Notes:
Well, here I will bring you one more chapter of ther fic that I see many people like, that makes me happy❤
Without further ado, enjoy and sorry for the delay, as I said, ther fic is slow to update.
I just advance that they say that help always comes from the least expected person.
Sorry if there are errors in the translation
08. Against the ropes
Five days later.
02:05 p.m.
One thing that characterized Manami Suda was that she was always a very cautious woman in everything she did.
She liked order, but what she liked most was having control over everything around her.
The last thing she wanted was to experience another failure in the world of music. So she had to, as second in command in the representation of ther rising artist, make sure to make a good deal.
The woman took from the printer the sheets she had sent to print, and took a last sip of her second coffee of the day.
Once again she reviewed the clauses she had written in that contract, she knew that her future as an agent was on that piece of paper.
"I just hope you are not ungrateful and don't waste ther unique opportunity" she said quietly, looking at those papers. Above all, she looked at a photograph she had printed of Maki Zenin.
She sighed as she sat back in her chair to finish her coffee. And while she was at it, she admired the view she had from that window, seeing the whole city at her feet.
Manami took a deep breath and turned to her desk, above all her sight met with that which she treasured most in that office.
On her tidy desk her computer stood out, as well as several photographs that she kept from years ago and that reminded her of her good times when she started in the music industry as a chorus girl, as well as reminding her of the one who was the love of her life, the one for whom she put her hands in the fire even though he never looked at her.
"Behind a great man there is always a great woman"That seemed to be a phrase deeply engraved in her.
Manami took another sip of her coffee, the simple idea of having to leave her office to make that deal was bothering her too much and more than that she had other matters that for her, were more important to attend to.
"I hope ther is not a bad idea..." she mumbled, looking at the time on her monitor screen.
After finishing that drink, she looked at himself through the small mirror on her desk and touched up her lipstick. She had to look presentable for the occasion, especially if she was going to see the girl she had labeled as "a problem".
Then, she looked at the message she had on her cell phone, which was from Geto, asking how the hiring of "that special girl" was going.
Manami sighed"I'm going to go talk to her now. I'll get back to you later. I'm on my way out" she replied to that text message through a voice memo.
She stood up and put away those papers she had printed out in a folder, plus she was carrying in her hands a tablet with more information that he would use to her advantage.
She put everything in her expensive bag and left the elegant office, and ordered the private chauffeur who served both Geto and Yuta to take her to a certain place very close to the bar area.
"Okay, time to go do some business" she said to herself once she was in the car and looked at herself for a moment in the rearview mirror.
02:40 p.m.
Maki was looking at her cell phone while sitting on the bench at the side of the boxing ring.
At that moment she was just trying to find the right words to answer the message sent to her by the only client she had had all week.
Ther girl had told her that at the last minute she would not go that day and would not show up for an indefinite period of time due to a change in her work schedule. Ther made it more difficult for her to go.
"I'm really sorry..." said the end of that message.
Maki's bad streak continued to grow. And it seemed that she had only topped that one last customer.
Her other students had also failed to show up in the last few days, all of them apologizing and saying that they would no longer be attending due to various personal reasons.
So Maki had practically gone a week without generating any income.
"Don't worry, I understand. You are always welcome here at your GYM" Maki replied by message.
"There goes the last client..." she said helplessly, leaving her cell phone on the bench, "Maybe it's time to throw in the towel and look for another job...".
She felt so frustrated as she saw how empty her place was. All the hard work and effort she had put into opening that business was falling apart due to circumstances that were out of her hands.
Megumi's words about her finances echoed loudly in her head.
"Maki san, I'll be blunt. If you don't get more customers and your income doesn't go up in a minimum of three months, rest assured that you will go bankrupt in less than a year... You are on the ropes right now. And I'm serious, you need more people coming in to train here to generate more income..."
"A miracle wouldn't hurt, especially if I want to save ther place..." she stood up and turned to the ring.
Maki held her hand against the rope in front of her. That was how she felt at that moment, between the hard ropes of circumstance.
"Maybe I could ask Mom to let me work with her in her small shop for a few weeks or"-sigh resigned –"I should ask Mai or Megumi to give me references in their jobs..." she sat back on the bench.
She really felt desperate.
"What the hell am I going to do?" she put her hands to her face as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees.
