Chapter 8
Okay… I gave Kazu-chan quite a misfortune on the seventh chapter, so on this one, I'll be a little nicer…hahaha… and for those who want more Toshiki in this story, well, you're lucky because he's in this chapter as well, and Jubei, too, for that matter. Soon enough, Jubei will be coming back from Germany, good as new. And let's not forget about everyone's favorite transporter, Dr. Jackal… actually, he's here as well. I made this chapter a little bit special because it's the eighth, and for Chinese-Filipinos like myself, eight is a lucky number. Brace yourself for the eighth installment of Japan's Next Top Model! Enjoy…
Kazuki stood up from the couch in the room he shares with Kazumi. It has two weeks since he fell on the cliff. A lot of questions still linger in his mind. Who pushed him down? Who carried him up? He tried to ask his roommate a couple of times regarding the person who saved him. All Kazumi could remember was that his hair was blonde and he wore it in a ponytail.
"That question again? Why do you bother to know who saved you?"
"I just have a feeling that it's a good friend of mine who carried me up the cliff. You said he had blonde hair and wore it in a ponytail. My good friend looks like that. I need to talk to him and see him again."
"Why? You have a boyfriend in Germany, don't you?" she paused. "Don't tell me that you like that guy better than your own boyfriend!"
"No, it's not like that. We had a misunderstanding, and he won't talk to me again. I want to explain, because he's one of the few people I trust and value."
"He likes you, too, am I right? But you love your boyfriend."
"You're good. Yes, he likes me a lot since we were younger, but I love my boyfriend. He can't accept it; we were all good friends for a long time now."
"Oh, it's so sad. Anyway, you're lucky that that guy saved you; if he didn't, you won't be able to strut in the runway. It's good that there's also an investigation regarding your fall from the cliff. We manage to have more time to rest, and the eliminations are off temporarily."
Kazuki, although he was injured, was able to gather information about who Akiko would have as a victim next. Kirimi Mitsuhara was eliminated the past week, and other weaker contenders were also kicked out from the show. The contest suddenly became more exciting and dangerous as well.
"Anyway, Kazuki-chan, aren't you excited? We're going to attend a party tonight! It's the launch of a new hair product, and we, as the remaining six contestants, will have the privilege of endorsing it! It's so cool! And I also heard that Ferragamo Japan's owner, Tsubaki Shihounami, will be present! She's so rich, and really beautiful. Kazuki-chan, are you listening?"
Kazuki recalled the day he went to the expensive shoe shop with Florencias. That was the day he last saw Toshiki. That store was Ferragamo Japan, Tsubaki Shihounami owned it, and Toshiki is her bodyguard! It all added up, and suddenly, Kazuki was interested in going to the party. After all, rich people do not attend gatherings without their bodyguards. His mind was awakened by the ring of his phone.
"Hello?"
"Kazuki! How are you? Are you hurt? Who pushed you? I'll make that person pay dearly!"
"Jubei! I'm not hurt or anything, don't worry. How did the surgery go?"
"I had it three weeks ago. I'm really sorry that I wasn't able to call you for quite a while. The doctors here are so stubborn! They told me to rest first before I move around. They're unreasonable! It's just a phone call that I'm going to make, yet they just won't allow me. I'm really sorry for not being able to call you. Sorry that I wasn't able to protect you when someone pushed you down the cliff. I'm worthless."
"Jubei, there you go again! I'm fine, you needn't worry about anything. Can you see things now?"
"They said I recovered really fast, but I think it was a slow recovery. I wanted to stay beside you. I miss you so much. I can see things now; actually, I was the one who dialed your number. I saw you on TV, and, I have to say, you outshone everyone. My battery's running low, so I've to say good bye now. I love you."
"I love you, too. Bye."
Kazuki hung up the phone, again satisfied by the sound of Jubei's voice. He smiled and prepared what he would be wearing for the night. He picked out a white bustier dress and a pair of white sandals. He felt a rush of excitement; knowing he'd finally be able to talk it over with Toshiki. He took Juzuki from his pillow and gave the little doggy a kiss. "I hope everything will be alright."
(That night…)
"A pleasant evening, ladies," a familiar voice greeted. Kazuki's mouth fell open when he saw who it was. It was Akabane.
"What are you doing here, Akabane-san?" Kazuki asked awkwardly.
"I am going to escort you to the party. Ginji-kun doesn't want anything to happen to you again."
"I-is that so?"
Kazumi beamed when she heard what Akabane said. "Can you please escort me, too? Kazuki-chan and I are friends."
"With great pleasure."
Kazuki, Kazumi and the other contestants rode a limousine that was provided by the show. Akabane followed them with his own car. When they arrived at the venue, the escorts lined up in front of the car's door to collect the contestants. Akabane smiled as Kazuki walked beside him.
