JUNJOU ROMANTICA / SEKAI-ICHI HATSUKOI
Chapter Twelve – And the Truth Awaits (Part One)
Something about this chapter:
There are parts of this chapter that also appear in the companion fic Parallels – Other Realms and Parallels – The Tangled Web We Weave. It took me a long time to figure out where I should place these particular parts because they're anchors for readers to know the villains.
After much mulling over, I decided that it would be best for story flow to put them in all three fics. This is the best way that I can think of to best serve these stories so that they can remain stand-alones for those who just wish to follow one fic, and provide a reference for flow for readers who read this fic as well as the accompanying "Parallels" side fics.
Thanks for your patience.
Author's Note:
Any Love 365 (Voltage) fans here? Anyway, since fanfiction dot net limits authors in choosing two categories for crossover stories, and for purposes of keeping the story clear, this will happen in this crossover fic:
You'll see Love 365 / Voltage characters appearing in this fic starting this chapter. The fandom, places, and the characters as well as Voltage Inc., of course, will be given proper credit in the Disclaimer section of the chapter that the Love 365 fandom would appear in. The characters and places will appear more as cameos rather as part of the main or supporting characters of the crossover fic. Their appearances will help move the story along, especially since their respective "universe" easily merge with that of Junjou Romantica and Sekai-Ichi Hatsukoi.
What Love 365 / Voltage fandom characters will appear in this fanfic? These Love 365 / Voltage characters belong from these fandoms:
Kissed by the Baddest Bidder
Masquerade Kiss
True Love, Sweet Lies
Romance MD: Always on Call
Metro PD: Close to You
Her Love on the Force
My Sweet Bodyguard
Kings of Paradise
Scandal in the Spotlight
Seduced in the Sleepless City
Irresistible Mistakes
The following mini-fics are entitled Parallels, with each "Parallels" mini-fic exploring a specific angle that is indirectly tied with the story. Consider it as a "behind the scenes" fic which also serve as a stand-alone fic. This is done so that these side tales don't interrupt with the story flow yet gives readers who want to know more a deeper insight to what is going on.
Those who just want to focus on the main crossover fic and not read the mini-fics will enjoy the tale. You don't have to read the side-tales, and you are not missing anything by not reading them because the main crossover fic and each mini-fic are stand-alones.
Those who wish to read side-tales of how things came about behind the scenes, the mini-fics are for you. The side stories are there to show you that the encounters in this fic are not "chance encounters."
If there are Love 365 / Voltage cameos, they will be posted under the Disclaimer section of each chapter. To those who have reached out to me via e-mail or PM, thank you for your support. I'm glad that you're enjoying reading this fic as well as the mini-fics as much as I am writing them.
Let me know through reviews as well as to what you think. I'd love to hear from you that way, too!
Happy reading and enjoy!
Best regards,
PJ Zatken
Disclaimer for Voltage Inc. / Love 365 Cameo Appearances in this Chapter
Masquerade Kiss and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Kazuomi Shido, Kei Soejima, Yuzuru Shiba).
Kings of Paradise and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Yosuke Sagara, Kiyohito Shirakami, and Representative Sakuto Amatsukasa).
Metro PD: Close to You and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Tokyo MPD, Nomura Tadanobu, Kirisawa Hiroshi, Himuro Masashi, Minase Tomomi, Kyobashi Katsuyuki, Sakamaki)
Romance MD: Always On-Call and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage Inc. (Matsunaga Eiichi, Takado Munechika, Kasumi Toshiki). Seimei University Hospital appears as a venue in this series as well as Metro PD: Close to You and Her Love in the Force.
Scandal in the Spotlight and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Nagito Aoshima, Revance)
Seduced in the Sleepless City and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Satsuki Kitaoji, Trevor Konno, Ryoichi Hirose, Yuzuki Kitaoji, Noel Aijima, Chihaya Koda, Mirai Kageyama, Hibiki Shina, Urban Casino and Resort)
My Sweet Bodyguard and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Subaru Ichiyagani, Hideki Ishigami, Prime Minister Hiraizumi). Subaru Ichiyanagi and Hideki Ishigami also appears in Her Love in the Force.
Timeline: Morning, August 7 (three days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Raven Resorts Tokyo – Shido Kazuomi's Private Office
Isaka Ryuichiro's Point of View (POV)
After Em and I talked briefly last night shortly after her hospital visit at Seimei University Hospital, she asked to meet with all of us.
I gathered everyone who Em had requested to see: Ishino Michael, Onodera Akifumi, Usami Fuyuhiko, my lover Asahina Kaoru, and my father Isaka Sana.
Since the patriarchs as well as Asahina and I had our usual morning golf game scheduled today, I requested if Em could meet with us at 7:00 AM. Luckily, she accommodated our proposed and rather ungodly meeting time.
What intrigued me about today was Em's words to me from last night:
Akihiko-sensei, Ritsu-san, and AJ should also hear everything.
However, I want to hear what our patriarchs have to say first.
So please, Isaka-san…make sure that everyone will be there tomorrow morning.
A middle-aged woman who introduced herself as Shido Kazuomi's secretary escorted us to the private elevator and towards the large conference room. I'd say that I've been impressed since I stepped in Raven Resorts Tokyo, and that I'm getting more impressed as time progressed.
