Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN SAMURAI DEEPER KYO...happy reading ^.^
Chapter 3 – A different kind of Red
A/U: Umm I apologise if I took a while to update but I wanted to be sure that this chapter was ready and that the occurrences in this chapter flows from the last the chapter to its mid climax and onto chapter 4. So be warned this chapter is long, very long in my opinion. Because there was a lot that I wanted to incorporate in this chapter, I feel structure-wise that it belongs in this chapter- the occurrences and monologue I mean. And as I have said before I wanted to be sure that everything flowed as intended before publishing. So without any further ado read on and I hope you enjoy this chapter. ^.^
Last time on Gakuen Deeper Taku (GDT):
"Ojii-sama? O-ojii-sama? Ojii-sama please!" Yuya quickly turned so she faced her grandfather fully and shakily began to shake him awake "Ojii-sama please! Please ojii-sama don't please, please don't do this to me! Damn it nurse! Nurse?! Doctor?! Please doctor?! Anyone please HELP?! Please. OJII-SAMA!"
"Yuya! Yuya? Hello?" she announced waving her hand on Yuya's face for any reaction.
"Huh? Oh sorry Megumi-san you were saying?" Megumi brought her back to reality.
"No~ you were saying. Something about your grandfather not signing anything and then you just blanked out on me." She explained sipping her tea all the while keeping an eye on Yuya's behaviour.
"Oh right, sorry. Umm well as I was saying my grandfather doesn't remember signing anything. So there's that, then two days after that the bills came by..." she trailed, hesitating on whether to tell Megumi the rest of or not. Yuya was torn between telling her friend everything but it would drag Megumi in and she thought it would cause Megumi unnecessary trouble, fully knowing the young woman already had a lot on her plate-she was in the middle of fighting over custody of her child.
"And they were all overdue?"
"Six months' worth of bills. I just…who knew this would be waiting for me huh." She sighed but refused to feel self-pity and reminded herself on her goal and planned on not telling her about how her grandfather was also in debt. After a week of being in Japan, Yuya met with debt collectors proclaiming that her grandfather owed 1 million yen with interest.
"Okay so this was what brought on the crazy amount of part-time jobs that you've got?!" Megumi asked rhetorically already knowing this was the case.
"What? How did you know about them? No, I mean they're not-well yes-but I… I had to. Wait no that's not my point right now, how did you find out about them?"
"I looked at the messages and notes on your phone. There is a lot in there Yuya, jobs I mean. Are you trying to kill yourself?" Megumi's temper began to rise again at the thought that the girl refused to concede and let her help.
"…" Yuya's stubbornness sometimes really calls on Megumi's temper.
"Don't be stubborn! What the hell do you think I'm wasting my time here just gossiping? Am I not considered as a friend?" Megumi bawled and then collected herself after startling the young girl, and gently said "Yuya if you don't tell me I can't help you."
"What do you want me to say Megumi-san?!" her voice quiet with conviction, Yuya made up her mind not to drag her friends into her mess "I needed the money. I still need the money that's why this is happening. And I won't, I can't quit now… I'm so close Megumi-san."
"How long has this been going on?" Megumi said quietly hesitant on knowing the truth for fear of Yuya's wellbeing.
"It's been two months now." She replied barely above a whisper, Yuya knew it her situation was bad but she had no choice.
"Non-stop? You've been working like this for two months non-stop?" Megumi was startled and placed her tea down on the coffee table thinking it was only for a few weeks not months.
"I need the money." Yuya replied in finality also placing her tea in the table and readying herself to leave, she hated making her friends feel guilty for something they didn't even do and she also didn't want to stay and hear something she dreaded even more.
"Then why not just tell us all of this? You could have just told us Yuya we would have helped you and given you-"
"NO! This is why" she paused and tried more calmly "I refuse Megumi-san. I know you mean well both you and Henry-san but I refuse."
"Yuya please let-"
"I have to go, excuse me Megumi-san." Megumi was interrupted as Yuya hurriedly stood up to leave and upon reaching the door Megumi tried once more.
"And your health? After completely shattering your body what's next?"
"I'm sorry Megumi-san. I'll see you tomorrow."
As Yuya existed the room the rest of what occurred that day at hospital flashed back into her mind.
The room was crowded with doctors and nurses alike whilst all sorts of equipment and medications were being brought in. Yuya was then approached by a nurse, insisting for her to step outside for a moment until the doctor calls for her. Feeling the weight on her legs give way, Yuya sat on the floor.
"Miss Shiina?" Yuya startled, hastily stood up and faced a middle aged man.
"Yes? My-my grandfather how is he? Please doctor ple-please." Yuya could hardly contain herself anymore and trembled to her bones, she pinched the flesh in her wrist to keep herself from having a complete breakdown.
"We somehow managed to stabilise his condition for now but it really is for the best if he can have the operation as soon as possible, whilst there's still time. It's also very important not to distress him in order to have less complication during the operation. You have to understand Miss Shiina your grandfather is in a very critical state-"
"I-I know and I am so sorry Nakajima-sensei, I shouldn't have said-Oh heavens what am I going to-"
"Calm down Miss Shiina you didn't know then" the doctor reasoned only to have a very distressed young girl interrupt him out of sheer concern and guilt.
"I know, but still what kind of a stupid fool would do something like that to a sickly old man anyway I-"
"As I have said Miss Shiina, at that time you didn't know and for now your grandfather is stabilised. Now as I was saying earlier your grandfather is in a very critical state at the moment so any more episodes of earlier will resort to the same fit and if it should occur again and any operations done will be meaningless." The doctor firmly said guessing well that the girl needed facts and sturdiness instead of pity and comfort from what her grandfather has been boasting to the staff about his granddaughter.
"I understand, thank you Nakajima-sensei I can assure you there won't be a second time" she gathered herself preparing for the rest of the news the doctor will say and seeing her conviction the doctor continued.
"The operation needs to be as soon as possible as I have said and I know…Your grandfather often said…I understand your financial predicament and we will all do our very best to keep on stabilising his condition until you can find the means to pay for the fee. But you should know right now if your grandfather were to receive an operation next month there's still a 70% chance of it being successful, if left for two months the chances becomes 50-50. But should he not receive the operation 12 weeks from today his survival rate will rapidly decrease and if it still drags on to 4 months from today, Miss Shiina, there will no longer be a need for any operation…Miss Shiina?" The doctor explained the facts fully knowing the implications of what he has said can impact on the young girl's emotions, but he is a doctor and his job was to let the relatives know.
"I heard you doctor. Thank you" she said in a small voice, feeling dread and a cold chill run down her spine with every word the doctor uttered. Yet still she refused to give up so pinching the same flesh in her wrist once again she managed to speak. "Give-give me three weeks please and I'll have the money by then. So please doctor I beg of you next month enlist my grandfather for next month's operation, please."
"Very well Miss Shiina I will have your grandfather listed for next month's operation and yes to the best surgeons in the country." He sighed and answered her silent plea to have the best surgeon lead her grandfather's operation and handing her a name card he explained vaguely "Here, take this and see that person on the card tomorrow morning at 10 he'll be expecting you; he's a consultant…Now if you'll excuse me I believe another staff is calling for me."
"Ha-hai, thank you so much" Yuya bowed and watched the doctor's retreating figure walking alongside a staff nurse that was dressed far too…tightly she observed, and then studied the card on her hand as she entered the room.
During Megumi and Yuya's discussion, Henry was asked by the manager to serve Muramasa's family directly as a means of compensation for the trouble. The manager knew that Henry has known the family for quite some time now and knew their palate preferences best. Therefore he was taken off bar-tending and was inclined to serve and waiter for the family until they leave.
"Good afternoon! I am your server for today He-" he started standing beside the table in formal waiter wear and with an action and behaviour as that of a professional waiter.
"Henry! Why it's been awhile. How long has it been 5 or 6 years?" greeted the head of the family eagerly with a gentle smile on his beautiful face.
"Forgive my husband Henry-san; he is only excited to have finally seen you again. How are things so far?" Mayumi conversed with a pleasant smile as she looked at Henry.
