Author's Note:
Welcome back to the 6th installment of "The Last Straw" series, or what has turned into the Ouran Soap Opera.
Please read the author's notes at the end after reading the chapter.
…I'm sorry about this…
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xXx
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Date Posted: 7/29/2023
Trigger Warnings: Language, heavy smooching, and OC death
The Painful Truth - Chapter 26: Three Dates and a Dollhouse
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Friday, October 21:
Early Morning, Koi Pond, Morinozuka Estate:
Mom and Dad,
-ink blot-
…
"Crap!"
Nodoka scrambled away from the splash of my pen going into the koi pond.
And this morning started out so nice.
I woke up before my alarm after the best night of sleep I've gotten, except for that night on Takashi's sofa, since before. I didn't have a nightmare, and there wasn't anyone in the shadows when I opened my eyes.
I had to tell Mom and Dad. I haven't written them since before.
But my stupid hand.
Therapy's helping. My writing is getting better, but it's taking forever.
Just writing their names at the top took almost a minute instead of less than a second.
This would be so much easier if I could just go see them.
Go see them…
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xXx
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Breakfast, Dining Room, Morinozuka Estate:
"Oh, you're up…"
Akira and I looked up and saw Haruhi-chan in the doorway. "Good morning. We weren't expecting to see you this morning. Don't you have a breakfast meeting?"
She looked at her watch, "Yes, I'm running a few minutes ahead. You're both up early."
"Business meeting," Akira grumbled.
"And Kumi and I are going shopping for the baby this morning." And I can't wait. Little shoes and stuffed animals. Babys are so wonderful.
"Don't tell Chika," she chuckled. My confusion must have shown on my face. "He'll want to tag along. You should see him, it's so cute. He's always reading some parenting website or book on his phone about what babies need or what expecting mothers need to avoid."
"Kumi's mentioned he's said a few things, but she didn't say he was that excited."
She chuckled again, "More like worry. He's a little mother hen." Then her face calmed, and she stepped forward, "I'm glad I caught you both. I've been thinking about your offer to bring my parents and Jarou here to the estate."
I didn't think she'd been considering it. In fact, I'm surprised she had been. I know we've made great steps towards her feeling like part of the family, but I thought she'd balk at this one.
"And, if it's still alright with you," she took a deep breath, "I'd like to move them."
It took a second to sink in, but then I was up out of my seat and hugging her, "Oh Sweetheart, I'm so happy you'll allow us to do this for you."
And Akira joined us, "Yes, I'm honored you chose to have them join you here." He leaned back and caught her eye, "Do you know if you'd like them to be placed with the family or…"
"I'm not sure yet. I just made the decision, and," she checked her watch again, "I really must leave now for my breakfast meeting. May we discuss it this weekend?"
"Most definitely, Sweetheart."
"Thank you, Obasan, Ojisan. Thank you."
After she left, we looked at each other, and I burst into happy tears.
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xXx
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After Classes, Junto's Private Office, Himura Compound:
When Dai-sama left the syndicate to this…girl and assigned me as her liaison/second, I wasn't sure I'd want to stay after getting her up to speed. I'm still not sure, but she's not what I thought she'd be. She's not her rumors. There's a sharp brain that doesn't miss much, and what it does, she's smart enough to have good advisors for. She's smart enough to not trust me but listen and verify before deciding things. Not that I'm giving her anything but the truth. I like my head attached, and those heels scare me.
I was surprised she brought me along to this meeting with her father. Yamaki-san makes sense. He's her true second. The one she trusts when she's not around.
This must be a test of some kind.
"Thank you for coming," Junto-sama offered us all tea before we sat, a clear indication this is a business meeting, not social. She might be his daughter, but as the head of a syndicate, he treats her as an equal and would have offered beer or sake if this was social.
"Shinobu-san," again addressing her like an equal, "the Himura Syndicate would like to offer our congratulations on your recent wedding and present you with this," he handed her a flat box traditionally wrapped.
"Thank you, Junto-san." She opened it and flipped through the papers inside. So, not a traditional gift of cash. Then she looked up at him, "Are you serious?"
"Yes."
I could tell Yamaki-san wanted to ask, but we both held still. I don't think she realized what this meeting was about, or she wouldn't have brought me and probably wouldn't have brought him.
"You're giving me the strip clubs and love hotels?"
"Yes. You've been overseeing them. You've turned them into something to be proud of. And legitimate sources of funding are always a good thing."
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Shit.
I thought this meeting was some bullshit about how our syndicates could work together. I had no idea he'd be doing this.
But it makes sense. I'm the head of a syndicate now and shouldn't still be messing around too much in Dad's, and the clubs aren't done yet. And since I'm selling off the apartments…
Fuck! Still haven't talked to Mori and Satoshi about that yet.
And now I'm sitting here like an idiot.
I stood and bowed slightly, "Thank you, Junto-san. You honor the Shiraishi Syndicate with your gift."
He returned the bow like I'm an equal. Which I am. It just takes getting used to. "You're welcome, Shinobu-san." Then he lowered his voice, "Your mother and I have a personal gift for you later."
Guess she's finally getting over us eloping behind her back. Fucking Daiju. She would have never found out if it wasn't for him.
We sat back down, and he handed me a pen, "If you'll sign where flagged, they're all yours."
Guess I own five gentlemen's clubs and a string of love hotels now.
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xXx
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After Classes, Conference Room, Petto Chinmi:
She's different today. For one thing, she looks like she actually slept recently. The dark smudges under her eyes are faded. I'm surprised. Twitter alerts had her going to an art show last night. But it's not just that she's slept. There's something else. Like a worry is gone. She's got her head in the game more than I've seen since before she was taken.
The ad agency's going over ideas for their winter campaign, and she's trying to take notes. Her writing hasn't gotten any better. It's still barely legible single words rather than her flowing notes covering pages. That has to be frustrating.
"Fujioka-sama," I leaned towards her, "I don't think anyone would object to you recording this meeting for your reference later." If the ad agency does, it's too bad. They work for us.
She looked around the room and everyone nodded. "Thank you." Once her phone was recording, she gestured for the ad agency rep to continue.
"We'd like to do three different series of winter ads, all interconnected, all either outside in the snow or inside curled up around a fire."
"Interesting."
"Ideally, we'd do one long shoot soon somewhere up in the mountains and get all the outdoor shots needed for all three campaigns. We could do the indoor shots at our studios and CGI the views out the windows."
"That would be great," her relief filled the room, and Garou-san and I both hid smiles. "How long is long?"
"We'd do enough costume, animal, and location changes to vary up the photos. I'm thinking three, no more than four days."
"So, we need to find a school break," she reached for her phone and pulled up her calendar. "Looks like we have November 10th and 11th off. That gives us a four-day weekend." She looked up at him, "will that work?"
"We'll find a location. Can you give us two days before that to do the inside shots? They don't have to be back-to-back."
"That's trickier…" She swiped through and tapped the screen, "What about next weekend? Does it have to be all day both days?"
"We can do all the setup on Friday with a stand-in like before. It will mainly be you and the animals, and maybe a kid or two relaxing in front of a fire. You'll be drinking hot tea and reading with a cat or playing tug with a dog. That kind of thing. If it works out, we might not need the entire second day."
