KC Representative
Yugi sighed in frustration as he glared at his grandfather's old tool kit. He had no idea how to use any of the tools or what any of their uses were. He scratched his head and looked at the floor of the game shop. It was completely covered in unassembled tables, chairs, and glass cases.
He didn't consider himself a handy person, so he didn't know what went through his mind when he decided not to pay extra for professional assembly.
I'm broke, that's what went through my mind, he thought with a long sigh.
He rolled his eyes when he felt his phone buzz repeatedly in his pocket. Taking out his phone, answered the call moodily.
"Yes?" He grumbled, taking his seat on the floor in the middle of the mess of furniture.
"You were supposed to send me a picture of the set up last night, Yugi," Kaiba's voice on the other line was demanding.
"I stayed open late last night at your request, Kaiba. We had a lot of last minute registrations. I have limited space so I very well can't have furniture everywhere while there are customers in the store." Yugi explained through clenched teeth, making his anger more than apparent.
"You told Mokuba that you received the furniture last week and that's why you were too busy to return his phone call. Are you telling me between last week and today, which is the day of the tournament, you've made no attempt to set up?" Kaiba matched Yugi's tone, fed up with the former duelist's attitude and lack of planning.
Yugi sighed and rubbed his temple with his free hand. "Listen Kaiba, I'm by myself over here. I promise you that everything will be set up before this evening—"
"Oh, it will. I've just sent a Kaiba Corp Representative to the game shop to help you finish everything." Kaiba interrupted, sick of Yugi's irresponsibility.
"There's no need, Kaiba. I can do it myself!" Yugi retorted bluntly. The last thing he needed was to see Atem again.
"If that were true, it would have been done by now. And also, make sure you actually let her inside. Atem said he went over to help you last week and you told him to leave." Kaiba said, becoming impatient and bored of the phone call.
Yugi's heart leapt out of his chest. "Oh, he told you that?" He asked slowly. "What else did he tell you?"
Kaiba clicked his teeth. "That's all he said. Is there something I should know?" He asked, suddenly suspicious of the true nature of Yugi and Atem's current friendship.
"No." Yugi clipped, hanging up before he could even think about how shady his answer was.
He threw his phone to the other side of the room and groaned, ruffling his already messy hair. At least he isn't sending Atem… he thought, thankful that he wouldn't have to explain himself just yet.
He hadn't stopped thinking about how awful he was to the ex-pharaoh when he had stopped by last week. It wasn't like Yugi to be rude and defensive but lately he'd felt like no one understood him.
Yugi jumped when he heard a knock at the door. He stood up and trudged over to the store entrance.
There's no way the company rep is already here, is there? He mused, looking through the closed blinds and seeing a very beautiful young woman waiting patiently outside the door. Sighing, he unlocked it, getting ready to tell the teenager to come back during store hours.
"Hi there, um, we're closed right now. Come back at-"
The young woman interrupted him with a light chuckle. Her wild, triple-helix curled hair was stunning as she smiled and bowed respectfully, giving him an eyeful of her cleavage.
"Good Morning, Mutou-san. My name is Salem. I'm the representative sent by Kaiba Corp." She said confidently, straightening up and adjusting her white skin tight dress.
Yugi stared at her, dumbfounded. This little girl was the representative? There was no way. He snapped out of his thoughts and gazed at her apologetically. "I'm sorry to press the issue, but do you have a business card?" He hated asking for proof but he couldn't be too careful.
He knew how it would look, having an underage girl come into the game shop before store hours. He was already in debt, he didn't want to be in jail too.
Salem smiled and wordlessly unclasped a matching white clutch to fish out a very familiar blue and white business card. She held the card in between her index and middle finger, holding it out for Yugi.
Yugi studied her skilled fingers and perfectly manicured nails, immediately feeling hatred and jealousy. How did this child get a job at one of the most prestigious companies in Japan? He managed to maintain a friendly expression as he took the card and read over it:
Salem Wolf
Temporary KC Representative and Personal Confidante of Mr. Seto Kaiba
He furrowed his brow in confusion as he tried to make heads or tails of Salem's strange title. Temporary? Personal confidante? What did this mean?
"Temporary?" Was all he could say, stupidly staring at Salem's calm face.
