Hello everyone! I'm really, really sorry about the late updates. I genuinely love writing but it is getting harder to write due to work and family commitments. I admit, I do procrastinate and if it weren't from your constant reviews and pms, asking me about the updates, I believe I would have taken a longer time to complete the chapter.
Thank you to my dear readers who have taken the time to email, review and pm me. I sincerely appreciate the love and support! (hugs)
Thank you, Rein for your being a good beta and friend. Happy Belated birthday!
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not own the characters and no profit is earned from writing this.
Akihito wasn't particularly fond of party and dancing but occasionally he liked to have a drink or two after a long day at the studio. It was a favorite after-work activity among the Japanese working class. Kou and Takato was insistent that they go out but drinking at a pub can be ridiculously expensive, especially when it was the middle of the month and they were broke as hell.
The only place Akihito knew that he'd get a nice ambiance, free drinks and top-notch service was at the clubs that either he or Asami owned. Sion was out of question because Akihito was not fond of mingling with rich old geezers. Besides, Asami had gone to Europe for a business deal, leaving him Asami-free for a week. No way he was ever going to walk into Sion alone.
So, that leaves The Fixer. Technically, the club belonged to him despite the club finances and operations were under Sion's control. Akihito was told to run The Fixer as he deemed fit but Akihito being Akihito, wasn't going to say yes to that.
Something was obviously wrong in Asami's head. Who would spend millions of yen acquiring a business for someone to 'play' around with? He thought.
But that was Asami. A powerful, dangerous man who had more money that God. And he was the man whom Akihito love.
"Takaba sama, we'll be arriving at The Fixer in ten minutes."
Akihito snapped out of his thoughts at Toru's voice.
"Hey, Toru. Takato and Kou were supposed to meet me there. Can you ask the bouncers to let them in the club first? I don't want them to wait outside."
Toru glanced at Akihito from the rear-view mirror and nodded. He dialed a number on his phone and waited.
"It's me. Has Takaba sama's friends arrived?" Toru asked and paused for a moment before continuing, "Takaba sama's orders are to let them in the club. Show them to the private table. We're arriving in about eight minutes. Make sure that the security is in place," he said before ending the call.
Akihito moved to the middle seat, poked his head to the front. "Toru, I'm not the Prime Minister. I don't need security."
"You can never be too sure of what would happen, Takaba sama."
Ando who had been keeping quiet, agreed. "Toru san is right. Besides, we have orders from Asami sama to make sure that security is in place."
"Whatever for? I'm not a girl. Nor am I Taiga," Akihito said, referring to the lead singer of the popular band, Setsuna.
"You are far more important," Ando said as he turned the car at the junction. "And your security must not be compromised."
Ando had really stepped up his game. The once nervous, insecure guard was long gone, leaving him formidable and a worthy partner of Toru.
"You're becoming like Toru," Akihito grumbled and watched Ando smiled. He was, apparently, pleased with the comment.
The luxurious Lexus LX that Ando drove came to a halt in front of a huge building. Unlike most Japanese building, the architecture for The Fixer didn't conform to the standard designs. The exterior reminded Akihito of one of those modern, award winning building designs.
"Are all these people trying to get in to the club?" Akihito asked, slightly dumbfounded when he saw the long line outside. He checked the time, noticed that it was five minutes to ten in the evening.
The weather was chilly since it was early March but none of club goers was deterred by the cold weather and continued to try their luck getting inside.
"Yes," came the stoic reply. "The club is packed, and the bouncers are doing their best to screen everyone."
"What do you mean?"
"They usually check to see if the patrons are sober or if they are carrying illegal substance. Being a door bouncer isn't as easy as letting people in," Ando answered on Toru's behalf.
"That was part of your job when you were the chief security here, right?" Akihito asked.
Ando parked the car on the special parking bay right at the entrance and grinned. "Yes." He bowed slightly. "Have a good time, Takaba sama."
Ah crap, Akihito forgot to tell Ando to stop the car at the back entrance. He really hated getting off at the main entrance since everyone would be staring at him, making him feel damn uncomfortable.
He got down, trying to ignore the fifty pairs of eyes on him as he made his way through the main entrance. The bouncer at the door, a big, well-dressed man bowed when Akihito reached.
"Takaba sama, welcome." He turned to Toru. "Toru san, everything has been prepared."
Akihito waved his hand, awkwardly. "Hi, err- Tanaka san."
"Hey, what the hell is that? Rich brats can go right in, but we can't?" A guy waiting in line shouted.
Ando, who had just reached looked at Tanaka. The burly man nodded his head at Ando's silent request before walking to the man, hauling him to the front. "Who the hell you think you are, disrespecting the boss like that?"
"B—Boss?"
The young man in gothic style jacket stammered. Obviously, he was confused.
"Tanaka san, it's all right. Release him."
Tanaka obeyed. The man fell on his back before standing up again. "Who—who are you?"
Toru stood in front of Akihito, blocking the man from going nearer to his master. His cold eyes looked slightly downcast at him.
"He's the owner here," he said before turning to Tanaka. "Tanaka san, I smell weed on him. Check him out."
Again, Tanaka hauled the man up and together with his other colleague, they patted the struggling man down. He pulled out a packet of smoked cannabis from his left pocket and a few date rape tablets from his right.
"You think you can come to The Fixer with these?" Tanaka barked, shaking the man.
"Throw him out," Ando ordered. "—and teach him a lesson."
As his team of security dragged the man out, Toru escorted Akihito inside. By now, patrons at the door didn't even utter a single word, fearing that they might meet the same fate as the cannabis guy. Just as Akihito was about to enter the club, he was once again halted by another person shouting.
But this time, someone called his name.
"Takaba!"
He turned, so did Toru and Ando, who immediately stood in front of Akihito.
"Takaba!"
Akihito pushed Ando slightly and moved to the front. Because the lights were flashing, it was difficult to see who was calling him. Finally, a man emerged from the long line, walking towards Akihito's direction.
Toru placed a hand across, blocking Akihito from moving forward. "Stay there, Takaba sama."
"Hey, Takaba!" The man called as he came closer. "It's me, Hide Yuto!"
"Takaba sama, do you know him?" Toru asked.
Akihito remembered Hide Yuto. He was one of his high school friends who studied at a different class. He wasn't close to him, but they spoke on several occasions during their high school years.
"Yeah, he's one of my high school friends."
Toru reluctantly remove his hands and allowed Akihito to step forward.
"Wow, look at you now, Takaba!" Hide smiled as he offered his hand for a bro fist.
Akihito returned his greeting, smiling a little. He almost didn't recognize Hide since he used to wear coke thick glasses with unkempt messy hair. He grew taller roughly five inches from his five feet two height and kept his hair in the trendy inward shifted fringes. He ditched the glasses, opting for a greyish colored contact lenses to match the color of his hair.
"What are you doing here?"
Hide jerked a thumb at the entrance of The Fixer. "Just trying to get in. Been queuing for an hour with no luck."
"Are you alone?" Akihito asked.
"Yeah, everyone else is busy."
Akihito struggled to remember if Hide had friends back in high school since he was always a nerdish sort of guy. However, he is better looking and trendier now, so it isn't surprising that Hide has a new set of friends.
"Hey, Takaba –"
"Yeah?"
Hide moved closer to Akihito. "Do you think you can get me in?"
Akihito looked around. News that The Fixer's president was a young man was spreading like wildfire among the waiting patrons and if he didn't get inside soon, it'd be worse.
"Follow me," he said quickly, looking at Toru.
Toru nodded briefly and stepped aside, allowing Akihito to walk inside the club.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Toru couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling about Hide Yuto. He didn't know the man, but after being in the security line for so long, Toru has an apt of looking at people's faces. And Hide Yuto had a face that he didn't like.
At Akihito's request, Toru let Hide joined Akihito at the VIP table. It was located at the corner and with every security guard in place, Toru didn't see why he shouldn't grant Akihito that request.
He stood at a good distance away, not that far but not near enough to listen to their conversation. The crowd cheered, and Toru saw Ando kneeling next to Akihito, whispering to him. When Akihito nodded, his partner stood up and joined him.
"Toru san, I don't like that Hide guy."
Toru couldn't agree more. "I don't think him being here is a coincidence."
"I share the same thoughts. It seems unlikely that he came here alone," Ando said, his eyes never left Hide. "Should we inform Asami sama?"
"I'll put it in the report. But as long as Takaba sama's safety is not compromised, I don't think we need to be alarmed yet."