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Well, I can always bring my homework and try to do it in between while they're redoing the sets.
And I did agree to this.
"Alright. We'll do it next weekend."
"Excellent." Then he hesitated, "Ah, Fujioka-sama, I'd like to ask a question before we move on."
"Yes?"
"Your scar? Do you want it airbrushed?"
My scar? I reached up and touched my face, "I hadn't really thought about it. Kaoru's covering it for the 'Every Woman' ads. Do you think we shouldn't to make the two companies different?"
"I'm not sure."
Garou-san jumped in, "I'd be concerned that little children might think you got it from an animal."
I did.
"Their parents might not want to explain to them how it came about depending on their age."
One more thing. "Well, I certainly don't want to traumatize any children, but if they see me in person, they will see my scar. I don't intend to cover it."
"How about this," the ad guy spoke up, "we'll do what we can to minimize it in the ads, but if it makes it in, it makes it in."
"That works." And I was ready to move on, but Garou-san still looks concerned. I looked around; is she the only mother in the room? "Garou-san?"
"It's becoming less noticeable by the day. I suppose it could work."
"Alright, next is gachapon toys. We'd like to have some made to match the ads…"
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xXx
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Before Dinner, Gym, Morinozuka Estate:
"And you've been doing your stretches, Haruhi-sama?"
"Yes, twice a day."
"Well, it might not seem like it to you, but I'm seeing large improvements in mobility and grip strength."
"It's still so frustrating. It takes forever to write, and I have trouble reading it after."
"Keep at it," the physical therapist smiled sadly. "Unfortunately, it takes time."
We went over to a table that had been set up for us, and I set my arm down on the pads. This is my favorite part, the massage.
"How often do you use the grip putty?"
"A lot. Sometimes for an entire lecture while my laptop is recording rather than me trying to take notes."
"Maybe slow down a bit with that and use that energy to practice writing."
"I thought that by doing both…"
"I'm not saying to stop the putty, but you might have better luck with your writing if you rest your hand more throughout the day." She dug deep into the flesh at the base of my thumb, and I held back a groan. "Did that hurt?"
"No. Feels good."
"It's tight here. Are you using the thicker pens? This tightness could be from holding the pen too hard."
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I wanted to go through my forms but decided to do the weights so I could listen to Haruhi's session. I know she's frustrated. I would be too. But I want to make sure she's not pushing herself.
Mitsukuni and Cho have the apartment tonight, and I wanted to take Haruhi out, but with her high profile, it's not a good idea. So, we're having dinner and a quiet night in.
"Takashi?" She stood in front of me and tilted her head, "I'm done with my hand and am headed for the treadmill."
"I'll join you in a minute."
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After my walk and a podcast on marketing and advertising, I took a quick shower and met Takashi at the back door. He said we weren't leaving the estate, so I threw on some sweats and sneakers. Good thing the twins can't see me.
"I hope dinner is next."
He smiled and kissed my lips quickly, "It is. I thought we could eat down at the firepit."
"You have a firepit?" Guess I haven't seen all the gardens. They're freaking huge.
"It's tucked away in a secluded spot and not used often. One of the gardeners recommended installing one."
He took my hand, and we headed down the huge set of stairs from the patio, or veranda in rich people speak, to the lawn.
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xXx
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Evening, Mori/Honey Apartment:
"Don't worry, Cho-chan. I've got you. I won't let you trip."
She's so cute with an Usa-chan blindfold covering her eyes and her hands waving in front of her. Like I'd ever let her bump into anything.
"This is so mysterious, Honey-kun."
I can't believe I managed to wait until after dinner.
I gently led her into her guest room. "Ready?"
"Yes." It was breathless and excited.
I couldn't help myself. I kissed her before I lifted it off. "Surprise!"
"A dollhouse!" She threw herself into my arms and gave me a huge hug, "You remembered."
Then she was on her knees in front of it, reaching in, touching the furniture, playing with the dolls. "It's so cute!" she squealed.
I love her so much.
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xXx
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Evening, Firepit, Morinozuka Gardens:
The maids had cleared the dinner dishes, and I'd stoked up the fire. It was originally meant to be a gas fire, but we prefer wood.
And now the woman I love is nestled in my arms, curled up against me with both of us tucked tightly under a warm blanket. We decided against smores and are eating the chocolate instead.
It's relaxingly domestic.
"Your classes start Monday. Are you ready?"
"Yes. First class is English composition at eight. My new assistant, Eto-san, purchased all my books and supplies."
"What else are you taking?" She paused then blurted out, "I know you told me, but I'm sorry, I just can't remember."
"No need to apologize. You've had a lot on your mind." I took a second to remember and then went through my schedule, "Principles of microeconomics, economic development, Japanese politics, and portfolio management. Mitsukuni and Cho are in that one with me."
"That's good. Built in study group."
"Hn."
A cold breeze blew through and ruffled her hair. She snuggled closer, and I tightened my hold. I could sit like this for hours.
"I know you're the heir, but do you want to follow your father and run the family business?"
"It's not really about what I want."
"Well," she turned to look up at me, "clearly you have ambitions outside of the family business or you wouldn't be running a sporting goods company, and apartment company, and several nightclubs. What happens to those after you take over for your father?"
I can't believe I hadn't considered that. Or had I and decided it didn't matter yet. "I'm not involved in their day-to-day operations. I suppose that will continue until I no longer own them."
"You'll sell?"
"If he's interested, I assumed I'd sell my share of the apartments to Satoshi. As the younger son, he'll need his own income stream and legacy."
"That makes sense, but," she chuckled, and I felt it vibrate through me, "I don't really see Satoshi as a real estate magnet."
"He wouldn't have to work there, just oversee it."
"True." We both listened to the fire pop for a few moments. "And the night clubs?"
"They started as a challenge to see if I could. That's how Burn started anyway. Could I create the most exclusive nightclub in Tokyo and remain anonymous while doing it. So far, it's been successful. After it started, I realized there really wasn't anything like it for those under eighteen. Neon was supposed to be just as exclusive, but there just weren't enough customers for that to be viable, so I made it accessible to all. The prices are affordable, and there's plenty of entertainment for that age group. I actually make more from the picture booths and video games than the food."
"Well, you don't really have that much food."
"We did at the beginning, but it was messy. It cost more to clean it up than we were making. We switched to small trays of bite-sized snacks that didn't have spillable dip or melted cheese. Customers buy drinks ten times more than the food."
"And now you have Ranka's. Another challenge?"
"I saw the potential when I purchased the original bar where he worked. There's nothing like that patronized by such a broad audience. But it was both you and Ranka that inspired me to build it. Someplace accepting, open, where everyone could be themselves. I wanted to give him a better place to work…for you."
"Takashi…" She turned and was kneeling by my side, our faces level.
"I wouldn't have done it if I didn't know it would be successful, but you deserve the world, Haruhi. I wanted to help Ranka give it to you."
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. That path changed. My parents and I are able to give you access to the world in different ways." I gave her a small smile, "It's still very successful."
"Yes, it is. Dad would have loved it."
And she didn't move. Kneeling on the sofa next to me, our faces level, only a few centimeters between them.
Then something clicked in my head, and I remembered we're dating. We're finally dating.