Salem nodded and placed her clutch under her arm. "I'm only here to help with the chess tournament. Kaiba-sama thought I was the right person for the job as I'm within the same age range as the competitors," she explained, looking around Yugi and into the disaster area that was the game shop.
"I see I've got my work cut out for me," she mocked playfully. "May I come in now? I'd like to get started," her voice was smooth and comforting.
Yugi sighed and gestured for her to step inside. He closed and locked the door behind her, catching himself starting at her taute figure. He slapped himself mentally and felt even worse when he spoke his next words.
"So, how old are you?" He blurted out, wanting to drop dead from his own forwardness.
Salem tucked a silky tendril behind her ear and lowered herself to the ground to take on the first glass cabinet. She set her clutch on the register counter and sat with her knees together, knowingly opening the tool kit and expertly choosing the correct tools for the job.
Yugi awkwardly walked over to Salem and sat across from her, gazing at her small waist and large bust. He realized that sure, she had the body of a grown woman, but her face gave away her age immediately.
His heart skipped several beats when he got caught in Salem's amber gaze.
Oh no. How long had he been blatantly starting?
"See something you like?" Salem asked casually, tightening the first screw on the glass case.
Yugi shook his head violently, completely embarrassed. He scratched the back of his head and lowered his gaze to his pants. His cheeks reddened and his ears became incredibly hot.
Standing up and bowing rapidly, he exclaimed,"I'm so sorry! Oh my goodness! I need to change!" Realizing he was still in his pajamas, he darted out of the shop area and up the stairs, leaving Salem downstairs with the mess.
Yugi showered quickly, making sure to put on deodorant and to brush his teeth. He got dressed in a pair and light colored jeans, a lavender button down shirt, and a dark purple vest. He glared at himself in the mirror as he styled his hair.
Hopefully I don't embarrass myself this evening. I need to look like some semblance of an adult, he reprimanded himself. He had just met the girl, but he had already shown that he can't meet deadlines, he isn't handy, and is a bad host.
Host.
Yugi kicked himself mentallly, realized that he'd left a guest in his home alone without any tea or even water. He ran back downstairs to the shop, his jaw dropping at the clear floor and completely organized space.
"H-How? I was only gone for-"
"Fifteen minutes," Salem interrupted, dabbing a small patch of sweat from her brow with a small pink handkerchief.
Yugi gazed at Salem and at the beautifully displayed prizes and tables. He stepped further into the space and saw that the curly-haired teen had even wiped down every piece of furniture and even took the extra time to set out each chess set.
He crossed his arms over his waist, hugging himself to make himself feel better. He's never felt more insecure and emasculated in his entire life. And, it was his own fault.
"I'm sorry to ask, but may I have a glass of water?" Salem bowed courteously, and straightened herself up when she heard Yugi fumbling around in the kitchen.
Yugi sighed sadly. Not wanting to give his guest tap water, he opted for a room temperature bottle of water from the pantry. He turned to walk back into the shop area, yelping when he met with Salem's big, bright eyes.
He set his lips in a tight line and handed her the water. What makes her think she can just walk back into my home like this? He asked himself, becoming more furious at Salem's reaction to the warm water bottle.
Salem smiled genuinely. "Is something wrong?" She asked, twisting off the cap and taking a small sip.
Yugi glared at the floor, not caring how he looked when he said, "Sorry it's not whatever kind of sparkling water you're used to. My fridge is broken."
Salem blinked at Yugi in confusion. "What does my water preference have to do with your fridge being broken? I asked for some water and you gave me some. I don't see the issue," she said maturely.
Yugi squeezed his arm in anger. Why did he feel this way? He felt like he was somehow being disrespected or scolded in his own home.
Salem looked at Yugi and then at the fridge. "You know, I could fix your fridge for you. You don't have air conditioning so it may be a good idea to have cold beverages for the competitors," she explained, her voice was soft and understanding.
Yugi pursed his lips and forced a smile. "Thank you. That would be great," he said through clenched teeth. It's not like he had much of a choice.
Salem smiled and took out her phone. "While I fix your fridge, send me the registration list. I want to double check the numbers since you didn't send those to Kaiba-sama either," she commanded, turning on the kitchen light and opening the door to the fridge.
