Warning: Rated M for language usage, and future chapters. Horrible grammar, spelling, run-ons, and so on. You've been warned. Unbeta'd.
previously on chapter 1:
After fixing the Kimono right, the Okami-san excused himself saying he'll have the dinner ready shortly.
Waiting for dinner to arrive, Akihito decided to open the closest windows to get some fresh air. Breathing in the cold fresh air, Akihito couldn't help but shiver a little. Hey! I'm not sweating like a madman anymore! Akihito realizes.
Since when?
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Chapter two
Akihito tried to think back when he stopped sweating. He remembers sweating like crazy when he got in the taxi, and also notice how the taxi driver looked at him skeptically. He remembered about wiping off his sweat when he got off. But then the next moment he forgot all about it when he was taking pictures. Hmn. How weird. And then once he got inside the inn, he even recalls feeling relaxed and cool because of the AC. Hmn...Maybe it's then that he stopped sweating Akihito brainstormed.
Sitting on a cushion crosslegged while elbowing a short table, Akihito was getting hungry. He searched for the pastries that were on the table before he napped but could seem to even see a shadow of it. It was like they disappeared into thin air..or the ladies took them away because dinner is about to be served.
Who is he kidding? There's no way things can disappear into thin air (the pastries), nor things get cleared out (his clothes) on their own! As if feeling a cold air, his goosebumps raised in defense.
Soon Okam-san and two others came in carrying a tray of food. Akihito watched as they put many intricate design bowls and plates in front of him. Each was a masterpiece on its own with different colors, shapes, sizes, and texture like this current plate in front of him; the outer ring of the bowl is beautiful light green and the center is a small palm size of salad appetizer topped with edible yellowish flowers and edamame beans. The salad was light and full of surprises, the beans were lightly salted and warm while the whole plate itself was cold. There was a hint of a citrus-yuzu-in the sauce. Akihito enjoyed the salad slowly and the same could be said for the entire meal. As a typical foodie, he deemed this to be his most wonderful and artistically pleasing meal his entire life. By the time he finished, he almost regretted not capturing it in his frames for good memory, until Okami-san told him that he will have more chances of doing so staying at this inn.
While Okami-san is clearing the plates, Akihito is enjoying dessert- a green tea parfait topped with red beans and plenty of Hokkaido milk whipped cream and raindrop cake with kinako soybean powder and brown sugar syrup.
"Okami-san, just a quick question," Akihito asked while munching his dessert.
"Hai."
"What was the 甘い菓子（あまいかし)sweet snack you guys left on the table when I came in? It's soooo good!"
"If you enjoy it very much, you can also buy it as a souvenir at our lobby." Okami-san happily informed, assuming Akihito was asking about the 水ようかんMizu youkan*.
*Mizu youkan- a thick, jellied Japanese dessert (wagashi) made of red bean paste, agar, and sugar. Usually in a block form and eaten in slices (wiki).
"Thanks!" Akihito thanked and continued munching away.
Once he finished clearing out the parfait and raindrop cake, Okami-san dutifully carried out the remaining plate and glass cup before excusing himself bidding Akihito a good night. Akihito returned the gesture and also bid him a good night. For all he knows, he is super happy to know that he can now buy those tasty pasties on his way back. He decided and is determined to buy at least seven boxes. One for his co-workers to share, another one for his parents and one each for Kou and Takato and the remaining three for himself, he greedily grinned. Mwahaha.
Akihito woke up peacefully without his alarm for once, other than feeling slightly cold he had a great sleep. He woke up with a semi-peaceful smile. He must've had a great dream, he thought but remembered nothing about it. As soon as he stood up, Okami-san greeted him and neatly made the bed (futon) and tucked it in a near closet. While two others readied a new set of toothbrush, towel and morning essentials. Akihito who was still in lalaland even allowed them to change out of his kimono into another set. This time its a beautiful golden brown color of a maple leaf which also matches perfectly with light brownish almost to platinum hair. Okami-san did the Obi while another stabilize the half-asleep photographer. A cloth over his Kimono acts as a bib while he brushed his teeth nonchalantly. Once Akihito was fully awake, Okami-san who looked ghastly pale plus a few others were already bowing in dogeza excusing themselves. It made feel a bit weird yet spoiled to be serviced to such perfection because (definitely) he's here for a job-not to enjoy and relax- and lastly he didn't pay for it; his boss did.
...
An hour later Okami-san returned, but this time does not pale in skin "Good Morning Takaba-sama," he greeted' but was greatly surprised by Akihito's form embodying a luxurious Kimono. Feeling slightly cold, a small fear and suspicion rose in him. In a matter of seconds, Akihito noted how Okami-san's warmth in his face turned pale and icy. "Good morning, " he greeted again. "When would you like your breakfast?" he asked almost stiffly.
