restart my heart chapter 5 : Akihito learns some consequences.
Kirishima was writing up a report about OCD when his phone rang. It was reception, letting him know that Asami's guests had arrived and were waiting in the grand lobby for their meeting. Kirishima told the receptionist to make them comfortable, then walked over to Asami's office to let him know.
Since his dinner last night with Takaba, he could see Asami had changed. He seemed in a better mood than than he had for a long time, and Kirishima was pretty sure he knew the cause. Akihito always had an effect on Asami's moods. Being with Takaba made him volatile: Asami would brutally kill because Akihito was hurt or had been threatened, or else he would be in a far more forgiving mood because of, Kirishima assumed, a recent round of sex with his boy. Kirishima hoped Akihito would come back home, just for Asami's sake.
"Asami-sama, here's the report on the medical condition you asked for." he said, placing the folder down in front of Asami.
"Thank you, Kirishima." Asami replied, frowning slightly
"Also, our guests have arrived, and are waiting in a hospitality room downstairs. They brought their equipment, and are ready whenever you are, sir." Kirishima bowed and turned to leave.
"Thank you, Kirishima, for your hard work." Asami said as he picked up the report and started to read.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive activities. An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person's mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease, while a compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or act that a person feels they need to carry out to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.
For example, someone with a fear of their house being burgled may feel they need to check that all windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave the house.
OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people with OCD may spend an hours or so per day engaged in obsessive-compulsive thinking and behaviour, but for others the condition can completely take over their life.
Causes of OCD
It's not exactly clear what causes OCD, although a number of factors have been suggested that contribute to its formation.
In some cases, the condition may run through family lines, and may be linked to certain inherited genes that affect the brain's development.
Brain imaging studies have shown that the brains of some people with OCD work differently than the brains of people who do not have the condition. For example, there may be increased activity in certain areas of the brain, particularly those that deal with strong emotions and the body's responses to them.
Studies have also shown people with OCD have an imbalance of serotonin in their brain. Serotonin is a chemical the brain uses to transmit information from one brain cell to another.
Asami closed the report, a flash of anger in his eyes. His stomach ached at the thought of his beautiful boy hurting himself because of those bastards. Asami also felt personally responsible, as well. If he had just told Akihito what he meant to him, made him understand instead of playing mind games, Akihito might have talked to him and not ran away.
Asami's phone rang, when he saw the caller ID, he mentally sighed. "Feilong, I hope you don't want one of your IOUs as I am actually very busy at the moment."
"With Akihito, I presume?" Feilong was teasing him.
"What do you want." he was not going to play games.
"Akihito already told me about last night, so my question is: what do you want?" silence followed.
"I did say that once I had proof, I was coming for Akihito." Asami said, smirking to himself.
"Look, I am only phoning with concern for Akihito. I take it you looked up his OCD diagnosis?" Feilong asked, voice lowered.
"Yes, I have read up on it." He said, feeling a bit overwhelmed with what Akihito had been through. "I was wondering if I can help him".
"Akihito is in a good place now. If he's just a possession to you, leave him alone. If you do care for him, then…" Feilong didn't finish his sentence, waiting to see what Asami was going to say next.
"Actually Feilong, I have always cared about Akihito. He's just so infectious with his optimism. If I am honest, I'd say we both need to protect him."
"Oh yes. He can be quite infectious. And addictive for us, too." Feilong's laughs. "I will send his medical record today, so you understand what he's been through. But I will say to proceed with caution. He is much stronger than before, but he can still be quite fragile at times. If you fuck it up…" leaving the threat hanging, Feilong ended the call.
Asami felt annoyed. Feilong had no business sticking his nose into what's happening between Akihito and him. 'Calm down, he is just helping Akihito' he thought. But the familiar itch to put a bullet somewhere into Feilong was starting to grow.
Asami stood up; he had a couple of guests to meet. These people were important for Asami's plan to show Akihito the truth. Asami smiled. Monday is when Akihito comes home.
