EIGHT
Miles away from the Takeshita District, a newly opened exquisite hotel stood by the coast catering its hundreds of local and foreign visitors and with its breathtaking landscape, it served as a seventh heaven on earth.
Within one of the luxurious quarters of Paradise Hotel, Sunako Nakahara is in a deep slumber on the soft mattress of the California King-sized canopy bed. Its white sheer drapes were elegantly arranged on its four mahogany posts withstanding the gust of cool breeze coming from the unlocked patio door.
In her thought, Sunako was standing in a vast dark space. She was wearing the bright yellow dress that she was forced to don. Slowly, she was taking her small steps forward in an unknown path.
"Hello...Is someone out here?" Sunako's trembling voice echoed. She repeated but failed to receive an answer. Unexpectedly, an intense light appeared before her.
"Am I already dead?" Sunako was enchanted and followed the radiance which grew larger as she moved nearer to it.
As she entered into the brightness, she was expecting her anatomical friends waiting for her in her death. But to her dismay, Sunako remained motionless as she surveyed the surroundings around her. She was inside a lavish master bedroom fit for a couple.
"Where am I?! Akira? Josephine? Hiroshi? Where are you?!"
"I've been waiting for you."
Sunako recognized that familiar husky and manly voice. She was fully aware that the mere presence of the known individual made her more vigilant. "Show yourself!"
"My, aren't we a bit hot tempered today?" Leaning on the patio door frame with both arms crossed and one feet resting on the casing, Kyouhei Takano snickered.
"You?!" Sunako was preparing herself for a fierce battle.
"You've made me a very impatient man, Sunako," Kyouhei stood proudly and placed his left hand inside his jean pocket. Sunako finally noticed that Kyouhei was wearing a yellow shirt with its buttons left opened and showing off his chest.
Sunako felt blood trickled from her nose and immediately covered her nose preventing it from oozing more blood. While preoccupied, Kyouhei advanced towards her and grabbed her left wrist.
"Don't you dare touch me!" Sunako resisted, shutting her eyes from extreme glow.
Kyouhei pulled her towards him and planted a strong but gentle passionate kiss on her lips. Shocked, Sunako's eyes grew larger and fought back but Kyouhei squeezed her closer and his hand lingered on her nape. For the first time in her life, Sunako thought of giving up as her knees continued to weaken and she was unable to defend herself from her worst enemy. Sunako's lips gradually parted, responding to Kyouhei's kiss.
Slowly, Kyouhei paused and released Sunako. "I'll accept that kiss as your peace offering for making me wait."
"I never intended to kiss you back!" Sunako retorted, shivering from a long degrading moment.
"Really? But I'll keep on doing it until you surrender and beg for more. After all, we're already married or have you forgotten about it?" Kyouhei winked and mischievously stole a kiss from his wife.
"Noooo..." Sunako's scream rebounded in the entire hotel. Traumatized from her nightmare, she gasped heavily for breath and perspired profusely. Why?! Why did I let that Radiant Being molest me?! I will never forgive him! I will take my vengeance on him. I will kill him, no... I will torture him until he surrenders.
"I'll keep kissing you until you plead for more...my dearest wife..."
Kyouhei's words repeated in her ears. I will never submit myself to you! I will definitely exterminate you Radiant Being! I hate you...
Enraged and determined, Sunako Nakahara rose from her bed, almost tearing up the blanket and shattering the bed. She stomped her way towards the door and down the hallway, frightening the fellow guests and the hotel personnel along the passageway, to search for her prey and her rival – Kyouhei Takano.
Meanwhile, four teenaged young ones stood out among the sun worshippers at the beach. Takenaga Oda, in his blue summer-themed board shorts, sat on a beach chair underneath a wide beach parasol reading a novel. Ranmaru Morii, who wore black and white one with floral motif, was sipping a cold fresh tropical juice while lounging on a reclined chair. Few meters from them were Yuki Toyama and Kyouhei Takano building a sand castle for Ruu, who was donned in cute yellow shorts with printed aquatic designs. Yuki was wearing a green colourful summer shorts while Kyouhei wore a red, white, and black shorts with wave patterns.
"Whoah! It really looks like an authentic castle!"Yuki was astonished as he stared at their work of art, a replica of a Japanese castle during the Edo Period. It's so cool!
