A/N: This chapter is the omake for Chapter 21 where it focuses on the story of Keiichi and Toru. It's shorter than my usual chapters, sorry about that.
I apologize for pushing the story on Chey Rith to chapter 23 as I don't think I can update the chapter before my wedding on 25th May. This was originally meant to be another one-shot but since I started the topic on Keiichi in the last chapter, I thought I'd update the story here.
Thank you, RiveReinStyx for the beta and for pointing out the OOC-ness! You know what I mean, Rein. LOL
Warnings: Slight torture.
Disclaimer: Viewfinder and its characters belong to Yamane Ayano.
Nakahara Keiichi paced outside the bathroom as he listened to Akihito showering, contemplating the biggest decision of his life. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, he was selected to be Akihito's guard after he demonstrated superior tactical and defense abilities during the interview with the chief security.
With an angular shape face, Keiichi was blessed with good looks; dark brown eyes with a slightly crooked nose and thin lips. When he first took over the position as Akihito's guard, he couldn't imagine why a man like Asami, who had more money and power than God, would choose Akihito as a lover. Not to mention that the said lover was a male; and one that did not give a rat's ass about the boss's money, power and status.
Keiichi had to admit that Akihito was easy on the eyes but beyond that, Keiichi failed to comprehend Akihito's attractiveness.
He still remembered Kirishima's warning on his first day. Prior to meeting Akihito at the penthouse, the secretary had laid down the rules when protecting Akihito. Most of the rules had been simple but when Kirishima told him the last rule, Keiichi nearly scoffed.
Never fall in love with Takaba sama, Kirishima had warned.
Keiichi didn't argue but he remembered thinking, 'Who in their right mind would fall in love with a man?'
But fell in love was what Keiichi did. Nearly two months after he was assigned as Akihito's guard, he accidentally walked into Asami's bedroom where he found the young photographer changing his sweater. As if a lightning had struck Keiichi, he found himself hooked onto Akihito's body.
Stranger things happened after that. Keiichi noticed his heart would beat rapidly every time he was with Akihito. He started fantasizing about his master - running his fingers on Akihito's translucent skin, kissing the lids of his eyes, touching the most intimate parts as the photographer moaned his name.
The urge to touch the young boss grew worse that he found himself using the image of Akihito changing in the bedroom as his source of sexual relief, masturbating himself at night after work.
As much as he fantasized about the photographer, Keiichi was smart to keep the desires to himself. He remained calm in front of Akihito and Asami but there were times that he felt his control nearly wavered when he spotted red marks around Akihito's wrists, an indication that Akihito had been the subject to Asami's sadistic sex plays at night.
And smart as Keiichi was, love could make someone stupid sometimes. The guard didn't know what possessed him to take this drastic move but here he was, standing outside of the bathroom, ready to confess his love to Akihito. As he listened to the water running, Keiichi contemplated his actions.
What are you doing, Keiichi? Are you crazy? He asked himself, taking a step back.
But, he stopped his tracks. I can't do this anymore. I'll go insane trying to hide my feelings. He turned, walking to the bathroom again.
Asami sama does not have to know about this, Keiichi reassured himself. He was confident that Akihito wouldn't report his little confession to the boss since he wasn't the type who complained on trivial things; and that was one of the things Keiichi had discovered after following his master around.
The shower was still running, Keiichi noted. Akihito had been inside for some time and Keiichi figured if he didn't confess soon, he wouldn't have the chance again.
"Taka – Takaba sama," he stuttered, rapping his knuckles on the door.
The photographer did not answer him but Keichi heard that the water had stopped running. He cleared his throat.
"Takaba sama, I –," he gulped. He took a step back, ready to walk out of Asami's bedroom when he braved himself to speak out.
"Takaba sama, I know this is a little a sudden but I have something to tell you," Keiichi said, listening to the boy putting on his bathrobe.
Say it now Keiichi, or you won't have the guts to speak when he comes out.