I leaned forward and kissed those lips.
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xXx
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Night, Techno Gentlemen's Club:
"This place is crazy, Bu."
I looked around at the neon, the laser lights, all the bright purple and electric green, and a bunch of fucking horny men drooling at the topless girls. "Yeah. Crazy."
We were down at the end of the bar with a couple of beers trying to stay out of the crush. Despite my engagement ring and the scary guy next to me, I'd already been hit on at least a dozen times. Good thing Ritsu's letting me handle it, or he'd have shot someone by now.
And this is supposed to be a 'high-end' strip club…gentlemen's club. Shit, it had a 5,000 [~$50] yen cover charge (the second lowest of the five). Maybe I should rethink the sports themed one. It's only got a 2,000 yen [~$20] cover. If I don't change that, it at least needs a fuck load more security for the women.
"Himura-sama?"
I looked up and nodded at my manager, "Tashiro-san."
"Numbers are about fifteen percent higher than expected, though that might be because of who owns it."
Yeah. Come on down at see the badass yakuza bitch who was kidnapped and knocked around. Fuck. I'm still pissy from those photos last night.
"After all, you're a syndicate head now."
Shit. Keep forgetting that. Not sure how. I'm up to my ass in paperwork and problems.
"You did a good job." I finished my beer and set it on the bar. It was whisked away within seconds. I waved off another for now. "I want to talk to security when they get a chance."
"I'll let the head know. The rush at the door is over, so it'll be soon."
"Fine." He took off, and I grabbed Ritsu's hand, "Let's try out the dance floor."
"You got it."
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I had her back smashed against my chest, my hands all over her sides and stomach, her head tossed back so she could look up at me.
Fucking kissable. So, I did.
"Hey! Dude! How'd you get one of them to come dance with you? I've been trying all night."
Motherfucker. I gave him those eyes that scare Pops, "This is my wife, Dipshit. Fuck off." He turned tail and ran so fast it was funny.
Maybe Bu should have worn something else. I'm not stupid enough to say anything, but the guy might have a point. She's not topless, but one good yank on those bows in front and that vest thing she's wearing will open right up. Hell, if she breathes deep it might just pop open. And that skirt? Red leather to match the vest and so short I can see her matching red leather panties.
I could take those off with my teeth…
"Hey, Asshole?" I spun her around and pulled her close. "My security guy's over there."
"You're killing me, Bu."
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xXx
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Night, Mori/Honey Apartment:
"Oh…yes…" he hissed as I ran my hand up his leg and kissed his jaw.
We didn't get the chance to celebrate our contract privately before I left for California, and now we've got the apartment to ourselves.
Honey-kun's hands slid up my back and tangled in my hair. I reached up and pulled the clips so he could play with it all he wanted.
"Cho-chan…" came out as a strangled gasp. I smashed my lips to his. I don't want him to tell me to stop.
We both love sweet, cute things, but we set each other on fire so easily…
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xXx
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Night, Techno Gentlemen's Club:
I'd talked to my manager and my security head. I left Ritsu in front while I checked the dressing area and asked the women how they were doing. No complaints. They said they felt safe. I made sure their manager had my email and knew if my manager wasn't addressing any of their problems, to contact me right away. It's more for their comfort than necessity. I trusted Tashiro-san or I wouldn't have hired him.
But I think it's time to go.
I've got an extremely hot husband who's been drooling over me and no one else all night. He deserves a reward.
Then I felt his hands slide around my hips and one spread out across my stomach and pull me close, "I wanna see you on one of those poles."
"That can be arranged."
"Private room?"
"And lose the profit? Fuck no." I spun and gave him a kiss that had us both seeing stars. "I have a reservation at a love hotel, and the room has a pole."
"What are we waiting for?"
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xXx
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Late Night, Firepit, Morinozuka Gardens:
This is what happens when you're the junior gardener. You get stuck staying up late to babysit a fire and make sure it's out when the family's done with it.
I haven't been at the fire. I've respected their privacy. But it's boring sitting here where I can watch the only way out of the area for them to leave.
So, of course, I managed to doze off for about half an hour. Don't have a clue if they're still in there since they wouldn't have seen me when they left. Servants are supposed to stay out of sight.
Gotta go check. Just take a quick peek. If they're gone, I can put the fire out and go home. My girlfriend and I were out way too late last night.
I walked up to the back entrance; it's closest to the fire and the tools. Don't hear anything. Guess they've gone.
But as soon as I stepped into the clearing, I heard, "Ohhh. Takashi…yes…"
Shit.
And there they were on the sofa, but the blanket had fallen off. She was sitting on his lap, facing him, and damn are they kissing. Tongues and moans.
So hot…
There's a shirt on the ground. His. And her hands are all over his chest.
He's got one of his on her butt, pulling her closer. The other's in her hair.
I gotta get the fuck out of here before they see me.
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xXx
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Saturday, October 22:
Early, Early Morning, Mori/Honey Apartment:
"Will you be in trouble staying out this late?"
"I doesn't matter," she smiled and stole a bite of the cupcake I was holding. "I'm an adult. There's a contract. And my parents trust me to not do anything I shouldn't."
Anything she shouldn't.
I hope that doesn't include the amazing kisses and burning touches we shared tonight. We didn't do anything that should be saved for after marriage, though we both wanted to.
That's why we're in the kitchen. With the lights on. Eating cupcakes.
"But I probably should be getting back soon. Classes start Monday, and I still have things to do."
"Like what?"
"I want to read ahead a couple of chapters in each class, and I thought I'd go get the books on the supplemental reading list rather than order them. That way I could get some fun school supplies too."
"How about we both go after the board meeting tomorrow."
"Perfect."
She leaned forward and licked my lip, "Mmmm. Frosting." Then kissed me.
We both jumped when someone cleared their throat. "Takashi?"
"It's late."
"Yes," I tilted my head and smiled at him, "it is. How's Haru-chan?"
He blushed deep red, "Fine." Turning and walking away, he called over his shoulder, "I'm going to bed."
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xXx
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Afternoon, Conference Room, New On Okuri Offices:
I got here early to set up my laptop to make sure everything was ready. It's a full agenda and this is the first meeting for the entire board that's included staff.
Tea, coffee, food (never have a meeting without something for Haruhi to eat and lots of cake for the alien), projector, remote…looks good.
"How exciting," Cho bounced into the room and headed for her seat, "our first board meeting in our new offices."
"Sure did get it furnished fast," Haruhi mumbled as she sat next to Takashi. She might be getting used to the lifestyle, but she still doesn't appreciate the power of money and how quickly it can get you things.
By the time I'd set up my laptop, opened my agenda, and settled into my seat, everyone had arrived and had taken their seats.
I opened the meeting: [All group and staff present. Speaker/POV indicated.]
Chika (Chair): "The Chair calls the meeting to order. Most of the board members have had the chance to meet different members of our staff, but I'd like to introduce them all right now…"
Introductions of all 13 staff members and 14 board members (the group).
"There are name plates to help everyone remember who's who. They also indicate which board members are voting members."
I pulled up the agenda slide. "We have a packed agenda today, so let's get right to it. First, administrative funds. Jirose-san?"