I'd also say that my companions were impressed as well over our opulent surroundings.
The secretary opened the large door and announced, "Miss Emrys, your guests have arrived."
Em turned to face the secretary, her smile kind towards the older woman. "Thank you, Miss Miyuki. We'll be fine."
The secretary, Miss Miyuki, gave everyone inside the conference room a respectful bow before she turned to leave the room…closing the door behind her.
Em stood by the large window that gave a spectacular view of metropolitan Tokyo from many floors up as well as the beginning of clear blue skies. She was stylishly dressed for business with a white long-sleeved silk broadcloth blouse, navy blue pencil skirt, matching heels …Italian-made most probably, and the jewelry set which she told me was an heirloom she inherited from her parents when they died. Her elegant look was even more polished with her long dark hair being neatly kept in a French bun. I spotted a matching navy blue blazer neatly draped on the main chair.
Em faced us with a genial smile, bowing to us and then told us once the respectful greeting was done, "Breakfast is served. Let's all help ourselves."
A promised and freshly-prepared buffet breakfast for all of us had been laid out…the inviting fragrance of sweet and savory food as well as coffee and tea wafted in the air. I couldn't help but grin since I spotted croissants, brioche, grilled salmon, hash browns, eggs benedict, omelets, and chopped fruit – seven of my favorite breakfast items during my stay at Emrys Manor. I normally favored a Japanese-style breakfast, but my time in England got me spoiled in enjoying a different type of breakfast. I'm sure that she had a hand in selecting what we're eating for breakfast today.
We all noticed that each of the seven chairs – the head table, four on the right, and three on the left – had a folder prepared for the one who would be occupying the seat.
I noticed that Em just gave each of us a genial nod – a more generous and respectful smile given to me, and a far more formal yet reserved demeanor towards Michael-san…most probably due to yesterday's incident, particularly on how he asked her to leave.
With a smile, Asahina asked Em as he and I observed the meager contents of her plate, "Just fruit and grilled salmon, Em-chan? You normally eat a heartier breakfast."
Em nodded with a small chuckle. "Only with good company… I have good company right now, but I have another appointment afterwards which also involves food…so I'm giving myself some room for later."
As we took our places at the table, Em said in a light-hearted manner, "Let's give ourselves 20 minutes to have some breakfast together. After that, we'll continue our meal while looking at the contents of the folder before you. I promise to send you to your golf game on time."
Our elders chuckled, and so everyone took part of getting a plate and filling it with food.
As we all ate, Em, Asahina, and I casually chatted about her days off which started yesterday and would continue a week after her last concert and after-party. Actually, they weren't really days off for her since it would mean that she'd be focusing on other endeavors including the matter that I've asked for her help.
Meanwhile, our elders had their own conversation going…the four teasing each other and placing their usual friendly bets on who'd be winning today's golf game.
Once we all had some fill of food and the allotted 20 minutes had passed, Em then told us, "Please review each item inside the folder before you. When you're done, please look towards me and we'll talk once everyone's ready."
I opened the folder and studied each item carefully, my eyes opening wide here and there. At times, a grim mood overcame me. My heart clenched painfully.
I also glanced towards Asahina, who also had the same feeling of disbelief striking him…subtle and only known to him and me, but very much there.
What I saw were four pictures of Representative Okada Sekai and Onodera-san, the two together during seemingly happier and much younger days. There were four other pictures of the two men, this time they were joined by Usami-san, Michael-san, and my father. Last but not the least, there were four more pictures…this time, their group had a woman who posed all the time beside Michael-san. Judging by the photos, these were taken during their university days.
I imagine that each folder had identical contents, even though I bore witness to different reactions from everyone around me.
Em, on the other hand, maintained her poker face…her eyes scanning the table and assessing the emotions of everyone around her.
A total of 12 pictures capturing the past. As harmless and happy as these pictures looked, they somehow invoked this inexplicable feeling of dread inside me… Why was the very person who had been harassing and threatening all of us now appear in these pictures?
And I stared at my father for answers, yet he kept his eyes away from me even knowing that I had my gaze focused on him. I scanned the table in hopes that someone would answer the silent question that hung in the air…but none of our four elders offered to say something.
Michael-san eventually asked, "Em…what's the meaning of this? Where did you get these pictures?"
Em was calm when she glossed over Michael-san's question and instead said, "I've asked all of you to tell me everything there is to know about Okada." She then tapped her hand on the folder in front of her with such displeasure, adding, "But this…all of these pictures... Can you gentlemen please tell Ryuichiro-san and me the whole truth behind these pictures?"
I could feel tension and anxiety rising up from Usami-san's direction. My father and Michael-san had grim dispositions. Onodera-san, just like the others, kept his silence but there was a veil of melancholy saturating his being. I was on tenterhooks while Asahina kept mum.
"Okada's never been someone I'd like to associate with. These pictures, though, show a far different person than the one I encountered when AJ, Troy, and I were kids." Em's voice became fuller with intent as she added while her fingers drummed on the folder in front of her once more to prove her point, "Something happened that changed Okada from the man in these photos to the monster he is now. Please tell us everything that you know."