"Asami sama wouldn't be back until the end of the week, and until he returns, Sion is under your charge," Ando pointed out as he looked at his partner in awe.
"I am not in charge of everything," Toru admitted.
"But it is still amazing how much trust Asami sama has in you," Ando said, patting Toru's arm. "I'm told by Kirishima san to assist you so technically, you're the boss."
"I'm not," Toru said, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the praise. "We have our own duties, Ando."
Ando laughed. "I'm not going to argue with you anymore. But just so you know, the guards in the club today?" He waved his hands around the club. "Most are your fans."
Toru honestly couldn't see how the guards were his fans nor could he understand why people thought he was Asami's right hand man. That position was rightfully Kirishima's and he was nothing but Akihito's chief security.
He continued watching Akihito. His friends had left the table to the dance floor, leaving Akihito with Hide. He shifted his seat, moving closer to Akihito before he started talking and exactly two minutes later, he covered his face with his palms. He looked like he was crying.
"What the hell? Is he crying?" Ando said in disgust.
"I believed so," Toru answered, his eyes never left Akihito. He contemplated if he should eavesdrop but Asami's instructions rang clearly in his mind. His master was to have some privacy with his friends. It was, in Toru's opinion, an agreement Akihito made Asami promised.
Since he couldn't shake the worries away, Toru did the next best thing. He retrieved his phone and texted his boss, all the while making sure that Hide wasn't about to do anything funny to his master.
Xx Business as Usual xX
"Takaba, you're amazing!" Hide exclaimed, much to Kou and Takato's annoyance. "How on earth did you manage to own this place?"
"Uhm – things happened," Akihito explained poorly, hoping that Hide would let the matter rest.
"I always thought this place is under Sion."
"It is," Akihito said quickly, "—but some things happened, and I was kind-of appointed as the temporary boss."
The explanation didn't seem to satisfy Hide's curiosity but thankfully, Akihito was saved from coming up with more lame excuses when a loud cheering filled the dance floor. As they looked at each other, confused, Ando quickly knelt in front of Akihito, informing him that there was a new DJ on the stand. He was immensely popular and had fans all over.
Apparently, that was why The Fixer was super crowded these days. Akihito figured Asami would be extremely pleased when he checked through the financials later that month.
"Akihito, do you want to dance?" Kou asked.
Akihito didn't hate dancing but the thought of having his guards clearing the dance floor for him to dance was mortifying, so he'd rather watch. He muttered a lame excuse and his best friends left him alone with Hide as they went to the middle of the dancing crowd, moving their hips to the beat that the DJ had mixed.
Akihito had to laugh when he saw how awkward Takato was on the dance floor. Kou was no better. He nearly fell trying to do the cool move he saw on the Internet two days ago.
"Uhm – Takaba."
Akihito tore his attention from the dance floor to look at his friend.
"Here's the thing. I wanted to ask you something." Hide's playful grins turned serious.
"What is it?"
Hide covered his face with both palms, rubbing it a few times. When he removed his hands, Akihito noticed tears.
"Hey, are you okay? What happened?"
Hide began to sob uncontrollably, shocking Akihito. He grabbed some tissues on the table and passed to Hide. "Hide, what happened?"
"I don't know what I should do," Hide began.
"What is this about?"
"I'm in trouble."
"Trouble? What sort?"
Wiping his tears with the back of his hand, Hide stared at Akihito. "A friend of mine took some loans and used my name as a guarantor. He disappeared after taking the money and I have to take care of the loans."
Akihito passed Hide some serviettes to be used as tissues. "What sort of loan? How long would it take for you to repay the bank?"
Hide wiped his tears again. "I wouldn't be crying if it were the bank. He took money from the yakuza, Akihito! They'll kill me if I don't repay the loans."
Akihito's thoughts immediately went to Asami and wondered if Hide's friend took money from him.
"Wh—which one?" Akihito dared himself to ask.
"The Aizu clan in Fukouka," Hide sobbed.
For some reason, Akihito felt a sense of relief that Hide did not mention Sion. He remained silent, looking at his friend.
"Please Takaba, you have to help me!" Hide bowed.
"How?"
Hide grabbed Akihito's hands, held them in his. "Please lend me some money. I promise I'll pay you back. I'm getting some money from my dad in a few days and I can pay you back then."
Startled, Akihito looked at his guard. Toru was already making his way across the club, so Akihito quickly pulled his hands free. Toru halted his steps and went back to his position.
"How much do you need?"
"Three million yen."
"That's crazy! I don't have that amount of money!" Akihito exclaimed.
Hide bowed lower. "Takaba please don't joke. This club of yours is pulling in thousands, if not millions of yen every day."
That may be true. But the finances were all guarded by Sion. His secretary tried to show him many times but for a lack of interest in it, he ignored it. Still, Akihito didn't think he could just sign a 3 million yen check and pass it to Hide without rousing Asami's suspicions.
"Hide – it's impossible. I –,"
"Please Takaba!" Hide bowed, clasping his hands together. "They'll kill me if I can't get the money by tomorrow! I promise I'll pay you back in three days."
"But—"
"My dad's insurance will be released in a day or two. I'll have the money by then!"
Akihito bit his lip. Three million wasn't a sum that he had and if he were to help Hide, he needed to call Asami for a loan. But if he did, Asami wound find out and it was the last thing Akihito wanted. He didn't think Asami would approve anyway. His mind went to the blank platinum credit cards he had in his drawer. He supposed he could sign a cash loan but that would take days.
Of course, the private account!
Asami had given him a bank book and a bank card two years back; and had casually informed him that he could use the money as he pleased. Akihito had more pride than that, so instead of keeping the card in his wallet, he dumped the card and the bank book in a camera box and hid it in the closet.
"Takaba?"
Akihito snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his friend again. Hide genuinely looked frightful and worried.
It couldn't be that bad. Asami wouldn't be back until the end of the week and since they're so busy, I doubt Kirishima or Asami have time to check on my personal account.
"Okay."
Hide's face lit up. Brushing the tears with the back of his hands, he bowed. "Thank you so much!"
Xx Business as Usual xX
Asami sat in the comfort of his hotel suite reading his reports when he heard the incoming message tone. He unlocked it and read the report from Toru. It detailed Akihito's incident at the entrance of The Fixer and how the person was dealt with.
The second paragraph caught his attention. Toru did not detail the conversation between Hide and Akihito but it looked like Hide was begging Akihito for something. Asami wondered if he should get Toru to eavesdrop the conversation but he thought Akihito deserved some privacy with his friends. As long as his safety wasn't compromised, there was no reason to be alarmed.
He texted Toru back, left orders to guard his lover and set the phone aside. He focused his attention back on the report. The takeover was taking more time than he expected and with Akihito alone in Japan, there was nothing he wanted more than to finish his business in Europe and go back.
As uncharacteristic as it may sound, he missed Akihito. He was so used to Akihito's loud and sometimes obnoxious manner that he found it quiet when the boy was not by his side.
"Sir?"
Asami looked up and noticed his secretary was already ready with his coat.
"It's time to go. We have a meeting with the Ascots in forty five minutes."
Nodding his head, Asami passed the file to Kirishima and stood up. "Let's get this done."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Kou and Takato were so wasted that Toru and Ando had to carry them back to their apartments. Akihito barely touched any alcohol since he had a lot in his mind. Hide's request played on his mind over and over again. For a brief moment, he did wonder if Hide was playing a hoax on him because the timing seemed so perfect.
But how would he know that he'll meet me in front of the club? He doesn't have my schedule and I've lost contact with him ages ago.
"Sir, is everything all right?"
Akihito looked up at Toru, who was staring at him through the rear-view mirror.
"I'm fine," he lied.
He knew his nervousness didn't escape Toru's eagle eyes, yet his stoic guard didn't press him for answers. The behavior puzzled Akihito because it either showed that Toru already had his answers, or he was ordered not to pry in his privacy. He'd like to think that it was the latter.
"Toru, did you listen to my conversation with Hide?" He asked, just to be careful.
"No, Takaba sama. We have orders from Asami sama that you'd be allowed privacy with your friends."
Relieved, but Akihito was still skeptical. He zeroed his gaze at Toru, hoping to catch the guard lying but as expected from the elite, Toru's face remained impassive.
"You're not lying, right?"
Toru bowed a little. "No," he said and looked directly at Akihito. "Are you hiding anything from us, Takaba sama?"