Yugi was fuming. This little girl had no respect for him whatsoever. He acquiesced and air dropped the documents to her phone.
"Thank you, Mutou-san." She studied the list on her phone while simultaneously fiddling with the now torn apart fridge.
Yugi furrowed his brow. When the hell did she take that apart? He thought, watching her face go from calm to cold.
"Mutou-san, you can't fit this many people in here. It's a safety hazard," Salem said, ceasing her infernal tinkering.
Yugi put his hand on his hips and glared down at her. "That's how many people entered. I couldn't turn them down," he protested firmly.
Salem shook her head. "Yes, you could. I understand you need that many people to make profit, but if you violate safety standards, you could be faced with a fine and even get Kaiba Corp involved in a lawsuit since they've openly partnered on this project," she explained, standing up from her knelt position.
Yugi rolled his eyes and crossed his arms defensively. "And what would you know about any of that? You're a child," he spat, closing the distance between them.
Salem gazed into Yugi's lavender orbs and smirked cheekily. "That didn't stop you from eye fucking me, did it? You men, all the same," she said, grabbing the collar of Yugi's shirt roughly.
"Let me tell you something, Mutou-san," Salem said, pulling Yugi even closer, "I'm not your enemy. I want to help you. If you'll let me," she whispered into Yugi's ear, earning an anxious shiver from the ex-duelist.
Yugi's eyes widened as Salem pulled away, the floral scent of her conditioner lingering on his clothes. He stared at Salem seriously, seeing that the young woman was genuine, he lowered his guard.
He sighed and leaned against the kitchen counter. He rubbed his temples slowly, regretting his agreement to this project. "Do whatever you need to do to make things run smoothly. I just—I just—" he covered his mouth when he let out a pathetic sob.
Oh no.
He was crying. From stress.
Yugi paused when he felt a warm hand on his arm. He turned to look at Salem who was smiling in understanding.
"I know Kaiba-sama is not the easiest to work with, but I'm here to help you, Yugi-san," she said, resuming the emergency surgery on Yugi's wrecked fridge.
Yugi gazed up at the ceiling and chuckled. "I need so much help," he sniffled, the tears in his eyes making it more difficult to see.
"You know, I'm not officially employed through Kaiba corp. I just happened to be Kaiba-sama's most competent friend right now so I do him small favors here and there," she explained, putting Yugi's fridge back together and plugging it in.
Salem opened the fridge door and cheered happily when the light came on and cold air flowed outward. "Success!" She hummed brightly and turned her attention to Yugi's confused, tear-stained face.
Yugi sniffled and laughed. "I'm a grown man and I should know how to fix things...but I don't," he mumbled, shaking his head in disgust at himself.
Salem took one of Yugi's hands in both of hers. "Yugi-san, not everyone knows how to fix a fridge. Not everyone is the King of Games, either. We're all different," she started, pulling Yugi back out into the shop area.
"To answer your earlier question, I'm eighteen. And, I've been great at fixing things since I was very small," she finished, leaning against one of the freshly set up tables.
Yugi crossed his arms over his waist to calm himself down. "You're so great at this that you caught Kaiba's attention," he said, vaguely remembering that Atem said something about a 'girl' staying at Kaiba house.
"What exactly is your relationship with Kaiba?" He asked, slowly realizing Atem's situation. Yugi slapped himself mentally, hoping that Atem ended up in a warm room away from Kaiba's toxic behavior.
"Hmm. Well, I guess by traditional standards, I would be his intended," she explained walking over to the checkout counter and rummaging around in her clutch purse.
Yugi's throat closed and the floor dipped in front of him. What did she say? Salem's Kaiba's intended? For marriage?
"U-um, I'm sorry to keep prying but I have to know. I mean, you're such a sweet girl—uh—young lady. How did you get involved—"
"He contacted me about a year ago. He praised my achievements and my IQ. How could he not, my parents are important people and they bragged about me at every party, every meeting...hah…" her eyes softened as she took out her phone, seeing a new text message from Kaiba.
Yugi's stomach churned in disgust. A year ago. Salem's eighteen. It's not any better but maybe she's about to turn a year older. Kaiba-kun can't be that depraved! He convinced himself, not realizing his hands were shaking as he adjusted his shirt.