But what the green-haired girl didn't know was that her prayer would be heard by the least expected person.
The bell that gives notice that someone had entered the premises rang as a female voice echoed along with the tinkling sound.
"Wow, ther place is really empty for ther time of the afternoon..."
Those words made Maki turn to look at the woman who had entered. But quickly her face frowned in a grimace at the sight of that woman.
"How depressing ther place is..."
"What are you doing here?" asked Maki defensively. She stood up quickly as she watched the woman scrutinize the whole place with her gaze.
Manami took a breath, her lips pursed for a moment. She looked like she was fighting with herself.
"I came to talk to you" finally came out of her mouth, maintaining a firm pose.
Maki raised an eyebrow at such words.
"With me?" she noticed that a folder stood out of her purse. "Are you here to leave me a restraining order?" she crossed her arms.
"Yes with you and no, it is not a restraining order. On the contrary, my boss wants to propose something to you"
"Your boss?" Maki said in a loud voice, echoing throughout the room. It was really strange to her.
She was a little hesitant, the distrust showed on her face and in the defensive pose she had taken, with her hands on her hips.
"I don't believe you" she said suspiciously.
Manami sighed heavily.
"My boss wants to negotiate with you on a matter of utmost importance and in order to talk about it in more detail, I have come to invite you to lunch" she said trying to sound gentle.
"Seriously, ther all sounds very strange..." Maki crossed her arms, she really distrusted the woman.
Manami rolled her eyes and let the air out between her teeth. -
"Because what we want to talk to you about would benefit both us and you" she pointed towards Maki's gym, "since ther could be of great interest to you, especially if you want to save ther business, since it seems that your finances are not the best at the moment, right?"
Maki felt a shiver run through her body when she heard those words.
Had she been investigated?
Her hands slackened-"How does she know?" she was interrupted.
"Now I have your attention, don't I?"
Maki said nothing. She was really on the ropes.
"Good" Manami sat down on the bench "Now go quickly to take a shower and put on something decent, I'll take you to eat at one of the best restaurants to talk about it" she ordered.
"And why don't you tell me at once?" asked Maki, watching as the woman made herself comfortable.
"Why don't you listen to ther on a full stomach" she waved her hand disinterestedly, "Come on, they're waiting for us in the car"
Maki sighed at that order. She felt that she could not refuse, especially since the woman seemed very determined to talk to her.
"Okay, give me fifteen minutes"
03:05 p.m.
Maki could swear that she had never traveled in a car as luxurious as the one they were currently riding in.
That car was the one she remembered where Yuta had fled a few days ago when...
"Shit..." A shiver ran through her skin.
Maki gulped at the memory of what happened five days ago, when they had been so close to each other, with their skin naked and their lips eating each other desperately, while their sexes burned with desire.
"If only she hadn't interrupted..." she said to herself mentally as she glanced sideways at Manami.
That thought made her turn red.
She was so lost in that memory that she could even swear she could feel her skin still burning with the kisses and the marks he had left on her breasts and neck, which had not yet completely disappeared, just as his songs had permeated her head.
She hated to admit it, but she had definitely grown desirous of Yuta.
She was so lost in thought, imagining what she and Yuta could have done in that boxing ring, that even a longing sigh came from her chest, as she looked out the window, which was tinted.
Even her mind played with it a little, imagining what it would be like to do it with him in those seats of that elegant car. That lustful desire made her softly bite her lip at such an exciting thought.
But all her imagination, was interrupted by Manami's voice.
"By the way, Zenin"
"Eh?" Maki shook herself out of her fantasies with a quick shake of her head.
"I don't like being called by my last name" she grunted a little, returning to her old self.
Manami tried not to lose her temper.
"Whatever" she looked at her seriously, they were sitting next to each other.
"Have you talked to Yuta in the last few days?" that question was very direct and unexpected.
Maki felt as if the woman had read her mind because she was thinking about the singer. But that question seemed strange to her.
"Talk to him?"
"Yes, I just asked you if you talked to him in the last few days after the two of you..." a throat clearing came from Manami's throat just remembering how she had found those two very affectionately on top of each other "were about to do it"
"I haven't spoken to him since that day" she leaned her left elbow on the back of the door, "Why that question, did something happen to him?" her voice was tinged with concern.