"Good morning Okami-san! I'm sorry about this morning I was still half asleep when you guys came in to clear up the futon and change my Kimono," he waived he furisode and complained "but next time choose a short one, this one is too long and heavy."
"O-Of course," Okami-san replied this time with a stiffer voice as he bowed. He could feel sweat forming on his forehead, neck, back, arms and palms. Okami-san stayed in the low bow for a long period of time until Akihito notice and stated in a rushed tone out of awkwardness and guilt, "Oh, yes, please. You can serve breakfast."
"Hai"
When Okami-san rushed out, Akihito noticed how he was sickly pale to the point he could compare him to a sheet of paper. 'Maybe he's feeling sick, he shouldn't push himself too hard...'
On the other hand, when the Okami walked out, there were tears in his eyes for fear of what he speculated has turned into a reality. As he walked along a dark corridor to get his guest's breakfast, his heart began to beat louder and louder until he could hear it and feel it from his eardrums. A cold air draft around him until he could feel it in his bones as he shivers. He stood on the same spot in the dark path silently as if waiting for this feeling to pass. And it did. Soon the Okami walked out of the corridor in silent steps and disappeared into the many paths of the inn. Those who quickly got a glimpse of his profile thought he was more bewitching than usual yet sharper.
...
In a matter of a short time, breakfast served to him in the same manner as yesterday's dinner. This time it wasn't Okami-san who served him, but he didn't question the Okami's absence. Akihito was very pleased with the selection for breakfast but the only thing he had trouble was deboning the grilled fish. A server saw Akihito's difficulty with it and helped him debone the whole fish. Slowly he enjoys the meal before he determined himself to finally start working.
Opening a storage closet, he had his olive Lihit Lab Smart Fit pouch plus strap beside his almost untouched suitcase. Since they provided him with a change(s) of clothes (and underwear), toothbrush, towel, and even shoes; Akihito didn't open his suitcase for anything, All his work stuff he needs for this assignment is already in his olive pouch. Notebooks, pens, wallet, earphone, refill for film, a disposable camera, his phone and camera charger and an extra battery for his camera.
Holding his olive pouch, Akihito was ready to go out until Okami-san popped out of thin air suggested him to allow them to change him into something more comfortable and convenient. Instead of a Kimono this time, its a Yukata in the same color. The sleeves were a lot shorter and lighter; the design was similar too. Instead of embroidered stitches this time, its printed: maple leaves with simple white fan patterns and gold specks.
"Okami-san, you looked very sickly this morning and you look even paler now. Please don't push yourself so hard, remember to take occasional breaks."
"I'm sorry for worrying you, Takaba-sama. But this is my job and I pride myself in the work I do. I will honor your advice and take a short break so now if you excuse me. But if you do need me, don't hesitate to call for me, Takaba-sama"
"Un, go ahead."
"Hai"
Shortly after the Okami and severs left, he sat idly for a moment before his mind finally landed back on task. 'Okay, let's get to work!' Looking at his phone, he still has a little over thirty minutes before his appointment with a guide to lead him to this area's hot spot and conveniently, the guide is willing to pick up in front of the inn. So he can take his time to do things as he, please; so he decided to hit the lobby to look for those pastries in the souvenir corner.
He looked around for over ten minutes but has yet to see the same pastries. He already picked up two cans of osmanthus tea which is one of the many things the inn is famous for. A few udon packets and lastly a pack of nori shio senbei.
The only receptionist for this corner was a very elderly woman sitting very leisurely on zabuton looked like had hearing problems so he didn't want to bother her; plus he couldn't find it, he reluctantly gave up thinking, 'since its so tasty so maybe its sold out T^T.' He then waits in front of the inn after he returned to his room to quickly put down his purchase. To his surprise, the guide was already there once he stepped out of the inn. The youth was dressed in casual dark jeans, plated long sleeve with good hiking shoes. He carried himself with a carefree attitude and a smile light up his face once he saw Akihito.
"Takaba-sama, thank you for choosing HOT SPOTS as your guide, my name Amano Misaki."
to be continued.
Oh no! What's happening to Okami-san? What do you think Okami-san is speculating? A new mysterious character has made his appearance. What do you think he's up to?
There are some Japanese terms I used like nori shio senbei, zabuton and etc but I'm now too lazy, tired and sleepy to wiki it for you guys (but I did so for Mizu yokan idk why). feel free to google it on your own if you idk what it is. I'm sorry. *bows 90 degrees*
Maybe some of you guys can tell I love love love love super LOVE food, so I wrote a very mini description about the salad. I tried to keep it short (because I didn't want to get off topic) but in reality, I was trying to stop myself from doing so~~ I wannteedd to describe the food-but didn't- _(:зゝ∠)_.
Hope to see you next chapter.
furikakechan~~