"It'll be even better if it was the real thing," Kyouhei egotistically declared as he did some finishing touches around the fortress while keeping his eyes close at Ruu, who sat beside him and was clapping gleefully. I'm good at this!
"You liked it, don't you?" Kyouhei took a breather and cuddled Ruu.
"Kyaa...Daa-daa, Daa-daa," Ruu raised his little arms with delight. Seeing this reaction, Kyouhei smiled and tenderly patted Ruu's head. Having him around is fun.
"Watch him for me Yuki," Kyouhei laid him down beside him and continued with his handiwork on the sand castle. I'll make it more real and cooler!
"You're daddy is building a great palace to play. I envy you Ruu," Yuki grinned as they both witnessed Kyouhei as he added walls around the castle. Your dad is so cool!
Daddy?! What the heck are you trying to impose now? Kyouhei glowered on Yuki, with his lion-like aura behind him. Kyouhei never liked the idea of him proclaimed as Ruu's father, as what his other roommates initiated, and with Sunako as the mother, it was even worse.
Scary! Help me! Yuki wailed and ran towards Takenaga and Ranmaru.
"Hey! I told you to watch over Ruu!" Kyouhei barked. Sheesh! I can't even rely on Yuki.
"Now, now Yuki, stop crying." Takenaga hushed Yuki as soon as he headed for them.
"You should have known that teasing him would make him boil," Ranmaru added. But teasing him is enjoyable.
"Waaaa...It can't be help! Just look at him." Yuki pointed the direction where he left.
As the three young men looked over, Kyouhei picked up Ruu and offered him to put on some colourful small flags around the castle wall. After doing so, they have seen Kyouhei and Ruu pleased and proud of their work. True, Takenaga, Yuki, and Ranmaru have seen Kyouhei during his cheery moments but this one was different. As if they've seen a different side of Kyouhei Takano.
"You think Kyouhei might turn up to be a good father?" Yuki, still teary-eyed, took a seat and sipped a glass of four seasoned fruit drink. He sure is different when Ruu is around.
"Probably..." Takenaga crossed his feet, "from what I observed with Kyouhei's behaviour since Ruu arrived, there were indeed a lot of changes. He was adapting well and was very active on Ruu's every needs. Come to think of it, he might just be an ideal father." He might really be.
"Hahaha...I can't even imagine him being a domestic man," Ranmaru chuckled. Every single person in Takeshita District knew who Kyouhei Takano is – a gorgeous high school student and a skilled street fighter. A father figure doesn't suit him well.
"From the way you say it, it would take a thousand miracles for it to happen," Yuki pouted, defending Kyouhei. Kyouhei's also a good guy unlike you!
"You should have understood Kyouhei's present situation now since someone's child mistook you as their father." Takenaga aimed on Ranmaru's previous experience. Isn't it right?
Right on! Way to go, Takenaga! Yuki gleamed.
"That is out of the context. Besides, the mother lied about the existence of the kid's father and it was merely twenty-four hours unlike Kyouhei's circumstance. He resembled Ruu's biological father so he has RIGHTS on Ruu." Ranmaru defended himself. It'll be really impossible for me to become a father. I've been very careful with my ladies.
"Acting too defensive?" Takenaga noted and chuckled at Ranmaru's reaction. You're so easy to read at.
"Not my fault," Ranmaru puffed his cheeks, "You started it." Don't even bring it up, again!
"You know guys, Ruu might be the only answer to our problems. He's starting to influence two individuals. We might thank him for that," Yuki smiled, as he peeked over his shoulder and glanced at Kyouhei who was still playing with Ruu with their newly built sand castle.
"True," Takenaga followed Yuki's gaze, "you'll never know what the future might hold."
"Possibly..." Ranmaru nodded.
For minutes, they stared silently and admired the new bond that formed between Kyouhei and Ruu. Dreamingly, they could see a matured Kyouhei enjoying his fatherhood as Ruu grows up into a fine young boy. What a lovely sight! Everything seems to be perfect.
Unknown to them, Kyouhei had already walked towards them, carrying Ruu with him on his left and the paraphernalia for sand castle making on his right.
"Are you talking about me, AGAIN?" Kyouhei asked with curiosity. I just had a hunch that I'm your subject.
"Maybe," Ranmaru quickly answered, "or maybe not." What a wrong timing to interrupt.
"Are you sure?" Kyouhei gave him a deadly glare. I'm positive it's about me again.