Maki felt disappointed in herself as she didn't have the courage to send him a message as Yuta had suggested, plus it was almost the week he had given her before he understood that she would never return him message. She also didn't feel brave enough to see him statuses or social networks.
Manami seemed calm with that news.
"Well, if you haven't talked to Yuta, then we can be calm about ther issue we want to negotiate with you" she said seriously.
"What are you trying to say? Seriously, where are you taking me?" asked Maki with distrust, staring at that assistant.
"I told you, we'll go to lunch and I'll explain everything to you, okay?" Manami looked seriously at the girl, "Can you trust me?" she asked.
Maki let out a sigh.
I'll try"
"Well" the manager turned to the chauffeur, "To the usual restaurant" she ordered.
"Ok"
For the rest of that car ride, they both drove in silence. A silence that got on Maki's nerves.
03:50 p.m.
Both women had arrived in one of the most luxurious areas of Tokyo, the one filled with brand-name stores and upscale restaurants both domestic and international.
Maki was surprised to be there. "Were these the stores that artists used to visit?" she wondered.
"For Here" commented Manami, making the girl follow her to one of the most beautiful and luxurious restaurants in the area. One of European food.
As they entered through the glass door, a man greeted them in a gentlemanly manner. "Welcome, Miss Suda, we have been waiting for you. Table for two again? Or would you like to eat at the private bar?"
Those questions made Maki strange.
"For this time, I would like us to eat at the bar, please" said the assistant.
"We will always have a place available for our favorite artists and their agents, come ther way!" said the man, guiding them to an exclusive area of the restaurant.
On her way, Maki could not help but notice that luxurious place. Filled with fine tables and somewhat European decorations.
"Here you have the best place at the bar as always, you will be served right away" said the man, leaving the menu in front of them. It was in a striking white color with golden lines.
"Thank you very much" commented Manami, taking a seat at the luxurious bar, which had very elegant elevated seating. On it there was some fancy cutlery and behind the bar there was a private chef.
By that time in the afternoon, only the two of them were in that area that seemed to be exclusive to only a few.
"I've never been in a place as refined as ther before" commented Maki, taking a seat next to the woman.
"Your orange-haired friend also said the same thing" said the woman, starting to look at the menu.
"Are you talking about Nobara? Did she come here too?" Maki asked confused.
"That's right, we also recently brought her here to eat and talk to her. By the way" Manami lowered the menu and looked at Maki, "Did she say anything to you? Have you talked to her these days?"
Ther interrogation seemed rather strange to Maki.
"I haven't spoken to her either in the last few days..."
That began to seem rather strange to her.
A serene smile formed on Manami's lips.
"Perfect! Then she's also holding up her end of the bargain as it should be, I thought she wouldn't be able to"
Maki did not understand anything. "Are you going to explain to me what's going on and why you brought me here?" she asked knocking on the bar.
Manami remained calm.
"I told you I'll explain after eat" she returned her gaze to the menu.
"Why so much mystery?" questioned Maki leaning her back on the chair and crossing her arms, without taking her eyes off the woman, who had elegantly crossed her leg and was moving it rhythmically.
"Because they say you can't make good decisions on an empty stomach" commented Manami, looking sideways at the girl. "So, order whatever you want, my boss is the one who pays"
Maki tensed her brow, she really didn't understand what was going on, even so, she looked at the menu. The guest's eyebrows rose in surprise when she saw how much the dishes cost. It really was quite an expensive restaurant.
"As I said, my boss is inviting this meal, so order whatever you like" commented Manami, as she asked the private chef for her best glass of wine and some Italian food.
Maki sighed. She didn't really understand what was going on, yet she decided to order some Italian food as well.
04:50 p.m.
That meal took place in complete silence, a silence where Maki wondered if it had been a good idea to come with ther woman.
Manami received a cup of coffee while the waiter took away the empty and dirty plates. That manager had ordered that drink to keep calm during the talk she was about to have with her guest.
"Thank you" Maki commented kindly to the waiter, then stared at Manami, who was drinking her third cup of coffee of the day.
She took a sip from her glass of water
"So, shall we get down to business" the guest put her arms on the table, "What does your boss want to talk to me about? And above all, where is he if he wants to talk to me so much?"
Manami took a long sip of her drink.