Jirose (Staff – Accounting): "We received your 200 million yen [~$2 million] each and have spent the following so far," I projected the spreadsheet, "in moving expenses, salaries, furnishings and office supplies, and various other administrative expenses."
I checked my printout and moved to the next slide. "This shows projected expenses for the remaining fiscal/calendar year. As you can see, no new influx of funds will be required."
Haruhi (Voting): I should hope not. We gave them 2.8 billion yen. It should last years.
Chika (Chair): "Jirose-san, Tamoto-san [Finance Head], and I have created an investment plan for the balance until it's needed. Details provided upon request." No one asked for it.
"I'm not sure how many board members had a chance to look around the offices prior to the meeting," several of them shook their heads, "so please take a tour when we're done. We have a large meeting room and several smaller ones that are yet to be furnished. Current plan is to wait until they are needed and furnish then. Each voting member has an office, and they aren't furnished yet either."
Haruhi (Voting): "Does everything have to be purchased new?" Great. They're all looking at me like I'm nuts. There's nothing wrong with wanting to save some yen even with that enormous budget. "What I mean is, in keeping with the spirit of a charity, what about donated furnishings from everyone's estates."
Renge (Voting): "That's not a bad idea. We're redoing Suoh Mansion #2 now for after the wedding. There are definitely pieces there that are substandard and out of date, but there are others that are perfectly fine that I just don't care for. The decorator and I haven't gotten around to figuring out what to do with them."
Akito (Non-Voting): "Same for the Ootori mansion. It's being completely gutted and not everything is hideous." Just the things Yoshio picked out.
Haruhi (Voting): "And what about all those tea sets left over from the Host Club and all the gifts some of us get from the public or business contacts? Aren't some of those appropriate?"
Chika (Chair): "Alright. Haruhi, would you chair a committee for assessing the needs and gathering donations?" She certainly was not expecting that, but that's what you get when you have a great suggestion.
Haruhi (Voting): Great. I didn't realize I was volunteering myself for that much work. And Chika's sitting there grinning at me. "Yes." I'll corner him later to find out what all I have to do.
Chika (Chair): I turned to the support staff table off to the side, "Tanaka-san, as office manager, would you be the staff liaison to the committee?" He nodded and our CEO approved the assignment. "Committee members?" Akito, Tamaki, and Shinobu volunteered.
"Next, report on the donations from the ball and Tuesdays."
Tamoto (Staff – Finance Head): I'd emailed the breakdown to everyone last night, so it didn't take long to go through it. I know they were surprised at how much was still in our coffers.
"We're ready for another large disbursement after the next group of receiving charities are approved."
Chika (Chair): "That's next. We'll go through the current pending list with recommendations from staff then vote on approving each as an official receiving charity. Then we'll vote on disbursements."
Minamoto (Staff – Charity Liaison): "Thank you, Haninozuka-sama. The list and summary recommendations are in the green folders in front of you. I'll go through them quickly."
I tried, but several of them had questions about different ones. I've never even met a member of the yakuza before this and now I'm sitting with two of them, an heir and a head that's also an heir. I'd emailed the package out a couple days ago, and she must have read it because her questions were on-point and in-depth, though she only asked about the ones involved in human trafficking. No surprise there.
Fujioka-sama, the one with the scar on her face, asked a few questions, but nothing that I didn't know. I think the twins asked questions just to annoy me. They looked bored before we got to this point in the meeting.
Going through the organizations and then the donation distribution took over an hour, and I was relieved when Haninozuka-sama stopped discussion and took the vote.
After all that, they ended up going with the staff recommendations for the organizations and only shifted funds around for five disbursements.
"Thank you. Donation checks will go out on Monday except for the three that we'll be inviting to come for presentations."
Imamura (Staff – PR/Spokesperson): "I'll contact those organizations and schedule the press conferences. As soon as the dates are set, I'll notify the board."
Chika (Chair): "Thank you, Imamura-san. Those board members that wish to can be there for the presentations. No need for the entire board." But as the Chair, I'll be there for them all.
"That just leaves discussion for our next fundraising event. Ideas?"
Tamaki (Non-Voting): "An auction. We can work with artists on all levels throughout Japan and auction off dozens of pieces."
Hikaru (Non-Voting): "Like a silent auction? We already did that."
Tamaki (Non-Voting): "No, a formal auction with paddles and an auctioneer. Everyone will dress in tuxes and gowns, and we can have a formal dinner before."
Satoshi (Non-Voting): "Not everyone's interested in art." I kept going quickly before he could start arguing, "We could still do the art, but also auction off other stuff too. Like, I don't know, martial arts lessons?"
Cho (Voting): "Or dates like we did at the host club!"
Honey (Non-Voting): "But Cho-chan, we're almost engaged. I don't want to date anyone else."
Cho (Voting): "I wouldn't have to be the hosts. It could be any famous eligible bachelor or bachelorette. Actors, athletes, anyone…"
Renge (Voting): "Or maybe we could get some of the elite chefs to auction off a tasting menu in their kitchens."
Miyamoto (Staff – Events Manager): They want to hold basically five or six different auctions as one? And I'm going to be the one to implement this. Should I jump in and stop them?
Then Shinohara [CEO] caught my eye and showed me a note: Let them talk it through before you say anything. I nodded back.
Haruhi (Voting): "What's a tasing menu, and why would it be in their kitchen?"
Renge (Voting): She's so cute. "Celebrity and famous chefs sometimes have a dining table in their kitchens for invited guests. They'll either give them a tasting menu (a small version of everything on the menu), or they'll whip up a menu just for them. It's exclusive."
I glanced over at Mori, "You should take her out to one. If you're seated in the kitchen, the entire restaurant wouldn't be staring." I could tell he thought it was a good idea.
Haruhi (Voting): "Well then, instead of an event focused around several different auctions, how about one around food."
Shinobu (Voting): "Like what?"
Ritsu (Non-Voting): "How about cooking lessons? Either auctioned off or given there? Haruhi, remember how we learned to make sushi?"
She smiled down the table at me, and I think I heard her stomach grumble despite the dumplings she's been eating.
Cho (Voting): "And what about a cook-off? We could have a contest among the top ramen chefs or something."
Haruhi (Voting): "Even better, how about street chefs? Give them the recognition."
Kaoru (Non-Voting): "We could hold it all in conjunction with a formal dinner…"
Akito (Non-Voting): "Or a wine tasting."
Hikaru (Non-Voting): "And at the end of the night close it out with a huge food fight!"
Miyamoto (Staff – Events Manager): Kill me now.
Chika (Chair): "We need another committee to plan it. Volunteers?"
Renge (Voting): "My level of involvement will depend on when we hold it."
Kaoru (Non-Voting): "What about around Christmas?"
Miyamoto (Staff – Events Manager): I don't care if Shinohara [CEO] wants me to keep quiet. There's no way we can get that together for December.
"I'm not sure that's viable. You're talking about the involvement of dozens of chefs and restaurants. They simply don't have the time to be involved in something like this during the winter holidays."
Haruhi (Voting): "I thought we were going to have one last ball at Ouran for New Years? We can't do both."
Shinohara (Staff – CEO): "I suggest March. That gives us plenty of time to schedule all the participants."
