Chapter 4. The Best Secret Is Usually The Cruelest One
Part 1. "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead." - Benjamin Franklin
Kirishima stares at the incredulous light brown hair girl with hazelnut eyes sitting in the beanie chair. She was somehow the most similar compared to all the others, both physic and personality wise. And the most difficult one that Kirishima had to handle so far, even though not as difficult as the real one. Sometimes Kirishima feels that she is just that good at pretending instead of truly having similar personality with Takaba-sama.
"Are you kidding me?! You called me here just to ask about this?!" He can't stop himself from shouting.
That little bitch just tilts his head innocently in a way that Kirishima thinks more and more annoying lately. He seriously hopes that Asami-sama gets tired with this one real soon and orders her death. Ohh, how he will really enjoy that. But so far, the prospect seems unpromising. Instead, it looks like Asami-sama enjoys her company and he often brings her out more than the others. He just silently prays that her being seen together with Asami-sama in public will somehow persuade the enemies to kidnap her faster. Because otherwise, he starts to seriously consider the idea of making a fake kidnapping incident for her personally.
The cheeky girl answers him with a perfect angelic smile plastered on her face, "Well, Asami-sama said I should call you whenever I have problem. And I do have one right now. It is a problem for me if Asami-sama doesn't spend much time with me like before. Where is he?"
He walks so fast to grab her chin roughly and leans closer that their faces are just separated for a few inches. He can feel her warm steady breath on his face.
"What Asami-sama does or doesn't do is none of your problem, whore," he growled low, "You better do your job silently like a good girl or I will terminate your contract right here, right now. Do you understand, Emi-chan?"
If the girl is surprised by his action, she covers it well. She even keeps her eyes locked with his in a defiant way, her smile never falters even for a bit. Sometimes, Kirishima thinks it is her natural insolence and disobedience that makes her looks similar with Takaba-sama. But if Takaba-sama's rebellion appears guileless, hers makes something within him shakes slightly in fear. And he swears, he is not one who easily gets scared.
Believing he has made his point, he releases the girl, leaving a bruise mark on her right cheek. It will be okay; Asami-sama doesn't care about these whores who only stay here for his money and some luxury. Leaving Emi behind, he doesn't notice the glint of cold anger and determination in her eyes.
"Could you please check it again? I am sure we have made our booking a week a go," Arata begs the lady who welcomes them at the entrance of the famous western restaurant.
She takes a quick look on her list and slowly shakes her head. "I am very sorry, Sir. But unfortunately, it seems that your name is not listed here. The restaurant doesn't have available table at the moment, but I can put you in the waiting list. Do you want me to do so?" she asks politely.
I wait with my parents behind him. They just come to town to visit and I know they don't really care where to eat as long as they can spend some time with us. But as I stretch my hand towards Arata to tell him that we can just go to another place, a familiar voice that recently causes a bittersweet taste deep inside me comes from the door.
"Is there any problem here?" Asami asks with his velvety tone.
The lady and some other waitresses nearby quickly bow towards him. So do Arata when he notices who is speaking. My mother looks confused, unsure of whom this person is. But seeing the respect showed by Arata, she quickly follows to bow, though not as low as the others. My father, though, just looks at Asami intensely as if he is trying to figure out who this man that oozes so much power and wealth is. It is no wonder considering he also worked in criminal photography more than 20 years a go. Though he retired from that world right after I was born, he must have heard rumors about Asami at least once through his old network.
Arata sees that I am still standing, frozen in my place, and he moves to grab me. But Asami just waves his hand lightly to stop him and allows everyone to rise. I sigh and shake my head cynically at all this bizarre display. Where is this human equality that everyone seems to talk about nowadays?
"Asami-sama, it is a surprise but it is good to meet you here," Arata greets him warmly.
With a slight smile that doesn't reach his icy eyes, Asami answers him politely, "It is good to see you too, Takagi-san," he then looks behind Arata at my parents and I with amused eyes, "and Takaba-sensei." He paused to enjoy my deathly glare at him before he continues, "And may I know who this lovely couple are?"
I almost snort loudly. The bastard must know everything about my family by now, maybe even remembering every detail about their neighbors. But Arata looks at me waiting for an introduction so I tell Asami briefly in a flat tone, "Please introduce my parents, Asami-sama," I purposely give a mocking that will only be noticeable by the person himself as I drag at his honorifics. "This is my mother, Takaba Kaede and my father, Takaba Ichirou. Father, mother, this is Arata's client, Asami Ryuichi-sama."
As both parties exchange greetings, I narrow my eyes at Suoh, who stands like a giant behind Asami, as discreet as humanly possible when you are standing between your boyfriend, your sort-of-secret-lover, and your parents, sending a silent question whether this is all happened as per Asami's plan. By some miracles, it seems Suoh understands (or he just develops some abilities that allow him to read my mind after knowing me for so many years!) and he slightly shakes his head without really looking at me.