"It's alright Mayumi-sama. It's been awhile yes indeed Muramasa-sama, I believe 5 and a half years. And I'm fine so-and-so" replied Henry, and despite his response he truly is content with his life and he knew that Muramasa already knows as well even without having him say so.
"Here take a seat Henry" offered Mayumi feeling her husband wished to converse more with their long-time friend.
"Ah I must decline Mayumi-sama as a server I-" Henry declined gravely, he knew they were a very kind family but he was in the middle of his job and did not wish to inconvenience the others to serve the family when he was specially asked by the manager to serve them.
"No I insist Henry. And if you're worried about your job you can serve us at the same time. But for now come take a seat." Muramasa insisted and gestured to an empty seat opposite him.
"Thank you." Henry sighed and conceded as he sat down knowing that declining more forcefully would only make them want to insist on him sitting with them and if necessary have him off the shift which in Henry's mind-set would cause even more inconvenience.
Whilst making himself more comfortable in his seat and with the situation, Henry observed the family. This was the family that he used to serve under, 10 years ago. Henry was an orphan and he was adopted by one of the family that served Muramasa's family for generations. Knowing this Henry also thought that he would grow up to work under the family not only to serve the family tradition but also as a gratitude for allowing him to go to school and college and paid for all of his tuition and expenses. However once he entered in his 20s he was torn by his desires, of course he still wanted to serve under the family but he also wanted to pursue his own dreams- to one day work for a first rate restaurant as a chef.
Then one day Henry finally had that chance to train and work on a first rate restaurant and told is family. They were supportive of him and also wanted him to pursue his own dreams but he would have to discuss about leaving the estate and his duty first to the head of the family. But Henry didn't manage to do so as news spread in the estate that the head of the family has passed leaving Muramasa to become the head of the family at an early age. Of course Henry was never allowed inside the main house of the mansion, only certain families were chosen to serve the main family whilst the rest served the branched families. And although he never saw the young master, he was told by his family and also heard from others that he was around Henry's age.
Feeling pity for the mysterious young master Henry chose to stay in the estate and serve him even if it is indirectly. Then the day came when Henry finally saw a glimpse of his young master, out in the garden surrounded by flowers and was playing with birds in the sunshine. With long blonde hair semi-plated at the top, blue eyes, wearing a white and blue kimono. Henry thought that the archangel Michael had descended on earth, that or he was hallucinating from the heat but one thing he knew for sure there was definitely something unearthly about him. Since then of course Henry for reasons unknown to him then, felt pride in serving the young master and never complained about his job. He still of course at times feels a little sad that he would never live his dream but he figured this new dream of his wasn't so bad as well and hoped to one day meet the young master again.
The latter came true, when Muramasa asked the presence of Henry in that same garden that he saw him for the first time. Henry was both terrified and excited to know that he would finally meet the master of the house that he's been serving all his life. It turned out that he was asked about what he wanted to do in the future. At first Henry said he wanted to serve him but upon prodding was forced to tell about his dream. Muramasa then told him he could live that dream and he was free from his duty at the estate reasoning that Henry is not directly part of the serving family.
Henry once again felt torn, he knew that he was an orphan but he also knew he owed his life to the young beautiful master in front of him. He was told by the family that took him in that the young master found him and wished for him to be cared for. Sensing his troubles Muramasa once again told him that he was not obligated to serve the family and that his years of service has been more than enough as a means to repay him. Finally Henry conceded and thanked the young master, he still of course wanted to live at the estate with the people that he considered family and so was grateful to know that he could still live there for as long as he wanted.
Since that day Muramasa and Henry often met in that garden and became good friends much to Henry's delight. But he still abided to the same rules as before such as never entering the main house and to not make contact with the main family. There was a lot of gossip that Henry has heard over the years of living there, such as the reasons why no-one is allowed to enter the main house and serve the main family apart from the chosen serving family, ranging from the family keeping a big dark secret like murder to being vampires. But as Henry thought about it, it was odd; he can understand not being allowed to enter the main house, but not being allowed to come in contact with the main family except if called upon? Now that was odd, the other weird thing was the times he met Muramasa was always night-time or just after sundown.
Being still in his 20s his imagination was still buoyant and a fan of the supernatural, he thought that maybe being vampires or creatures of the night wasn't so far fetch. He even went so far as testing his theories and one time brought a bag of onions to Muramasa, much to the young master's amusement. And another time Henry showed him a crucifix. But Henry soon knew the truth after witnessing it himself. Henry didn't know the whole truth but he did witness a fragment of the secret in the mysterious household. Muramasa of course never threatened him to keep silent that was what Henry intended all along, having read a lot of supernatural books he knew that should the public know of this, his young master would be carved alive for autopsy and other experiments and he couldn't live with that. Since then Henry left the estate for his own safety as advised by Muramasa, for if the other branched family knew that someone outside the family knew of their secret even if it was only a fragment of their secrets Henry would surely be 6 feet under.
As Henry now looks at his former young master, Muramasa looks as if he hasn't aged a day since then as he talks to Henry in that same gentle smile he always had.
"Well that's good to hear. When Mayumi told me that you worked here I've been trying to find the time to come and see you myself. That's why I asked the manager if you can serve us this afternoon, I hope it's not too much trouble. Plus I find myself a little jealous that only Mayumi and Kyoshiro here gets to see you" Muramasa chuckled.
"Don't flatter me" he replies jokingly "we both know you're here for the food and booze" the two men laughed loud. Ever since Henry left the estate he was still in contact with Muramasa and used to meet at least once or twice a month and was even invited to his wedding with Mayumi. That was until Henry had to leave and study abroad.
"Yes, it's true; it's been awhile since I've worked here, it's been give or take three years I think. They come here to eat at least once a week. Anyways what about you Muramasa-sama, how have you been? Is the company and work alright these days?" Henry continued answering Muramasa's earlier question, he also knew that Muramasa disliked to be called as master or to be addressed in his last name.
"Yes well as you know, durable" he replies his voice slightly changing as his troubled mind resurfaced but concealed it and continued to speak pleasantly. "But enough about work. I'm here to enjoy my free afternoon with my family. Forgive me for not having had the chance to formally introduce them to you, although I'm sure they've already introduced themselves there is something fundamental about formally introducing one's own family yourself. So you've met my wife Mayumi and this here is my nephew Kyoshiro and his cousin Kyo seems to have disappeared. Though I'm sure you've already met him from what Mayumi has told me." Muramasa paused and gave it a moment before continuing making sure there was no one within earshot that could hear them. Muramasa very much liked his privacy and the privacy of his own family. "Kyoshiro and Kyo have been staying with Mayumi and me for quite some time now. Kyo has been in my care longer than Kyoshiro but he was the first to leave, bought his own apartment but he still comes by to visit and not long after Kyo left Kyoshiro followed."
"Ah, yes of course" Henry felt a little odd at what to respond to that statement, he was pleased that Muramasa was updating him but felt awkward to respond since he doesn't know the youngsters well and so he evaded "well then, once again it is my pleasure to meet you Mayumi-sama and Kyoshiro-sama. And yes I've met the young master a few times. I've been told that Kyoshiro-sama has already gotten himself a degree and currently teaching as a professor at a prestigious university-medicine I believe." Henry said feeling a little proud of the young master's achievements, although it's been years since he left Henry parted a part of himself in that household as a sign of gratitude. He felt that in some way their happiness and sadness was his own.
"Of course! Although business was what I thought he would choose but nevertheless I am indeed proud." He replied Muramasa knew that Kyoshiro's reason for choosing medicine wasn't purely his own desire but influenced by someone else- a girl, but nevertheless medicine was an excellent profession. As Muramasa looked at Henry about to question him on his life he saw Henry's thoughts and couldn't help but chuckle "I have an interesting nephew huh, you'd think the youngest would be the rebellious one but alas the eldest was chosen. So what did you think of him Henry? And please save the politeness I'm sure you haven't forgotten I can hear and see."
"No of course not, not unless I lose my memories" he laughed with his former master and continued "It was…interesting having met him, for a moment it did not occur in my mind whether he was part of the household with all due respect Muramasa-sama."
