ring ring

The phone continued to bounce off the walls. The air was chilly. That was odd. Did I leave the window open?

I forced myself to sit up in my rather cozy bed. I don't remember ever owning such a soft mattress. Looking around, I couldn't help but think something was off. My room wasn't my room. The rich air wasn't recognizable, nor was the smell.

I dragged my legs to the end of my bed when I realized I wasn't wearing what I wore yesterday. In fact, I didn't own these PJs.

Looking a bit closely, everything about the room wasn't right. Where was the Kan poster? Why were there rabbit and turtle cages? Yellow pillows? Different bed mattresses..? Looking out the window, where I expected to see a fence with flowers, the busy yet quiet road where variants of cars drive by so swiftly. The sun hit the tall buildings while the trees continued to beautifully die off into winter. Instead, I did see the sun and buildings from afar, but nothing more.

I quickly got up and ran to the window. Outside were the cars I expected to see when I woke, but instead they were angry and impatient, wanting to leave the busy street and head to their destination.

Suddenly, it hit me. I wasn't home nor in my room, no matter how great you disguised it. Every moment of last night began to come back to me; the purple-eyed man, the call with Todo, the gloves and empty street, the sound of my grocery bag hitting the sidewalk while everything went silent.

Panic arose as a cold sweat made its way down my neck, shivers leaving my body while the goosebumps stayed. He got me right where he wanted, and now I was here. Captured like a zoo animal meant to believe it was finally free of the dangers of the wild, only we all know the capturer is the predator and we are the prey meant to entertain little boys and girls while they looked at the same trees and sky. Unable to run without chasing a circle, the glass windows deceive your vision of freedom, and the easily opened doors lock you out without a key. No key to the right to freedom.

My fear turned into anger. Looking around the room, it resembled everything from my nightmare I knew this was real; I was sure of it. Standing in front of the rabbit cage, my right hand pinching my left arm, I knew I drew some blood. Slowly, I opened the cage, where a small rabbit stood fearfully in the corner. Maybe he was in the same position I was in. Grabbing the bunny, I looked into its black eyes, plain black terrified eyes.

Ring Ring

The phone that was responsible for waking me was now ringing again. Setting the bunny back into its enclosure, I grabbed a lamp, ready to use as my weapon.

"Hello? Ah Hiroki.. "

Murmured speaking continued, and I remained frozen, waiting for the conversation to end. I couldn't hear what they were saying. It sounded like they were doing this on purpose; they knew I was listening. Before I knew it, I heard footsteps coming closer, running towards the door. I stood next to it, ready to catch the weirdo by surprise.

I gripped the lamp tightly to my chest. I heard the keys rattle. "So that jerk had it locked." I thought to myself.

The moment the door clicked, anxiety and regret washed over me as the door swung open. He entered the room, determined but unsure of my strategy, and as soon as he shut the door, I swung the lamp towards his head, closing my eyes.

BAM

My grip on the lamp loosened as I felt a firm stop in my swing.

"Oh, you're awake. You know, it's not good to resort to violence, you know, but I like Misaki's attitude. " The man laughed. Upon opening my eyes, the lamp that failed to hit Usagi in the head had made its way into his hand, where he had caught it by surprise.

He gently took the lamp from me as I stood there, shocked that my plan had failed. It should've been expected though.

"You.. you." I stood there resembling a deer in the headlights.

He towered over me and smiled, amused by my reaction.

"Did you forget to speak Misaki? Or maybe your throat is a bit parched. Come downstairs. I'll give you some water. "

He grabbed my hand, gripping it tightly. He seemed so happy to be in my presence, like he was holding back with joy. If that wasn't bad enough, I was acting like a scared little boy.

But first, let's change you into some nice clothes. You're a size small in men's, right? "Here. " Usami handed me a white silk fitted hoodie with dark blue jeans and bear socks.

He led me to the bathroom, where I changed and did my business. "Maybe I can make a run for it if I leave fast enough." I carefully peaked through the door to find the man staring at me.