The question caught Akihito off guard and he quickly averted his eyes to the side. "No – why would I have anything to hide?"
"Sir, you can tell us if you need our help."
"No, no – really, it's nothing. Hide has some problems and I am worried about him, that's all."
It was somewhat the truth. Akihito didn't know why he wanted to keep that a secret. It wasn't as if he was in trouble.
Except that you're about to loan him 3 million yen. And the money doesn't even belong to you. Akihito argued.
As usual, Toru merely nodded his head. There was no way Akihito could tell if his guard was satisfied with the answer, but he couldn't afford to think about that now. Akihito chose to remain silent all the way back to the penthouse and by the time he was inside the comfort of his workroom, he rummaged through his camera boxes for the bank book.
Surprisingly, the bank book was kept up to date despite the fact he hadn't even touched it before. Based on the latest update, he had about six million yen in his bank. Asami did tell him to use the money as he pleased so why should he feel bad about it?
He supposed he could always back off but he gave his word and he didn't want to Hide to get into big trouble.
It shouldn't be a problem. It's just a couple of days. By the time Asami returns, the money will be back in the account.
With that thought, Akihito grabbed his bank book and seal, dumping them into his bagpack. Getting out of the apartment without alerting Toru was a feat he had yet to achieve so he decided not to try. He walked out of the apartment, calmly informed his guard that he wished to go to the bank.
Toru took him there without questions.
Xx Business as Usual xX
It took a little trick, but Akihito managed to transfer three million yen to Hide without alerting Toru. The opportune moment came when Akihito asked Toru to retrieve his phone from the car. As Toru left, Akihito quickly told the manager his requests.
Feeling rather proud of himself, he sent a quick text to Hide. The phone rang immediately Akihito pressed the send button.
His heart skipped a beat when he noticed the identity of the caller.
"You're done conquering Europe?" Akihito asked the minute he answered the call.
Calm down, Akihito. He doesn't know you took so much money from the bank account.
"I'm about to," the smooth baritone voice greeted. "I should be able to wrap things up in a few days. I heard from Toru that you went to The Fixer yesterday?"
Akihito's heartbeat quickened. "Ye—yeah. We wanted a drink but were too broke to go anywhere else."
Asami chuckled before continuing, "You met your old classmate there?"
"Hide was my high school friend. He was in a different class though."
"And what did he want?"
Akihito was thankful Asami wasn't in front of him or he'd be caught lying immediately. "Nothing. We talked for a while and went home."
"If that's the case, why did he cry then?"
Why wasn't he surprised that Asami knew that Hide cried?
"It was nothing. Mainly guys stuff, you know. Broke up with his girlfriend, got fired from his job – things like that."
"I see. Then I supposed you offered him good advice?"
The cool tone told Akihito that his lover did not believe a word he said. But Akihito refused to back down. "I can't even take care of myself, how could I offer him any advice?"
Now, Asami chuckled. "That's true. That's why you have guards with you."
For a lack of a better response, Akihito found himself tongue tied. "Sh—shut up," was all he could muster after a moment of silence.
"Akihito."
"Ye—yeah?"
"I'll be back in a few days. Stay out of trouble."
"I always stay out of it. It's just that trouble likes to stick to me," Akihito replied rather cheekily despite he was feeling slightly guilty. "See you on Sunday."
Asami chuckled and ended the phone.
Akihito stared at the blank screen of his phone. He sincerely hoped that everything would be all right but why does he have a nagging feeling about it?
Xx Business as Usual xX
Four days later
Akihito had been counting the days. By the third day, he texted Hide, asking if he had already received the money. Hide assured Akihito that he had and needed another day for the check to be cleared.
Akihito agreed, thinking the mess would be over the minute he receives the money. Once Hide transferred the money to him, he'd keep the bank book back into his camera box—case close. Even if Asami found out about the money later, it wouldn't be that bad as Akihito had already retrieved the money back.
But, something is wrong, Akihito concluded. He checked his wrist watch. It was already seven in the evening and there was no news about his money. He tried texting, but the message did not even go through. It was as though as Hide did not go online at all.
Desperate, Akihito called Hide's number and received the standard operator's voice telling him that number had been deactivated and was no longer in use.
"No, no, this couldn't be happening," Akihito muttered. He tried calling again but the same message greeted him.
We're sorry, the number that you called is no longer….
Akihito ended the call, unwilling to finish hearing the same recorded message again. He stood up, paced the room that both he and Asami shared.
Calm down, Akihito. Maybe his phone battery is dead.
He distracted himself with his camera and tried calling again an hour later. Still, the same messaged greeted again. By now, Akihito felt slightly sick.
Hide cheated me? Akihito thought, pacing the room. Shit, he took three million from his account and gave it to Hide! Granted, Asami did say that he could use the cash as he pleased but still, it wasn't his money.
And hell, three million is A LOT of money.
Akihito grabbed his phone, tried calling again. When the same message greeted him, reality sank in. He dropped on the couch, rubbed both palms on his face. He should have known that something was wrong when Hide showed up at The Fixer. Should have realized it when Hide asked for a loan.
Akihito let out a small, pitiful laugh. How stupid had he been? Not only he is now three million short, he had a whole lot of explanation to do.
He sat in the dark, hugged the small pillow on the couch and thought. After what seemed like an eternity, the photographer stood up.
No way he'd let it go without trying anything. Hide mentioned that he owed money to the Aizus, so the probability of Hide travelling back to Fukouka to settle his loans was high, especially now that he had three million yen in his hands. That is —if he had loaned from the Aizus in the first place.
No, I can't just sit here and do nothing. I've got to clear the mess.
Akihito pulled out one of those expensive duffle bags that Asami bought for him and threw a few sets of clothes inside. He grabbed his phone and walked out to the living room.
"Takaba sama, where are you going?" Toru asked.
Akihito eyed Toru, then at a confused Ando. "We're going to Fukouka."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Asami's eyebrow rose slightly when he read Toru's latest report. Akihito's sudden decision to travel to Fukouka for recreational purposes was indeed strange. Toru have not managed to ask Akihito for his reason as he was busy arranging Akihito's transportation means and security.
"Asami sama, is anything wrong?"
The crime lord dumped his expensive phone aside and looked at two of his most trustworthy guards. "Toru reported that Akihito is travelling to Fukouka."
"For what reason, sir?" Kirishima asked, confused.
"Toru's hands are full arranging Akihito's security. He has yet to obtain any answers."
Suoh walked up to his master, poured him a drink. "Sir, do you think it is related to Hide? Toru reported he was behaving rather suspiciously in The Fixer with Takaba sama."
"Most likely."
"Asami sama," Kirishima stepped forward. "Do you want to have the men haul him in for questioning?"
Asami thought for a moment. "No, get me his background and whereabouts," he said, standing up. "Toru mentioned that Akihito went to the bank a few days ago. Check with the bank. I want to know why Akihito was there."
Kirishima bowed.
"Let's get this thing done. We're leaving as soon as the Ascots sign the document." Asami wore his jacket. "Suoh, inform the pilot that we'll fly straight to Fukouka."
"Understood, Asami sama. I'll go make the preparations," the bulky guard said and quickly left the room.
Asami fixed his tie, walked out of the room.
Hide Yuto, if you are behind Akihito's weird behavior, I'd expect some answers from you.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Toru walked into the first-class seating area of Japan Airlines and walked to the front where Akihito was seated. The plane serving the Tokyo- Fukouka route had only six first class seats and Toru had purchased every available seat under Asami's orders.
Akihito's sudden decision to leave Tokyo had Toru's hands full. Being the man in charge of both Sion and Akihito's security, Toru had to make lengthy arrangements with the top executives of Sion and the security team.
He worked his team hard and by the time Akihito board his flight three and a half hours later, everything was in place.
Toru knew Asami wanted answers. Hell, so did he. Akihito had been acting weird ever since meeting with Hide. His master was nervous, anxious and would often check his phone, as though as he was waiting for a call or mail.
"Takaba sama, can you please tell us the reason you need to go to Fukouka so urgently?" Toru heard Ando begged as he knelt in front of the photographer.
Kanda, Shiba and Makoto surrounded Akihito's plush chair, hands behind their backs. Akihito didn't not reply Ando. Instead he chose to look at Toru.
"Toru, isn't it a bit exaggeration to have four guards with me for this short trip?"
"Takaba sama, please don't change the subject. What happened?" Ando asked.
Akihito looked away. "Nothing."