"Interesting indeed! And none taken!" Muramasa laughed in glee, then remembering his earlier question he voiced "What about you Henry, do you have a family of your own? Have you found your 'special one' yet?"
"So-and-so though 'special' isn't really something I'd call her more like a troublesome brat and besides not in that way 'special' Muramasa-sama she's only a child-a brat like I said." Henry thought of Yuya with a gentle smile on his lips and it reflected in his eyes. Muramasa of course saw his thoughts and was genuinely happy for his old friend. "By the way Muramasa-sama do you have children of your own yet? Not that I intend to pry it's just what I mean is I heard you have a daughter?" Henry stumbled awkwardly not knowing how to address the subject without causing any offence; he knew that Mayumi had always been a fragile woman.
"Hm? Oh, you mean Mahiro-chan? No, she's my wife's younger sister my sister-in-law. We don't have any children" Muramasa answered without sadness or anger in his voice only acceptance.
"Oh I see" Henry uttered feeling awful thinking he dampened the mood.
"So you have someone huh?" Muramasa interrupted his thoughts not wanting Henry to feel sad for what he said and foreshadowed what Henry was about to say next.
"Please stop your thoughts." Henry sighed without malice and thankful to have a sudden change of subject "It's not like that, like I said she's more like a troublesome brat that causes nothing but commotions" Henry says with exhaustion as he thought of the trouble Yuya has gotten herself into, especially the one she's in right now.
"I'm glad you found her." Muramasa laughs, knowing what Henry truly thinks of the girl.
"Ah, no she found me...but me too." Henry replies with a smile.
"Hm? And that's the reason why you're working here in this restaurant?" Muramasa questioned as he looked into Henry's thoughts.
"Wha-No, I've already worked in an Éclair branched but the southern one in Tokyo. See one day I happen to walk past a park and saw the kid looking worried and walking like the flower bee dance in the middle of the road, I thought she was some sort of animal at first to tell you the truth-what with those furry clothes she had on and being so small." Henry laughed at the thought as the past came back to him. "Then I found out she was lost so I tried to help her find her way back to her house. But then we met again though that time she found me...and I was the lost one, so she decided all by herself that she would also help me find my way. Then so-and-so I ended up transferring to this branch here, I tried to look for her but her grandfather said she moved abroad. Then by some fate we met each other again when she was applying for a part-time job here." Henry explained vaguely but Muramasa understood this and he continued with a gentle smile on his face "Seriously such a troublesome brat!"
"Troublesome huh? I think I know my other nephew-Kyo seems to be a 'troublesome' kid in a different level" Muramasa says with a hint of guilt in his voice but then jives back up as he teased "Well it sounds more to me like you're bragging instead of complaining."
"Yeah you think so?" Henry laughed heartily.
"She seems like a good kid, Henry, I'm happy for you" Muramasa smiled truly happy for Henry.
"She is…she truly is a good kid." Henry said solemnly thinking of the unfairness that the poor child had to go through. Why such a good kid had to endure so much at such a young age was part of what Henry thought to be the natural unfairness of what he believed was life.
Hearing his thoughts albeit unintentionally for Henry's thoughts was loud, Muramasa voiced "Well if there's anything you need- I see, well then Kyoshiro don't you think it's about time you go and find your cousin?" He ordered hinting at them to give them some privacy as he loudly heard Henry's thoughts.
The secret Henry found out that day was that his young master-Muramasa had the ability to be able to tell one's thoughts, if the thoughts are clear then it is loudly heard but if it is uncertain it is a whisper. He had the ability to tell what is inside someone's heart and mind even the ones lurking in the deepest corner of their minds and heart. This was hidden from people except for the main household and the chosen serving families. Because although Muramasa had control over his abilities, with an on and off switch, in times where he's emotional or unwell his power would surge and he loses control over them hence why no one was allowed to enter except for them, because the young master was frail in heart. Also if the person's feelings or desires were strong Muramasa can also unintentionally hear them and he also doesn't like to use them often because it endangers his body even more, which was why he hardly ever left the estate and worked from there.
"Alright" Kyoshiro answered leaving the table.
"In that case I'll just go the ladies-room, excuse me gentlemen" Mayumi also left as she understood the situation.
"Money problems." Muramasa said unquestioningly.
"Yes, but not me, the little brat" Henry replies quietly and seems to choke with every word of pleading as their conversation continues. He didn't like asking for favours from Muramasa although he knew that Muramasa would do it, Henry just didn't like it from a servant point of view but he had no choice.
"Oh, well why not just-"
"I can't do that apart from being clumsy it seems that stubbornness is her specialty. The kid won't accept anything from us or anybody if she feels she didn't earn it or deserved it, especially when it comes to money she feels that she can only accept it if she worked for it with sweat and blood." Henry explains with irritation and concern.
"Hm? Sounds like a very spirited child" Muramasa smiles at him.
"Don't forget stubborn! So if-please I'd like you to help her, in a way that she won't think it charity. I already have a plan..." Henry says with restraints.
"Hm, very well tell me more and as you are asking for my help I am also in need of yours Henry, if you are willing to aid me that is...no before you answer me hear me out first, for this may not suit your taste. And after hearing what I have to say you are still willing to help I will be in your debt Henry." Muramasa said kindly understanding the situation and gaining an increasing interest on the young girl that had the strict and household-law abiding Henry plead for help from his former master. This also provided an opportunity for Muramasa to finally do something about his troublesome ward, of course all in his best interest, Muramasa only wanted the young man to find happiness and peace within himself. However although some of his actions achieved something the majority of his actions were unsuccessful or to put it bluntly lacking, something was still missing and Muramasa knew that whatever it is Kyo will not find it in him.
Meanwhile at the same time Yuya was getting ready to end her shift but she somehow manage to cross paths with her manager, who upon having looked at Yuya had a Eureka moment-so to speak. He knew that Yuya was about to finish her shift but hoped that she would agree with his request, of course if the manager knew about Yuya's physical condition then he would have sent her home right away.
"Yuya-san, I have a favour to ask, I know you are about to finish your shift but I needed Henry with other matters so I've left the bar-tending duty to another staff member but umm well as you can see for yourself" he moved to the side and gestured to the bar to let Yuya see the situation for herself. As she looked the bar was over crowded with people waiting to be served and the staffs' managing the bar wasn't coping so well. He had alcohol stains on his shirt, he was sweating buckets and didn't know where to turn right or left, it was almost painful to watch him.
"So I umm wondered if you could save the poor man and myself and take over the shift. But of course i-if you're already busy then-"
"No. It's no trouble at all manager-san. Give me a few minutes whilst I go and change into something more suitable-" Yuya excused herself but was stopped by the manager.
"No we can't waste any more time-I mean what you're wearing is perfectly fine Yuya-san...actually now that I take a look at it more clearly what you're wearing doesn't look much different to our uniforms." The manager observed Yuya's outfit more closely and described "White plain shirt, though more loose than the uniform, black bootleg jeans, black loafers-yup very much like our uniform, though instead of jeans our uniform is trousers but with the material of your jeans you can hardly tell the difference. Thinking about it now, umm Yuya-san your umm casual wear is a little-"
"Well shall we then manager-san? Like you said we don't have much time." Yuya interrupted and hurried to the bar carrying her medium size tote bag. The manager clearing his throat in slight embarrassment followed after Yuya. When she arrived at the bar Yuya happily let the manager do the talking to the other staff whilst she went behind the bar and placed her bag on the floor.
"Well then Yuya-san, I have explained it to Natsu-kun-he will now be taking over his original duties. I'm sure you know what you're doing here so I'll leave it to you." The manager departed, leaving Yuya.
"Yes of course manager" she replied but remembered something important and hurriedly caught up with the manager to ask her question "until how long will I be covering for the shift manager-san?"
"Oh yes I forgot to tell you, I'm so sorry Yuya-san, umm let's see..." the manager then started to mumble to himself, trying to figure out the schedule of his staff and where they are located in the restaurant but Yuya remained patient feeling slightly amused at the manager "would it be alright for you to cover it for 3 hours Yuya-san just until Megumi can finish with her waitering duties?"