Taking another deep breath, the guard spoke again, "I – I think I have fallen in love with you," he spoke hurriedly before his nerves failed him.
When Akihito remained silent, Keiichi quickly said, "Of course, I am not expecting anything in return. I am just contented serving you but if by any chance –," Keiichi halted, nervous. "By any chance if you decided to leave Asami sama, I'll be there for you."
"Nakahara –," Keiichi heard someone spoke in a stern voice. Shocked that someone had discovered his confession, he whirled around, only to discover the boss's bespectacled secretary staring at him.
Keiichi gulped, not expecting to see Kirishima in the penthouse. The secretary had his eyes narrowed at him as he walked into the room. "What did you just say?" He nearly growled.
"Kirishima san," Keiichi fumbled. "I – I can explain," he halted, suddenly remembering something. 'Wait, if Kirishima is in the penthouse, that means Asami sama should be here – Where –'
Keiichi barely had the chance to finish that thought when the bathroom door opened. And instead of a flustered Akihito in bathrobe, a very displeased Asami stood in front of Keiichi.
Keiichi froze, his face blanching of color. He took in Asami's deathly glare, the way Asami remained silent as he folded his arms across his chest, Keiichi knew that he was in deep trouble. "B – b – boss," he greeted.
One word was all Asami needed to say, "Kirishima."
The secretary did not argue. Dumping the files he was carrying on the bedside table, he carried out his orders. Kirishima dragged the shell shocked guard to the living room, kicked the back of his knee, forcing him to kneel down. Asami took his time; he went to the bar to pour himself a drink before slowly walking to the couch, sitting down.
"Call Suoh," he ordered as he placed his gun on the glass table.
"Asami sama, please, I – I can explain," Keiichi pleaded, still kneeling. He tried moving closer to Asami but retreated almost immediately when the yakuza grabbed the gun and pointed it in between Keiichi's eyes.
"Stay where you are," Asami growled.
It took only a few minutes before Suoh let himself inside the apartment. Confused and taken aback with the situation in front of him, the bulky guard went to the yakuza, bowing in the process.
"Kirishima, how much did you hear?" Asami asked as he took another sip of the wine.
"Not much," the secretary admitted, "Only the part when Keiichi said –," he halted, looking at Keiichi uncomfortably before continuing, "—that he loved Takaba sama."
Asami said nothing. He finished his drink in a gulp. "Suoh, Akihito snuck out. Get someone to track him down," he ordered, standing up in the process. "And bring Keiichi to my office at Sion."
Kirishima shook his head as Suoh dragged a shaking Keiichi out of the penthouse. He felt sorry for the guard already but there was nothing he could do as Keiichi had broken the rule.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Sion Headquarters - Basement
Asami smoked in silence as he watched Keiichi groan every time Suoh landed a punch. At his orders, Keiichi was stripped from waist top and suspended a few inches from the ground.
Sweat and bruises covered Keiichi's otherwise smooth skin. Blood poured out from his nose, dripping on his naked torso, evidence that it was already broken. Suoh swung the bat on him, causing the guard to cry out in pain.
Kirishima stood next to his boss, maintaining a straight face as he watched Keiichi's punishment. The secretary was used to taking part in punishments but he did not enjoy seeing Keiichi's. He hadn't known Keiichi for long but he liked him well enough, considering he was smart and sharp. But there was nothing he could do right now. He did warn Keiichi not to do anything stupid, so why on earth did he have to dig his own grave?
"Suoh, release him," Asami ordered.
Suoh stopped, relieved at the orders. Dropping the bat, Suoh carried out Asami's orders before taking his position next to Kirishima.
The yakuza removed his coat, passing it to Kirishima and walked to Keiichi calmly, rolling up his sleeves in the process.
"Asami sama, please forgive me," Keiichi whispered, curling on the floor.
Asami knelt down, fisted the guard's hair and yanked it back. "Do you know why I was upset with you, Keiichi kun?" he asked in a tone so mild that it shook Kirishima's nerves.