"Takaba sama, does this concern Hide Yuto?"
The slight movement from Akihito's eyes confirmed Toru's suspicions. Akihito was getting better at hiding but Toru was no amateur. He had served his master long enough to memorize his every facial expression.
Toru knelt in front of Akihito, bowed slightly. "Takaba sama, I know Hide Yuto is behind your weird behavior. Give us the orders and we will do everything in our power to fulfil your commands."
"No, no – it's nothing." Akihito muttered as he sipped his glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
"Takaba sama, you should know that we have to report your whereabouts to Asami sama. He already received our reports two hours ago."
Akihito's eyes widened. "Did he say anything? Did he say when he'll be back?"
"No, nothing but— Takaba sama, you should know that Asami sama will demand for answers when he comes back from Europe."
"I know, I will deal with him myself." Akihito looked around, taking in all the luxury in front of him. "Already, I'm spending too much for this trip."
It was Ando who replied. "Asami sama is not concerned about the amount of money you spend, Takaba sama."
Akihito looked even guiltier, and it made Toru wondered if the entire mess was based on money. Toru wanted to ask but he knew that he wouldn't be able to get anything out of his master's obstinacy.
Toru stood up, prompting Ando to do the same. He gave eye signals, asking his colleagues to retreat to their respective places. He took his seat next to Akihito's and retrieved his phone from his pockets.
Asami left him a message.
Get me information about Hide Yuto.
Understood. Toru replied.
The wi-fi on the plane wasn't stable enough for him to perform his hacking duties. He'd wait until Akihito check-in the hotel. Giving Akihito a quick glance, Toru typed his report to Asami. He detailed his suspicions and requested for further instructions. Just as he was about to press the send button, Kirishima sent him a short text.
Our business in Europe is done. Asami sama in en-route to Fukouka.
For his boss to rush through his business trip so he could return to Japan, it only meant one thing. Asami Ryuichi was furious. Toru kept his phone. He can't wait to start digging information about Hide Yuto.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Akihito sat in his hotel suite, exhausted. He spent the entire day hopping from one club to another, looking for Hide but with no avail.
It was folly to even think about looking for a person in a big city. Why did he ever think that he'd be able to find Hide in one of those fancy nightclubs in Fukouka? In the first place, he wasn't even sure if Hide had come back to Fukouka. Sure, Hide mentioned that he'd leave for Fukouka immediately but that didn't mean that he'd come back for sure.
And to think that he had mobilized Asami's entire battalion of guards for his travel was absolutely ridiculous. Not to mention the amount of money he spent getting here.
Ah shit. Why the hell am I so stupid? Akihito thought as he closed his eyes. He did a mental calculation and realized that he had less than 48 hours to get back to Tokyo before Asami is scheduled to return from his Europe trip.
"Takaba sama."
Akihito opened his eyes, stared at Toru. His personal guard knelt in front of him. "Yeah?"
"Who are you looking for exactly?"
Akihito had a feeling that Toru had already guessed his intention, but he wanted Akihito to say it himself. "No one."
The lanky guard remained silent for a while before opening his mouth again. "Are you looking for Hide Yuto?"
Since the question didn't come as a surprise to Akihito, he remained impassive at the statement. "You knew that I am."
"But I do not know why."
Akihito contemplated his answers and wanted to open his mouth when his phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, and Akihito almost didn't want to pick him up. Curiosity got the better of him and finally, he stood up and walked to his bedroom for some privacy.
"Hello, Takaba san."
"Who are you?"
"I'm from Aizu-gumi . Your friend has taken 3 million from us and placed you as the guarantor."
(A/N: Kumi/Gumi is an organization, usually associated with yakuza group)
Akihito felt dizzy at the statement. He placed his hand on the bed, slowly sat. "Wh—what do you mean?"
"Don't act dumb. Hide Yuto took 3 million from us and said that you will return the money!"
"I - I have no money," Akihito tried to keep his voice firm. "You loaned the money to him, not me. I didn't sign anything!"
The voice on the other side chuckled. "So, you want to play games huh?"
"Go look for Hide yourself. I didn't agree to be his guarantor."
"You're playing with fire, boy. You don't know who you're dealing with."
"I have no money to –,"
"The boss of a nightclub has no money to pay?" He laughed. "You're kidding me, Takaba kun." The man's voice turned sinister. "Your mother is real pretty."
Akihito froze at the statement. Calm down Akihito. They're just messing you up. There's no way that they know about kaa-san.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm going to hang up –,"
"If you think we're fucking around, check your phone," the man warned.
Putting the man on hold, Akihito checked his messages. An incoming message had his blood run cold. His mother was tending to the garden outside their home. Akihito knew that the photo was recent because his mother was wearing the dress that she bought last week. Natsuko was so proud of the good bargain that she video called Akihito about it.
Slowly, Akihito raised his phone to his ear again. Swallowing a lump, he gritted out. "What do you want?"
The man laughed. "That's more like it. Since I'm feeling rather generous, I'll give you until tomorrow to return 1.5 million. The rest, in three days."
"But—,"
"We're not fucking around. Tomorrow night; meet me at the harbor at eight or say goodbye to your mother."
Akihito did not manage to respond. He stared at his phone, numbed. He remained in the same position for a moment before he finally realized that he had no time to lose.
Standing up, Akihito willed himself to remain steady before walking out of the room. He saw Toru first. The lanky guard stood near the door and looked slightly troubled.
"Takaba sama, are you all right?"
He swallowed a lump. "Toru, I need you to take me to Aizu."
Ando stepped forward, bowed. "Sir, pardon me for interrupting. Are you referring to Aizu-gumi?"
When Akihito nodded, Ando looked at Toru before replying. "Aizu is the local yakuza. From the outside, they're a construction company. In reality, they are yakuzas who control the local night clubs and gangs."
"I need to see them now."
Toru bowed slightly. "Takaba sama, it is dangerous for you to walk into Aizu's office. Without Asami sama's approval, we cannot take you there."
"Toru, please. I need to see them!" Akihito tried to move to the door. But he was no match for Toru's speed. Both Ando and Toru stood at the front door, blocking Akihito effectively.
"Move!" Akihito shouted and tried to push his guards away.
None made any attempts to follow his orders.
"If you're not taking me there, I'm going there by myself!" Akihito said angrily.
"Takaba sama, forgive us. We cannot take you there without knowing the reason."
Knowing that it is futile for him to defeat his guards, Akihito fell onto his knees. "Please Toru, take me there. I beg of you!"
Ando immediately knelt. "Takaba sama, please don't do this."
Akihito did not respond. He placed his hands and head on the carpet, refused to budge.
"Takaba sama, please –
Toru did not get to finish his sentence. He heard the door opened and in walked Japan's most powerful man.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Of all things, Asami did not expect his lover to be in this position when he entered. From the looks of him, Akihito had been crying. His whole body trembled from fear and anxiety.
Ando scrambled to his feet while Toru merely stood aside. "Asami sama."
Asami Ryuichi's icy cool eyes glared at his men. "Toru, what is going on here?"
Akihito's eyes widened slightly at Asami. "Asami? What are you doing here?"
"Takaba sama, please stand up," Ando pleaded.
When Akihito made no attempt to move, Asami once again, glared his lover's personal guards.
Toru took that as his cue to explain. "Sir, Takaba sama rushed out of the room and ordered us to them him to Aizu-gumi. He refused to let us know the reason and out of desperation, he tried to leave the room to go on his own."
"We blocked the door to prevent Takaba sama from going out and when we refused, he suddenly –," Ando halted when he noticed Asami's icy glare on him. "We apologize boss!"
Asami waved his hand, a clear sign of dismissal. Without a word, Toru and Ando retreated, closing the door behind him.
He pulled Akihito up and guided him to the living area where he made him sit on the plush sofa. Removing his coat, he stopped at the bar and filled two glasses of whisky.
Akihito pulled his knees to his chest, wrapped his hands around his knees. Asami noted that Akihito's brows were furrowed, his lips clamped together as he fought back the tears.
It was a look that Asami hated. He had seen that look on Akihito when he lost his camera. He saw it again during the Keiko incident. On both occasions, Akihito looked dull, but it was never like this. Worry, fear, anxiety , defeated— everything was etched on Akihito's face. The man who put the look on Akihito should be tortured and executed.
"Akihito."
Akihito buried his head between his knees as a response.
"Drink this."