"Hai of course" with that Yuya excused herself to get back to the bar, the sooner she can get rid of that over-crowd the better the atmosphere would be in the restaurant. Because as she looked around, everyone (staff members only) was on edge, as if they were walking on thin ice. And the crowd in the bar made it worse for them, all the staff members in the first floor looked so stressed that she didn't even want to know how the second floor and the ground floor was holding up. Of course the customers would never guess from the staff's patience and smiling faces. But once you work for a certain amount of time in a restaurant, you'll know the difference between happy serving and stressed serving. After all despite each individual staffs' background they were professionals at their jobs.
When the manager approached her, she knew he needed a favour and although she was looking forward to her 4 hours of rest before her next job; Yuya couldn't refused the fragile and kind manager. And besides Yuya liked the bar because it was touched with vintage European appeal, but disliked it at the same time because it seemed like an island-placed in the middle of the first floor surrounded by tables and prying eyes of busy-body people.
Yuya hated having attention to her, she always felt uncomfortable in the prying eyes of strangers. Although she liked the company of her friends, Yuya was a shy girl in front of strangers-but of course she doesn't let this show when she's serving customers. But as she gets to know the person better, Yuya will automatically become friendly, bubbly and trusting-this is seen as innocent to others but also one of her faults. Yuya trusts far too easily.
"And that's what happened. So how did it go in your end?" Megumi whispered as she first explained to Henry Yuya's situation before asking about what he was planning on doing. She was standing in the staff room leaning on the door, making sure no-one was near so they won't be able to hear them.
"Great. I came up with a plan and it's perfect." Henry answered in glee.
"Please don't say that." Megumi sighed knowing full well Henry's lack of luck.
"I'm telling you this time its full proof; I manage to get some help from...an old friend. Now here though is the difficult part" Henry sighed as he continued "getting that stubborn child to agree with our plan..." he then began to explain to Megumi the plan he conspired with Muramasa, though midway through his explanation Henry noticed Megumi carrying a black folder.
"What you got there?" he asked nodding his head to the folder in her arms.
"Oh! This? Well this is what I call a real plan, not something that would give her even more work." Megumi showed Henry what was inside the folder all the while feeling happy about the potential of it. "I got permission from the manager to use his computer and printer in his office and so I started researching about-"
"Wait, this is-"
"Exactly!" Megumi exclaimed.
"What do you mean 'exactly'? There's no way she'll do this, remember what she needs is money not something that would take it away." Henry exasperated, now feeling down of the thought that none of their individual plan would solve or even reduce Yuya's problem.
Megumi looked on at Henry with disapproval as she sighed "I'm not trying to lower her income I'm just…"she paused and thought about it once more before continuing "You're right. Now I'm starting to think like this isn't such a-wait!" Megumi then abandoned her post in the door and sat on one of the chairs feeling like a genius all of a sudden "I've got another plan and this time let's put your plan and mine together. Okay now this is how it's going to be..." Megumi then began to explain her new found plan to Henry in every detail to avoid any errors when the time comes to execute it.
An hour later of serving and tending the bar, Yuya was beginning to remember why bar-tending was one of her least favourite job to do in the restaurant. Usually when she had to cover bar-tending shift she disliked it because of the men- young and arrogant or pompous and old men only served to give her headaches. Anything that pretty much looks close to being a female they coquet. They probably had too much tequila that they weren't even seeing anything for the most part. But now it wasn't just men; it now became to two genders-both male and female giving her headaches. The men acted just like before but this time there was a certain air of hostility that they carried towards the other side of the bar.
The women however was the completely opposite of how they normally acted-compose and lady-like, now looking at the situation left Yuya in stupor. The situation and the behaviour of these women were completely alien to her. Now of course there were times where she had seen several women swooning over some famous guy-the restaurant was renowned afterall; movie stars, models, socialites and business men were regulars in the restaurant as with the women. However there wasn't such a great scale of swooning or frolicking happening as everyone that frequents the restaurant held a title or renowned occupation. But what Yuya saw in front of her was actual frolicking like moths to light.
There in front of her was a great gathering of women and a few men, Yuya didn't know who or what was being surrounded by such a crowd and at that moment couldn't have cared less. Yuya only wanted to serve these people so there wasn't such a chaotic scene in the bar that disturbed other customers. Yuya also just wanted to finish her shift so she could rest even for an hour before her night shift in the Tobiko sushi house begins.
"Excuse me sir, what can I get you?" Yuya tried to ask yet again the male customers clumped together leaning their backs on the bar and this time a little louder and more firmly. But seeing that she was still being ignored, Yuya was about to give them a piece of her mind when a staff member went up the bar and ordered.
"Two shots of patrón for the bedswerver in table 6" a woman in her late 20s with mouse coloured bob cut hair and wide brown eyes said in a sigh. Yuya recognised her as Yuna a weekend regular in the restaurant, or also known as the 'gossip queen'. Yuna pretty much knows all the cliques in the restaurant, if you're a newbie and don't know how to distinguish your customers to their own preferences Yuna's the girl to go to. Unfortunately all the things she'll tell you though are the scandals of the regular customers. This however doesn't include the patrons of the restaurant because they rarely dine but she hears things about them from the other customers.
"Be-bedswerver?" Yuya puzzled and glanced at table six to find a man in his 40s he looked attractive but the sleazy kind in Yuya's opinion, she knew him as Mr. Baldwin. "You mean Mr. Baldwin?" she turned back to Yuna and began preparing his drink.
"Oh honey, how many times do I have to tell you- get with the lingo already! Bedswerver means he pretty much hops from bed to bed, he's like a rabbit only with a bit of looks but tons of dough. Understand?" Yuna explained leaning against the bar and eyeing the men a few feet away from her "Now speaking of looks you'll never believe what I just saw exiting the star table."
Yuya was about to respond that she didn't understand all her 'lingos' and the only thing she pretty much got from it was that, there might have been someone rather important in the star table. For every floor in the restaurant there are three special table known as star tables but formally known in the restaurant as 'étoile'; there are only three per floor and reserved only for patrons and distinguished guests. And Yuya was about to tell all of these to Yuna when another staff member came to the bar in a hurry and upon reaching immediately gestured for a drink as she was out of breath. But instead she grabbed one of the shots Yuya was preparing for Mr. Baldwin, the staff then licked her lips in distaste.
"That wasn't water Hana-san, here this one is water" Yuya handed the young woman in her early 20s a glass of water; she began to drink it in speed as her light brown eyes began to water. Not one to gossip herself but Yuya knew Hana was also another gossiper in the restaurant, not as bad as Yuna but also likes to know everyone's business and infamous for being tattletale.
"You'll never guess what I just saw entering the star table earlier!" She exclaimed as soon as she finished drinking.
Having somewhat heard something similar Yuya turned to Yuna who faced her leaving her man-hunting ways and said in frustration to Hana "Hello? My turf? I was about to tell the grasshopper."
Yuya however only focused on preparing another shot of patrón to serve to Mr. Baldwin who's been eyeing her for a while now ever since Yuna came. She thought it might have been his way of telling her to hurry up, but from the way his gaze travelled down to her chest Yuya guessed it was for another disgusting reason. And so wanting to hurry up with his drink she finished it and handed it over to one of the girls, she didn't care who got it but she just wanted to get it over and done with so the scumbag could stop staring at her chest "Here two shots of patrón table 6."
The one who got the tray was Hana and was about to protest but she saw Yuya's tense and gritted look so she went off; Yuna however took this opportunity to tell her tale first.
"As I was saying. The one I saw exiting the star table was none other than the most beautiful man I have ever seen and trust me when I say this-I have seen a lot of men but none like him!" she gushed with sparkling eyes, Yuya thought she saw hearts for a second there but was startled by Hana who came back rushing in to the bar.
"Me too! He was like something out of a dream. Wait no! Like 100 times better than a dream." Hana leaned on her hands displaying a faraway look in her eyes "I have never ever thought such a man existed in real life! I really thought I was dreaming or something...oh and his eyes! His eyes! His beautiful eyes that left me paralyse...the colour...it's like..." She drawled and Yuna continued for her "like seeing nothing but endless clear blue skies, like the blue sky lightened by the sunlight after a rainy day-"
"Hn-wait WHAT?" Hana who had been nodding in agreement on what Yuna was saying suddenly jumped in realisation "What do you mean blue skies? How can it blue are you colour blind or something?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"You said blue!" Hana grabbed her shoulders, forcing Yuna to fully face her.