"We don't owe you an explanation," snapped Michael-san, his eyes narrowing.
Em's eyes narrowed as well as she countered, "I beg to disagree. You all owe it to your children to be forthright. They're all paying the price for whatever happened in the past. Troy's paying the price, too."
"You didn't hear me, Em. We don't owe you or anyone an explanation," spat Michael-san, this time his palm slamming on the table.
"I heard you loud and clear, Ishino-san. You're the one who didn't hear me and quickly forgets." Em has a quiet yet defiant smirk escape from her lips. Her eyes, however, reflected such sadness…pain…even if her voice didn't betray her feelings. "I refuse to stand around while Okada preys on everyone. I most especially refuse to have other people pay the price of the past with their own blood because you four refuse to admit and reveal the skeletons in your closets."
"I don't know why you want to dredge up the past, Em…" said Usami-san, doing his best to remain calm although his quiet anger was evident. "It won't bring good to any of us."
"Many have already suffered – starting from and most especially your son, Usami-san." Em shook her head and then leaned back against her chair. "Okada is dangerous, and his reach is far and deep. He won't stop until he gets what he wants and much more. And the mere fact that Madeline Harvey is in these pictures and in your shared past makes it more my business."
Em then looked at Michael-san's way. "You had all this time from weeks ago to tell me everything when you sent Ryuichiro-san to England. So why didn't you tell me that she and Okada have known each other before? Why didn't you tell me that you four and Okada were once good friends?"
I dared ask Em, "Who's Madeline Harvey?"
"Ishino-san's ex-wife… AJ's mother…" said Em before Michael-san could utter a word, her gaze not leaving me as my eyes went wide with the revelation. "Okada wasn't the only one who preyed on AJ when he was a kid. The very first ones who did it were Madeline Harvey and Derek Anson. She made a Faustian deal using AJ's soul when he was still a baby. Ever since she and Ishino-san divorced and up to this very day, she holds a grudge against Ishino-san and most especially AJ. And now I know that Madeline and Okada used to belong in your inner circle, this just makes what Okada did and has been doing sicker than hell!"
Everyone's eyes went wide…
I murmured, "It doesn't make sense. Why would a mother endanger her own child?"
"Because not all parents love their children the way that they're supposed to be treasured or loved…" Em then studied my expression, adding, "Just to be clear, Ryuichiro-san… When I said that Madeline Harvey made a Faustian deal and bartered AJ's soul, I mean it in the literal sense. Her success and wealth come from that deal, with Derek more than happy to lead her to it. She wasn't a lost or deceived lamb. She knew exactly what she wanted to do, and she didn't care about the price."
Em glanced at Michael-san for a moment, and then rested her eyes back on me. "When she became pregnant, she wanted the baby – AJ – to be aborted. Ishino-san refused. She had him choose between AJ or her. He chose AJ. They argued heavily because of it. He was eventually relieved when she kept the pregnancy. Soon after she gave birth, she left him and AJ. She went back to America and became Derek's lover. I found out years later from my travels that she bartered AJ's soul, which was why she didn't have the abortion. On top of that, I found out that she started having an affair with Derek while she was still married to Ishino-san. She's still angry with Ishino-san for choosing AJ over her. She could care less what happens to AJ while he's alive. I wouldn't be surprised if she peddled AJ to Okada. And based on how Okada's been relentless with all of you, I'd say that she's not done tormenting the family she turned her back from."
"I'm sorry, Em… I just don't believe in the supernatural. I also don't believe in bartering your soul to a demon, and enriching yourself out of the deal. But I do agree with you about Madeline's dismissive nature during that time and her abandoning both Michael and AJ," my Dad commented with a serious expression in his face, the fingers of his right hand drumming in front of him.
Em's tone was kinder towards my father. I guess it had to do with my father being normally soft spoken and respectful towards everyone, no matter what age. "Isaka-san… I understand your sentiments. Anything supernatural is considered intangible. However, the maliciousness and the harm she sent towards Ishino-san's and AJ's way is tangible. The same goes with Okada. You may not believe in Faustian deals or demons, but Madeline peddling AJ's soul like a peace of meat speaks volumes. The threats on each of us and as a whole are real. They must be taken seriously."
And I could see Michael-san becoming tenser, giving Em an angry glare that demanded for her to stop. I then see Em continue to sit calmly at the head of the table while the others show signs of greater discomfort.
"Why is Okada so hell-bent in his attacks against you four?" Seeing signs that no one was willing to offer an explanation, Em doubled down and added, "let us know who we're truly up against. If not, Okada will make sure that each of you will lose everything…and that includes your kin."
When Usami-san was about to retort, Michael-san put his hand up as if he was requesting…begging…for Usami-san to remain silent. Usami-san was surprised as to how muted Michael-san was after Em's words.
There was such unnerving silence in the meeting room…
Em, who remained calmed and unaffected, broke the ice of silence by saying, "I need…would appreciate…everyone's help. I can thoroughly protect everyone if I know everything that I should protect everyone from. So please…"
After a long period of silence, Onodera-san said, "Em…. Please forgive us. Michael, Fuyuhiko, and Sana were just doing their best to protect me."