"I apologize, Asami sama," Keiichi forced the word out. "It –," he swallowed painfully, "—it won't happen again."
Asami released the guard. "It definitely won't happen again," he agreed, taking out his gun. "Your mistake was falling in love with Akihito," he said, checking the gun. Walking around the injured guard, he curved a thin, sadistic smile. "But I supposed I cannot fault you for that –after all, Akihito is very attractive."
The yakuza kicked Keiichi and the former guard coughed out blood. "But I am surprised that you actually had the guts to confess."
"I – I'm sorry, Asami sama," Keiichi sobbed openly.
"You certainly aren't as smart as I thought," the yakuza said, releasing the catch of the gun. "You didn't realize that Akihito had snuck out of the penthouse and you thought he was showering –," Asami narrowed his eyes at Keiichi, " – only it turned out that it was me who was in the bathroom."
Asami fired the first shot randomly, causing Keiichi to flinch. "And something struck me while you were confessing, Keiichi." He pointed the gun at the guard again. "Did you do anything inappropriate to Akihito when you were alone with him?"
Keiichi's eyes widened at the claims.
"Speak."
"No, Asami sama. You have to believe me; I haven't!" Keiichi gathered his strength to kneel in front of Asami. "I wouldn't dare."
The yakuza smiled. He took a few steps backwards before turning to look at Keiichi again. Raising his gun, he pointed it at Keiichi.
"No, please Asami sama," Keiichi had his head on the floor, pleading.
Kirishima averted his eyes, preparing for the worse. Beside him, Suoh did the same.
The gun shot never came; instead it was the call from Akihito that saved Keiichi's life. Asami reached for the phone in his pockets and answered.
"Asami."
"Asami, you bastard! You told Keiichi to take my memory card, didn't you?"
"What memory card?" Asami asked calmly, his gun still pointed at Keiichi.
"The photographs involving the politician," Akihito said in frustration. "I spent a few nights for that! Give it back; my month's salary is at stake here!"
Asami's lips curved. "I don't know what are you talking about, Akihito. But if it's money you worry about, just tap your other account."
"Hah, you think I'd use your money? I am not your mistress!" Akihito said sarcastically.
"Suit yourself," Asami said. "I'll be back in an hour and I want Mackerel fish for dinner."
Akihito groaned. "Again? You know it's damn difficult to get that at this hour. I'll cook what I like, and if you're not happy about it, I'll eat everything myself," he informed, ending the call.
Asami passed his phone to his secretary. "What memory card did you take from Akihito?" He directed the question to Keiichi.
Hands shaking, Keiichi reached for his coat on the ground, and pulled out a memory card from the inner pockets. "Takaba sama had been snooping around Diet member Okuchi Junichi lately. He took a few photographs of Okuchi dealing with our business partner," the guard whispered, passing the card to Kirishima.
Asami kept his gun and turned his attention towards the images Kirishima pulled up from the lap top. Keiichi wasn't lying; the photographs showed Okuchi dealing with one of his partners and if the photos were leaked to the press, it could cause problems for him.
The yakuza stared at Keiichi again. The guard had a hand wrapped protectively around his injured stomach as he looked on the cement flooring. Deciding that he had seen enough, Asami waved his hand, ordering Kirishima put the lap top away.
"The photographs have just saved your life."
Keiichi's eyes widened. "Thank – you, boss," Keiichi trembled as he whispered gratefully.
"Kirishima, have Keiichi transferred to the branch office in Osaka," Asami ordered, walking out of the room.
Obviously not expecting the bonus, Keiichi bowed again. "Thank you, Asami sama!"
"You all right?" Suoh asked, helping the guard up.
"Yeah, thanks Suoh san," Keiichi whispered. "I knew you went easy on me."
Suoh returned a sympathetic smile. "I warned you not to do anything foolish. What on earth made you spurt out that confession?"
Keiichi winced at his split lips when he tried to smile. "I didn't think."