At this point Yuna was still in dreamland when the grip on her shoulders brought her to reality, freeing herself snapped back at Hana "His eyes were blue you idiot! Maybe you're the blind one?"
"Blue? His eyes were red moron! Red!" Hana emphasised.
"Did you hit your head on the way here or something? No-one has red eyes you idiot! This isn't some tragic romantic vampire series."
The two then began to argue between them on the colour whilst Yuya continued on cleaning the bar again. However it was short lived as was the last time, because the two women then got her involved. "Will you tell this woman the real colour of his eyes?" They said in unison.
Thinking that she had to solve their problem first before doing anything Yuya then began to think over what they both said. This was because she figured with these two bothering her she'll never get anything done.
"Okay. Let me get this straight Yuna-san saw someone exiting yes?" she paused for confirmation from Yuna and having given one she then turned to Hana and said "And Hana-san you saw someone entering correct?" she paused again for confirmation. "Okay in that case since you have different colours in your mind and saw someone at different points then maybe you both saw someone different from the other. So Yuna-san the person you saw exiting may not be the same person Hana-san saw entering."
They then looked at each other and as if reading each other's thoughts they both said at the same time "I'm sure the guy I saw was far more beautiful than whoever you saw!"
"Excuse me? Honey the guy I saw was not only beautiful but boy was he fine!" and turned to Yuya saying "he was so damn fine it was sizzling honey!" Yuna started first almost jumping at each word, trying to get the upper hand.
"Oh yeah? Well the one I saw was not only beautiful and handsome he was gorgeously on fire!" and turned to Yuya exclaiming "you could cook a sunny-side-up in his footsteps nay even melt in his footsteps babygirl." Hana retaliated feeling something burning inside her, it was probably the thrill and the shock of seeing that man. She never thought love at first sight was real but now she was beginning to doubt.
As they continued arguing with each other Yuya once again tried her best to do her job. The arguments becoming something like 'my horse is bigger than your horse' and she did not want to get involve. So she was thankful to get some distractions when people started to order. Then as she prepared for the drinks Yuya almost dropped the glass when both women startled her by screaming "Tell her that the one I saw was far better!"
"Honey let's get something straight, the guy I saw could never be beaten by your imaginary man alright! He was far more beautiful than any actor or idol in this world combined!" Yuna commented to Hana.
"Oh babygirl, you're right about one thing the one I saw was a man and the one you saw was nothing but a boy. How could such a "guy" compare to a real drop-dead-on-your-feet-handsome-out-of-this-world man?!" Hana replied with emphasis.
They then both looked at Yuya. This time feeling her headache stronger than ever, she took a deep breath and merely said "Have you guys been watching far too much American shows or something?" Hoping to change the subject about something she had no clue about.
Luckily for Yuya at that point the manager came to see what the entire ruckus was about in the bar and plastered a fake smile on his face, meaning he was very much annoyed. The manager then plucked both girls at a time out of the bar and gave Yuya an apologetic look.
Yuya went back to cleaning the bar and serving a few people who ordered, but it was getting very difficult for her to hear all their different orders for there was such a noise a little away from her where many people mostly women were gathering together. She wanted to tell them to either order or disperse because they were disturbing other customers and it was getting harder to make a mental note of their orders.
Then finally after a loud practiced screech from a woman, Yuya turned towards them and politely said "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen but if you would like to order please do so already because there are others who wish to order and sit around the bar but cannot do so when all of you are gathered together."
"Oh did something just speak?!" a woman in her late 30s said distastefully at her and continued on insulting her "why don't you get yourself a haircut and some modern clothes instead before having the nerve to serve us-oh but wait! I'm sorry you probably can't afford it, here, instead of buying myself a drink why don't you use this money and get yourself that haircut hmm?!" The other women laughed with her and started snubbing her one by one.
Yuya merely took a deep breath trying to calm her temper and as she did so she caught a glimpse of what they were gathering around for, and from what she could see it wasn't what but rather who. There sat on one of the stools on the bar was a man, but she couldn't fully see what he looked like and by the little amount of physique that she could see, Yuya made out the person to be a young man. Thus proved her suspicions. It could only have been a man whom the women were gathering around. She was now extremely annoyed but tried once more to gain their attention as politely as possible however they didn't pay attention and instead openly humiliated her appearance.
Yuya then tried to excuse herself before she lost her temper on the woman; however the woman still continued to insult her and snubbed her off. But Yuya paid no heed and she continued to walk away when the woman feeling that insulting Yuya didn't get anywhere started to insult the restaurant instead. She insulted the restaurant's 'poor service' and complained how the restaurant looked so 'old' and 'rusted' which made Yuya snap and turned back around to the woman with a false gritted smile on her face.
"With all due respect my lady, parts of this building was made during the Edo period and the interior design is a mixture of French and Japanese culture. It is a classical and historical restaurant I hardly call that "old" and "rusted". As for the "poor service" I have been standing here for 5 minutes doing nothing but trying to serve you oh! Your ladyships but as it seems my efforts were just pointless because you would much rather prefer to stand around fawning over someone who is no doubt more than 10 years your junior and oh by the way my lady may I dare and say that is a very beautiful wedding ring you have there! Now if herladyship does not wish to order something then I your humble server would gladly offer you a seat in the bar, as you can see there are plenty and oh look, there is also an empty seat right beside your acquaintance instead of frolicking which of course is not the way a lady should behave! Afterall you do consider yourself a proper lady born with wealth, grace and dignity am I wrong in believing that my most amiable ladyship is one too?"
The woman was left speechless and astounded not because what Yuya said were false nor because Yuya said it loudly, because she knew far better than anyone it was a complete bullseye and also Yuya spoke lowly, but rather because of how Yuya voiced her words and the way she delivered them. Yuya spoke with calmness and coolness in her voice which oozed superiority but sharp with honesty much like a samurai's sword, where it leaves you numb at first before feeling the full burning blow of the strike. It was also the way Yuya carried herself, she had the grace and dignity of a royalty that the woman thought she saw an illuminating aura of grace and fierceness, and instead of insulting her, like what she thought was Yuya's intention, it instead left her feeling ashamed of her own adulterating behaviour. She couldn't even count anymore how many she had shared a bed with and made her feel extremely shameful of this ugliness in her.
Still feeling astounded by what just occurred, she was glued in place with an agape expression on her face as she heard the people around her started to whisper about her and even her so called 'friends' took the advantage of insulting her. And the woman was shock for the third time that night, because instead of expecting humiliation from the girl whom she herself had just insulted and humiliated in front of everyone, it was her own friends who made her feel so cheap and her eyes reflected humiliation. Yuya noticed this and felt pity for the girl, and she thought of reasons behind the woman's actions of adulterating and so Yuya quickly tried to rescue the helpless woman from more humiliation and breaking down in the restaurant.
Yuya to the surprise of the woman and everyone present in the bar bowed in 90 degrees and said feeling sorry for victim of her exhaustion.
"Forgive me my lady, for such an atrocious behaviour and I can only thank you for being humble and merciful for not punishing me."
Noticing this, out of impulse from the aftershock of being humiliated by her friends the woman took advantage of the situation and took the wine from the table and poured it over Yuya's head garnering everyone to gasp excluding Yuya who had already foreshadowed this. As she poured the wine on Yuya's head the woman laughed sneeringly and insulted Yuya even more, she then walked to the man whom she had been trying gain attention from to save face. But Yuya saw from her peripheral vision that the man merely shrugged off her advances and walked away. Again because of the crowd it was difficult for Yuya to see his face but from what she could see from the physique of his back; Yuya identified him to be the same man whom she collided with in the hallways after returning to restaurant from the whole sake fiasco.
Leaving the sight of the man and turning her attention to the woman, Yuya saw her feeling foolish and extremely embarrass and before she could do something the woman ran off to the restroom.