Em's gaze focused on Onodera-san. Extending the same kind tone that she did with my father, she asked Onodera-san, "Protect you from what, Sir?"
Onodera-san let out a heavy sigh, his features more melancholic than before. "Okada was more than a good friend in the past..."
Onodera-san gazed at Em, Asahina, and me…his gentle face reflecting his heart's desire to be understood with the truth that he was about to share with us.
Em sounded more relaxed, reassuring Onodera-san as she gave him a small yet empathetic smile, "I've not one who casts judgment against others, Onodera-san. I should know better, being that I've been greatly misjudged myself far too often. I'd like to hear the truth from you, please. We all need to fully understand what we're up against."
After giving a nod to Em, Onodera-san explained, "Okada Sekai comes from a family of politicians. And as you know, Onodera Shuppan has been passed on from generation to generation. He and I first met in middle school. He was one year ahead of me. We got closer when he became my math tutor a few months after we first met. We immediately became good friends. Months later, we became lovers. Michael, Fuyuhiko, and Sana knew about my relationship with Sekai a few months after he and I started dating."
I saw Onodera-san's eyes scan the table, and then he continued, "Those pictures in the folder were taken during our university days. Michael and Madeline weren't married yet. Sekai and I were still very much in love with each other. Fuyuhiko was dating Akihiko's mother. It was an idyllic time. Things changed for all of us, though, on Sekai's third year in university. My parents arranged for me to marry the daughter of their closest friends. Sekai's parents made the same arrangements for him. Sekai married his fiancée Junko on the last months leading to his graduation. They had their first child, Aoi, before their first wedding anniversary. Their second child, Danuja, came a year afterwards. Fuyuhiko and I married our respective fiancées a couple of months after Sekai got wed. Michael married Madeline shortly afterwards. Michael and Fuyuhiko married out of love. Sekai and I married due to obligation and family legacy."
Onodera-san continued as he gazed at the picture where he and Okada were together in the library, "Sekai and I were sad when we got married. We were dutiful sons, but deep down we wished for a different fate. He and I continued to see each other under the guise of friends. Our marriages proved to us that we're bisexual. Our bodies never cheated on our wives, but our hearts did. Over time, he became more possessive. He wanted more. Although he loved his wife Junko and his two children, there came a point that he wanted to resume the physical intimacy of our relationship. As tempted as I was, I refused. Just like him, I loved my wife and only child. I told him that we shouldn't be intimate because two families would suffer – his and mine. I made it clear to him that he and I should stay where we were in terms of our relationship…that we could continue to love and honor each other without the physical intimacy."
After reaching for his glass of water, drinking from it, and setting it down, Onodera-san resumed once he let out a long melancholic sigh, "Sekai agreed, much to his sadness and mine. And so we resumed our platonic relationship. Although Madeline left Michael and AJ, our inner circle remained intact. Even after we had our children, we continued to remain friends."
Em asked, "But…?"
Onodera-san blinked, his eyes still looking sad. "There's no but… We all remained friends years after that… Sekai started drifting off from us when…"
"Around the time that AJ was 8 years old," interjected Michael-san as he tried to recall the past.
Finally, Em commented, "Onodera-san… I know that you've told me everything there is to know. Something, however, is still missing from this story."
"I've told you what I know, Em," replied Onodera-san with a gentle expression veiled on his face. "Frankly, I'm surprised…hurt…that Sekai's threatening Ritsu and me. He was the one who withdrew from our circle. The last time we've truly spoken face-to-face was shortly before he withdrew from our friendship. It was during his wife's funeral service. He and I were still on good terms then. However, a couple of days after her funeral, he refused to meet with anyone from the inner circle but me. Eventually, he began avoiding me. Ever since then, he changed the way he interacted with me."
"Mrs. Okada died from an aneurysm…right?"
"If I remember correctly…yes, she did."
"How old was Ritsu-san when Okada Junko died, Onodera-san?"
"He was 11…"
"And there's a seven-year age difference between Akihiko-sensei and Ritsu-san…"
After she received a nod from Onodera-san for his response, Em frowned a bit. "Akihito-sensei was seven 25 years ago…his age when Okada first molested him. Yuzu was seven – two years before the incident at Arakawa Bridge. Kaz was 8 – approximately two years before his family lost everything and he became a child of the streets. Kei was 10 – approximately two years before he was saved from the church and the abuse. Hiroshi was 4. Ritsu-san was just born. Okada Danuja was also just born and Aoi was a year old. So Okada must've known Trent around that time or before then…."
The elders were puzzled with Em's seeming silence, but I continued hearing her near whispered words, "Mrs. Okada's death was 14 years ago. AJ was eight at the time… Akihiko-sensei and Yuzu were 18. Kaz was 19. Kei was 21. Hiroshi was 15. Ritsu-san was 11. Okada Danuja was 11 and Aoi was 12 when they lost their mother."
Em then went deeper in thought, her murmurings only loud enough for me to hear, "Miyamoto Hiroshi and his parents died 20 years ago – a seven-year gap between the incident and Mrs. Okada's death. Akihiko-sensei and Yuzu were 12. Kaz was 13. Kei was 15. Hiroshi was 9. Ritsu-san was 5. Danuja was 5 and Aoi was 6."