"Oh, the restaurant missed your prior booking and now you need to wait?" Asami asks Arata with a frown between his perfect brows. I have no idea why everything about that man has to be so perfect, from the tip of his hair to the end of his toes. If God does exist, He must be in a really good mood when He created Asami. Or He simply wanted to make my life harder so He created Asami to make my breath stops whenever he is near no matter where I am or who is around. Stop it, Akihito. I tried to look at anything but him.
Asami slowly walks around me towards the reception lady, passing me by only millimeters of distance in purpose. The scent of his cologne and a hint of his cigarettes fill my entire body and, my hand, that almost touches his, trembles slightly with hidden desire. I suddenly have a strong urge to touch him and to drag the tip of my tongue on his sexy muscles. I can feel my breath gets faster with excitement but I grit my teeth to stay still. Damnit, Asami, if this is his plan to keep our secret, he may as well announce it with a loudspeaker in the middle of the road. I quickly turn around to hide whatever reaction shown in my face -or worse, my body- from Arata and my parents. Lucky for me, it seems no one notices anything strange, everyone is too unsure on what to do in this situation to take a look on my sudden awkwardness.
"I am sure you can arrange something for them, Honda-san. We have never treated our respectful customer like this and we will not start now. There must be some space in the VIP area," Asami calmly orders the reception lady.
The lady shakes in fear as she bows very low with promises that she will immediately prepare the tables for them. Asami nods gracefully in appreciation, before turning to look at Arata, who sees him with new admiration, and my parents, who see him with confusion.
"I am very sorry for this incident, Takagi-san, Takaba-sensei. I hope you will still enjoy your dinner at our establishment." Then, with an evil amusement in his eyes, he addresses Arata, "Takagi-san, I don't know that you are such a good friend with Takaba-sensei you even have dinner with his family."
Only Asami can say a sentence fully dipped in sarcasm in a very polite and charming way. I can see Arata's embarrassment as he becomes red to the edge of his ears and neck. He opens his mouth but no words come out. I readily move forward to defend Arata, but Asami quickly cuts me, "There is nothing to worry, Takagi-san. I have nothing against such a," he lingered to look at me in the eyes for a moment longer than necessary before he continues, "-inclination." He stares back at Arata with his fake smile, "In fact, I can somehow understand it."
Now it is my turn to blush. How dare the bastard flirts with me in front of everyone. Even Arata looks a bit surprised with the transparent flirting. But when Asami winks his eye at Arata and walks away like a king towards his own table, Arata just gives a small nervous laugh.
"Rich people, they always live frivolously; we will never understand them," he shakes his head slowly, "At least, it seems he doesn't has any problem with our relationship."
I just shrug. Oh, I am not sure about other rich people, Arata, but you have no idea how frivolous Asami can be.
Emi stays a few hundreds meters from the restaurant in her disguise. She learnt long a go that if she dyes her hair in any other color but light brown and uses other color soft lenses instead of leaving her original hazelnut eyes bare, Asami-sama's guards will never notice her. It is just the color of her hair and eyes that attract their attention. For them, she is nothing if it is not because of her hair and eyes color. Especially for that dog Kirishima. She needs to be careful with him or Suoh, though. They both always pay more attention to every detail compared to the other guards. Which is good, because her master needs as much protection as possible. But one day, she will need to teach those two dogs who is really in power here. Not today, though.
She has seen Asami-sama entered the premises. It took quite an effort to get the information from that stupid guard who always stands in front of her penthouse, but she finally managed to coax him. She snorts, 'Huh, men, they are all the same.' as she remembers the disappointing cock of the guard. Well, all but Asami-sama. Asami-sama is different. She actually doesn't like to cheat on Asami-sama and she always extremely careful to put condom on. Kirishima always brings her to medical check regularly, but who knows what that guard brings. If Asami-sama ever finds out, that will be the end of all her careful plan.
She is not stupid despite what that irritating Kirishima thinks. She had done her homework since she moved in into Asami-sama's penthouse. By the second weeks, she found out that his powerful master had a few others girls and boys with exactly similar characteristics. That is a bit freaky, even for her standard, and heaven knows she is already a bit of a freak herself. But everyone has his or her own kinks and his master is madly rich and influential, so she won't complain. Since then, she had waited patiently to make her next move. This kind of thing needs to be done with patient and not in rush.
It was after she accidently saw the fate of one of the boy who broke the strict rule by stupidly falling truly in love with her powerful man that she knew it was time to make her next move. Tsk, she still couldn't believe that boy idiotic behavior. Didn't that stupid boy know that a man as powerful as Asami-sama is not someone you should be in love with? That should be the first lesson his mother told him. That kind of man doesn't need love. What they need is a strong partner who can smile innocently like an angel by his side while killing brutally to remove any obstacles behind him.