Akihito shook his head. The crime lord placed his drink on the table and sat beside the photographer. "Why did you want to see the Aizus?"
Still, no response from the boy. Asami was contemplating if he should haul the boy up and forced him to talk when he heard a small whisper.
"I'm sorry."
"For?"
Now, Akihito raised his head. "Five days ago, I met an old friend at The Fixer. He mentioned money troubles and said he was heavily in debt. He told me to give him two days until he gets some payment from his father. He'll return the money to me after that."
"So, Hide Yuto took three million yen and disappeared after that?"
"How did you—," Akihito halted before continuing. "Toru told you."
Asami took the glass of brandy and sipped it. "You went to the bank and although you were discreet with the process, it was not difficult to find out why."
The boy looked down, almost ashamed with himself.
"Is that why you came to Fukouka? To look for Hide?"
"He said that he planned to come back – so I thought –" Akihito slid down the couch, knelt in front of Asami. "Please, take me to Aizu."
Asami yanked Akihito up again, made the boy sit on his lap. "That doesn't explain why you need to see them."
Defeated, the boy could only explain. "I received a call from them just now. Hide has taken a three million loan from them, and placed me as his guarantor. I have only until tomorrow evening before they harm kaa-san." Akihito swallowed a lump. "I know they're not kidding. They sent me a very recent photo of her."
Feeling his temper threading a very thin line, Asami nudged Akihito's chin up, forcing Akihito to look at him. "And what do you plan to do when you meet the Aizus?"
"I don't know," Akihito admitted. "But I thought it's better than not doing anything. I can't find Hide. For all I know, he isn't even in Fukouka." He rubbed his face. "I'm so stupid. To think I'd believe him just because he was crying in front of me—"
Akihito wriggled free from Asami, went on his knees again, placed his head on the carpeted flooring. "Please loan me three million yen. I swear I'll repay all six million that I took from you and –"
Akihito's sentence was cut short when Asami pulled him up again. Wrapping his hands around Akihito's waist, he pulled the boy to him, locking their bodies together.
"You don't have to beg, Akihito."
Akihito's face lit up. "Does that mean that you'll –,"
"I'll not loan you the money," Asami said and watched Akihito's face fell. He released Akihito, stood up and walked to the bedroom. "Three million is a small amount but I will not pay a single yen to the Aizus, especially since you did not take the loan."
Akihito followed him inside the room, grabbed the lapels of Asami's shirt. "What about Kaa-san? She'll be in trouble if I don't pay!"
Asami nudged Akihito's chin upwards. Akihito's eyes were moist with tears and he felt an immediate desire to kill someone. "I should skin the person for putting that look on your face."
His lover, obviously too preoccupied with his mother's safety, did not even respond to the statement. He pushed Asami's hands away. "Asami – please. Forget about Hide. I don't even care if he had taken the money but kaa-san -," he broke off.
He always hated when Akihito begged. He found it amusing when Akihito pleaded him for small favors; he enjoyed Akihito begging him for more during sex but this – this was the tone that he hated.
"I will not let Aizu to do as they like. And I'm not that charitable to let Hide scot free after what he has done," he said in an icy, cool tone.
Sliding his hands into his dress pants, he texted Kirishima and dumped the phone on the bed.
"Are you meeting the Aizus?"
"Yes."
"I'll come with you," Akihito declared.
"No."
"My family's life is on the line here. I'm not sitting here, doing nothing."
Asami smirked. Cupping Akihito's chin, he kissed him. "That's the fighting spirit I want to see, Akihito." He kissed him again. "I'll meet the Aizus. You go confront Hide."
Now, Akihito looked confused. "But I don't even know where he is!"
"He has been detained at the warehouse."
"Detained? But how did you find him?"
Asami removed his tie and released the shoulder harness. Picking up his gun, he checked the weapon. "Digging out rats like him is easy. And since he made you travel all the way here, do you think I'd just let him go?"
"What did you do to him?" Akihito whispered.
"Nothing yet," he replied rather nonchalantly, "but if you don't deal with him yourself, I will. And you know exactly what I'll do to him if I do."
Akihito wanted to reply but a knock on the door drowned his questions. Kirishima walked in with Asami's change of clothes.
"Asami sama, everything is in place. Ready when you are," the bespectacled secretary said.
Asami turned to Akihito. "Freshen up. Toru will take you to Hide."
Obediently, Akihito walked to the bathroom. Asami watched his young lover closed the bathroom door and before long, he heard the shower running.
Asami checked his semi-automatic one last time. Satisfied with its condition, he gave a sinister smile.
"It's time for them to know who they are playing fire with."
Kirishima pushed his spectacles up, smiled. "Yes, sir."
Xx Business as Usual xX
The car chauffeured by Ando moved steadily along the coastal roads leading to Asami's warehouse by the port. Inside the car, Akihito sat quietly in the dark, trying to calm his nerves. He wondered why he was so fidgety, considering he wasn't the one who was captured by Asami.
"Takaba sama."
Akihito flinched in his seat. "Yeah?"
"There is no need to be afraid. Ando and I are here."
Ando chuckled. "Takaba sama, it's the opposite. Hide should be afraid of you."
"I'm not afraid. I'm just a little nervous," Akihito admitted. "Toru, how did you find him? I searched everywhere, used up all my connections and yet I didn't even have a clue where he was."
"I hacked into his phone, tracked his phone calls, read his mails."
Akihito's jaw dropped an inch for a moment before closing it again. "I forgot you can hack. I should have thought about that. Then I can find Hide sooner and save myself from all this mess. But -," he halted for a while, as if he was thinking something, "—if I had told you, Asami would have known. I was trying to keep it a secret."
"Takaba sama, Asami sama would have found out about it eventually. Toru san and I cannot cover it up."
Akihito covered his face with a palm. "Yeah, I'm just too stupid to realize it."
"We're arriving soon," Toru announced.
The anxiety came back. He had never been actively involved in an interrogation before. He mostly stayed in a safe distance, taking photographs of illegal trades and meet-ups. "What should I do?" He looked as Ando pulled into the entrance of the warehouse with at least six men guarding the perimeters.
"Do anything you want, whatever you want," came Toru's reply. "In here, you call the shots."
Toru's reply didn't reassure Akihito at all. "Is he badly beaten?"
A small smirk graced his lips. "There were some bruises when he resisted capture but nothing else – yet."
Akihito wanted to ask more but Toru had already gotten out of the car. Akihito got out of the vehicle and allowed Toru to wrap the trench coat around him. He wondered why Asami made him wear suits to meet Hide? Was it to make him look more formidable? Or did Asami think that the suit would match the black coat that Asami had gifted him from his Europe trip? Either way, Akihito thought he looked almost yakuza like.
The three men at the door bowed deep as he approached the main door. Another man pushed the steel door opened and light came blaring at him almost immediately. He shut his eyes, blocked the lights with his hands until Ando barked out orders to switch off the spot lights.
Akihito opened his eyes again, noticed the warehouse was rather empty. Apart from a few boxes and cartons here and there, the place had nothing else. Five more men stood inside the warehouse.
"Takaba sama!"
Unsure how to react, he nodded his head, made his way to the middle where a man was seated on a wooden chair. His hands were secured behind while his legs were tied on legs to each side of the chair.
There was another swivel chair in front, which Akihito presumed to be his seat. He ignored it and moved straight to the prisoner. Hide's head was bent down but Akihito noticed his chest was rising and falling steadily; a solid proof that he was very much alive.
"Is he unconscious?" Akihito asked to no one in particular.
A bald man in black suit stepped forward. He bowed deeply. "One of the men knocked him out just now. He was screaming too much."
"Can you wake him up? I'd like to talk to him."
"Saito, wake him up," Toru ordered.
Akihito thought Saito would wake him up movie style - Throw a bucket of cold water or shake Hide awake. Instead, all he did was to grab a packet of smelling salts and placed it near Hide's nose. The strong odor had Hide up almost immediately.
Still groggy, Hide shook his head a little before looking up at his surroundings. It took him a few seconds to realize where he was and began to squirm frantically, trying to break the ropes free.
"Hide."
Hide's eyes widened. "Takaba? What are you doing here? Why -," he halted before beginning to make sense of the situation.
"You bastard, you kidnap me!" Hide screamed.
Ando hit Hide square on his jaw, yanked him up by grabbing a fistful of his hair. "Who do you think you're calling a bastard, huh?"
"Ando!" Akihito cried. "Stop!"