Akihito was walking towards Kou's house, he was thinking about his encounter with Asami for the first time in three years. Akihito was both horny and angry, and didn't know what to do with himself. So, the logical course of action was to go out drinking. Akihito had arranged to go out with Kou, and Takato as soon as he walked out from Asami's surprised visit.
Kou and Takato are his childhood friends, and as soon as he arrived back in Japan he contacted them. He knew they were worried, luckily Feilong had to go to England for business, so he had arranged to have his letters sent from there, just in case Asami was still looking for him. He had explained everything, from being in a relationship with a man, to the photos that had exposed him. He told them he had to leave, to travel a bit to get his life back together. He was safe, and would be training to become a teacher. What he didn't say is that he also knew that they would tease him mercilessly when he returned home. Anyway, they were his best friends, and he was fed up lying to them most of the time.
So when Akihito arrived on Kou's doorsteps one day, unannounced, shock was an understatement. Akihito had texted them but had only visited once since he came back to Tokyo. Luckily, Takato was also at Kou's house, so 'kill two birds…', as the saying goes. Akihito explained that he was going to be training at the university for the next two plus years while working to become a teacher. Akihito felt the grip of guilt as he said he'd been in Tokyo for the past 6 months. However, that feeling soon changed as his so called 'best friends' were answering with "Yes, Sensei Takaba" to everything he asked. They understood his position, but were so pleased he was home. Kou and Takato could see Akihito was a stronger person. When he first walked into the house, they could see he was guarded. As the minutes wore on, he had just reverting back to being Aki.
But, to be safe, he couldn't visit very often as he wasn't sure Kou's house wasn't still under observation by Asami's men, so they sometimes went to see him at the university to catch up.
Akihito had been going mad in his house over the past 48 hours. He could feel he was being pulled back into Asami's orbit, and he needed grounding, some kind of a distraction. Texting Kou that he'd be there in 15 minutes, he'd then called Takato to come over, and bring beer. As Asami now knows he is here, it's pointless keeping a low profile. He wanted to discuss going drinking and clubbing with the guys. Akihito explained about the last 48 hours, and that he needed a distraction.
Takato wondered if it was a good idea to show Akihito some information he'd gathered on the scandal, just in case Akihito was still interested in Asami. Through his letters he could tell Akihito loved him, but 3 years is a long time. Akihito could read Takato's thoughts on his face, and sighed. "Whatever it is, just show me already." Akihito blurted out.
"Aki-chan, I saved some of the articles on Asami after you left, just in case you wanted to know what went on; but if you don't, just say so." Takato frowned, he'd didn't want to hurt Akihito by bringing up the past.
"First, don't call me Aki-chan. Second, may as well show me some of them. If it's too much, well, I'll just stop." Chewing on his lip, he wonders if it's the right thing to do.
Takato started to explained some of the fallout from the infamous pictures. It was big news here. They explained that Sion nearly fell and Asami had almost lost everything, according to newspaper reports. Akihito paled at this realization. Yes, he had wanted to hurt Asami, but not by destroying Sion.
Takato grabbed his iPad and mentioned that he had a recording of the Sion press conference. Akihito gulped. Kou asked quietly "Do you want to watch it?" Akihito just nodded. Takato pressed play.
There, sitting alone at a long table with microphones in front of him, was Asami Ryuichi, with light bulbs flashing, and everyone trying to ask questions. Asami just sat and waited. Even through the iPad's screen, he still made Akihito's tummy roil. Asami had his business mask on, and held up his hand to command silence, which, as always, was given. "I will make a brief statement, and I will answer a few questions afterwards, that will be all." The room quieted down while Asami spoke.
" It was a very convincing setup; and I was framed. So far, we think it was a deliberate attack on my business and my personal reputation. Sion has taken a huge hit on the stock market once the newspaper hit the news stands. I can also confirm that Takaba Akihito, who had taken those pictures, was NOT part of this setup. He, unfortunately, was also framed." The room roared with commotion. Asami held his hand up again, looking straight at the camera. It was like he was speaking to one person only.