It took her some time to persuade her guard that it was safe to give her bits of information. The weak man is so scared with Asami-sama that he didn't dare to say anything at first. 'As he and everyone else should be', Emi claims with proud inwardly. She knows the power his master holds over other people. She has even seen people with high positions from all over the world bows towards her master. And every time she stands beside him while those people tremble to pay their respects, she is filled with so much pride at Asami-sama that she will become much wilder in bed after that. Of course, she is careful enough to always put a struggle first in the beginning. Ooh, and how her strong man loves that.
Her first victim was easy to fool. It was another light brown hair boy with a sweet dimple on his left cheek. He was kinda nice actually; the boy even took her as a friend, believing her story about wanting to have a comrade who can understand their unique circumstances. It was too bad that she couldn't allow any potential threats otherwise she didn't mind to keep him around. Instead, she set him up with a male whore that she paid in such a way that Asami-sama would find it out. The boy was dead even before the sun rose.
The second one was a bit difficult. She was much more suspicious of Emi, there was no possibility to get closer. But later, Emi found out that Asami-sama would not care if any of his girls and boys were kidnapped, hurt, or killed. Actually, she knew it the hard way herself. But she believed that it was Asami-sama's way to see which one of them was strong enough to protect themselves. A kind of 'survival to the fittest', in her opinion, which proved her master's ingenuity in choosing partner.
She abducted that girl by herself, prepared with chloroform, butcher knife and stun gun. Her scream was phenomenal as Emi sliced her body apart. Throwing the pieces of her body was a bit difficult, but somehow she could do it. She knew later from her guard that Asami-sama didn't even look for the girl.
The last two boys were much easier. But she was careful not to do the same things twice. The last thing she wants to do is to attract Asami-sama's attention. Besides, she has an image to maintain. Did she mention already about being an angel at her master's side?
Anyway, she is not sure what keeps Asami-sama away from her for so long now. But sooner or later, she will find it out. Asami-sama is the king. And it is her responsibility to gently show him the way back to his queen.
Part 2. "The best way of keeping a secret is to pretend there isn't one." - Margaret Atwood
Our table is ready not long after Asami left. As we sit around it, I notice that he sits just a few tables away from us, slightly hidden deeper inside the VIP room with a clear view of our own table and everything else in the restaurant. He raises his glass of wine at us with a smile when we look at him briefly; Arata and my parents nod their silent thanks.
The restaurant itself is very beautiful. It exudes an air of elegance with the crystal chandelier and its chic interior design. The atmosphere is romantic with dimmed lighting. And the food is actually amazing. Arata and my parents keep praising every dish they have. But I feel uneasy with the whole situation I hardly manage to swallow every bite I take.
Apparently there is a live music today. And when the musicians start to play "Close to You" by the Carpenters, my parents' favorite song, they decide to follow other much-younger couples example, and go off for some slow dance. My mother looks a bit embarrassed but she grabs my father's hand in a strong and trusting grip. The vocalist starts and everyone's eyes follow her movement as she sings.
Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
I observe my old mother and father slowly move around, laughing at each other as they kiss lightly. My father's hands rest on my mother's waist intimately as they follow the music, recalling the old memory when they were just two young people falling in love. Their eyes full with tenderness, as clear to everyone around as the singer's voice that echoes inside the restaurant.
Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
The other young couples around my parents have noticed this old couple with hairs all white and movement a bit slow because of age, that are still so much in love with each other even after all these years. Everyone just stops moving, looking with awe and respect at these old man and woman and at their love that manages to survive the cruelty of time. And I suddenly feel a sharp pang of envy at the sight of my own parents.
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
Arata squeezes my hand warmly under the table. His eyes are still fixated with admiration on my parent's affection at each other. But at that point, I hardly can breath. My heart may burst with so many emotions, so much hidden feelings, so much tenderness. And it is not for Arata. I blink my eyes rapidly to fight the tears that threaten to fall anytime soon.
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair
Of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue
I look around discreetly to find Asami. And when my eyes find him, I can see his own face harden with as much emotions as mine. Love. Sadness. Passion. Jealousy. Anger. Asami stares at me for a very long moment. His body is so stiff as he tries to contain whatever feelings from exploding.
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you
All around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
I don't notice the way Arata absentmindedly moves closer to me to grab my waist, so affected by all the love in the room that he forgets his usual reserved attitude when we are in public. Not until I see pain flashes in Asami's eyes and he slowly closes his eyes. He stands from his table gracefully as ever, throws his napkin onto his table, and walks away. And the only thing I want to do is to run for him, to sooth his hurt, and to pamper his broken ego. But I just freeze there. My body loses all its strength and will to move as Asami's silent ache affect me.
