excitement, anxiousness all roused in him at once.

"Wait here, let me just-"

"No stay here," he ceases her from getting off her seat. "Finish your drink and then go change, I'll wait for you by the door."

Rei frowns, her brows furrowing into that cute little 'x' he's learnt to adore.

"Why, ashamed to be seen with me?"

"More like the other way around," he winks. He gets off the stool without a second glance, he sensed the curiosity radiating off her. But he continued to walk off before she could voice it.

—