Chika (Chair): "March it is. Volunteers to chair the committee?"
Renge (Voting): "What about co-chairs? As we get closer, I'll be busy with the wedding, but I have the time now. If I had a co-chair, they could be more involved in the new year."
Hikaru (Non-Voting): "I don't want to co-chair, but I'll be on it."
Satoshi (Non-Voting): "I'll do it with you, Renge."
Chika (Chair): "Perfect." Those two actually complement each other. Renge will have lots of ideas, but since Satoshi did all the logistics for the cosplays, he has a better idea of what's truly possible. I added their names to the minutes. "Renge and Satoshi will co-chair the culinary fundraising event. Miyamoto-san, you'll obviously be the staff liaison." He nodded.
"Hikaru will serve on the committee. You should probably have three, maybe four more. Volunteers?"
Mitsukuni and Takashi both spoke up. Since they both own businesses in the food/hospitality sector, it makes sense. Ritsu volunteering didn't, but I'm not going to turn him down.
Cho (Voting): "I will too. Our wedding won't be close, so I'll have lots of time."
Chika (Chair): "Alright. If there's no new business from the floor, I need a motion to adjourn."
.
xXx
.
Late Afternoon, Kanda Used Book Festival, Jinbocho, Tokyo:
"This is the perfect place to test my disguise." She gave me a huge smile and slid on her sunglasses, "Thanks, Takashi."
"Hn."
"Thanks for inviting me. I've never even heard of it." Both Akito and Chika decided to come along. It's a good group to test the disguise since the three of us aren't as well known as the twins, at least outside of martial arts.
We climbed out of Haruhi's SUV and looked around. Bookstores line the main street here, and for the festival each has large outdoor stands set up on the sidewalks. There must be over a million books here.
"Let's split up," Chika suggested, his head swiveling around taking it all in. "And don't worry about me getting home. I'll call for my car when I'm done."
Akito nodded, "Me as well. I'm hoping for some vintage science fiction."
Once they both left, Haruhi turned to me, "Are you looking for something specific?"
"Not really. I just knew this would be something you'd like, and they only do it a couple weekends a year."
"Then let's go explore." She put her arm through mine and tugged me to the closest stand.
.
I feel like I'm on another planet. There must be half a kilometer of bookstores here, each with a huge display outside. And it's not just books. I found vintage postcards for notes to Mom and Dad and an old map of the state gardens that will look beautiful framed over my dresser.
And then I saw it…a book in English that must be from the 1950's. How to be a good housewife and put your husband first. Yuck. When I picked it up, Takashi looked at me funny. "It's for my history report. Talk about misogyny."
But the absolute best part of this is NO ONE IS RECOGNIZING ME!
.
xXx
.
Sunday, October 23:
Late Morning, Shiraishi Compound:
Our new head and her husband are here to inspect the remodeling. They're quite young. Only eighteen. It will be good to have new ideas here. Fresh blood. I've been the steward here for a long time and never felt comfortable until she started gutting the interior.
"Much better," she mumbled. "The minimalism here is good. So much better than all that shit Dai's wife had filling up every corner." I had to agree.
We headed down the hall to the family's personal wing, the designer describing what had been done and what's still pending. "The floors have been completely replaced. Sustainable bamboo throughout except for the tile in the bathrooms."
Her husband nodded. It was his company that did it after all. His owning a sustainable remodeling company was a surprise.
"What do you think, Ritsu?"
"Just what I pictured."
"Excellent," the decorator continued. "The furniture will be delivered late next week after the painting and remaining architectural work is complete."
"And you're on schedule for us moving in on the fifth?"
"The construction work is, although there are still necessities to be purchased."
"Such as?"
"Linens, décor, art, area rugs. So far, you've only purchased furniture."
She pulled out her calendar, "Next Saturday. We'll bring Sugiura, the new housekeeper, with us."
.
Once we finished in our wing with the decorator, Ritsu dragged me out to the gardens. "I want to put in a vegetable garden, an herb garden, and plant fruit trees. Over here," he waved his hand past a large building towards an overgrown mess, "should be cleaned out. It'd be perfect for a traditional garden and fountains."
"Anything else?"
"I wanted to do this on the Kasanoda Compound, but since I won't be living there…"
"Out with it."
"I want to start raising bees."
"Like for honey?"
"Yeah, and for pollination in general. Bees are essential, and they're in trouble here." He turned his face away and ran his hands through his hair. So cute…he's embarrassed. "It's not just about a few hives. The right flowers will have to be planted throughout the compound and hopefully throughout the neighborhood once you get established."
"Hey," his head turned to face me, "whatever you want is fine. I assume you won't be doing the farming."
"Apiculture."
"Api-what?"
"Not farming. Apiculture is raising honeybees." I just raised an eyebrow to move him along. "Anyway, no I won't be doing it. I'd hire a beekeeper to start and maintain the colony and the gardeners would take care of planting the right stuff under their guidance."
"Timeline?"
"April's best for the bees to arrive, but there's lots of work to be done before that. Setting up the apiary, planning the gardens, making sure the area's ready for them as soon as they arrive."
Too much info. "Fine. We're moving here in two weeks. How about you start the grand plan for the gardens, including the bees, in December. That gives us November to work out any issues with the compound in general."
"Really?" Damn. He looks like I just promised him a puppy.
Puppy! "Really, but don't forget Kasa needs a yard."
"I won't."
.
xXx
.
Evening, Security Offices, Morinozuka Estate:
Interesting. The heir isn't here. Only the head and the ward.
Nagata-san, her temporary PPD head led the meeting. "Haruhi-sama, Akira-sama, we've asked Ogata-sama to sit in tonight."
She looks nervous. The family head simply nodded at my presence.
"First on the agenda, weekly review. Haruhi-sama, you had your regular Monday appointment, Tuesday at Petto Chinmi, Wednesday study session and dinner, Thursday gallery, Friday Petto Chinmi breakfast and after classes, and yesterday the board meeting and book shopping. There were no security concerns from my end. Your disguise seemed to work well."
Her smile lit the room, "It did, and it was wonderful. I enjoyed my anonymity so much I probably bought twice as many books as I should have." That got a few chuckles from her team and a mumbled 'bookworm'.
"Did you have any concerns during the week?" he asked her.
She took a deep breath and blew it out. "Only one. The Go salon."
Go salon? She wasn't in a Go salon this week.
Oshiro-san shook his head, "I'm truly sorry that place isn't available to you anymore, Haruhi-sama. I know you enjoyed going there."
"I did. It was relaxing and peaceful to go there and not be known." She's playing with a ring. Does it spin? "I suppose that means other Go salons are out of the question now?"
"For right now, unfortunately yes. Although give it some time and it might work with your disguises."
"Alright." She smiled at Akira-sama, "Takashi will just have to keep giving me games." He smiled back.
.
While I know my son will take any excuse to be around you, Umeko has an idea that we hope you'll approve of. We'll see.
"Moving on…next week's schedule."
They put her calendar up on the main screen. Nothing but the usual meetings and Ouran except for something on Monday and a photo shoot on the weekend.
"The Houshakuji security team has done a pre-check on the dressmakers for Monday. The Houshakuji, Ootori, Cho, Suoh, and your team will be there. We're anticipating no issues."