"We are personally investigating the hoax, with the help of an independent line of inquiry, so that all will see that this was deliberate attack. Takaba Akihito is well know for uncovering corruption in politics, and is a respected member of his field. He too was set up; the scenario was realistic enough for him to photograph, and then send the pictures to his paper. How, and by whom both of us were targeted, that will be investigated." There Asami was, in the midst of his own crisis, making sure that Akihito's reputation was not in question, so reporters wouldn't go sniffing around him. "Now, for a few questions."
A lady stood up, and asked "Are you gay?"
Asami smiled "What has my sexuality got to do with my business?" A male reporter shouted out: "Why would they set you up with a man?"
Asami sighed. "Let me ask you about your sexual preferences; also, whatever you get up to behind closed doors, does it affect you in your daily job? Would you mind answering those questions?" the man just blushed, then looked at the floor as if it had suddenly become very interesting. He just answered with a simple "no".
"Then why do you think I would a answer a ridiculous question like that." Asami stated, eyes fixed on the reporter.
Another reporter shouted out: "Are you gay; you haven't answered the question." he sounded rather smug.
Asami found his target and stared at him coldly, waiting until the reporter dropped his eyes. Asami smiled. "Again, my sexuality has no bearing on how I run a multi billion dollar company. Rivals are jealous of my success and are trying to bring me down. I am not ashamed of who I am, my business is a success and it will weather this storm. But, whom I sleep with isn't anyone's concern, except for the person I am with. Now, if you are just going to gossip like school kids about my love life, then this is over. I do have a business to run." Asami stood up, pleased with his answer, when another reporter asked "Do you know Takaba Akihito personally; and why would they use him to attack you?"
Well, that was an unexpectedly clever question. He glanced at Kirishima, signalling him to get that man's name and to look into his background. He didn't want anyone investigating Akihito.
"I do know Takaba Akihito; he strikes me as someone unique, with his work being a testament to his shining a light upon the darkest part of human nature, exposing it for the world to see." With that he left the building, hoping Akihito might see it and know he is still special to Asami.
Akihito sat stunned. Kou and Takato looked at each other, then both hugged Akihito, who had started to cry. Takato was apologising, saying that he shouldn't have shown him the conference.
Akihito smiled. "It's okay, I'm fine. I am glad you showed me this, I needed to know what was going on."
Akihito was confused even more than before. Asami had been set up? Akihito couldn't believe that, he'd see it with his own eyes. But how Asami had spoken, his body language being open, and the way he looked into the camera was like he was reaching out for understanding. Asami's statement about him had protected his own reputation, so was he willing to accept that he was also a victim of all this, just as much as Asami was? Akihito's brain was writhing with thoughts of guilt, betrayal, sadness, confusion. Akihito felt he couldn't breath with all of this new information.
Saying "Looks like you need this.", Kou handed him a beer. Taking a big swallow, Akihito asked "Was there anything else you wanted to show me?" Kou and Takato looked sheepishly at Akihito.
Takato spoke up "See, after your letter arrived, we started following stories about both Asami and Sion with interest. We kept a few papers to show you if you were interested. Sion took a huge hit, money wise." Kou grabbing a pile of newspapers from a box next to the couch.
"Shit" was all Akihito could think. He felt really bad, he didn't mean to bring Sion to its knees. He wasn't thinking about consequences, he just wanted Asami to feel pain like he felt. Maybe coming home was a bad idea. Asami could still be angry, maybe even want to kill him. But after seeing him yesterday, then watching the press conference, he could see Asami wasn't a harbinger of death, but more his saviour.
When Akihito had seen Asami slip into the back row of his class and just watch, Akihito thought 'shit, this is it, I'm gonna die', but as the class carried on, he noticed that Asami seemed curious. Akihito couldn't believe at the end of the class that he actually wasn't gonna speak to him, that Asami thought he was just going to slip out unnoticed.