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair
Of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue
I turn to Arata. His eyes are still on my parents. Somehow he notices me staring so intensely at him. He looks at me with a loving smile and sees the tears that stream down inaudibly on my cheeks. I close my eyes quickly so he doesn't see the anger hidden there. It is none of his fault. If anyone is at fault, it is me. He moves his hand tenderly at my back, thinking that I am as affected with my parents as him and trying to comfort me.
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you
All around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
I don't understand how come my love for Arata just an hour a go completely turn sour by now. Suddenly the romantic song doesn't sound so romantic anymore. If else, I just want it to stop. I fight the urge to scream at the singer and to force her to just shut her mouth up.
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
As the song finally comes into an end, everyone in the room stands and claps at my parents in a thunderous harmony.
When Arata drive my parents back into the hotel, I am quite. Arata and my parents keep laughing, chattering about the memorable night, but they let me have my peace for a while as I try to gain some control of my overflowing emotions. I look through the window at nothing, thinking carefully about all that just happened. I can't stay like this forever. It is just not fair for anyone involved.
It is a shock for me, when my mother drags me aside while my father keeps talking with Arata before Arata and I left their hotel room.
"Who is exactly that man, Aki?" she asks in whispers as she brings me outside, saying that she needs to walk around for a while after so much delicious food. Like she needs any more exercise after that much dancing, but I obediently follow her. Her question, though, stops me at my track.
I try to keep my cool as I answer her, "What do you mean? Which man?"
"Don't you dare to lie to me, Akihito," she chastises me and I know that I am in big trouble just by the way she says my name, "I don't become your mother for all these years for nothing. I saw how you tried not to look at him even if no one else in the room noticed it. I saw how you stiffens every time he was near you just like how you stiffened near me every time you don't want to show any reaction to me, like when you tried to hide your bad test scores or your injury from a fight at school."
I don't know how a mother can always sense this kind of things with their children. But obviously, I can't hide it from her. So, I sigh at my defeat and reply her with as much honesty as I can tell, "I don't know, mother. I don't even know what kind of relationship we had. Or, we have. I am not sure which term is more accurate for us at the moment. I have known him years before I met Arata, but we fell apart some time back. He is truly Arata's client, though. And I can't just tell him not to have business project with all my ex, can I? Not that I have many of them."
My mother looks at me deeply before she decides that I told her the truth. Then she brings me to her warm embrace and I am so overwhelmed as I hug her small body. I feel like I am a small boy again, seeking solace in my mother's protection after the bully in my 5th grade beaten me up for having a platonic friendship with a girl that he secretly liked. She comforts me with gentle pats at my back as I sob quietly into her shoulder. Arata's job, his family situation, Asami's life and safety, my own uncontrollable desire towards the powerful man; everything seems much more bearable now. I really am not sure what to do with all of this but her presence strengthens me in a way no one else can.
"Does Arata know about your relationship with him?" she asks softly.
I shake my head, "No, he doesn't. And I can't find the right time to tell him."
"And you will never find it, Aki," she strokes my cheek with love, "There is never a right time for this kind of thing. I won't tell you what to do. You are not a boy anymore, Aki. You are a mature man who has earns your own independence and achievement. What I can tell you is that you have to learn to stop running away from the truth and face it like a man. Denial will not solve anything. Sooner or later, someone will sniff your secret, and you will be in a much more mess than now."
She brings my forehead closer and kisses me gently, "Whatever your decision is in the end, I know you will do the right thing."
Emi saw everything. She saw how Asami-sama looks at that light brown hair boy. She saw how the boy looked back at Asami-sama. And still, she couldn't believe her eyes.
She doesn't understand. This boy looks similar with all the other boys and girls that Asami-sama keeps. But somehow he looks different. He looks... natural. Observing the way he walks and acts, it doesn't seem that he even tries to be someone else. And she is usually quite good at judging people's act.
And there is the man who stands at the boy's side. From his behavior, it looks like that they have an intimate relationship. But it doesn't make any sense. She knows for sure that Asami-sama doesn't share. She has seen the evident herself multiple times. Sharing is what common people do, and Asami-sama is anything but common. What did Kirishima told her during her training? Asami-sama is the King, and the King takes what he wants.
She observes the boy's car leaving the hotel from her luxurious Audi. From the way the boy dresses and the brand of his car, it doesn't look like he lives in overflowing comfort like all the other girls and boys. Of course, they all have to be careful to dress when Asami-sama is around, it won't do any good to wear something too fancy. But she still tries to at least keep a certain level of class while pretending not to care of what she wears. She is a queen and a queen can't look too much like a commoner, no matter what her master's taste is like.
Everything is just too confusing. But, it is just a matter of time until she finds out what this is all about. She can wait. She is patient and she shouldn't rush to handle this kind of delicate situation. She strokes her belly in adornment.
Asami-sama is the King, and soon, my son will be his Prince.