Chapter 14
So I guess I made a lot of you happy with Jubei's comeback, but it's so heartbreaking for Toshiki to be in tears, right? Well, I actually felt very guilty for doing that, so I've decided to make a fic for Toshiki, where he would have his well-deserved happy ending. But it won't happen any time soon coz school would be starting. Anyway, this could be the second to the last chapter of a story so dear to me. I've actually thought of canceling this coz of a sudden, and I should say, great lack of reviews, which led me to thinking I'm starting to bore everyone, and the story isn't good enough. But still, a couple of readers have reviewed, and I just can't say no to them. I've learned a lot of things in my journey as a fan fiction writer, one of which is that no matter how few the people who support your fic are, it's enough for you to continue your story. Many or not, there are those who look forward to the next chapter. You can't just stop because you lack reviews. I love you guys, and though I still have a chapter or two remaining, I want to say goodbye early for now.
"Jubei…"
"I want to spend my whole life just being by your side, loving you, protecting you. I've decided on this for a very long time, Kazuki. I've been with you for as long as I can remember, and all I want now is for our togetherness to last forever. I know it's a lifetime commitment. It's hard to decide, but I know I've made the best decision in my life. I want to marry you. I want us to be together forever. I hope you want so, too."
Kazuki was fit to burst with happiness. He wrapped his arms on Jubei's neck and gave him a passionate kiss. It was the happiest day of his life.
"Yes, Jubei. I'll marry you. I want to be with you forever."
Jubei lifted Kazuki from the ground, turned round and round, and shouted with joy. Kazuki was going to marry him. He'll love him all the days of his life. He'll protect him all the days of his life. Kazuki smiled sweetly as Jubei slid the ring on his finger. All his dreams came true at that moment. That night, they were sure that they are the happiest people on earth.
Toshiki watched the couple from a corner. He, on the other hand, was the loneliest person that moment. His heart broke repeatedly as he looked at those happy faces. He dried his eyes and walked out of the room. Kazuki was not for him, is not for him, and will never be for him. Before he realized it, he was again crying his eyes out.
The couple headed for the hotel after the grand party ended. They were so happy, they did not notice Toshiki was missing. They laid down on the bed and slept together. That was the happiest night of their lives.
( Three days later…)
"Good luck, Kazuki. You've come so far. I know you'll win and accomplish the job. I love you."
"I love you, too, Jubei. After this, we'll return to Japan and get married. I'm hoping that we could bring Saizou along as well."
"If that happens, I'll have an additional rival once again. Speaking of which, I haven't seen Toshiki around these days."
"Yes, I don't see him as well. Poor Toshiki, we were too happy, we didn't think of how he would feel."
"Don't worry about that."
"Toshiki!"
"Uryu."
" I'm happy for both of you. You deserve each other. I won't get anything if I just sit around and pity myself, won't I? And I'm happy enough that I didn't lose Kazuki to just any guy. At least I have my pride."
"Thank you, Toshiki."
"And for this, I deserve to be the best man, don't I?" Toshiki reached out his hand.
"Yes. We won't have just anyone for best man. It has to be you." Jubei reached his hand out and shook Toshiki's. Kazuki smiled at the sight.
"Oh, you're talking about a wedding? Am I not invited?" It was Akabane. The three felt as if they've been frozen. What a thing to say.
"Ms. Kazuki Fuchoin, it's time for you to take the ramp. Prepare yourself." It was a staff.
"Okay, I'll do that." Kazuki headed for the left side of the stage. Then something caught his eye. Akiko Shroyuki was talking to a bespectacled young man. That man was Saizou Tofuuin. Kazuki felt his stomach turn. Jubei and Toshiki saw him as well, and both followed Kazuki to the left side.
"Saizou…"Kazuki whispered. Saizou's head turned to him.
"Oh, if it isn't for the Prince of Fear. It's been a long time." Saizou flashed a toothy smile, a smile Kazuki knew too well. Except now, it became chillingly evil to his eyes.
"You know her, Saizou-kun?" Akiko asked.
"Of course, I do. She's a relative of mine. I didn't expect to see her in here." He turned his head to Kazuki. "You still look unbelievably beautiful, darling."
"Tofuuin Saizou." Jubei called. Toshiki looked at him with disbelief.
"Hey, my old buddies! Kakei, Uryu, you've both gotten a tad more macho! It's a reunion, isn't it? We should go eat at a fancy place later."
Kazuki wanted to ask him a lot of questions. He opened his mouth to do so.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, a beautiful lady of twenty, her face framed with luscious long locks of brown hair, her eyes a mirror of softness and genuine emotion! Behold, Kazuki Fuchoin!"
Kazuki climbed to the ramp before he could utter a question. He gracefully walked around the ramp as the audience cheered. Ginji and Ban were swaying there usual banners.
"Go, Kazuki! Go, Kazuki! YOU BRING SEXY BACK! WE LOVE YOU! YOU'RE THE BEST!" They were now cheering with Emishi. Shido was also holding a banner. He smiled to himself. These people are his valued friends, and he would do anything and everything to be certain that nothing will happen to them.
After strutting at the ramp, Kazuki sat beside Jubei and thought of Saizou.
"I wonder what happened to him all those days we thought he died."
"He was a friend before. We'll make sure he becomes a friend again."
"He should be the other best man for your wedding. I won't accept anyone else to be in line with me for your best man other than him."
"We won't, too."
(One hour later)
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've seen three beautiful ladies dominate this ramp earlier. All three are undeniably beautiful. All three are fit to be called top models. But only one could be Japan's Top Model."
Jubei looked at Kazuki from the audience. A most beautiful sight to see. Kazuki smiled at Jubei and Toshiki, and looked sadly at Saizou.
"The second runner-up is…"
Kazuki took a deep breath. It would be me.
"…Miss Megumi Misato!"
The crowds roared with cheers. Megumi smiled at her fans.
"Congratulations, Miss Megumi Misato. Now for Japan's Top Model…"
That's me. Akiko took a step forward and smiled.
"Congratulations, Japan's Top Model…"
Saizou smiled slyly.
"…Ms. KAZUKI FUCHOIN!" Kazuki couldn't believe his ears. Akiko was taken aback. The audience cheered loudly. Jubei and Toshiki stood up and applauded. Akiko was very angry, but gave Kazuki a hug for the cameras to see. Kazuki was very stunned.
(That evening)
"The whole Japan's Next Top Model crew will eat out tonight. We all hope that the Top Model will join us." The director congratulated Kazuki. Kazuki agreed to jon the dinner.
They prepared to go out when it started raining hard. The crew was forced to postpone the dinner.
"Why not just celebrate in here?" Akiko suggested. That way, I can drug your drink and say you committed suicide after you die. Then I'll be Japan's Top Model, sucker!
Kazuki saw this as a chance to get the drug supply back to the Nihon Secret Services and Crime Analysis. He agreed to have dinner.
Midnight struck and the crew went home. Except for Akiko, who stayed to chat with Kazuki. She bought him an expensive espresso and put the drug into his drink. Kazuki did not see this, and did not think about what the espresso may contain. He wanted the dinner to end and get the supply back. He drank the espresso. Bye, bye, Top Model!