Yuya then sighed stood straight and looked at her watched and seeing she still had around 30 minutes in her shift she walked straight to the staff room with gracefulness that left the spectators at awe and somewhere in the distance a man with piercing scarlet eyes smirked.
Upon entering the staff room Yuya quickly went to the women's locker room to change and dry her hair from the wine. She was only thankful that she had something to change out off. Yuya was now wearing the same jeans but with a plain ¾ sleeve beige turtle neck. And no matter how much she tried to scrub off the wine in her hair it still smelled of mulled wine, so she styled her hair back to how it was before.
As she was about to exit the staff room Yuya collided with Megumi who was looking for her and as she was about to speak, Henry came inside the room as well. Feeling something strangely ominous was coming from them both Yuya quickly tried to dodge the two by making excuses of tending the bar. However she was silenced by Henry who said that Natsu was tending it until she got back after just striding off to the staff room. It turned out that Natsu was there in the bar when it all happened and so when he saw Yuya leave for the staff room he took over for her until she got back.
Henry and Megumi then tried to explain to her that they had a way to make things easier for her without spoon feeding it to her, so this way it would make it like she deserved it.
"And these are?" Yuya asked sitting down on one of the chairs in the coffee table and flipping through the papers in the folder on her lap.
"Those are entrance exam papers!" Megumi smiles excitedly.
"Riiight!" Yuya replied sarcastically moving the folder and placing it on top of the table.
"Look just think about it okay. Please?" with an impatient voice and placed the folder back on Yuya's lap.
"Fine, entrance exam papers for what exactly?!" Yuya sighed.
"What do you mean 'what'? They're high school entrance exam papers!"
"Did you just say 'high school'?" Yuya uttered in shock.
"Yeah as in you know school. Do I have to explain what a school is to you kid?" Megumi said impatiently but still with unmasked cheerfulness.
"High school?! Did the two of you finally decided to get married or something?! Because this is by far the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard from the both of you."
"What do you mean 'ridiculous'? It's what kids your age should doing in the first place, not going out late at night doing all sorts of who knows what kind of job! Now your grandfather entrusted you to me, but here I don't even know what kind of jobs you're doing besides this one!" Henry said trying to get Yuya to change her mind and disregarding her other comment.
"Descent ones of course. Look Henry-san, I appreciate all of your efforts really I do but please trust me when I say this that it's really not the time for me to be doing this-going to school." Yuya tried to explain to them softly and she tried to stand to leave but Megumi seated her back down.
"But still Yuya these aren't just ordinary high schools. These schools will-if you pass and get in that is, they give you scholarships so you don't have to pay for tuition. That means you won't have to worry about work you only have to quit at least 7 because Hen-"
"What do you mean 'only' and 'at least' 7 of them I only have 8 part-time jobs as it is! I'm not sure you fully understood me when I explained it you Megumi-san but I need these jobs! What I need isn't school or scholarships or free tuition or whatever it is money!" interrupted a startled Yuya, as she burst out her frustrations.
"Yuya!" Henry bellowed startling her to compose herself and he continued with seriousness Yuya had never seen before "We're serious! It's either, school and one job only and a part-time might we add or you quit all of them and live with me for the time being!"
Yuya by this point was left shock with disappointment at them both whom she had thought understood her reasons for this despite not fully informing them of her whole situation and she could only voice in sarcasm "Oh great, you decide to act parental now?! Fine then Mr. Guardian you can do whatever you want."
"Yuya! Yuya! Get back here!" Henry grabbed her by the wrist and forced her to face him and he felt so guilty and remorseful for the expression he saw in her face. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have shouted at you like that."
Yuya feeling bad for upsetting Henry voiced weakly "Henry-san what do you want me to do? You know I need the money."
"No I don't so tell me Yuya. Help me Yuya, help me understand you better. Explain it to me." Henry pleaded grabbing both her shoulders.
At this Yuya proceeded to sit back down to where she had previously sat and glanced at both Megumi and Henry before explaining to them what had happened a week after the operation.
It turned out that although the operation of her grandfather was successful, something else caught the attention of the doctors. And Yuya was asked to see the lead surgeon of the operation who noticed the oddity.
Yuya walked inside a large double door and entered the room. The first thing she noticed was the design of the room; everything looked ancient to her, well not ancient but certainly something similar to the Edo period.
"Good morning Miss Shiina. I finally get the pleasure of meeting you."
Yuya was startled by the voice and faced towards it only to see a young man in his mid20s with a short black ponytail ending at the nape of his neck and mischievous twinkling sharp amber eyes. Yuya was a little shock to see such a good looking man. She knew young doctors were often attractive, but this man was what society would call beautiful. He wasn't beautiful in a way that would cause one to think he was female but rather he had a genderless beauty. But there was also something mischievous and roguish in his expression despite his ever present smile. Yuya deduced he was what Megumi had always described as a 'Casanova' despite hardly knowing anything about the man "G-good morning doctor umm" she stumbled forgetting the name on the name card.
"Sanada, Sanada Yukimura, but you can call me Yukimura Miss Shiina." The young man uttered cheerfully.
"Oh umm thank you Sanada-sensei, now regarding my-"
"Ah yes, your grandfather…though first please take a seat Miss Shiina." He offered casually.
"Ah hai, thank you." Seating herself Yuya noticed some sort of female undergarments on the floor partially hidden by the desk but paid no heed to it, hardly caring about the vices of others.
"Can I get you something to drink?" He said with a knowing smile and sat on his chair behind the desk opposite Yuya.
"No thank you." Yuya answered hastily, she was uncertain why this doctor was behaving so familiarly towards her or maybe it was just his nature. She felt that he was the carefree type and the usually cheerful type of people.
"Doctor, forgive my hastiness but I would really like to hear about the details of my grandfather's condition. I heard from Nakajima-sensei that the operation was a success and yet I was told that- please doctor tell me." Yuya said bordering distress.
"Very well Miss Shiina…Yes it is true that the operation was a success however, regarding your grandfather Miss Shiina, I'm afraid he'll need to have another operation." He sighed and observed the girl in front of him.
"I-I don't understand. What do you mean another one?" Yuya inwardly flinched from her seat.
"You see Miss Sh-"
"No! I was told! My grandfather's operation was 100% successful. And now you're possibly saying that something might have gone wrong?! Is that what you're telling me doctor?!" Yuya rose burning with anxiety and frustration.
"Er no…" Yukimura uttered taken aback by Yuya's sudden outburst. He had no idea where that loud voice came from such a petite body.
Yuya wasn't small in terms of height on the contrary she was tall compared to the majority of women in Japan. Yuya stood at around 5ft '4inch but she was slight and delicate-looking; what Asians and Caucasians alike would call willowy. Therefore to expect a loud, albeit sweet, voice coming from her slight body was well…unexpected, which had Yukimura shocked for a good few minutes before breaking out into an amuse smile.
"I'm sorry, does this amuse you? My grandfather's life is at stake here yet it amuses you?! What kind of a doctor are you?!" Yuya bellowed angrily and looking at Yukimura through her mock up glasses with piercing green grass emerald eyes.
Yukimura was once again stunned. He had no idea he was expressing his amusement openly, as he prided himself to be a professional at poker face. But that didn't seem to be the case and yet again he was amused for the second time that day. He already somehow knew there was something intriguing about Yuya (from what her grandfather had boasted to him) that would leave him guessing for her next move, but he never knew how much effect he had on her and they've barely even met much less conversed with each other. And yet he knew, because of how Yuya's demeanour towards him was observing and analysing instead of the swooning look that women wore around him. This was the first time a female gave him the same attention as the wall and now with a pinch of annoyance in her eyes and he was thoroughly intrigued.
"Ah no, forgive me Miss Shiina. I merely thought how truly captivating you are. Your grandfather boasted about you a few times and I must say you are exactly as what was described and much much more." He praised with a connoting smile.
"Wha- does not-I mean-. What?" Yuya taken aback from his response stumbled in awkwardness. She wasn't expecting to hear what was just said and due to the lack of male presence in her past she doesn't know how to react to them. 'What is wrong with this guy?'