Michael-san's forehead creased from hearing Em's mumbled words. "I beg your pardon …?"
Em straightened up and scanned the table, holding the attendees captive with the long silence. Finally, she said, "If there was anyone who should've been targeted first and most severely, that would've been Ritsu-san because of Okada's relationship with Onodera-san. Ritsu-san was also the most accessible one to Okada. The second person should've been AJ, given that Madeline's most probably behind this. He tried to get his paws on AJ, but he failed."
Em then transfixed her gaze on Usami-san as she thought out loud, "But why was Akihiko-sensei the one who suffered the most in the past? Right now, he's the one who has been most targeted and harassed, too. So why…?"
"Why what?" asked Usami-san.
Em turned around the question by sounding casual as she inquired, "Why was Okada so intent before, and most especially up to now, when it comes to Akihiko-sensei? Did something happen between you and Okada that you'd like to share with us, Usami-san?"
Looking grim, Usami-san responded, "I don't know…"
Em then quietly asked, "For the sake of saving face, Sir…would you like to change your answer?"
I saw Usami-san's eyes narrow once more, his gaze ever-piercing as he replied to Em, "I said that I don't know."
After a long period of silence, Em let out a subtle sigh and then leaned forward. She lightly rested her chin against her steepled fingers. "Usami-san… Do you know that people, in general, have what they call a 'tell'? Do you want to know what your 'tell' reveals to me?"
Usami-san's eyebrow rose. He frowned a bit along with the others, with them trying to figure out what Em was trying to say.
"You, Usami-san, have just lied to everyone." Em closed her eyes and then shook her head. Once again, she let out a sigh. After she rested her gaze once more on Usami-san, she said, "So what truth are you keeping from us – especially from your three best friends?"
Usami-san remained silent…
"Are you going to wait until another person gets hurt…until Akihiko-sensei gets hurt once more this time around?" asked said Em in a collected tone, her gaze on Usami-san not wavering. "Or are those stakes not enough and you're waiting for another person to die because of this tragedy?"
Still, Usami-san remained quiet…
Keeping her focus on her subject, Em inquired, "As subtle as it is, why do you flinch every time Okada Junko's name gets mentioned, Usami-san?"
"I…" Usami-san then took in a deep breath, the look of agony veiled over his face. "Akihiko just turned 18 at the time. He declared that he didn't want anything to do with the Usami Group…that he wanted to carve his own place in the world. He and I heavily argued that night. At first, I thought that he was afraid of the responsibility…of failing…because he was such a quiet and sensitive person since he was a child."
Usami-san then lifted his head and looked Em in the eye. Since I saw on Em's left-hand side, I saw the intense emotions brewing inside him through those eyes of his. And so he continued explaining to her…to us… "And so I brought up to him that he has a lot of support around him. He reacted when Okada's name got mentioned. He snapped at me. That was when I found out that Okada molested him when he was a child and continually insinuated that Okada wanted to resume their intimacy. Before he left our family home and vowed that he would never live there ever again, he said that being in the family messed him up…invited so much ill… He said that he'd be leaving to find himself on all counts – and the last thing that he wanted to do was to reach out to one of my friends, especially Okada, because that meant reaffirming that his body and soul were for sale."
God, I had to close my eyes from hearing this revelation from Usami-san. My good friend Haruhiko – Akihiko's older half-brother – did not know anything about this because he would've mentioned this to me if he had known. My mind's eye could picture how Akihiko looked and sounded like on the night that he moved out from the family mansion.
The others…the rest of my Dad's friends…were quiet as well. Em, Asahina, and I continued to look at Usami-san…
Then Usami-san continued, "I was so angry over what I've found out. The following day, I visited Okada's house. I made it a point that Okada wasn't home and that Junko was by herself. I told her about what her husband did to my son. She didn't know what to say. She kept apologizing to me. I refused to accept it. I told her that I will bring justice to what happened to Akihiko. I insinuated that there would most probably be other victims…innocent children… I left the house knowing that she was beside herself…distraught…drowning in tears…"
Em stirred from her seat and murmured, "Okada Junko died the following day, didn't she?"
Usami-san nodded. "Had I known that I've triggered…driven her to extreme stress… If I had known about her condition, I would've not pressed too hard. I should've seen Okada first since he was the offender. But I didn't. I wanted to hurt and humiliate him as much as Akihiko had been in his hands. My anger got the best of me. I figured at the time that his wife was the best avenue. Ever since she died, I've regretted what I did. I did what I could to seek justice for what happened to Akihiko and to make sure that it was done quietly for the sake of their two sons…but Okada's network was very good. He threatened that if I continue, he'd make Akihiko pay dearly for it."
"And what happened next?" I asked.
"I didn't pursue it anymore. Akihiko didn't want me to pursue it. He wanted to live quietly…as far away as possible…from Okada and all of this… I still remember the anxiety in his eyes that day." Usami-san shook his head, his features grim. "But I don't know why Okada's doing it again. It's been more than a decade. As much as it sickens me to this very day, I haven't done anything because Akihiko requested me to leave it alone."