"Oh, a year ago?" Yugi questioned, not knowing how to ask if she was of age back then.
Salem nodded absentmindedly, focusing on her response to her "boyfriend". "Yes, it was actually around this time last year. I remember because it was a couple of months after my seventeenth birthday and the goofball made a big deal about missing out on such a milestone," she put her phone back in her purse and tossed her hair over her shoulder.
Yugi's knees felt weak and his head was throbbing. He couldn't believe this! Kaiba was dating and intending to marry a woman—a girl that was half his age. And, Atem. He knew this whole time and stayed silent?
He cleared his throat in an attempt to hide his disappointment and smiled weakly at Salem. "You know, with everything set up like this, I'm just now realizing how boring it looks in here," he started, feigning his sudden interest in the game shop's lack of decor.
Salem tilted her head but then returned Yugi's smile. "I wasn't going to say anything but I do agree. If you'll let me, I'd love to go pick up some things to make the space more lively?" She asked, bowing respectfully.
Yugi nodded. "There are some posters and a banner I can put up while you're out. Thank you so much for your help, Wolf-san," he hoped his acting wasn't too over the top but he needed her out of the game shop for a little while.
He had a bone to pick with a certain former King.
Salem blushed and headed toward the front door, slipping her designer red-bottom pumps onto her feet. "I'll be back soon," she put her hand on the door knob and turned to Yugi one last time, "You know, when you relax a little, you're actually quite pleasant to be around," with that she left, closing the door softly behind her.
Yugi glared at the door and took out his phone. When I relax? What the hell is that supposed to mean? He fumed, opening his line app and tapping on Atem's name.
Atem groaned and turned over onto his side, wondering who could be messaging him so early in the morning. He sleepily palmed around the bed for his phone, sitting up slowly to read the message.
He blinked the exhaustion out of his eyes and his heart did backflips in his chest. It was a message from Yugi!
Aibou! Maybe he wants to apologize for last week?! He thought excitedly reading the message.
Aibouuu: Hi.
…
…
Aibouuu: Are you coming to the chess tournament this evening?
Atem studied the message carefully. He wondered if maybe someone got a hold of Yugi's phone and was playing a prank. He knew Yugi to be a more friendly communicator.
I guess he hasn't been too friendly recently… He mused, remembering that he and Yugi were currently in some sort of disagreement.
He carefully formed his reply:
Atem: Aibou! I'm really happy to hear from you!
…
Atem: I know you probably don't want me invading your space, but it is my job to be there this evening.
Atem sighed and leaned back against his headboard, gazing up at the ceiling in thought. He just wanted his friendship with Yugi to go back to normal. He didn't think sharing that intimate experience would ruin their current relationship.
The sex isn't what ruined it, Yugi using me and refusing to take responsibility and apologize is what ruined it. Atem reminisced angrily.
He couldn't understand why Yugi was pushing him away. He couldn't think of anything that he's done that would make Yugi so...mean.
Atem snapped back to his phone when it buzzed violently.
Aibouuu: Actually, I'm glad that you'll be here this evening.
Atem's eyes widened and his heart thudded loudly in his chest. Was this real?
…
Aibouuu: Would actually mind staying after the tournament is over?
…
Aibouuu: After everyone is gone? There's something I want to talk to you about.
Atem was practically jumping on his bed with joy. Aibou wants to resolve things! He excitedly hopped out of bed, responding to Yugi's message quickly.
Atem: I don't mind at all!
…
..
Atem: I'll stay as long as you want, Aibou.
..
…
Aibouuu: K.
…
Aibouuu: See you tonight.
Atem cheered loudly, not caring that he was dancing around in his underwear like a teenage girl. He was ecstatic. Things were finally going well! He sighed happily and gazed around his newly, hastily rented luxury apartment.
He started to clean up around his room and the common areas. Maybe Aibou will want to come see my place after. I don't want to look sloppy! He thought, running back into his bedroom and plopping down on the firm mattress.
"My situation is finally looking up."
Thank you for reading! This was a longer chapter so I hope you enjoyed it!
Edited by: prettiugli