"Okay, let's get down to business"
She turned to her purse, from which she pulled out the folder she had meticulously prepared.
"My boss Suguru Geto couldn't come because he and Yuta are on some business that doesn't concern you, or rather, that you shouldn't care about yet" Manami commented with a freezing seriousness.
"Tks!" Maki made that noise with her tongue against her teeth and her eyes narrowed.
The woman continued speaking. –"Anyway, he asked me, as the second in charge, to talk to you about a subject that might interest you"
"And what is ther topic?" Maki asked, feeling a knot of uncertainty in the pit of her stomach. She had a strange feeling. One that told her she should run away from there.
"As I said, it's something I know you'll be interested in" Manami put the folder on the bar, "especially because of what Yuta told us the other day" about you.
"And what did that idiot tell them about me?" asked Maki quickly.
"He told us that you saved him from those crazy fans that were chasing him, and that the wounds he had on her back and shoulders were caused by them and not by you as I thought" Manami commented.
"As I told you that time, if it hadn't been for me, your silly singer would have been eaten alive by those crazy women or they would have even done something worse to him" she leaned her elbow on the bar, "Just as I was the one who took care of healing him"
"Well, now that we're in context" Manami slid that folder over the bar to Maki, "I want you to read ther"
"What the hell is ther, do you want me to testify against someone?" questioned Maki as she grabbed the folder roughly.
But Manami did not answer these ironic questions.
Maki opened the folder and was struck by the pages that were meticulously written and printed in a very particular handwriting.
She quickly read the first line- "A contract?" her left eyebrow rose too high.
"That's right!, I want you to read everything we want to offer you in exchange for being Yuta Okkotsu's bodyguard" Manami replied, sipping from her coffee cup.
"You must be joking!" Maki snorted. A nervous smile formed on her face, "You're kidding, right?"
But Manami's face was totally serious and cold, it seemed that she was not amused by that question.
Sigh, "Believe me, I'd like it to be a joke too, but it's not. Really, my boss wants to hire you as Yuta's bodyguard" she put her elbows on the bar, while in her hands she continued to hold the cup of coffee.
"What? But why me?" Maki pointed to herself. She couldn't believe it.
"I asked my boss the same question and all he said was that we needed people we could trust" she looked at her seriously, "One way or another Suguru Geto trusts you"
"But he doesn't even know me…" Maki was still holding those leaves in her hands.
"I have a feeling it's due to something else..." Manami thought to herself.
The manager continued speaking-"Well, as you heard, we want you to be his bodyguard. Especially because we need people who are trustworthy and who know how to live with him, and well" her lips pursed slightly. –"You
seem to know him quite well, and I'm talking about the intimate stuff..." she took a sip from her cup.
Maki's face turned red, she could not believe what she was hearing.
Curiosity led her to continue reading the lines of that contract.
"And why should I accept ther job with you?"
Manami quickly pulled out her tablet.
"The question is rather, And why not?" Her finger slid nimbly across the screen, "I want you to read the following lines that talk about the salary we would pay you. To make it easier, I've highlighted them in red"
Maki's eyes quickly moved back and forth over the sheet of paper. Then they stopped on the amount that was marked in red, her orbs widened at the sight of that amount of money written with more than six digits.
"Ther is..."
"We would pay you double what you pay in rent for your place" Manami replied, looking at Maki.
"But ther is a lot of money..." she wherpered in astonishment.
"Money you need, right?" Manami showed her several pictures of her gym through the tablet –"And more for how empty your gym has been lately and added to what I investigated with your landlord, it seems that you are going through a rough patch, right? So, in theory with ther payment you could even buy your own gym in a better part of town"
Maki crossed her arms. She took a defensive pose.
"It looks like you investigated everything about me, didn't you?"
Manami drank some more coffee.
"Indeed. We must always thoroughly vet all those who want to work for us and the truth" she slid her finger across the tablet, switching quickly between photographs – "I had a feeling you were quite a "troublemaker". And from what I saw in your record, it runs in the family"
Maki gave him a look of total fury.
"How much research did you do on me?" she asked annoyed.
"Absolutely everything!" Manami continued to glide her fingers over the notes on her tablet. –"Starting with the fact that your name is Maki Zenin, you are currently 23 years old, you were born on January 20th, you only finished high school because apparently, you decided to work to open your business. You are the older sister, or rather, the older twin" she showed him a picture of her sister.