"Just me getting stuck with pins," she grumbled.
"Looks like the photo shoot is at the same studio as before, correct?"
"Yes. All indoors with different cats and dogs and maybe a couple other models. They'll do the prep work on Friday. I'm hoping I won't need to be there all day Sunday."
Having an agent is still new to her, so I asked if he'd be there.
"Nuts," she shook her head. "I completely forgot to have him at the meeting with the ad agency. I'll call him and catch him up. Thank you." I nodded. I'm not surprised she forgot with everything that's happened in the last few weeks, but her marking people at Petto Chinmi should have remembered.
"There is no movement on current threats. No new letters."
Thank the gods. Perhaps they've given up. It's been a while since she's said something controversial in public.
"That just leaves the security review. Do you have any questions?"
We all watched her consider. "Only one at the moment. Where are we on a new detail head for me. I'm sure you'd like to go back to Takashi."
Ogata-san spoke up, "We're building the prioritized list of qualifications now. The more my team and I observe you and your activities, the better we'll be able to match you to a new head. We want to make sure it's a correct fit, so we aren't rushing. We hope to have someone appointed by the end of November."
She sighed and nodded. It's a priority for them, but we don't want them to hurry and make a mistake. "I submitted my survey and three suggestions. Please let me know if you have any questions."
"We will, Fujioka-sama. Thank you."
.
xXx
.
Monday, October 24:
Morning, Security Offices, Morinozuka Estate:
Driving back onto the estate after three weeks away was surreal. I felt out of place, like I don't belong here anymore.
Nagata is Haruhi-sama's detail head now. At least temporarily.
I walked into the security offices and was immediately directed to Oshiro-sama's office.
"Welcome back, Eiji. How's your foot?"
"All healed. My physical therapy is going well, and I'm no longer wearing the boot or using any type of walking aid. Thank you for allowing me the extra week."
"No problem."
He introduced me to Ogata-sama and his assistant Kozu-san. I was on the call for the security review but am unsure why they are at this meeting. I thought I was going to be getting my new assignment since I'll no longer be on Haruhi-sama's detail.
"Eiji, I considered long and hard about your new assignment and decided it's best to not put you on a PPD, at least not right away. While it's not directly to blame for the breach in security that led to your primary's kidnapping, you did get too close to her, and it became a problem."
No surprise there. I'm expecting to be walking the perimeter of the estate on the late-night shift for the next six months to a year. But that doesn't explain Ogata-sama's presence.
"As part of the security review, Ogata-san has requested a representative from each family to act as a liaison to his team. Because of your experience and knowledge of 'the group', I decided you'd be ideal to fill the position for the Morinozuka family."
What? Was not expecting that…
"You know the group dynamics, all the players, and the personalities," Ogata-sama laced his fingers and set his hands on the table in front of him, "From everything Oshiro-san's told me, you're a good security officer. If so, I know you've spent considerable time in the last three weeks analyzing what went wrong, what needs to be fixed, what changes need to be made. Here's your chance."
He's right.
I spent the last three weeks at my parent's house with nothing to do but my physical therapy and security analysis.
"I'm honored by your confidence in me. I accept."
.
xXx
.
After Classes, Wedding Dress Designers:
I leaned back on the sofa next to Anne-Sophie and sipped my champagne while the girls were having their measurements taken.
"What about Keiko?" Cho asked as she stood there in her pink slip.
"She's having hers taken in California and sending them here."
"I assume that means your relatives are doing the same thing in France."
"Yes."
"This is so exciting, Renge-chan," My future mother-in-law smiled at me. "Thank you for including me."
"It's my pleasure." Her wedding to Yuzuru-san was so quick and small, we really didn't get to do much of the fun stuff when we planned it. I feel like she's become like a mother to me over the last months, I want her to be involved in everything.
"Have you decided on a dress?" I know her illness caused some scarring, so it will have a back and sleeves at least to the elbows, but I know she'll look amazing.
"The designer," she's using the same one I am for mine and the bridal party, "has three that I like. I was hoping you'd help me choose."
"I'd be glad to."
.
I stopped off in the bathroom before I joined them. Inoue-sensei and I talked about my nightmares and my face is all blotchy. Poor Ebisu. He's stuck in the back seat with me so he can keep me from opening the door, and he had to sit there and let me cry almost all the way over here.
But it was a good cry. I feel lighter.
"I'm here," I called out as I rounded the corner.
What the hell?
They're all sitting on sofas drinking what looks like champagne while a bunch of models are moving around in formal gowns. What did I just walk into?
"Perfect timing, Haruhi." Renge stood and walked over to me, handing me a glass, "You can pick your dress."
"Pick it? I thought you were doing that."
She pulled me over to sit with her. "I picked these ten samples. They all are variants on a theme. Each of you gets to pick the style you like best. They'll all be done in the same material."
"Oh." Crazy, rich wedding. But I've never been in a wedding, so I really don't have anything to compare it to.
"I think model one, four, and seven would look best for your body type," the lady with the pin cushion on her wrist said. "They all will help elongate your body and work with your hair length."
That's a nice way to say I'm short.
"If it helps," Renge started pointing at different ones, "Cho's wearing three, and Yuki picked nine. One, two, five, six, and ten are being worn by my cousins."
"Do you want me to pick one that hasn't been picked yet?"
"If you like one that hasn't."
Well, none of them have sleeves. One's already been picked. That leaves four and seven. I'm not sure about elongating anything, but the slit in seven is way too high, and it doesn't have a back. "Four."
"Good choice." She reached over and took my glass, "Now, strip."
.
Once all the models left and Haruhi's measurements were taken, we were left alone to chat while the designer and seamstresses made sure they had everything they needed.
I'm going to look so cute in that dress. Too bad Renge's not doing it in pink.
"Have any wedding showers been scheduled yet, Renge?"
"Three so far in France over the winter holidays."
"Three?" Haruhi sounds confused. Don't commoners have wedding showers?
"One by Father's family, one by business associate's wives, and another by childhood friends."
I smirked at Haruhi, "What about the Bachelorette party?"
"Oh," she glanced quickly at Renge, "I was thinking we could do it at one of Shinobu's strip clubs."
"WHAT!" Renge practically screamed. Haruhi can't be serious. She must realize that can't be done.
"Gotcha!"
Damn. Renge slumped back in her seat and blew Haruhi a raspberry. "Very funny."
By this time, I'm laughing so hard I'm practically falling out of my seat, "Good one, Haruhi." Took me another couple seconds to catch my breath, "But seriously, have you started planning it?"
"No. But we have almost six months."
"It will be here before you know it and finding the perfect venue could take time."
"Cho," she shrugged at me, "I have no idea what I'm doing."
"Well, you obviously can't do it at a strip club, but maybe you could get Shinobu to help you plan."
I ignored the scared look on Renge's face.
.
xXx
.
Tuesday, October 25:
After Classes, Photography Studio, Tokyo:
I can't believe I'm sitting here watching a professional photographer look through my portfolio. I felt like an impostor when I met with the man who put it together. Fortunately, he didn't say anything about my lack of pictures, although he did imply that portfolios usually contain many more than mine. It's expandable, so I'll have him add more as I learn.