"Don't worry Miss Shiina," he chuckled "although I did say your grandfather will be in need of another operation, I can assure you all will be fine as long as he has it in time" he continued casually taking advantage of Yuya's confusion.
"Again with in time" she recovered quickly and asked "What's wrong this time then doctor? It's-it's not another tumour right?"
"No. Shiina-san, your grandfather, has a failing liver and is in need of a transplant before it could damage the body. At the moment he's not showing any physical symptoms, however in a week's time parts of the liver will start shutting down and damaging other organs in his body. You must understand the liver has many different functions and one of its important functions is the removal of waste, poison and toxins in the body. Should this organ fail completely your grandfather will most likely be intoxicated to death. You must also understand that with your grandfather's condition, his body cannot stabilise the effects and the degeneration of his liver will rapidly increase. So to speak his deterioration will be much quicker than others."
Yuya was stunned into silence and suddenly dropped down on the seat as her legs gave way.
"A transplant…how long..."
"If everything ends up according to plan then by the end of the week, as I said Shiina-san the sooner the better." Yukimura concluded.
Yuya then leaned back on her chair and contemplated all of this. Somehow all of this still has not yet fully sank in but is conscious of its occurrence.
"A transplant…which means another set of liver is needed" she said a moment later rhetorically. "Which would mean money is needed to provide another liver…" she paused and allowed Yukimura to finish her thoughts for her.
"Yes. But to save anymore delays I have already gathered the possible donors based on his blood type Shiina-san all that is needed is your approval and signature. Your grandfather is in no condition to make these decisions at the moment certainly not until his full treatment has been complete and according to his will you have been made his next of kin and is responsible for making decision on his behalf." He explained looking at Yuya lacking the casual smile and looked on professionally as he placed a file in front of her.
"Yes I understand. Very well then doctor if you please." She said as Yuya took the file and started signing where necessary and as she was on the last part she uttered quietly "How much?"
It took a second before Yukimura understood her question and said "I have picked out the best donor for your grandfather" he started and continued as Yuya finally finished and handed the file back to him "Unfortunately this also means a healthier liver- a more expensive price tag." He paused for Yuya to process all of this.
"I beg your pardon doctor but please cut to the chase" she responded pinching her inner wrist under the table.
"Very well…"
As Yuya relayed the rest of her story, Megumi was in a puddle of tearing mess as she sobbed loudly, whilst Henry listened on intently.
"…and now you're working to pay off the loan for the cost of the transplant?" Megumi sobbed even more.
"Yeah…" she sighed "I didn't mean to keep it a secret, it's just I didn't want to…"
Henry patted the top of her surprising Yuya "we know kid…" he smiled meaning he understood the reasons behind Yuya's intent on not telling them "was that all then kiddo? There's nothing else?"
Yuya then lowered her head, consequently hiding her eyes from her fringe as she hesitated to relay any more to them but as they waited patiently Yuya began "Debts…my grandfather is swimming in debts" she soundly exhaled and continued "About two months ago a debt collector came to the house telling me how my grandfather was overdue…But really I'm coping Henry-san, it's not as bad as it sounds. I mean they allowed me to pay in instalments so…" Next thing she knew her head was tucked under Henry's neck and a hand patted her back soothingly.
"Alright kid." Henry uttered quietly with a faint smile on his face.
"He-henry-san?"
"Daijōbu" Megumi said at length.
"Eh?"
"That's why we're here kid" Henry answered Yuya and released her from his arms.
"See we've got a plan." Megumi followed suit.
"A plan? Eh? Don't tell me- high school?"
Seeing the grins on their faces Yuya's exclamation must have been right and so she said sighing in defeat. "Fine. You won't leave me alone unless I do this right?...Thought so. Well then let me hear the full throttle of your devious plan".
"Glad you finally asked kiddo" Henry widely grinned with closed eyes as he patted her head.
"So first things first, here" Megumi dumped a heavy black folder in her lap and Yuya had to cringe a bit from the weight of it.
"Those are high school entrance exam papers. Some are local whilst a few are in the outskirts of the city. Some of those entrance exams are from 'girls only' high school whilst the majority are public high schools. Now this is what's going to happen…"
After that Yuya went back to the bar to relieve Natsu.
"Thanks Natsu-kun I really appreciate it. I hope Megumi-san was easier on you this time." Yuya felt bad for the dark haired boy as he always received the short end of Megumi's eccentricity.
"Ah no. I actually volunteered. I-I mean I saw what happened earlier so-not that I didn't think you were cool-I-I-I mean you know it was-I just thought I'd help" finally realising he was rambling nonsense he gathered himself up and tried once more. "Then Megumi-san saw me and asked where you were so I told her and volunteered to do your shift until you came back." He was thankful this time that he rambled less and he dared to look up at Yuya in relief seeing as she had a smile on her face.
"I see. Thank you again Natsu-kun" Yuya had a bemused smile on her face as she thought how the young man, who was supposedly already in his mid20s could resemble a shivering puppy. It wasn't a wonder why Megumi liked to bully him. Yuya thought it was impolite but she couldn't help it, the man who looked like he was an elementary school boy. He was the human version of a shivering puppy, plus it didn't help that he was four inches shorter than Yuya. Not that height mattered to her, but somehow it suited him and completed his outlook.
As they stood lightly laughing, Yuya suddenly felt a shrill travelling from the tips of her nape to the bottom of her spine. A feeling she pondered was similar to someone intensely staring wholes in your head. However as she was about to turn and find the culprit Yuya was hounded by the two gossip queen yet again. 'Great they're back again'.
"Any orders ladies?" she started before the two women drowned themselves with gossip.
"The usual for table 12 and table 5 wants a cosmo" Hana said lazily and looked up at Yuya who smiled at Natsu waving goodbye and started on the orders.
"I've got a real James Bond at table 15; he wants a martini 'shaken not stirred'" Yuna mocked and added "if only he looked the part".
This piqued Yuya, not for the reason one might think but rather she dreaded the influence that additional comment could affect the two.
"Speaking of looks, guess who I saw for the second time?!"
However Yuya was too late to change the subject as Hana gasped in astonishment. So instead she mentally prepared herself as well as her ears for the oncoming debate of 'my horse is bigger than your horse'.
"Oh let me guess. Your imaginary man" Yuna reproved and added wooingly "Oh but the beautiful man that I saw yet again, three times today, was such a dream. His distinguishable features and symmetrical face, he could not be fully Japanese yet there was an Asian charm to his beautiful features."
"Hallucinated you mean" Hana chided. She then ignored a glaring Yuna and continued praising her dream-like man in an aficionado manner "As I saw him for the second time it was made clear to me that he truly is inhuman. For no-one, no human could exist with such beauty, elegance, pride, charisma…"
"…He's perfect" The two gossip queens faced each other in surprise as they uttered in unison.
"Excuse me but such a word can only be used to the suitable person and the man I saw was not only Mr. Perfect, he is the embodiment of perfect." Hana challenged burning with undisguised passion in her eyes.
"Mr. Perfect? Oh please! The man I saw, who was perfect in every way, was surrounded with gorgeous women and they were all social goers! That is how you know a man is perfect and desirable" Yuna then put her hand index finger out in front of her as if to emphasise and stop Hana from interrupting her as she exclaimed a little too loudly "Not only that, the third time I saw him, he was practically drooled on by his female friend who by the way was a real beauty of elegance."
"Yup and his supposed 'lady friend' is a real Mary Sue". All three head suddenly turned to the high pitched male voice filled with unmasked mimicry of the two women. Only to find the manager who was once again smiling through gritted teeth.
"They were just about to leave manager-san with the customer's orders." Yuya smoothly said hoping to ease the manager's stress and save the two women's' butts.
"Very well" he sighed in defeat only to find his stress levels were increasing as the two women walked off still debating to with each other.
"Here manager-san it's on me" Yuya handed the manager a glass of rosé with a sympathetic smile.
"Thank you Yuya-chan but I really shou-"
"Manager-san" Yuya uttered earnestly with determined eyes and the manager could not help but smile at her gesture and so gladly downed the glass.