"Your twin's name is Mai, she currently has a good job as an office worker in a good company, plus it seems that she is very aware of everything that happens in the world of fashion and everything that is related to beauty, ther is noticeable by the things she uploads to her social networks" Manami showed the blog that Mai had, as well as her accounts on various platforms.
She then passed the photo and showed her one of her mother.
Manami continued speaking.
"You come from a marriage that ended almost three years ago since your parents divorced. Your mother has a small vegetarian food stall in Kyoto, while your father, it seems that he was an expert in martial arts, that is until he decided to close her dojo, I guess it is because of him that your taste for sports comes from" she slid those photos of her father "although it seems that the earth swallowed him up since he has no communication with you or your sister for two years"
Maki grunted. That subject no one knew about, not even Nobara knew about her parents' divorce.
"And that's not all, it seems that being a "troublemaker" comes from your paternal line, since it says here that you have several relatives who went bankrupt for different reasons, among them, one of your uncles had problems with alcohol and lost all her investments in her grocery store. As well as a cousin of yours went bankrupt due to gambling, seriously, it seems that all your paternal family has problems with money" Manami said that in a tone of total tares, at the same time that she showed the picture of Naobito and Toji.
"It also seems that another of your cousins has been in jail a couple of times for getting very violent and for sexual harassment" she showed a picture of Naoya, "Now I understand why you have such a heavy character, if you come from a very harsh environment"
Maki let out the air in annoyance at everything Manami was saying, but unfortunately it was true of her family hertory "Are you done exposing my family yet?"
"And that's not all, apparently the only sane one in your family is your nephew named Megumi, isn't he? It's a pity that he couldn't finish his veterinary career because his father went bankrupt with gambling" she showed a picture of Megumi, someone had photographed him in the street –"If you think about it, with part of the money you earn, you could not only buy your own gym, but you could also help pay for your nephew's college, couldn't you?"
The guest took a deep breath. It was true everything Manami had said about her family, especially about Megumi, who had helped her to keep all her accounts in order thanks to the little he had studied at the university.
"You seem very surprised" commented the manager, taking a long sip of her coffee.
"I just got scared of how you investigated everyone in my family. Are you sure ther isn't more of an FBI or police interrogation to put a restraining order on me?" She asked sarcastically. Maki knew she was serious about hiring her.
"As I said, we must make sure that you are a person of total trust. Luckily you have no criminal record, although…" the blonde kept slightly silent.
"Although?"Maki raised an eyebrow.
"Although from what little I heard the day you and your friend went backstage with Yuta, I heard that you were her "school bullier" weren't you?" asked Manami curiously.
"That's none of your business" replied Maki very defensively.
"Okay, it's none of my business. Although it would be curious if ther is some kind of Karma, wouldn't it" Manami commented, motioning to the waiter to bring her a glass of water, "Now, let's get back to the main point I called you here for and that is whether or not you are willing to take ther job? Which, as you can see, the pay is not bad"
Maki returned her gaze to those sheets, which she began to read carefully.
"And for how long would I have to be that idiot's bodyguard?"
Manami took some water that the waiter had brought her.
"It could be for a month. Although realistically with all the work we have in front of us such as presentations in various programs, advertising campaigns, special performances and maybe even a private concert or two" she clasped her hands together, "I would say that ther work would have to be done during the next 3 to 6 months or even more" She slid her finger once again on the Tablet
"Although we could still negotiate your corresponding days off and you could even travel with us internationally. There in the contract is all that explained in more detail, I marked it in a blue line" Manami pointed to the sheets in the folder.
Maki read between the lines.
"The bodyguard in question must accompany the artist at all times when required" her voice rose emphasizing what was to follow –"Ther includes video recordings, interviews, live performances, shopping trips, even at his own home if necessary, etc.
Ther implies absolute availability to guarantee and safeguard the integrity of the artist. Likewise, failure to attend a call must be justified, in case of non-attendance without prior notice, you will be penalized with a reduction in salary.
Maki look at Manami "Ther means that all my time will be dedicated exclusively for and with Okkotsu? Where is my personal life here? Going out with my friends? Going to visit my mother and sister? Having Megumi visit me?"