"Takaba sama, we have to teach him a lesson!" Ando protested. "Besides the boss wouldn't approve the name calling. If he found out about this-,"
Akihito could see Ando's point. Hell, he couldn't imagine what Asami would do if he were here. His lover wasn't anything but magnanimous.
"Just don't hurt him," Akihito said.
Ando gave a disgusted look, but he released Hide anyway.
"Release him," Akihito said and Saito immediately cut the binds free.
Hide stood up, massaged his sore wrists. He looked warily at the guards around him, taking note that the men were mostly dangerous.
"Hide," Akihito walked closer to Hide. "I want you to be honest with me. Where is the money that you're supposed to return?"
"Gone."
"What do you mean gone?" Akihito shook Hide's shoulders. "You're kidding me, right? And why did you put my name as the guarantor?"
When Hide remained silent, Akihito shook him again, "Hide! What did you do with the money?"
Hide managed to push Akihito away. The boy fell back, but he managed to steady himself after Toru cushioned him from the fall.
"Saito," Toru ordered. The guard immediately stepped forward and subdued him.
Akihito opened his mouth to protest but Toru stopped him. "Takaba sama," he whispered, "The money is with Hide but if we don't rough him up a little, we can never get it back."
"But –
"Asami sama has ordered us to do whatever it takes to get the money back. He'll come here directly after meeting the Aizus. If we don't get the money before he arrives -,"
Akihito could see where Toru was heading. Once Asami arrives, there was no guarantee that Hide could walk out alive. He'd have his money of course, and he'd kill Hide for what he had done.
"Leave this to me, Takaba sama. I'll make him talk."
"I –," Akihito couldn't reply. How could he say that he was afraid to see what would happen to Hide?
As if sensing his worries, Toru turned his attention to Ando. "Ando, take Takaba sama outside."
Akihito was quick to protest. He might not like what he was about to see but he was not going to allow Toru to torture Hide. "No, I'll stay."
Nodding his head, the guard guided Akihito to his chair. Watching Toru approaching Hide was nerve racking. The expensive shoes that Toru wore echoed sharply around the silent warehouse, sounding overly loud in Akihito's ears. He looked around, scrutinizing the other guards' faces as Toru made his way to the prisoner.
They were all tensed and the guard standing nearby actually looked somewhat sympathetically at Hide.
He prayed Hide would talk quickly because he really didn't want to see Toru beating the crap out of him.
And if Asami happens to come in before Hide talks –
Akihito shuddered to think what would happen then.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Toru flexed his muscles slightly as he walked towards Hide. His hand itched to plow Hide's pathetic face the first time he saw him. After learning the truth about what he did to Akihito, Toru felt like putting a bullet in between Hide's eyes.
If it weren't for Asami's orders, telling him to hold back, Toru would have dealt with Hide himself. Asami had ordered him to look for Hide's whereabouts and have him restraint. Really, it was a child's play to Toru. Finding a pathetic rat like him took no more than fifteen minutes and in an hour, Hide Yuto had already been captured and taken to the warehouse.
When he learned that Akihito would be joining them at the warehouse, he was surprised. Of course, Toru was hoping that Akihito wouldn't, because the boy's gentle nature would make interrogations difficult. And he was right.
So, he deliberately told Akihito about what Asami would do if the money wasn't retrieved. He wasn't lying because knowing his boss, Hide Yuto wouldn't make it out alive if Asami dealt with Hide himself.
Hide looked wary as Toru made his way towards him. He obviously didn't know his own fate yet.
"Toru san, there is no need for you to dirty your hands. Allow us to –," Saito said but immediately stopped when Toru held his hand up.
Beside him, Ando crossed his hands across his chest and grinned. He was obviously preparing himself to watch a good show.
Toru removed his coat, passed to one of his colleagues before rolling up his sleeves. He didn't want to look at Akihito, fearing Akihito would ask him to stop and call off the whole thing. He'd have his revenge, one way or the other.
"Saito, release him."
Saito obliged by loosening his grip and pushed him roughly to the front.
"What – what are you doing?" Hide asked when he noticed Toru removing his tie.
Toru offered Hide no explanation. He passed the tie to his colleague and folded his hands across his chest. "Where is the money you took from Takaba sama?"
Hide grinned. "Gone, I've used them up. Your boss was just too stupid to believe—,"
The boy didn't get to finish his sentence. In a swift of a moment, Toru punched Hide on his stomach. He didn't give Hide time to recover. He punched again, harder this time and watched Hide keeled over. He knelt down, grabbed a fistful of Hide's hair and yanked it backwards.
"Where is the money?" Toru asked again.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Hide said, coughing out some blood.
Toru slammed Hide's head on the cement flooring. The impact had Hide almost screaming in pain. "Where?" Toru asked calmly.
"Toru –," he heard Akihito called him. His master's voice shook a little, but Toru couldn't be backing off now. A few more knocks and Hide would spill.
"I – I-,"
Toru moved a little, blocking Akihito from looking directly at Hide. He grabbed the boy's hair, yanked him up.
"We could do this all day. Either you tell me where or I'll put a knife to your gut."
Hide's eyes widened in fear. "You—you wouldn't. Takaba, he won't let you."
"Do you want to try?" Toru asked in a low, hushed voice. "Takaba sama doesn't have to know. I can kill you this instant and dump you to the seabed of the ocean."
Hide opened his mouth to scream but Toru anticipated his move. He removed a knife from his ankle, shove it beneath the boy's neck. "Try screaming and I'll slice your throat."
The sharp knife made a small cut on Hide's neck.
"Toru, what are you doing?" Akihito's panicked voice asked.
Toru dropped the knife, stood up and bowed at his master. "Nothing Takaba sama."
Akihito wanted to protest but Toru quickly move behind Hide. Placing a hand on his shoulder, Toru twisted the shoulder until he heard a satisfying crack.
"Arhhhhhhh! My shoulders! My shoulders!"
"They're not broken but merely dislocated," Toru explained to Akihito. He zeroed his gaze back at Hide. "But if you don't tell me, I'll break it this instant. I'll give you five seconds."
As Hide continued to sob, Toru counted.
"5"
"4"
"3"
"2"
"WAIT!" Hide screamed. "I'll tell you! Please, no more!" he sobbed.
But Toru's grip on Hide's shoulder was still firm. "Where is it?"
"At – at the public locker at Fukouka Train Station."
"Locker number," Toru asked calmly.
By now, Hide's cheeks were wet from sweat and tears. "105." He cried harder. "Please, it hurts!"
Given the choice, Toru would love to break that arm but he knew Akihito wouldn't approve of it, so he held back. Hiding his feelings of disgust, Toru reluctantly fixed Hide's shoulder. He did it rather roughly, on purpose.
"Toru, is he okay?"
Toru released Hide and instructed Saito to guard him. He made his way towards his master. "He's fine Takaba sama. I'll send someone to the station to verify his statement."
Akihito nodded uncertainly as Toru made a few calls. They waited no more than fifteen minutes before Toru's phone rang. The lanky guard answered, listened for a short moment.
"Got it, call me back when you're done." Toru ordered and replaced the phone in his pocket.
"Is the money there?" Akihito asked hopefully.
The lanky guard nodded. "Yes, but not all. The men reported that from the looks of it, at least 300,000 yen have been used. I'm getting them to count the money."
Akihito stood up, walked to Hide. "Where is the rest of the money? And what happened to the three million loan that you took from Aizu?"
Hide, still rubbing his shoulder, looked at Toru before settling his gaze on Akihito. "I used up the money."
Flabbergasted, Akihito took a moment to recompose. "You—you used up all the money? But why? How?" He grabbed Hide's arm. "Hide, are you in trouble? Is that why you need so much money?"
Hide flung his arm away roughly. "Stop it!" He took a few steps backwards. "I took it because you have it! You have millions to spare, what's the harm in taking some?" Hide laughed out, despite there was nothing funny about it. "You're lucky! You have everything but what about me? I have nothing. NOTHING!"
"But –"
"You had no idea what I've been through," Hide continued before he started sobbing, a gesture that both angered Toru and Ando.
"Takaba sama, don't trust him," Ando said before moving to Hide.
"Ando, stop!"
Ando obeyed but not without protests. "Takaba sama, he's clearly lying!"
Akihito didn't know whom to believe. But clearly, if the money were gone, there was nothing he could do about it. It was pointless to continue forcing Hide to cough out the money. He could only blame his stupidity for believing Hide.
Taking a deep breath, Akihito said, "Let's go, Toru."