"Thank you Yuya-chan I needed that. Now why don't you finish up here and go I've already sent for Natsu to cover the bar. Because as soon as Henry finishes his break I want him back to serve the star table. And I'll see you tomorrow Yuya-chan, it's a Saturday tomorrow right?!"
Yuya nodded "Yeah but my next shift isn't until the next week of Saturday manager-san."
"I see, well then you take care of yourself Yuya-chan." The manager replied with a smile albeit a little distracted in his thoughts.
"Hai," she smiled knowingly and added as an afterthought "Henry-san is in the staff room manager san."
"Eh?"
But Yuya only smiled innocently yet connoted with an insightful expression.
"A-ah well then I'll go and tell him to cover the floor now" he slightly stammered and sauntered to the staff room.
Yuya then began to clean the bar cheerily and planned her schedule for tomorrow when she was brought back to reality by a familiar deep voice, slightly grunting "Sake".
Yuya froze with her back towards the customer, as she felt a shudder at the familiarity of the voice. She tried to ponder where she had heard of it before but eventually gave up and was about to tell him the bar was closing temporarily until another staff member comes to take over. But as soon as Yuya gazed upon him all thoughts and words ceased to exit.
She was momentarily speechless and thoughtless until he once again uttered with a small amused expression this time "Sake".
Shaken out of her reverie Yuya thought she had composed herself but failed to realise the bar was close and her shift had ended when she replied thoughtlessly "ID".
At this the customer raised an eyebrow and stared at Yuya as if analysing every part of her. This unnerved her a little as no-one has ever openly, for the lack of the better word, 'checked her out' before. Although his expression was beyond her comprehension, Yuya thought he must be rebuffing her appearance much like the majority's opinion.
Yuya then distracted herself in thinking that perhaps he didn't quite understand her or perhaps didn't speak fluent Japanese. Yuya then explained clearly "I need an ID sir before I can serve you. I mean no offence sir but it is strict policy that a proof of identification must be asked and shown should a new customer order, regardless of appearance, status and age."
"Are you blind and deaf dogface? I said sake". Taken aback from the sudden and in her defence 'uncalled' insult Yuya's blood suddenly boiled causing her to momentarily forget she was still talking to a customer.
"And you must be seriously deranged, sir, if you think I'd serve you without that ID" she pronounced with annoyance and impatience. Frankly Yuya didn't care much for people's opinion of her outlook and neither did she listen to their rebuff. But somehow hearing an abrupt insult from a stranger she barely knew seeped through her skin like no other and it riled her to the very depths of her being. She could barely identify the receptivity as nostalgia as melancholy crept to the imperceptible hairs on her skin.
After a moment of contemplation Yuya remembered she was still talking to a customer and upon raising her head to meet his, she was once again rooted in her spot. As another wave of nostalgia roused her, much stronger this time as she stared at the blazing crimson eyes penetrating her very soul. Seeking, yearning and melancholy was reflected in them. Inauspiciously realising they belonged to her. Yet for some incomprehensible reason she could not tear away from the piercing foreign red eyes.
"Umm Yu-Yuya-san?" shaken out of her reverie, she had never been so thankful to be disturbed.
"Hai, Natsu-kun. Thank you. I'll leave things here with you." She said almost ripping herself away from whatever magnetic pull was drawing her to the mysterious and arrogant stranger.
"Oh no, you're welcome."
"Well then…" Yuya grabbed her bag on the floor and made her way out of the table bar when she stopped and said "He's a customer wanting sake; please serve him well on my behalf Natsu-kun. But don't forget the ID." Yuya could still feel that the customer was intently staring at her but she refused to make eye contact and instead pleasantly smiled at Natsu.
"Umm wait…No I mean, when are you going to be working next Yuya-san?" he asked nervously almost shaking in his shoes.
"Not until next Saturday Natsu-kun. And I'm fully booked for this week so it's very unlikely I'd be able to cover any shifts."
"Oh no that's what I meant-no I mean yeah okay. Then I'll see you soon Yuya-san." He looked so sad that Yuya took pity on him and thinking the opposite of what he had meant she quickly tore a piece of paper on the bar and wrote her mail address.*
"Here Natsu-kun that's my mail, please don't hesitate to contact me if you need me to cover your shifts next week. I'll do my best to reschedule." And with that Yuya left a gaping and utterly confused Natsu behind the bar as she hurried to the staff room to get her clothes and the black folder Megumi gave her.
Grabbing her clothes and stuffing it into her pack-bag and settling it to her back. She then placed her tote bag on her left shoulder whilst holding onto the black folder on her right. As Yuya existed the staff room she collided into someone yet again.
"I'm so sorry Miss are you alright?" a deep yet high pitch voice came in front of her.
Opening her eyes from the impact Yuya saw another handsome man who slightly resembled the customer she had just left in Natsu's care. She was confused however by the way he stared up at her; it reflected familiarity, excitement, fondness. Yet the very depths of his sky blue eyes revealed akin to guilt and sadness.
"I'm fine thank you. I'm sorry as well I hope you're not injured?" she offered a hand on the young man with deep blue eyes as she stood up from the floor.
"Ah no I'm fine. I should have been more careful" he smiled whilst scratching his cheek.
"No it's fine…here I believe this is yours" Yuya picked up three black folders and handed it to him.
"Ah thank you" he mimicked and picked a black folder near Yuya's foot and handed it to her "and here I believe this is yours".
"Thank you" she replied and organised the bags in her person and was about to excuse herself when the young man suddenly voiced in a rush "My name's Kyoshiro. Mibu." Realising what he just blurted the said man couldn't help but mentally slapped his head and mumbled to himself of his stupidity.
Observing him Yuya couldn't help but feel amused at a young man mentally scolding himself and so she humoured him with "Shiina, it's been somewhat beguiling Mibu-san but I really must go. Excuse me." Before he could stop her Yuya already fled from the scene, leaving Kyoshiro with excitement yet sorrow.
Yuya egressed from the restaurant and headed down the alley way- a short cut to her nightfall part-time job. As she ran Yuya was unaware of the man hiding behind the shadows of the street light intently observing her disappearing figure.
Said man then quickly dialled a number on his phone and waited for the receiver to answer.
"I found it" He answered curtly.
"Good, for now lay low" a high pitched voice replied on the other line.
"Hai."
"I expect you to get the job done" a threatening tone resounded from the phone.
"I won't let you fail" the man replied and placed his phone back to his pocket disappearing further into the shadows.
As the last of the winter breeze blew on the city, standing outside of a certain restaurant deep in the shadows stood a tall figure whose eyes glowed in the darkness ablaze with divulged antagonism. As the burning orbs scrutinized the disappearing figure in the shadows, one thing was made certain with resolve.
Next time on Gakuen Deeper Taku!
"What? Tenshi Gakuen? The Tenshi Gakuen?" – "Yeah why?"
…..
"So we meet again dog face" – 'Just chill Yuya, he's a customer, a very arrog-important customer'
…..
"Yes sir, I seem to have misplaced it…No sir I'll-what? Eh? Someone did?"
…..
"So remember Yuya, you're there as a housekeep understood?" – "I got it Henry-san. I'll be sure to be as quiet as a mouse"
…..
"I wanted to talk to you" – "Does he know you're here?"
…..
"I found the most adorable pet" – "Good for you"
Japanese translations to English ^.^
Hai – Yes
Eh – This is an expression commonly and unconsciously/consciously uttered in Japan, when one is surprised, shocked etc.
Sensei – In general usage, it is used, with proper form, after a person's name, and means "teacher". The word is used as a titleto refer to or addressteachers, professors and other professionals such aslawyers,doctors,politicians,clergymen and other figures of authority. The word is also used to show respect to someone who has achieved a certain level of mastery in an art form or some other skill: accomplished puppeteers,novelists,musicians, andartists for example are addressed in this way.
*- In Japan the giving and receiving of mail addresses are equivalent to phone numbers and text messages in English speaking countries. This is more common to the younger generation than the older generation, as it is interpreted to be a display of romantic interest.
If you have any questions/queries about the story or plotline, the characters or anything at all about Gakuen Deeper Taku you're more than welcome to ask away .
Thank you for reading, feel free to comment, favourite, follow or all of the above ^.- Ja ne~