The bulky guard shook his head. "Remember who you work for Keiichi. Asami sama isn't very forgiving when it comes to Takaba sama."
Keiichi gathered his clothes. A hand clutching on his stomach, he walked to the door, assisted by Suoh. "I learned it the hard way, Suoh san."
Xx Business as Usual xX
A few weeks later
Kirishima stood next to the boss, unmoving. He gripped the thin black file on his hands, unsure if he should pass the documents to his boss. After the incident with Keiichi, Suoh and him had poured generous amount of time searching for a new replacement guard for Akihito.
Asami had hundreds of guards but none seemed to make the cut. He contemplated looking for a new recruit but he was at a loss of who to pick until Suoh dumped a file on his desk the day before, informing that he had found the perfect guard for Akihito.
Initially, Kirishima wasn't convinced with Suoh's candidate. He looked nothing like Keiichi but they shared the same style and qualities. He wasn't certain if Asami would approve but for the lack of a better choice, Kirishima took the file to his boss nonetheless.
"Kirishima."
The secretary snapped into attention. "Yes, Asami sama?"
"Is that all the reports that I have to sign?" The yakuza asked, dumping the last file on the table.
Kirishima pushed his spectacles up. "Yes, Asami sama."
"What about the file you're holding?"
Clearing his throat, the secretary passed the folder to his boss. "Suoh sent a possible candidate to replace Keiichi, sir."
Flipping the file open, Asami stared at the 4R photograph of an attractive young man: black hair, dark, unreadable eyes, firm jaw line and thin lips. The man could easily pass for a movie actor instead of a guard. "His background?" He asked and casually reached for the box of cigarette on the table.
"Egawa Toru. Father unknown; mother passed away last year due to illness. No siblings," Kirishima reported as he leaned nearer to light his boss's cigarette.
"Ranked top in tactical skills in the army. He's a black belt in karate and judo."
Asami tapped the excess cigarette on the ashtray, scrutinizing the photograph. "His achievements in the army do not fascinate me," the yakuza said. "Send him here."
"You're interviewing him yourself, Asami sama?" Kirishima asked, slightly surprised with the request.
The yakuza smirked, passing the file back to Kirishima. "I'll be doing a lot more than interviewing."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Asami gazed his golden orbs at the man in front of him intently. Like Keiichi, Egawa Toru was easy on the eyes but he was certainly more composed than the former guard. Standing at nearly six feet, Toru was considered taller than the average Japanese. His dark eyes bore no expression and to a point, emotionless. Asami had to give the man some credit. Aside from Kirishima and Suoh, no one can looked as calm as Toru did. Either he had frozen on his spot or he was naturally stoic.
The preliminary interview had been satisfying. Unlike his other guards who were sent into the interview room with Suoh, Toru was brought into the dojo and was given the task to spar with Suoh. Asami simply did not see the point to hire a guard with poor defensive skills.
And he was good, Asami had to admit after Toru nearly beat Suoh. Deciding to test Toru's capabilities in martial arts, Asami told a shocked Suoh to step aside, allowing him to take over instead.
His skills were better than Keiichi's; Toru's reflexes were quicker, sharper and he was far stronger. Still, Asami took him down in less than five minutes, leaving the man shocked with his defeat. With Toru still lying down from the aftermath of his defeat, Asami informed Kirishima to send Toru to his office after changing.
Glancing through the file Kirishima had provided, Asami looked at the man seated on his visitor's chair.
"Egawa kun," Asami greeted.
Toru bowed. "Please call me Toru, Sir."
Asami raised an eyebrow. "Any special reason?"
The man returned his gaze. "I did not have a father and it would be strange to call me a name that was given to me by an unknown person."
Asami leaned against his leather chair, clasped his hands and brought them to rest on his stomach. Interesting, the yakuza thought. "Toru, how long were you in the army?"
"Five sir," Toru answered swiftly.
Calmly retrieving his cigarette, he allowed Kirishima to light the stick before fixing his attention at the young man in front of him. "Why did you quit?"