"But Takaba sama!" Ando protested and was met by Hide's winning smirk.
"There's nothing we could do. The money is gone. I'll talk to Asami about this," Akihito said before turning to the rest of the guards in the room. "Let him go."
Ando clearly wanted to protest further but Toru's silent gaze stopped him. As they walked out, Toru looked at Saito who was still in a total disbelief that they were about to release Hide. He gave a curt nod and Saito grinned menacingly.
Hide was too preoccupied basking in the glory of his own release to realize that he was going to be in deeper trouble later.
Xx Business as Usual xX
As one of the rising yakuzas, the Aizus seemed to have it all. They had controls over the bars and prostitution ring in the infamous red-light district; and enjoyed a steady income from club owners and weed selling. Knowing that they could never compete with Sion, they mostly stayed out of the way and didn't try to meddle into the Class A drug and firearm export, a trade that Sion had long conquered.
Given the fact that the Aizus did not know Akihito's identity as his lover, Asami couldn't really blame the group for the call. After all, it was the bastard Hide who made Akihito his guarantor. But Asami was dubious about the whole thing. The Aizus made Akihito a guarantor without requesting for his presence during the signing of the loan contract.
For Asami, it only meant a single thing. Someone in Aizu and Hide conspired against Akihito and tried to bleed Akihito for more money.
And for that, Asami wouldn't forgive.
Fukunaga Daizo, the current head was a man in his early forties. Standing a few inches shorter than Asami, Daizo looked stern in his goatee and thin moustache. His tanned skin and scar just beneath his neck made him looked even more formidable.
Fukunaga wore a yukata, a typical evening wear for a yakuza and Asami could see the demon mask tattoo across his right and left chest.
Despite the intimidating look, Asami could see that his presence had Fukunaga agitated. His followers all stood behind him, looking warily at Kirishima and Suoh.
"Asami san, to what do I owe you this pleasure? As I recall, we do not have any common interest, nor did I meddle into your territory."
Asami smirked. He twined his fingers together, leaned back at the arm rest. "I'll cut to the chase. One of my men received a threatening call from a man claiming to be from Aizu. He had apparently loaned another person three million yen and made him a guarantor. And if payments are not paid by tomorrow, his family will be harmed."
Fukunaga's eyebrows narrowed slightly in confusion. "Asami san, if your subordinate was made a guarantor, then it is only fair that he should pay."
"Only that he didn't." Asami untwined his fingers, retrieved his cigar. He rolled the stick between his fingers before staring at Fukunaga. "He did not sign anything. It seems to me that he was made an unwilling guarantor without his knowledge."
"That it not possible," Fukunaga defended. "We have strict policies when we loan money. A guarantor must be present to sign the documents. Do not come here and accuse us!"
Asami placed the cigar on his lips, took his time to light the cigar and took his first drag. "Fukunaga, do you think I'd sit here and talk to you if I knew that you had deliberately done it?"
The question had Fukunaga silent.
"Obviously, someone is doing this behind your back and he was conspiring with the borrower to cheat money from my men."
"What—what is your proof that it was one of my men?" Fukunaga challenged. "The phone call can be from anyone."
Asami passed his cigar to Suoh and opened his palms. Kirishima immediately produced a phone. "Fortunately for me, I have capable men who are good at hacking. The call was traced to a man named Ueda Junpei –" Asami paused for a moment, zeroed his gaze to the man standing behind Fukunaga. "—which I believe to be you, the Wakagashira of Aizu."
The announcement came as a shock to both Fukunaga and Ueda. Ueda, who probably had more guts than his superior, marched forward in his tacky all white suit. "Don't accuse me, Asami Ryuichi!"
His outburst had Suoh whipping out his gun. "Stay where you are, mad dog."
The pompadour hair that Ueda combed came tumbling down as Fukunaga dragged him back. "Stay at your place!" he snarled.
Asami stood up. "Let me take a wild guess. First, you conspire with Hide Yuto, released a three million loan to Hide. Then Hide would disappear. When the borrower disappears, the responsibility would be passed to the guarantor instead. So, each of you take half the cash, leaving the guarantor to deal with the repayment."
Bull's eye. Asami thought when he saw Ueda's tiny eyes widened in disbelief.
"Is it true?" Fukunaga directed the question at his second in command. "SPEAK!" he bellowed when Ueda remained silent.
"I –," it was all Ueda could manage before Fukunaga hit him square on his face. "How dare you take from me!" He signaled another two men to take Ueda away. "I'll deal with you later," he said and turned back to Asami.
"Asami san, consider that loan void."
The crime lord stood up, buttoned his coat. His eyes hardened. "You didn't think I'd be satisfied with just that, did you?"
"Wh—what do you want?"
"Kirishima," Asami ordered, and the secretary placed a knife on the coffee table.
"If you're asking me to kill Ueda, you can think again because –"
"—how you intend to punish him does not interest me. But for causing problems to Sion, I'll have his hand."
"Hand?" Ueda repeated, almost giddy. He broke free of his restraints and crawled towards his Fukunaga. "Boss, please help me! I didn't know! I didn't know Hide was cheating a person from Sion!"
Fukunaga looked at Ueda, then at Asami. "Asami, isn't it a little extreme?"
Asami retrieved his gun, pointed at Ueda. "Your hand or your life. Choose."
Fukunaga lost it. Grabbing his katana, he pointed at Asami. "Don't think you can come in and do as you please!"
Asami fired a single bullet, missing Ueda on purpose. "Fukunaga, I'm neither afraid of you nor am I afraid of starting a fight here in Fukouka. Let me tell you. I can wipe out your organization today if I wish."
The head of Aizu started sweating a little, and it had nothing to do with the chilly March weather. "The Aizus have never stepped in your territory. All these years, we steered clear from Sion and—,"
"—precisely because you have never stepped into my territory that I am here, talking to you—" Asami interrupted, pointed his gun at Ueda again. "—otherwise, it'd be bloodbath by now."
This time Fukunaga hung his head, defeated. He probably knew exactly what Asami could do to his small organization.
"Hold him," Fukunaga ordered his subordinates.
"Boss, please no! Please!" Ueda pleaded.
Asami watched unemotionally as Fukunaga slice of Ueda's right hand. Ueda screamed in pain before passing out as blood gushed out like a leaking tap, soiling the tatami beneath.
"Are you satisfied now?"
Asami kept his gun. "I'll take that as a souvenir." He smirked and turned to walk away.
"Wait." Fukunaga called. "It is unusual for you to do so much for a mere subordinate. The man that Ueda scammed, is that the boy in the rumors? The one that you'd kill anyone who touches him?"
The crime lord merely glanced backwards and offered nothing but a thin smile.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Akihito, you're an idiot! Akihito scolded himself the umpteenth time. He leaned against the large bath tub, submerging himself inside the warm water before sitting up again.
His sheer act of folly had not only caused him a few million yen poorer but also problems for everyone.
He glanced at the digital clock inside the bathroom. Asami had not come back from his meet-up with the Aizus. He wondered how the negotiations went, and if he had to pay the three million yen back. His thoughts went to his mother, who was unaware of the danger that befell her.
Stupid!
Akihito scolded himself again. Even if the negotiations were successful, he still owes Asami more than half a million yen in total. Hide obviously did not lie, he had spent the money investing in expensive clothing and drinking in pubs.
"Akihito."
Startled, Akihito jerked slightly. "Asami, you're back. How did it go? What did the Aizus say? Will kaa-san be all right?"
His questions were left unanswered. Instead, the crime lord removed his clothes, and climbed into the jacuzzi bath tub, sitting opposite Akihito.
"Come here, Akihito."
The usual Akihito would protest and call his lover names but since he was worried sick about the situation, he went without complains. Asami pulled Akihito to his lap.
"How did it go?" Akihito whispered.
"They will strike off the loan."
Akihito let out a breath of huge relief. "Thank you," he said gratefully.
Asami nudged Akihito's chin up, forcing him to look up. "How did yours go? Did you ask Hide about the money?"
Akihito had a feeling that Asami already knew what happened at the warehouse. Toru and Ando wouldn't miss the chance reporting every detail to Asami.
"They found the money but after counting the remaining cash, 500,000 yen is missing. Apparently, Hide had used it to —I'm sorry."
Akihito was glad that the bathroom was dimmed. He didn't think he could face Asami with his stupidity. An angry tear threatened to fall but he held back quickly.
"Why are you sorry?"