Help me! Ranmaru eyed at Takenaga and Yuki.
"Yes, we are. By the way, where is Sunako?" Takenaga changed the subject, saving Ranmaru. You owe me another one, Ranmaru!
Thank you, Takenaga! You're a lifesaver. Ranmaru managed to smile sheepishly.
"She's in the room. Sleeping," Kyouhei plainly replied, "If you really want to find out, you can find her in the room." Though I'm warning you don't wake her up or you'll meet your doom.
He sat on the lounge chair next to Ranmaru, dropped the items on the sand, and placed Ruu on his lap. Kyouhei called at the wandering waiter and asked for fruit drinks for them. As soon as the orders have arrived, he offered the beverage first to Ruu, "Too much sunlight is bad for you. You might get dehydrated." And Sunako will kill me.
Ruu slightly nodded, as if he understood Kyouhei, and gladly accepted the small plastic cup made for him and started sipping the juice through a little straw.
Looks like an ideal parent to me. Takenaga smirked. This might be a good development.
"What are you smiling about?" Kyouhei eyed at Takenaga suspiciously. Another dreamy idea about me again?
"No," Takenaga felt himself tongue-tied. What a great talent in reading minds. "By the way, you say Sunako's sleeping. Have you told her that we're here?
"Naaahh...I wouldn't dare." Kyouhei drank the last drop of juice from his glass and licked his lips to savour the refreshing drink he just had. I might get killed if I did wake her up. I'm too young, way too young, to die.
"What did you do to her this time?" Takenaga was sceptical. For years, he already knew how the Kyouhei-Sunako brawl would start and how it would end. I've got a bad feeling about this.
"Nothing." Kyouhei shifted Ruu to a more comfortable sitting position, "Just the usual."
"What do you mean by that?!" Ranmaru and Yuki stood up simultaneously. Are we in big trouble again?!
"Don't worry! It'll be fine and I can handle it," Kyouhei sneered. I can even handle everything. No one can stop me.
"You're acting calmly. You know how Sunako is when she's mad," Yuki looked worried. I can already see what's coming.
"I told you, it will be okay. Besides, I took something from her that she couldn't resist." Kyouhei teasingly assured them and winked. I have Ruu by my side and I'm still in one piece.
"What do you mean?! Did you?" Ranmaru blushed. I salute you man!
His dirty mind is running again. Yuki eyed at him. Kyouhei wouldn't do that to Sunako. Or is it possible?
"Are you serious, Kyouhei?" Takenaga raised an eyebrow in disagreement. I doubt him.
"A man's got to do what a man's got to do," Kyouhei commented proudly and patted Ruu's little head. You are my only hope, Ruu. I'm sorry for using you but I had to do this if I still want to live.
"Kyaaaa...Daa-daa..." Ruu squealed and chuckled.
Ruu's innocent laugh was contagious for them. Yuki started to make faces which Ruu enjoyed and shrilled. Takenaga and Ranmaru joined in, tickled Ruu, and played with him, as Kyouhei held Ruu securely on his lap. For a couple of minutes, the four teens enjoyed the innocence and playfulness of a baby. Ruu's amusement paused when he saw something recognizable.
From afar, Sunako was striding slowly and was breathing heavily. Behind her was an infinite amount of vile aura causing fellow guests and hotel employees frozen and frightened. Azaleas, palm trees, and ferns along the pathway withered as Sunako paced along the mosaic pathway. Sunako was in a close proximity when Takenaga, Ranmaru, and Yuki took notice of the eerie atmosphere that surrounds the coastal area.
"Su...Su...Sunako?!" the three adolescents were trembling severely that they could not move a single muscle in their body. What have you done this time Kyouhei?! They glanced at Kyouhei, who only sat coolly and met Sunako's gaze.
"RADIANT BEING!" Sunako's fangs showed and a strong gust of wind formed surrounding her body. "I will no longer spare your life!"
"Seriously, Kyouhei! What did you do this time?!" Takenaga managed to utter. This looks like a very serious situation, Kyouhei!
"I told you I did nothing," Kyouhei composed himself even though his senses tell him that he's in big mess. Just act cool. I have Ruu.
"How could you be so calm at this rate?!" Yuki and Ranmaru cried in unison. It's your fault and we'll be suffering Sunako's wrath!