Toru remained unmoving in his chair. "I cannot see myself serving the army until I retire, sir."
"And why is that?" Asami asked, taking another drag of his cigarette.
Toru looked at his future boss. "Permission to speak frankly."
Asami waved his hand, giving his consent.
"I want to find a place where I can fit in," the lanky man said without hesitation.
Crushing his cigarette, the crime lord leaned forward, resting his hands on the large oak table. Pique with interest, Asami spoke, "And do you think this place fits you? Do you know what sort of things you are required to do?" he spoke in a low voice.
The younger man showed no signs of being intimidated. His dark eyes searched Asami's, staring into the intense golden orbs. "I don't know if it will," he answered truthfully. "But I think it will fit me better than the army."
"How much do you know about me and Sion?"
"I did some standard background check before I came," Toru hesitated for a while, "Although I could not find much information about you, Asami sama."
Asami smirked. He was growing fond of Toru, finding his straight as an arrow's personality refreshing. He took Toru's file, opening it again. "You do realize that the job would require you to carry a gun."
Toru nodded. "I am aware of that, sir."
Closing the file, Asami dumped it carelessly on the table. "Carrying it is one thing – ," he paused for a while, glancing at Toru. "—using it is another."
Toru's eyes widened slightly at Asami's remarks but regained his composure quickly enough. "I dare to use it; if that's what you meant, Asami sama."
Calmly, Asami pulled one of the drawers of his desk open, retrieving a gun. He inspected the weapon and when he was satisfied with its condition, he placed it on the table. Eyeing Toru, he said, "Then, it's time put those words into action."
Toru's dark eyes rested at the gun for a moment before looking at Asami again. "Who do you need me to kill, Asami sama?"
Xx Business as Usual xX
Kirishima watched the newly hired guard sitting in front of him. Toru remained silent as he sat across Asami in the limousine, staring outside the window. For a man who didn't know where he was taken to, Toru looked composed.
Too calm ,Kirishima thought, almost to a point that it's scary. Kirishima had never met anyone like Toru. Most guards fidgeted during their interviews with him and trembled when they meet Asami for the first time, fearing the intensity of his eyes.
This man, Kirishima thought as he glanced at Toru, is different.
Toru took the challenge to spar with Suoh, nearly won before Asami stepped in to take Suoh's place. Despite Toru's defeat, the boss remained impressed with his capabilities. And when Asami showed Toru his favorite gun, Toru didn't flinch. He gazed at the gun like a gun collector would, looking at the unique piece in details before calmly asking the boss his orders.
That alone, in Kirishima's opinion; garnered the boss's green light.
Kirishima pushed his spectacles up. Indeed, Toru is a very interesting man. Going back to Asami's schedule on his tablet, he briefly wondered how Toru would feel about his next task. He was already looking forward to Toru's performance.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Foul stench of blood and sweat immediately greeted Kirishima when he entered warehouse number three. He was already used to the sight, having executed a few men on Asami's orders. A man in his late twenties lay on the ground, surrounded by Kirishima's subordinates in suits. The man was badly beaten, and from the looks of the injuries, Kirishima deduced his men had used the knife.
His gaze flickered towards Toru, observing his reactions. There was nothing. Interesting.
"Boss," the men greeted, parted ways for Asami to move to the front where a single chair had been prepared.
Asami nodded his head in response. "Did he talk?"
One of the men stepped forward. "Yes, sir. He admitted to stealing a box of firearms and sold it to the Russians at a lower price."
Asami's face darkened. "So you think you can steal from me, Minagawa."
Minagawa immediately dragged himself up into a kneeling position. "Please Asami sama," he sobbed, ignoring his injured stomach. "I can explain."
"Your pitiful explanations do not interest me." Asami inhaled another drag of his cigarette. "You know the consequences of stealing from me."
Trembling, Minagawa crawled towards Asami's legs. Asami took a step back, kicking the man on his already injured stomach. "Don't –," Asami warned, "—touch me."