"Why so cautious? You're not thinking of leaving, are you?" He swung the door open and pulled my hand, leading me downstairs.

"Of course I want to leave, prick."

I didn't say it out loud, though. I wish I had.

The place was a penthouse. My brother talked about it before when he visited him. I knew he described it as huge, but seeing it in person was like a different perspective from what I've been told. The place was trashed, with only the dining table clean, seeming lonely and untouched.

I hesitantly sat down on the pink couch, papers scattered everywhere. "Stay here, I'll grab some water for Misaki," he said, walking towards the kitchen. Of course I'll stay here. Running from him seemed impossible. At least for now.

DING DONG

Hope and fear jumped into my body as I quickly stood up from the couch. Turning towards the door, I suddenly felt a strong grip on my hair as I was pulled back onto the couch.

"What are you doing, Misaki? You want to leave so soon? Didn't I tell you to stay here? " He stared at me wide open as his purple eyes seemed to gloss in the light.

"I-I wasn't going to leave Usagi. I promise I'll just I. I'm so sorry. " How pathetic I sounded, begging for mercy with my mouth and hands as I tugged on his shirt while all it took was for him to pull my hair.

"Oh, Misaki, you're right; I should've trusted you." The grip left my hair, he hugged me close and said, "I'm so sorry. Forgive me." Why was he begging for forgiveness? Startled, I hugged him back, accepting his apology. (Not that I actually did.)


He had ordered food from a fancy restaurant, explaining the doorbell. No police, no brother, and no hope.

"Let's watch some TV, okay?" Usami said that maybe he meant for it to be a suggestion, but it sounded like an order. He took my plate and walked to the second living room, where there stood a large TV, a couch, and a fancy-looking table.

"Misaki, before we get comfortable, I just want to let you know I'll be setting rules for now. If you behave, it'll be temporary without consequences, alright? " The man said, looking at me in the eyes.

"Um, okay," I said. He handed me a paper listing "Rules."

RULES

No handling of glass or sharp objects. Do not leave the main penthouse without supervision. No cellphone No talking about other men. Do not enter my room or office. Ask to use the restroom or eat Always eat dinner and breakfast at the table together.

ETC…

And the list went on with all sorts of crazy rules. I have to tell him when I need to pee or eat. What the hell is wrong with this guy? I need to get out of here as soon as I get the chance.

The TV played "Daily Japan News." The TV played as I set the paper in my pocket. My focus was on the TV rather than the delicious smelling food in front of me.

"Keiichi Sumi, a young man in his 20's known as Misaki Takahashi's close friend and Keru Sachii, one of the personal fashion designers of Takahashi, was found dead backstage of the famous J-pop idols' performance. Reports say the bodies were found in Misaki's dressing room. The families are furious that the bodies weren't discovered sooner."

My heart dropped, Sumi? Sachii..? What, when, why, and who? My eyes hesitantly shifted to the man next to me. My body was filled with goosebumps. I lost my appetite with an urge to vomit. He sat down calmly, eating his rice as he happily stared at the TV.

"Sumi was a student at Mitsuhashi University, where the pop idol used to attend before switching to the music industry. Unfortunately, Sumi was found dead with Sachii with multiple stab wounds to the chest, whereas Sachii was found strangled with measuring tape and stabbed in the neck and chest with fabric scissors. "Police have a suspect in mind at the moment. We have yet to hear or see from Misaki Takahashi and his team. "

CLICK

"What a way to start the morning, huh babe?" Usami placed his plate on the table next to my untouched one.

"Not hungry?" Grabbing the chopsticks, picking up some rice and hovering it over my mouth. "You have to eat."

SLAP

Anger, my friend, my designer, How dare he? He intrudes on my life and kills innocent people for his amusement, and he dares try to feed me this pathetic garbage.

"How could you? I will never love you, you monster. I promise I'll leave you dead or in prison, jerk. Don't think I will ever love you sick bastard. Don't you dare call me babe. " SLAP

All of a sudden, my right cheek burned as I was pulled down onto the couch. I felt a strong burning grip around my throat, I couldn't breathe or process what was happening.