The photographer met Asami's eyes. "I –I – I was stupid enough to believe Hide's lies. I took your money and gave it to Hide. Because of me, I cause problems for everyone and the money—," he trailed off. He moves away from Asami's lap and hugged both knees together.
"The money belongs to you. You took it from your own account," Asami reminded him.
"That isn't mine. You placed it under my name but it's not mine," he mumbled. "I'll pay you back. It's a lot and might take me awhile but I'll pay you back."
"The money is yours. Just like the rest of your properties, I have no intention of taking them back. You're free to do as you like but—," he pulled Akihito to him again, angled Akihito's chin to him. "—it's another matter if you're taken advantage of."
Akihito tried pushing his lover away, but he was no match for Asami's strength. "That's half a million we're talking about, not 500 yen. You can't be giving me free money!"
His lover of three years smirked. "500,000 yen is hardly Kirishima's pay for a month."
The photographer's jaw dropped an inch. "Like how much is Kirishima's pay actually?"
Asami did not answer the question. He traced his lover's wet cheek and said, "And as a rich man's wife, you're entitled more than that."
A healthy blush formed on Akihito's cheeks and it had nothing to do with the hotter than usual water in the bathtub. "I'm not your wife. Anyway, I'm paying you back. Nothing you can say can change my mind," Akihito insisted stubbornly.
"You can work for me."
Akihito narrowed his eyes into slits. "No, thank you. I'm done playing secretarial sex with you." He stood up, got out from the tub and grabbed the towel.
He barely finished putting on his robe when Asami gripped his hand, yanked him to the bed.
"Hey, what are you –,"
Akihito's protest was met by Asami's lips on his mouth. Asami's kisses weren't the same a week ago; they ignited passion and primal desires. And it awoke Akihito's arousal. Daringly, he raised his arms, wrapped them around Asami's neck and kissed him back.
Asami was still wet, and a few drops of water dripped to the side on Akihito's cheeks, but he was too aroused to care about trivial things.
Asami broke the kiss, raised an amused eyebrow. "You're so docile today. I'm going to enjoy business trips from now on. You're more responsive every time I came back from a trip."
A healthy blush painted Akihito's cheeks. "Sh—Shut up, you pervert."
"Who's the pervert now, Akihito?" Asami asked as he undid the boy's robe. "Still not playing secretarial sex with me?"
The flush on Akihito deepened but he braved his embarrassment and fixed his gaze on his lover.
"I'm not playing secretarial sex with you," Akihito repeated, grinned. "—but I'm prepared being fucked by you a lot."
Gripping Akihito's hardened cock, Asami's lips curved. "I have a lot pent up, you best be prepared."
Akihito licked his lips. "Bring it on, you pervert."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Omake
Taking a cab home was as far as Hide Yuto could get before someone placed a sack over his head, knocked him unconscious and carried him away. He didn't know how long he had slept but when he woke, darkness greeted him. The sack covering his head smelt like rat's urine and Hide gagged a couple of times.
He couldn't make sense where he was, but his hands and legs were tied to a chair – that he could tell. He tried moving but as expected, the binds were tight and the more he struggled, the more the ropes bit into his flesh.
"Stop moving!" someone smacked him hard and he stayed still.
He heard a car stopped nearby.
'Asami sama.' He heard a few people greeted.
Asami sama? Who the hell- wait, no – is that Asami Ryuichi? No, it couldn't be. What does he want from me? Is it because Takaba took three million from The Fixer? But that's his problem. Takaba took from the club, I took from Takaba. There's no reason why –
His thoughts were halted when someone pulled the sack from his face. The lights blinded him first and he closed his eyes immediately. It took him a moment to adjust before he finally could open his eyes again.
And what greeted him had him breaking in a cold sweat.
Asami Ryuichi, along with two menacing looking guards stood behind him. The man who hurt him just now, the lanky man Takaba referred as Toru also stood nearby.
"Hello, Hide kun."
Hide was already shaking his head in fear.
Omake 2
Asami stood on the deck of his Trawler Yacht smoking cigar. The recreational yacht was bought a year ago, around the same time he bought Akihito the Kurokawa onsen. He originally wanted to take Akihito for a recreational boating the next time they visit Fukouka but he didn't think he'd use it today.
The night was chilly, with temperatures dropping to a single digit. The weather forecasted cloudy with high possibility of drizzling later into the night. It was no wonder the sea was dark and looked as if a pitch-black curtain had draped over the sky. If it weren't for the lights around the boat, Asami didn't think he could see.
Asami thought of Akihito sleeping in the hotel and his lips curved. It had been seven days since he last tasted his delectable lover and he was looking forward for more when he wrapped things up.
"Asami sama, it has been 30 seconds," Suoh said.
"Bring him up."
Suoh nodded his head at Ando and the younger guard pressed a button. The small machine attached to the side of the boat began to hum, and the chains started rolling. Slowly, a man emerged from the deep sea, suspended upside down.
His clothes were tattered, his back bore angry red scars from whipping that Toru inflicted on him just now. The lacerations were deep, and the pain doubled when he was thrown into the sea.
"So, Hide kun. How was the water?"
"Pl—please, I—I'm sorry!" Hide spurted out sea water as he cried.
"Where was the bravery you displayed just now? You were so proud in front of Toru, were you not?"
Hide's eyes darted to Toru who bore no emotions. "I – I thought—"
"—you thought Toru was Akihito's subordinate?" Asami smirked. "That's where you're wrong, Hide kun. Toru answers to me."
Hide genuinely looked shocked at the information. Saying nothing, he continued sobbing.
"So tell me, Hide-kun. How did you find out about Akihito's whereabouts? You turning up at The Fixer at the exact time where Akihito arrived was no coincidence."
When Hide did not answer, Asami took his gun and fired a single bullet at Hide's thigh. "I have little patience, Hide. Answer me or I'll shoot."
"I—swear – it was a coincidence," Hide cried. "I went – went there to check on some rich ladies. I didn't expect to see Takaba there."
Hide was in so much fear and pain that Asami knew that he was telling the truth. "You saw Akihito, found out that he's the bigger fish in the sea and thought he'd make a good cash cow?"
"Please- I'm sorry, I didn't know!"
"Didn't know what?" Asami examined his gun fondly.
"Th—that Takaba belongs to you."
The golden eyes hardened. "You thought Akihito was employed under me, that's why you cheated and made him steal from The Fixer. You went to Ueda and both of you concocted another plan to take three million from The Aizus."
"Only you didn't know that Akihito is mine. Do you want to know what happened to people who blackmail Akihito?" Asami nodded his head at Kirishima and the secretary produced a briefcase, opened it.
Hide shook his head, sobbing. "Oh god, please no-"
"This is Ueda's right hand."
"Pl—please I swear I won't do it again. I'll stay away from Takaba. I'll pay him back every single yen I took. I SWEAR. PLEASE!" Hide screamed.
His entire body shook from pain and fear; and it was a reaction that pleased Asami.
"You will." Asami took his gun, pointed at him. "If I find out that you try to contact Akihito in any means, this won't be your worst punishment. Are we clear?"
"Yes—yes!"
Just as Hide breathed a sigh of relief, Asami ordered Ando to lower the chains again.
"No – no, please Asami sama! Please no – more. I swear I'll –"
Hide didn't get to finish the sentence. He disappeared into the ocean and Suoh started his stopwatch again.
"Sir," Toru stepped forward. "You're not killing him?"
"No, not now. Not until he finishes paying the 500,000 yen he owes Akihito." Asami stared at the lanky guard. "Toru, set up an account that Hide can use to wire the money he owes. After it has been repaid, dispose him."
Toru actually offered a small satisfied smile. "With pleasure, Asami sama."
Behind him, Suoh said. "Sir, 30 seconds is up."
Asami nodded his head and again, Ando pushed the button, pulling the chain up. He'd enjoy a few more rounds before going back to Akihito.
Owari
Owari
A/N: Thank you so much for reading!
A/N 2: My husband took a video of me reading yaoi on my phone. I was *coughs* admiring the art of the bed scenes when he took the video. My back was facing him so I didn't realize that he took the video. He even sent me the video with the message, 'Pervert.' (I felt like smacking him)
A/N 3: I don't have anything planned in the next chapters but I have been thinking about bringing Mikhail into the scene. After reading the latest chapter, I seriously ship Fei Long and Mikhail! Who's with me? Sorry, Tao is a no-no for me. I adore him but he's just a child!