Kirishima stole a quick glance at Toru. The man stood in silence, watching the entire scene unfolding before him, emotionless. Already Kirishima was in awe – no one could remain calm at situations like this as even seasoned guards trembled during punishments.
Slowly, Asami retrieved his gun from his shoulder holster. Minagawa tried to plead for his life by attempting to clutch at Asami's legs again but he was held back by Suoh. The bulky guard had Minagawa on his knees, with both hands twisted behind his back. Two men came forward with a rope and Suoh efficiently bound Minagawa's hands.
"Asami sama," Kirishima took a step forward, showing the tablet to the crime lord. "Minagawa's email records; it looks like he has been passing information about Takaba sama to the Kurokawa gumi."
"How much information did the Kurokawa have?" Asami asked in a cool voice.
Kirishima tapped a few buttons on his tablet. "No more than Takaba sama's physical description and height. There were no photos attached."
Minagawa shook his head. "Boss, this is a misunderstanding. I was just trying to feed them the wrong information about – ," he halted when the gun on Asami's hand was raised to his direction.
"Wrong information?" The crime lord interrupted, reading the information on the tablet. His gaze darkened. "Your description on Akihito is perfect," he interrupted, firing the first shot on Minagawa's leg.
"Please – no," Minagawa sobbed. "Asami sama, please – Arg!" he screamed when Asami maimed his other leg.
"Asami sama, give me another chance. I swear I won't disappoint you again," Minagawa sobbed as he pleaded.
"Suoh, gag him," Asami ordered and turned to Toru who was standing next to Kirishima. "This is the world you'll be living in if you choose to accept the job," he said coolly, passing Toru his gun.
Toru stared at the gun on Asami's hand. For a moment, he didn't say anything. Slowly, he reached for the weapon, gripped it, and pointed it at Minagawa.
Asami sat on the chair. Crossing his legs, the crime lord smirked as he prepared to watch an enjoyable show. "Toru, do it."
Toru fired.
Blood splattered on Toru's face as Minagawa fell backwards with his eyes wide open. Calmly, the lanky man passed the gun back to Asami, ignoring the other guards' shock faces.
Asami offered no comments as he stood up from his seat. "Keep it, the gun is yours." He walked pass Toru, stopping next to him. "Welcome to Sion," he smirked before walking out, leaving his subordinates to do the clean-up.
Kirishima went to Toru, placing a hand on the guard's shoulder. "Not bad, Toru-kun," he said, impressed. Pushing up his spectacles, he continued, "The gun you're holding was one of Asami sama's favorites."
Toru stared at the gun before looking up at the secretary. "Thank you, Kirishima san."
Kirishima patted Toru's shoulder. "I'm expecting great things from you," he said walking away from the warehouse. "Dispose the suit you're wearing and report for duty at nine tomorrow morning."
Xx Business as Usual xX
The morning he reported for work, Toru found himself standing at the door of the penthouse suite in a high class apartment. Kirishima had already explained his duties to him and if he had understood perfectly, he was hired to protect the boss's lover, someone by the name of Takaba sama. He was rather surprised with the information as he didn't think Asami would go through such lengths to hire a guard for his lover.
Toru wasn't easily intimidated yet Asami managed to shake his nerves a couple of times, making him feel weak inside. When Asami ordered him to pull the trigger on the young guard, Toru hesitated for a few seconds.
Who wouldn't? Expressionless or not, he was only human. But Toru reminded himself that if he wanted the job, there would be instances that he had to kill.
And it wasn't as if he didn't have a choice; he did. He could have walked out if he wanted to but as he lay on the ground in the dojo after his defeat, staring at Asami Ryuiichi; Toru immediately understood that he had found the man he was willing to serve.
"Toru, remember the two rules," Kirishima said. "First, Asami sama is your boss, so his orders are absolute and second," the bespectacled man stopped, staring at Toru. "Do not fall in love with Takaba sama."
Toru fixed his attention at the secretary. He must have looked confused because Kirishima spoke again.