Akihito hadn't wanted it to end like that, he needed to say some things. For Asami, to have come all that way across Tokyo, and then to just leave and not speak to him after three years, and that would be it? Asami might have moved on, and was just being curious, but Akihito decided to confront him and be honest for once about his feeling. He'd even kissed him. Akihito was surprised Asami had let him take control of the conversation, but then, when he had said "I miss you, I want you", Akihito had been shocked.
Now watching and reading most of what had happened after he left for Hong Kong, Akihito understood that he had nearly destroyed Sion. So why did Asami say he had missed him? He could see that Asami was sad looking at Akihito, however, Akihito had had to leave; being near Asami is like a spark and TNT. Akihito could feel the lust building in both of them when he pressed his hip against Asami, they were both so close to fucking in the classroom. Akihito left, head held high, and thought that would be the end of it.
As soon as he walked away from Asami, he went to the courtyard, and phoned Kou and Takato to go clubbing. It had been years, and he felt good over Asami. It had ended well, and it looked like they had both forgiven the past.
Akihito was more than confused with the dinner invite, though; was it about revenge? But again, Asami was open; he only wanted him to come to Sion on Monday. What could he want? Akihito's hand started gently rubbing his sleeve, as his thoughts slowly spiralled. Maybe… Asami wants us to pick up where we left off...? No, that can't be right. Did he want the appointment to prove something or… 'Fuck it, I'll call Fei, see what he thinks' Akihito thought to himself.
Akihito finished his beer, and hugged both his friends. "Thanks for showing me all this, but it really changes nothing. Asami and I are over. We can't take back the things we did to each other." Changing the subject, Akihito smiled.
"So, when are we going clubbing? I need to blow off some steam, and I think a night with you two is exactly what the doctor ordered."
Akihito had heard about a new club opening near the campus called "the Vibe". The students raved about it. It kinda felt like what it he used to be. Kou and Takato were also hyped, they all needed a boys night out. Friday was Akihito's chance to let Asami go completely.
Lying in bed that evening, all Akihito could think of was Asami. Akihito's mind was running in circles. He barely got any sleep, he felt more out of control than usual. He'd reopened a few wounds on his arm by rubbing, after all the information Kou and Takato had showed him in the afternoon.
Akihito was replaying the last few days. Asami and he had said their goodbyes, it was over... right? When Asami visited the university. But then, the morning after, Akihito was feeling sad, but was happy he had said goodbye. "Closure" was an American term, but that's exactly how it felt.
That is, until, while he was eating breakfast, Asami had sent him a dinner invitation. It was beautifully embossed, and Asami's Kanji was perfect, every stroke was perfect. So now he was mixed up, because it looked like Asami had different plans. Feilong had suggested going to dinner. He trusted Akihito's judgement and said to go have some free sushi. Even if it was Asami bribing Akihito with food, maybe he should listen to his side of the story.
When Akihito arrived home, his thoughts were all about dinner. Asami was so sexy, and he had behaved all night, a perfect gentleman. Akihito had felt like an equal, and was treated as an equal, he could tell.
After everything, Asami wanted him back. He had sounded and acted like a different person, not cold and detached. It had felt honest. Akihito was biting his lip, thinking about whether he should go to Sion on Monday, when a text came in from Asami, just saying 'Goodnight'. "Wow." Akihito felt like a teenage girl, butterflies in his stomach. How ridiculous.
Deciding that sleep was futile, he got up to make hot chocolate. Kou and Takato hadn't helped with this his decision about maybe giving Asami the benefit of the doubt.
Grabbing his phone, he called Fei, telling him everything he'd found out so far. Fei had offered to come with him to Sion to see for himself what Asami wanted, and to give Aki moral support. Akihito felt better already. Fei thought that it might be better to wait and decide about Monday's meeting after the boys night out.
Akihito agreed; Feilong would keep him grounded and not let him get swept up in Asami's pace. Akihito could feel in the back of his mind that his resolve was crumbling; even if Asami was innocent, then what? Don't think now, just wait.