A few moments later, a white limousine arrived at the venue. Tsubaki Shihounami had arrived. Kazuki looked at all the bodyguards who were walking behind all of the beautiful ladies in the room. It took a while before he saw Toshiki. He wanted to go near, but Toshiki did not seem to have seen him yet.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present to you the newest endorsers of our newest product, the Crystal Shine shampoo and conditioner. Let us all welcome, the top six contenders of Japan's Next Top Model! They are Akiko Shiroyuki, Megumi Misato, Yukino Asahira, Hinata Kurasaki, Kazumi Fujishoin, and Kazuki Fuchoin!"
A roar of applause filled the room. The contestants, including Kazuki, walked up the stage. They each took glasses of expensive wine and initiated a toast. In the corner of his eye, Kazuki saw Toshiki looking at him. He, Kazuki, smiled sweetly at his friend, but Toshiki just turned his head away. Kazuki felt a terrible surge of guilt.
After the toast, the contestants socialized with the other people who were at the party. Kazuki felt awkward; he did not know anybody except the other contestants, Akabane, and Toshiki. He just stood up from his seat and took a slice of cake which was being served. On his way back, he saw Tsubaki standing before him. Toshiki, of course, followed her.
"Hello. You reached the top six of the show. Congratulations."
"Th-thank you. It's strange how I was able to manage. So many of them were much better than I am."
"Humble, aren't you? And beautiful for that matter. No wonder my bodyguard here was almost fired from his job for saving your pretty little face."
"What do you mean, Tsubaki-san? Did Toshiki save me?"
"He did, and he almost lost his job because of you."
"Toshiki…"
"Listen, woman, I don't want anybody to interfere on my people's job. You are a disturbance! I want you to never show your face to my bodyguard again!" with that, she took a glass of red wine and poured it over Kazuki's head. Kazuki was horrified. Toshiki was enraged. The people were stunned. "I hope you learn from what you did-"
"WHO THE HELL GAVE YOU LICENSE TO HUMILIATE KAZUKI? WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO DO THAT?" Toshiki screamed furiously at his employer. He received a slap on the face as a reply.
"YOU ARE JUST SOMEONE WHO WORKS FOR ME! DON'T YOU EVER DARE TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!" Tsubaki bellowed. The people stared at them, mouths wide open.
"Toshiki, never mind about it. I wasn't hurt anyway. Please calm down." Kazuki turned to Tsubaki. "I'm afraid I can't do what you ask of me, Tsubaki-san. Toshiki is one of the people whom I value so much. We had been friends ever since we've met each other. Although I'm not able to give him money or whatever it is you could provide, I care for his wellbeing. We've known each other long before you hired him to be your bodyguard; that doesn't make me a disturbance. I'm his ally, and, I'm sorry to say this, but you don't have the right to hurt him just because you gave him a job." Kazuki gave Toshiki an assuring smile, excused himself, and then headed to the bathroom. Tsubaki was stunned.
"I'm sorry, ojyousama. I'm filing my resignation; I'm going to quit." Toshiki followed Kazuki, who headed to the men's bathroom. He was wiping off the stain on his white dress.
"Toshiki, I'm sorry for causing trouble."
"Are you alright?" Toshiki asked tentatively.
"Don't worry; I'm okay, although the dress was ruined."
"I'm sorry." Toshiki apologized for the misunderstanding caused by his failure to accept Kazuki's decision.
"I didn't want to be unfair, Toshiki, but I wanted to follow what I feel. It's not that I care less for you; please understand that. It's just that I can't help feeling that way about him. You know fully well how much he sacrificed for me. But, feeling differently for you does not mean I care less about you. If you were in his position, you know I'll do this for you, too. I don't want you to go away from me and avoid me, because it hurts me seeing you in pain because of what I want."
Toshiki placed his arms around Kazuki's neck. "He deserves your love. If he was in my shoes, I know he'll accept your decision without question. Maybe I had myself caught up on hoping you'll love me, too, because nobody ever did. I wish you happiness."
"Toshiki, I love you and care for you. It's just not the kind of love you were hoping for. But I love you." He returned his friend's embrace. He felt relieved and happy. Toshiki was there again, and their misunderstanding was no more.
They pulled away from the embrace. "About Tsubaki-ojyousama, she's the type who's very possessive of her people. She was an illegitimate child, and the daughter of the first wife stole all her inheritance. She became like that because of her experience."
"She went through hardships too, that's why."
"And another thing," Toshiki said, his cheeks blushing.
"What is it?"
"Last night, she told me that she's in love with me."
Kazuki was taken aback, his mouth fell open. "Maybe she was drunk."
"She was." Kazuki laughed as Toshiki smiled quietly. They felt good to be with each other again.