"Interesting…" He's studying that closeup I took of the hot springs at Yellowstone. The mineral deposit colors turned out well.
A half smile flashed across his face when he got to the pictures of the otters. They were so cute it was hard to take a bad picture once I got rid of all the blurry ones.
.
Not a bad eye. She got lucky with most of these shots, but it was her first time out. And it only takes one shot to get it right.
There's some raw talent here hidden in the inexperience.
She's pretty nervous sitting there tapping her foot and playing with her ring. Hell of an engagement ring. And to an Ootori. Wonder if it's arranged.
Not going to hurt my reputation to be attached to her. And I can charge her my top fees.
I closed it and looked over at her, "There are some good shots in here, Ito-san."
"But?"
She heard it in my tone. Good. She's a listener. "They all have some qualities of a beginner." Her shoulders slumped so I pushed on, "Which isn't surprising since you've only been playing around for two months or so, right?"
"Correct."
"Have you taken any classes?"
"The camera store gave us an hour-long tutorial on the camera, and we had a professional photographer guide take us out at dawn and dusk one day at Yellowstone." Now she's playing with her earring. I can be intimidating. "I've been wanting to take more classes or maybe join a photography club, but I just haven't had time to research them yet."
"Well, I can help with that." She smiled and blushed a bit. "I have several shoots coming up in the next two months. You would benefit from coming and observing."
"Really?" So young. So hopeful.
"Of course. I wouldn't be able to spend much time with you during them, but you could practice with your camera while I'm shooting, and just watching, you'll learn a lot."
"Thank you very much. I'm honored."
.
Wow! I've been invited to attend a professional photo shoot. I can't believe it.
"And because my time is limited during a shoot, I'd like to offer you private lessons."
Private lessons?!
"Depending on your schedule, we could meet once a week either in the morning for dawn or in the evening after dinner and work through sunset. My rates are 50,000 yen [~$500] an hour. I hope that's acceptable."
"Yes. Definitely." Did I just squeal like a little kid?
"Excellent. And because I wouldn't be giving you a lot of one-on-one attention during my shoots, I'd only charge 20,000 yen [~$200] an hour for them."
I'm sure Kyoya won't mind me using his card for these lessons. I've spent so much on clothes and other things, and he's never said anything.
"Alright."
He titled his head forward and looked at me over his glasses, "But please only attend my classes if you are serious. You'll have to work hard in between. You should be spending a couple of hours every day taking pictures and reading photography books and magazines. Will you commit to that?"
"Yes. For sure. I want to get better."
But what about my writing? I want to become an author.
I can make time for both.
"Good. I suggest we have our first lesson Thursday afternoon."
In two days? So soon?
"Thank you for bringing your equipment. I've looked through it and there are some filters and other basic equipment you should have. Let's meet at my favorite camera shop…"
.
xXx
.
After Classes, Conference Room, Petto Chinmi:
"How were classes today, Honey?"
"They're great, Haru-chan. My last one was portfolio management with Cho-chan and Takashi." I leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "He said he's looking forward to dinner tonight." She's coming over to our apartment after this meeting. The four of us are going to have dinner and study. The new semester is already busy.
"I am too."
My staff and I followed her into her conference room and looked around. This is the first time I'm getting to see her running her company. She's come so far from that raggedy commoner we all thought was a boy. And she looks so cute in that dark purple suit even if it doesn't have any pink.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please help yourselves to a drink and take your seats." She gestured at the side table, "Haninozuka-san generously agreed to cater our meeting. There are various cakes and pastries from Bun Bun's bakery along with a carafe of cake coffee."
Haru-chan grabbed a bottle of that tea she likes and sat at the head of the table. "If there are no objections, I'll be recording the audio portion of this meeting. The injury to my hand still prevents me from taking notes." No one objected, so she set her phone in the middle of the table and started recording.
"Haninozuka-san, allow me to introduce my staff. To my right is Tanaki-san, my Assistant Executive Director, then Gorou-san, my marking manager, followed by Iguchi-san, our head accountant. To my left is Imai-san, my assistant, then Sato-san our lawyer, then Saigo-san our finance head."
I bowed my head slightly to each then introduced my staff. "To my right is Tanaka-san, Bun Bun's CEO. To my left, Bando-san, our product development director."
"Welcome. As all of you know, we're here to discuss Bun Bun's creating a line of cat and dog bakery items that will be carried in Petto Chinmi stores and possibly Bun Bun's bakeries."
Haru-chan described the pet store in New York where she found the samples on the table, and her idea to personalize them to her brand. The more she talked about pet birthday cakes, special treats, and using human grade ingredients, the more I realized this was much bigger than I originally thought. I'm sure both Tanaka-san and Bando-san are realizing the same thing. I didn't give them a very good background for this meeting.
"Our marketing department has already researched the specialty pet baked goods niche. I'll turn this over to Gorou-san for her to review."
.
This is much more involved than Haninozuka-sama led us to believe, but judging from his expression he either didn't realize or hadn't been told everything by Fujioka-sama.
"What do you think, Bando-san?"
What do I think? I think that as the product development director, this is all on me. But is it a good idea?
"Well, Gorou-san's research certainly suggests the market is there for the line in the pet stores. I'm not sure about carrying it in our bakeries. There's lots of research to be done on our end prior to a decision."
I don't like telling our owner no. He has gotten better at not pouting when he's upset.
"We'll need to complete that research, bring in a pet nutritionist, go through the entire product development cycle from recipe creation, nutrition breakdown, and the all important focus group testing." I scribbled some notes then glanced up at our owner, "It's an interesting idea and holds merit, but is not something that will happen overnight."
He asked Tanaka-sama what he thought the best way to implement it would be.
"With all respect to Fujioka-sama and Petto Chinmi, I think Bun Bun's would be best to own the line and supply their stores."
Fujioka-sama's brow furrowed, and she took a breath to break in, but he continued first, "It's my understanding that all of the product you currently produce is done in South Korean factories and has a relatively long shelf-life." She nodded. "Baked goods are a completely different type of product. One Bun Bun's has experience with."
"Would you supply Petto Chinmi exclusively?"
"An excellent question. I would think Petto Chinmi would be the only pet store we would supply."
"What about vending at dog parks for example? We have machines at dozens of parks throughout Tokyo. If the bakery items were to be sold there, would the machines be Petto Chinmi or Bun Bun's?"
"Interesting point. It would come down to this…is Bun Bun's the producer and Petto Chinmi the distributor? Or is Bun Bun's the baker and we have a contract with Petto Chinmi for you to sell Bun Bun's pet pastries in your stores?"
"Before this goes further down the rabbit hole," I paused for the lame joke snickering, "we need to do some preliminary research and have our lawyers meet."
"That's a good idea, Bando-san," Haninozuka-sama grinned at me, then turned to Fujioka-sama with a more serious face, "Don't worry, Haru-chan. No matter what happens, Bun Bun's won't be going forward with this without your approval. It was your idea, and we won't steal it."
"Thank you, Honey."
.
xXx
.
Wednesday, October 26:
Tuesday, Lunch, Restaurant, San Franciso Time (Wed Early Morning Tokyo):
"Steak, medium rare."
"I'll have the grilled chicken with broccoli." I handed the waitress back the menu, "Separate checks, please."