"Usami-san…" murmured Em, becoming tight-lipped as she took in a deep breath… "That wasn't the first time you told Mrs. Okada about Representative Okada's proclivities, am I right?
"Good gods, Em, what more do you want from me?" cried out Usami-san, adding, "I've told you the truth already!"
"What do I want, Usami-san…?" Em repeated, keeping her iron-clad stance. "I want the entire truth – that's what I want. So I repeat the question: that wasn't the first time you told Mrs. Okada about Representative Okada's bisexuality…am I correct?"
Usami-san nodded, much to everyone's shock but Em's. He explained, "I didn't tell Junko about who Okada was linked to, but I did confirm to her that he had bisexual leanings. She came across things that didn't look innocent such as gifts given to a man, but it had trappings of them being given in a more romantic light. However, I did assure her that he loved her and their children and that she shouldn't be afraid of her place in his life and heart. That conversation took place before their second child's first birthday."
Em murmured, "I figured as much…."
My cell phone then rang. When I glanced to see who was calling me and saw that it was Seimei University Hospital, I excused myself for a minute. But when I was about to rise from my chair, Em's cell phone rang.
Em said in a near whisper as she checked her caller ID, "The hospital…" She then looked at our elders and at Asahina, saying, "Please excuse me. I need to take this phone call…"
Em and I rose from our seats, going to opposite ends of the spacious conference room for privacy.
I said, "Yes, this is Isaka…."
Sounding professional as usual yet there was a distinct lightness to his tone as we speak, he said, "Mister Isaka… This is Doctor Takado. Mister Mino has just woken up from his coma. We'll be running additional tests on him to see if everything's okay with him. He's free to see visitors. He's been looking for his son."
I couldn't help but smile. I needed to hear this! "That's great news, Doctor! Thank you! I'll bring Yamato. I know how much they've missed each other."
"We'll see you soon, then, Mister Isaka…"
Once Doctor Takado and I ended our call, I march back to my seat.
Moments later, Em joined us.
"Thank you, gentlemen," Em told everyone with a small smile. "I'll continue to see what we can do with the threat that's upon us. If I have any questions, I'll ask you. I hope we can continue to be thoroughly truthful with each other."
Em then turned to Usami-san and Onodera-san, saying, "And thank you most especially to both of you. I know that what you've just told me wasn't easy to say."
"Asahina and I will join you shortly," I told the elders, who knew to take my words as a cue to give Em and me privacy. I was expecting for Michael-san to linger around and talk to her considering what happened yesterday, but he didn't.
Em sighed once the door closed behind us, relaxing herself when it was just the three of us.
"Now that was brave," I murmured to Em in a semi-joking manner.
"It would've been easier if I didn't know them," Em admitted, letting out a burdened sigh. "It's like pulling teeth."
"Could've fooled us," I chuckled a bit while Asahina allowed a small smile to escape from his lips.
"There are still angles that I need to explore. I'll let you know what I dig up. I'll be busy with the concert and other matters, including things related to the joint venture that I'll be handling solo."
Asahina replied to Em, "Whatever assistance you need, Em-chan, please let us know."
Em smiled her first warmest smile since our meeting started. "Will do…and likewise." She then sat against the edge of the table, adding, "And please let me know everything that's happening. I was upset last night when I found out from other sources that almost all of you were nearly attacked. No one in our circle called to let me know."
"I apologize. I'll do better," said Asahina, putting his hand over his heart and bowing a bit towards her.
"Raise your head, Asahina-san..." Em then smiled graciously. "You were injured as well on top of being sick. It was a crazy day yesterday. Today's another day. So let's make today a better day than yesterday."
Asahina and I nodded.
As we bade goodbye to each other, Asahina and I exchanged hugs with Em. The three of us then left the conference room to join the others who were patiently waiting outside.
Em extended her courtesy by walking with us all the way to the lobby. Her eye caught sight of two people she knew – a handsome, dark-haired man accompanied with a light-haired and equally good-looking man with a male model's stature. It made me wonder on why the two men seemed to be peeking at the sight behind a panel of well-cared plants.
Em held back a smirk as she told us, "I have matters to catch up on right now. Thank you for coming, everyone…."
I noticed Em and Michael-san exchange a subtle nod before she turned to Asahina and me. She hugged Asahina once more, and then me….with her telling both of us, "Please stay safe…"
We all waved farewell to Em, with Asahina and me noticing that she was now walking towards the two handsome men…her confident strides light judging by how her heels clacked against the marbled floor…with her most probably intending to say "hi" to them and catch up on old times.
Timeline: August 7 (three days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Raven Resorts Tokyo – Shido Kazuomi's Penthouse
Soejima Kei's Point of View (POV)
The meeting attendees didn't know that while Em was meeting with them, Kazuomi, Yuzu, and I were listening and watching the proceedings in Kazuomi's living room.
Yuzu, as usual, was equipped with a laptop and doing research related to the meeting as we three saw fit.
Through clues that Em left us through her "thinking out loud" moments, Yuzu hacked into the Tokyo Medical Examiner Office's server to access any and all information pertaining to Okada Junko's death as well as all parties involved – starting with the hospital records which reported her death on arrival. What we found mysterious was the presence of MPD records which reported a "courtesy visit" to the Okada Family the day after Mrs. Okada's death. There were suspicious "holes" to what we've seen or don't see from the hacked records.