"Never? You'll never love me? But Misaki, can't you see we were meant to be together? It's love at first sight. I know you love me. You just need time to accept it. That's all. His lips got closer to mine. I spat at him.

"No! I regret meeting you and I regret even looking at you in the eyes. I will never love you. Get away from me, you homo. " I yelled as I began to scratch at his face. "Oh?" He let go of my neck and straddled me.

"Maybe you're more of a physical guy Misaki, words aren't enough to show you my love for you. Sex is said to spark something between people; maybe that's the case for you?" He grabbed my wrists and pinned them over my head, licking my neck.

No, this. This can't be happening.

"N-No! Get off me, pervert! "I began to panic, with only my words as a weak defense.

No matter how hard I tried, he was just bigger, stronger, and quicker. I felt tears flood my eyes and soon waterfalls poured down my cheeks. "You look pretty when you cry, Misaki," the man said, licking the salty tears away.

"You-you weirdo! Get off of me! " His hands made their way to my zipper, and suddenly my boxers.

"S-Stop," I said, he continued to move and kneel his hand gently against my groin as he let go of my wrists.

"Doesn't this feel good though?" Usagi pushed my boxers down and begun stroking slowly, faster each time. My pushing changing nothing.

"Oh, you... I'm sorry. wait please. ah.." Pleasure overtook me as I felt weak and tingly. Letting go of Usagi, my hands fell next to my head as I held my fists tight.

Usagi whispered sweet words, licking my now exposed chest, and my pink wet nipples dripped in saliva. At my climax, I heard a chuckle. Looking up, he was licking his fingers with a satisfied but thirsty smile on his face.

"Now didn't that feel good? Since you finished so quickly, I can show you something that'll feel even better."

CRASH

I ran towards the door, pulling up my pants. I was so close. The touch of the cold metal doorknob I desired so much at this moment, to feel the chilly breeze outside and the busy cars driving down the road. Going to places I'd rather be than here.

"You bitch!" I was yanked into the hard wooden floor. Everything happened so quickly, but it should've been expected on my end.

Once again, he straddled me as I fought back, punching him repeatedly. I managed to hit him in the face, but he stayed firm until I hit his throat. He fell back, coughing and spluttering, cursing repeatedly when he could.

It ended as soon as it started, though it felt like forever. I got up, and he pushed me down. I couldn't reach the door. I had no chance, but I had to try.

I knew if I waited I'd have a better chance of leaving. I knew if I attempted to leave I'd get hurt.

I also knew that if I stayed, I would never leave.


"That was quite the fight you put in there, I gotta admit."

The sound of water filling up the bathtub grew my anxiety. Right now, my hands were tied using a thick zip tie and so were my ankles. I had a red and purple bruise on my chin, not because he hit me but because I fell hard onto the floor, ending the chaotic cat fight.

The water stopped, he got up and began undressing me. I didn't fight back this time; I was too tired.

"I apologize on my behalf. Maybe it was too early for such actions, huh Misaki?" Usami carried me to the bath. It was warm. I felt safe, until he began undressing himself as well.

"I won't do anything, I promise. I just want to bathe, that's all." He had marks on his face but his heart was broken. Rejection is something he obviously didn't take well. He got into the opposite side of the bathtub and stared at me, thinking intently from the looks of it.

"Misaki."

"what"

"Do you believe in God?"

"why"

"If I were to drown you in this tub, would you wake up in heaven?"


Maybe if I continued to watch the news, I would have known my other designer was framed for the murder but committed suicide before the authorities could wrongfully arrest him. He is probably too scared to go to prison and disappoint his kids and wife back home, though suicide would have the same effect on them. Or worse.

Maybe if I continued to watch the news, I would know everyone knew I went missing.

Maybe BearMart should've installed cameras outside the store, then maybe everyone could find me.

Maybe I'd be free. Instead, I lie here in a dark room filled with toys next to a man who will slowly take everything from me until all that is left is my love.