"You called that incident as NOTHING?! That's unforgivable!" Sunako roared as she recalled the kiss she and Kyouhei shared. I won't submit to any form of foolishness this time!
"What's the big deal out of it? We've done it several times, right?" Kyouhei rose from his feet, handed Ruu to Takenaga, and prepared himself for another clash against his female roommate as he was keeping track of the 'kissing incidents' they had. Come to think of it, it's been countless of times we did it.
"Kyouhei! What is it this time?!" Takenaga interrupted, as Ranmaru and Yuki hugged him and still wobbling.
Kyouhei ignored him, "If you wanted it so badly, you could simply request it and I'll gladly give it to you as long as you like." Kyouhei snickered, adding fuel to the fire.
"Don't mock me!" Sunako growled and attacked him. As Sunako tried to strike Kyouhei on his face, Kyouhei stepped back and managed to dodge the strong punch that might shatter his jaw into minute pieces. In quick motion, Kyouhei grabbed her arm, twisted, and turned it behind her back, causing her in anguish pain. Kyouhei stood behind her and tightened his grip as Sunako tried to struggle.
"I think you have forgotten about the deal, Sunako Nakahara," Kyouhei convincingly whispered. If it wasn't for the agreement, I wouldn't be here.
"I don't care about the agreement we talked about," Sunako hissed as she nudged Kyouhei in the stomach, which caused him to release her.
How dare she?! Guarding his abdomen from piercing pain, Kyouhei was silently cursing Sunako.
"Really? So you're not considering what Ruu might see or believe?" Kyouhei grinned, "Let's see, who suggested keeping him in the household?" Victory is mine, Nakahara.
Kyouhei knew that his words would strike her conscience and her guilt, and again, he was successful. Hearing his words, Sunako took a quick look at Ruu, who was held by Takenaga and seems too puzzled to everything that he just witnessed. Seconds later, Ruu was teary-eyed. Sunako's maternal instinct told her to lower her chilling atmosphere and was standing sullen.
"Good," Kyouhei stood beside Sunako and gently patted her head. It's so easy to control you when Ruu's around.
Kyouhei walked towards Ruu and grabbed him from Takenaga, "Don't worry about her." He winked at Ruu and went back to Sunako, who was still brooding.
"Mama..." Ruu was reaching Sunako's face, as Kyouhei stood few inches away from her and carrying the baby.
Ruu's angelic voice, calling out for her, made Sunako to return to her sanity. Slowly, Sunako raised her head until she could see Ruu's face and hands, as he was trying to touch her face.
"Mama..." Ruu repeated, almost teary-eyed.
"He wants you." Kyouhei plainly said.
Sunako looked up at Kyouhei, she knew what he meant. She let Ruu touch her face then she gradually took him from Kyouhei and cuddled the baby.
"That's better...It's your turn to babysit Ruu," Kyouhei demanded, which Sunako simply replied with a nod.
"Mama..." Ruu squealed in excitement, which made Sunako smile. Unknown to her, Kyouhei took a glimpse of her smiling genuinely that made him froze. For Kyouhei, seeing Sunako smile is a rare occurrence but it showed her purity and her exceptional beauty. Staring at her, Kyouhei's heart beat was increasingly pacing and it made him realized he was admiring her, which strangely made his cheeks turn to red.
Quickly, Kyouhei turned his head as he feared Sunako might notice his growing fondness towards her. Darn it! What the heck was that?!
"I'm hungry! Let's have barbeque!" Kyouhei announced, averting his weird and wonderful emotion he just had towards Sunako. If this keeps going, I don't know what might turn out.
"You're always hungry!" the trio attested, as Kyouhei walked towards them. For a bishounen like you, you're disgusting.
"Hey! Aren't you joining?" Kyouhei called out to Sunako.
Sunako nodded and joined her roommates.
Meanwhile, Kyouhei isn't the only one who noticed Sunako's attractiveness. Few meters away, Kimura Fujiwara was motionless on his seat. He was sitting on a beach stool by a Tiki-inspired beach bar, studying the Nakahara household. The single moment of Sunako's positive aura and transformation surprised him, as he recalled his first encounter with her at Takeshita.
You entice me, Hanako. Or should I say, Lady Sunako Nakahara.
Kimura raised his glass and took a sip of his double scotch. Behind his aviators, he gazed at Kyouhei and a sinister grin formed his mouth. You'd better watch out Kyouhei Takano, I'll take her away from you.