Em then joined us at the penthouse. We three shared with her our findings, which prompted her to call Detective Kyobashi from MPD. Calling him in a secured line but placing the call on speaker phone, she asked him, "Katsuyuki, I need a favor from you. Can you ask for Doctor Sakamaki's help? Please look for Okada Junko's autopsy reports, especially one that doesn't say that she died from an aneurysm. Also please pull out any ancillary reports pertaining to investigations to her death – no matter how innocent it seemed to be. Once you get it, text message me saying 'I have it.' I'll call you on a secured line."
"All right …" replied Detective Kyobashi.
Once Em was done with her phone call, the four of us had our discussion about the unlikely visitors downstairs –Sagara Yosuke, Shirakami Kiyohito, and Representative Amatsukasa Sakuto. Kazuomi asked her, "So what's your assessment? Your next steps…?"
"There's more to the story, although the four of them already shared as much as what they know," was Em's reply to Kazuomi.
"Captain Ishigami and Captain Ichiyanagi did the pick up hours ago. They'll take care of the rest, they said," Yuzu reported, talking about a specific gadget he initially created and Em re-engineered in the past…the two planning to put a handful of them to good use for tonight's event.
"Good…" said Em with a small smile.
"Do you suspect foul play on Okada Junko's death?" Yuzu inquired, looking grim. Seeing his face, I could tell that he was probably having thoughts about how his parents really died at Arakawa Bridge.
Em was looking concerned, letting out a deep sigh. "I doubt that she truly died from an aneurysm. Just a gut feeling…"
"We feel the same way. That's why Yuzu dug up what he could," I commented as I shifted in my seat. "But do you think Okada killed his wife?"
Em looked thoughtful as she replied, "For now, I'm not suspecting that. Even though he and Onodera-san kept their love going after their marriages, there was no physical consummation of that love once they were married. It seemed that he truly loved his wife and children. Although I do have a strong hunch that there'll be an autopsy showing something other than aneurysm. If she died at the hospital for an aneurysm, the medical records would show that and reflect it on the death certificate. So why did her file ever go to the medical examiner's? Why was there even a 'courtesy visit' from the police? If my hunch is right, Mrs. Okada's death might be one motive on why he's being relentless with harassing our four patriarchs."
Yuzu rose from his seat and so did I, with Yuzu saying, "I have to head to the office. I want to continue clearing three days' worth of work." He had his customary smirk…a flirtatious one…thrown Em's way as he added, "I want my attention as undivided as possible for our time together."
Em gratefully beamed at Yuzu.
I then added, gazing at Kazuomi, "And I'll get back to my pad. So Kazuomi…my work-related date with Em starts at noon today and will end at noon tomorrow. Let's take care of her suitcase after our meeting downstairs with the Prime Minister. That'll give you two more time to catch up on rest…even take a short nap."
"Why don't we all travel together to the gala? You, of course, will be Em's primary escort tonight," Kazuomi proposed to me.
I then looked at Em with a smile, "And I'll see you at noon downstairs…large conference room. We have a gala and a sleepover at my pad tonight. Kazuomi and Yuzu are more than welcome to hang out with us before and after the gala."
"And I know you're particular about your luggage, Em…so I'll help you with your things and walk with you over to Kei's place," Kazuomi told Em, in which I noticed her grant him a generous smile.
Em gave me a grin and a nod, readily accepting the kiss that I planted on her cheek as well as the one that came from Yuzu. She told us, "You two take care and have a good day. And I'll see you very soon, Kei."
Kazuomi and Em then waved goodbye to Yuzu and me.
Once Yuzu and I were on the elevator, we exchanged glances followed by Yuzu commenting what I surmised to be true, "Who would've known that Kazuomi had that much restraint?"
"So you noticed, too… They must've set boundaries for themselves and they stuck with them."
Yuzu nodded a bit. "I've noticed it since last night, but I'm not discouraged. How about you?
And I echoed back to Yuzu with a wry smirk escaping from my lips, "Who would've known, huh…? And no…what I see doesn't faze me at all."
Timeline: August 7 (three days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Ijuiin Kyo's Apartment
Yanase Yuu's Point of View (POV)
Stirring from a long night's sleep and then after pleasantly stretching, I eventually opened my eyes and stared at the not-so-familiar ceiling. My still sleep-hazed mind tried to recall as to where exactly am I.
I closed my eyes once more as my nose caught the calming scent, my hands now being aware of the owner of the comforting warmth that lay next to me.
Ijuiin-sensei… Kyo…
As I kept my eyes closed, my mind's eye began recalling the first night that Kyo and I had together…
Drinks and snacks along with the heart-to-heart talk… With me confiding with Kyo regarding Chiaki, and with him telling me about Misaki… With us disclosing to each other on why Usami-sensei was extremely uptight when it came to him and Hatori was perpetually on-guard when it came to me. This wasn't the first time that we have discussed our failed loves over drinks, but it was the first time that we've put actual names to our descriptions of people after what happened yesterday during our meeting. The two of us spent a good, long while reconciling our feelings and acknowledging the hurt we've experienced from harboring unrequited feelings for another person.