"My treat, Keiko."
"It's fine, Joshua. We're studying; it's not a date or anything."
"Maybe not, but now that our project's due next week, I know where we're going on our date next weekend."
Date?
"Date?"
"Yes. I have it all planned out. We'll start with a walk around Lagunita lake. It's supposed to be really romantic. Then dinner at this tapas place I found. After that, I thought we could go back to my place."
"What are you talking about? I never agreed to a date next weekend." Or ever.
"Yes, you did. You said you weren't interested in dating because we're so busy with the project. It's over next week, so I planned our date."
Is he serious?
"Joshua, I'm sorry, but I think you misunderstood. I'm so busy with school, I'm not interested in dating anyone. It's not the project specifically, I'm not going to date anyone." Unless Kyoya asks, which he won't now that he's back in Japan. "And with my new job, I won't have time for anything else except work and classes."
"I'm not sure you should take that job. You won't have time for me if you're always working."
Exactly my point.
"I'll pick you up at seven next Saturday."
"Joshua," maybe if I slow down and explain it again, "there won't be a date next weekend. I didn't agree to it. I never said I'd go out with you."
"Yes. Yes, you did." His voice got more insistent, "And we will go."
I really need to end this crazy idea. "Joshua, I'm sorry if I said something that made you believe that. My English still isn't the best." Maybe if I blame the language.
"You can't just agree to date me then dump me in the middle of a restaurant, Keiko. It doesn't work like that."
"I never agreed to date you. I never even agreed to go out on one date. We're just classmates. Nothing more."
"That's not what you said. Were you lying then, or are you lying now?"
.
Both of our heads jerked up from our meals when we heard Joshua-san's voice carry.
He and Keiko-sama have studied together quite a bit since they were put in the same group. This is even the second time we've been to this restaurant. But he's never raised his voice to her.
What is going on?
"I think I should leave," she stood, and we stood with her, both of us heading across the room. Why did it have to be full?
"Sit down," he reached out and grabbed her hand. "We're not done."
"Yes, we are." She jerked her hand away and leaned over to grab her purse, "I'll contact the professor about a new partner."
"You can't do that. Not after all the time I've put into you."
"You're delusional."
"And you're a FUCKING BITCH!"
I was a step away when he grabbed his steak knife and stabbed her.
"Keiko-sama!"
I grabbed her as she fell and lowered her gently to the floor. "Hold on. I've got you." I scattered dishes everywhere as I pulled the tablecloth and held it to her chest. Where is all this blood coming from?
"Keiko-sama?"
The world spun as I watched the light go out of her eyes.
.
xXx
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Author's Note:
When I started this series with "The Last Straw", I'd never written fiction before. Over the years, I'd like to think I've gotten better at it. It's smoother, the plots more tied together. I've done a lot of reading on how to be a better writer. Some of the advice I don't follow, some I do. One thing I read was why to kill off a character. The article said too many authors kill someone off just for shock value or because they were tired of the character. It recommended only killing someone off if their death advanced the plot significantly.
Keiko's death does just that.
The way Keiko's death hits the remaining characters will advance almost all of their 'painful' arcs. You'll see it most in Cho's, but it will feature heavily in at least three others.
Her death wasn't always planned. I had no idea I'd be doing it when we started this story. Then something happened in my town. A 17yo girl working at a store was being harassed by 28yo man who was also an employee. He kept asking her out and she kept telling him no. She'd complained but management didn't do anything. It came to a head in the breakroom one day while they were both working. He asked again; she said no again. And he killed her. Right there in the store.
To say I was affected was an understatement. I didn't know either of them, but it was still a punch in the gut. The overwhelming entitlement some men in this country feel. Entitled to our time, to our attention, to our bodies, to our smiles, to our freedom, to our every waking moment… The idea that we should "give them a chance" when they ask. That turning them down is selfish, bitchy. The overpowering, consuming, oppressive rape culture in this country makes me physically ill sometimes.
I suppose I'm working through some of my own shit with Keiko's murder. Gotta say, I don't feel better. Maybe I won't when I get us through this, but I'm going to try.
I chose Keiko because she was always a relatively minor OC, and with Kyoya coming back to Tokyo, there really wasn't much to do with her in Stanford. I know she's one of your favorites ktmyldy28, and I am sorry for hitting you with this. I hope I don't totally turn you off the story. Not sure if it helps or makes it worse, but Dad and I were never going to put her and Kyoya together. I have plans for Kyoya, and they don't include her. (They don't include Haruhi, so no one worry about that.)
As for the rest of the chapter…
Took Dad and me a while to decide that Haruhi would move her parents and Jarou. I was worried about his son wanting to see him, and it being such a big step. In the end, I decided that I'm the author, so I could decide that his son has faded into the wind and never sought him out. We'll never see that character again. It's a big step for Haruhi, but one I think she's finally ready to make.
Giving the strip clubs and love hotels to Bu's new syndicate allows her to keep messing with them while distancing herself from the Himura Syndicate as she cleans up and restructures her new one. How long before all the rest of them realize they need to get them a wedding present?
Haruhi's answer to having her scar covered for Petto Chinmi is so her. She's not a model, but a person. She doesn't think of it as a badge of honor, but as a part of her. A part people now need to accept. Made sense to me.
Decided our couples needed a date night, and since Honey wanted the apartment to himself so he could show Cho her dollhouse, it made the perfect chance. Not sure where I was going with Mori and his businesses. Will he take over the family business? Will he continue with his own and just oversee the family business? Will he decide on something completely different? No idea. But the questions seemed like something Haruhi'd ask.
And at the On Okuri board meeting, Haruhi learns what happens when you make a suggestion. You end up chairing a committee. Not sure about everyone else out there, but I had to learn that one the hard way too. Kicking around ideas for the next fundraiser. Had to be different from the casino night, so food. Probably won't go into too much of the planning, but will write the evening like I did with casino night.
And we finally find out what Eiji's up to. We'll continue to see him through the review. Dad and I like the character, and he'll do well in the new assignment, we just didn't see him continuing on her detail in any way. Hope you like this.
There's a new sub-board on my FanFic Pinterest board called "TamakiRengeWedding." Not much there to start with, but the green dresses are my idea for the bridesmaid dresses. They're all similar but allow the girls to choose they one they like the best. The other dresses are for Anne-Sophie. Probably a cross from the single green dress and the tan/cream/light brown one. We'll see.
Fun to see Haruhi teasing Renge about having the party at a strip club. Who knows what she and Shinobu will come up with in the end. But it will be fun.
I'll be honest. I hadn't really thought about how I was going to integrate pet baked goods so that section kinda got away from me. With that info dump, I won't have to go into it again when they decide. But they will be doing it. Probably Bun Bun's will take it on and produce for Petto Chinmi and themselves. Haven't decided if they'll take on other clients later. Not sure it really matters.
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Next Chapter:
Notifications about Keiko…aftermath at the restaurant…expected security blame game…and how the group reacts when they find out.
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Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Ouran High School Host Club. I also do not own, nor am I making any money from, the following: Olympics, Lego, any real restaurant, business, artist, food product, movie, game, location, or really anything else that exists. I do, however, own any original characters and the plot of this story.