"I know it's an unusual instruction but remember that."
Toru bowed. "Understood, Kirishima san."
The secretary bypassed the security lock on the penthouse and stepped inside with Toru following behind closely. He wondered if his soon-to-be master was a difficult person. He hoped not because the last thing he wanted was to serve a spoilt, yakuza lover.
He heard Asami's voice first. There was another man with his boss, and judging from their conversation, they were arguing.
"You bastard, just when I thought I've gotten rid of Keiichi, you got me a new guard?" The man said in annoyance.
"You didn't get rid of Keiichi, I did," Asami answered in an amused tone.
Toru had his eyebrows slightly raised. From what he had witnessed yesterday, Asami commanded obedience and respect from his subordinates. No one, not even Kirishima or Suoh spoke to Asami in that tone. To hear someone calling Asami a bastard was indeed something new.
It didn't take him long to connect that his boss's lover was man and a very strong-headed one at that. Feeling somewhat relieved that he didn't have to serve a female boss, Toru followed Kirishima to the living room in silence. Toru had no prejudice against a woman but having served the army for five years, he was definitely more comfortable serving a male boss.
"Toru, wait here," Kirishima said suddenly when they were about to enter the living room.
Toru nodded his head, offering no comments. He heard a loud thud and the door to the bedroom slammed and it was a good twenty minutes later when the door reopened. Kirishima signaled Toru to enter.
"Asami sama," he heard Kirishima said, "I brought Toru."
Toru bowed at his employer. The man standing beside Asami had the most attractive pair of eyes he had ever seen. Hazel eyes. Toru thought. An unusual color for a Japanese. With his light colored hair and porcelain skin, the young man could be passed as a model if he stood a few inches taller. He wore a pair of torn faded jeans, white shirt, paired with a light khaki jacket – hardly the dress code of a rich yakuza's lover.
The boy looked disheveled and flushed, explaining to Toru clearly what Asami had been doing to him a moment ago. Asami must have managed to coax his young lover into having a guard for he did not protest when Asami led the boy to Toru.
The hazel eyes glared at Toru but he remained in his position as he bowed at the young man.
"Takaba Akihito," he said, offering his hand.
Toru took the hand in his and bowed. "Toru; It's a pleasure to meet you, Takaba sama."
He looked up, scrutinizing his master's face. The boy bore no resemblance to Asami's intense, charismatic aura but he had a strong presence nonetheless. Toru offered a small smile. It certainly looked like he could fit in here.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Present time – at the onsen
"Wait a minute," Ando raised his hand at Kirishima, stopping the secretary. "You mean Asami sama actually let Keiichi off just like that?" He asked, snapping his fingers.
Kirishima smiled, nodding. "He was beaten rather badly for that confession."
"Is he still at Club Sion, Osaka branch?" Suoh asked, downing his sake.
Kirishima nodded. "He is and according to the manager, he is working diligently."
Ando whistled. "Keiichi is lucky to be alive," he said, tapping his ceramic cup at Toru's. "Toru san, you're really something," Ando said, looking at the lanky guard. I wouldn't be able to do something like that." He drank his sake. "Not during the first interview," he added.
Toru offered a slight smile. "I did hesitate for a while," he admitted.
It was Kirishima's turn to look surprised. "You were very composed, Toru. You didn't look nervous," Kirishima commented, looking at Suoh.
The bulky guard grinned. "You're good, Toru," he complimented, raising his cup. "Just make sure you stay the way you are. I don't want to beat the crap out of you like I did to Keiichi."
Toru bowed slightly before raising the ceramic sake cup. He toasted and gulped the warm sake down. As he looked up, staring at Ando, Kirishima and Suoh, Toru felt like he was home.
Translations:
Dojo - a formal training place for students of martial arts
Thank you for your response to my previous comment! I decided that I won't be toning down the punishment after all but I will include a warning before the punishment scenes. Chapter 23 will be on Chey Rith. That's a promise!
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