Things are now different for and between us, though. Kyo made that perfectly clear yesterday starting from the time that he gave me the key to his apartment. He didn't fail to remind me and establish to everyone as to what my role is in his life, and what place he has given me in his heart.
And as afraid as I am… As afraid as Kyo is, too…. I'm accepting the place that he has given me in his life, and at the same time be willing to give him all that is me as well. We both admitted to each other our fears, but we agreed to take it at our pace.
Our pace took us to the bedroom last night, with matters between us becoming too heated. Kyo's touch and physical expressions of affection…I wanted more of it, yet I panicked. True to his promise, though, we expressed our affection and intimacy with each other but not going through it all the way – allowing for each other's release yet not claiming each other all the way through.
And after all of it…in the afterglow of the spiked desire we had for each other, Kyo and I spent the entire night in each other's arms.
This wasn't the first time that I've slept in Kyo's apartment, and this was the second time I've slept in his bed…yet this was the first time that we've slept together in the same bed knowing who we are to each other – and that, in itself, feels exhilarating and scary at the same time.
I can't help but smile, though, as I now see the face of the one sleeping next to me. Kyo protected me with his words when Hatori was glaring at me. Shortly afterwards, all of us worked together in protecting each other from those men who attacked us in the parking lot.
Today's a day off for both Kyo and me. It's a long-deserved break after meeting the multiple deadlines we had to face together as a team. Judging by yesterday's meeting, the two of us have definitely more to tackle. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if he and I would continue brainstorming ideas for this next project that we have to do for the joint venture.
Although still asleep, Kyo reached out and drew me closer to him…our naked bodies flushing against each other once more, bringing heat coursing through my body and a flush that I strongly feel on my cheeks. My eyes stayed on him, thinking or anticipating for him to open his eyes but he didn't…half of me relieved from embarrassment, and half of me wishing to have our eyes meet so that I could greet him good morning.
"You're going to bore a hole through me, you know…"
I was caught off-guard for a moment, smiling and answering back in an equal near-whisper, "Good morning, Kyo…"
"Good morning, Yuu …" murmured a still-sleepy Kyo as he drew me even closer to him.
I feel the flush in my face return with a vengeance. As embarrassment tried to claim me…making me want to hide under a rock…I told Kyo, "I'm sorry…"
Gazing at me with still-dreamy eyes, Kyo asked, "Sorry..? About what…?"
"About last night…"
"Last night was wonderful…. What are you talking about?"
Seeing that smile of Kyo's even made me feel more inhibited. "We… I…. Because of me, we didn't go all the way… I'm sorry…"
Kyo gave me the warmest and kindest of smiles, the fingers of his right hand caring through my hair as we lay and faced each other side by side. He then guided my head closer so that he could plant an affectionate kiss on my forehead, followed by having his right hand cup my cheek. "One step at a time, Yuu… This…how we are right now…is where we should be. There's no rulebook or recipe to follow on where a couple should be once they start dating. This is what we're both ready for… We had a wonderful evening last night. We've gotten to know each other even better and became closer. Today, we have the markings of a good day off – something we each haven't had for ages, moreover together. So that makes today an even better day. We can sleep in or just hang out talking in bed…just like this. So please don't apologize. There's nothing to apologize for…"
"Kyo…."
Kyo and I drew closer to each other, the two of us indulging in chaste kisses. Eventually, the kisses became bolder as the heat between us grew higher and more unmanageable. Soon, we find our hands exploring each other's body…this time, making bolder efforts than last night as moans and the sound of our respective breathing reached each other's ears.
The moments that followed led us to continuing where Kyo and I have left off as the kisses between us communicated our hunger and want for each other. My body heated up substantially, my heart racing while my mind spun from the sensations…wanting and craving more from him.
End of Chapter Twelve
Disclaimer
All the wonderful characters for Sekai-Ichi Hatsukoi and Junjou Romantica are owned by their wonderful author Shungiku Nakamura. In the series (whether it be manga, anime, light novel, or drama CD), Ritsu's Dad is unnamed, and little is known about him, and so I gave him a name for the purposes of this fic – Akifumi Onodera.
Based on the manga countdown from Takano Masamune's December 24th birthday, there would be 224 days left until Ritsu's Love Declaration Countdown (the end of the manga said that there were 222 days left, but Takano's birthday fell two days before that countdown number, so it's 224). Taking that number, Ritsu's Love Declaration Countdown date would be August 5 (not taking into consideration Leap Year)…lol… So for the purposes of this fic, August 5 is Ritsu Onodera's Love Declaration Day as well as the anniversary date for Takano and Onodera becoming a couple.
Anything pertaining to Voltage Games otome series such as Metro PD: Close to You, Romance MD: Always on Call, as well as their others series including their lovable characters are the property of Love 365 / Voltage Games.
The original characters Andrew James (AJ) Ishino, Tsuuri Troy, Michael Ishino, Representative Sekai Okada, Aoi Okada, Danuja (Dan) Okada, Madeline Harvey, Derek Anson, and Alexandra Emrys and any other original characters are properties of PJ Zatken.