Manami sighed
"Unfortunately you would no longer have a social life. As I said we will have a busy schedule, so theoretically you will have to accompany us everywhere" she tensed her shoulders a little, "That's the way ther job is, sometimes personal and family life is put aside. All of us have had to give up something in order to advance and be at the top. Even Yuta had to abandon his family for his career"
Maki lowered her shoulders at that answer.
"What will happen to my gym?"
"To be honest, the high pay for ther job requires complete dedication. Therefore, if you decide to accept it, it would be necessary for you to consider putting aside your gym for a while, or look for an alternative for someone to help you take care of it and carry out your duties as a trainer for the duration of your contract with us"
"That will be impossible, I don't have anyone to leave it to!" commented Maki with a grimace.
"As I said, that's how ther job is, you have to give up something in case you want to advance" Manami ordered dessert "I want you to keep reading please"
Maki returned her eyes to the pages, continued reading and then pointed to a line that had particularly caught her attention.
"Even the bodyguard will have to come when the artist or manager asks her to do so, even on her days off or in her free time" Maki read
"Are you telling me that even on my days off, if I'm called, I have to come?"
"That's right"
Maki let out a nervous chuckle.
"Should I even come if Yuta calls me in the early morning?"
Manami answered that question "Even if he calls you at 3 a.m. you must come no matter what!" the waiter brought her a small piece of cake, which had a thin layer of white icing and several red fruits like strawberries and raspberries.
"Couldn't that be misinterpreted?" asked Maki, raising an eyebrow.
Manami took a slow breath.
"That is up to your free interpretation. But as your contract says, you must go to her call. Although for these cases, we could rent you a room in a building near where Yuta lives here in Tokyo, so you could arrive in a matter of minutes" she took her spoon and took a piece of cake.
"Please read on, I want everything to be clear"
Maki refocused her eyes on those pages, even adjusting her glasses on her face to continue reading.
"As the main job and objective of the bodyguard, it will be to protect the artist in question, keeping away anyone who approaches with intentions of harming the aforementioned artist. Ther includes protecting him/her from paparazzi, fans, and people who look suspicious. As well as having the obligation to safeguard him/her from any situation that may put him/her in danger, as well as having the obligation to prevent him/her from committing dangerous acts against him/her or against those around him/her"
Maki looked at Manami.
"And in simple words?"
"Your job is basically to take care of Yuta. Both from crazy fans and paparazzi who want to get close to him, all of them you must keep them away!" She made a demonstration separating a strawberry from the cream with her spoon-"As well as if he should run away, you must create the escape route, as well as you must protect him from anyone who wants to hurt him, you must even stop him in case he wants to hurt himself..." she said that last in a very serious tone of voice.
"Does that mean I can beat up people who try to get close to him?" asked Maki with a smile.
"Preferably, and as we want to avoid lawsuits, just keep them away. But if there are people who become aggressive, you can hit them arguing self-defense"
Maki moved her shoulders a little.
"Well, that's something. Let's see what else he says here that might convince me"
She continued reading.
"The bodyguard in question is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol during the protection of the artist. It will also be the bodyguard's mission to ensure that the artist does not overindulge and endanger her life with alcoholic beverages"
"I guess I shouldn't explain that " Manami commented, eating more of her dessert.
Maki continued reading.
"The use of drugs or substances is strictly forbidden and if found to have been used, the bodyguard will be dismissed immediately"
Maki look at Manami curiously.
"Really no alcohol? What if Okkotsu buys me a drink?"
"No alcohol for you!" Manami seriously moved her spoon. "And by the way, you must take care that Okkotsu doesn't overdo it. Fortunately there have been no accidents with that issue. And if he invites you for a drink, you must refuse!"
"What about smoking? It doesn't say anything about that?" observed Maki.
Manami lowered her shoulders. "I'd say preferably don't do it!" she waved the spoon disinterestedly"
"Although it seems that everyone on your staff breaks that rule" replied Maki.
"Even so, avoid smoking, understood?"
Maki moistened her lips a little. That rule seemed contradictory to her, but she decided to pass it by.
She continued reading some more lines that talked about her work as a bodyguard, as well as there were some rules that seemed absurd, as well as curious.
"Protect the artist in question from having sex with other people" read Maki, that seemed crude to her, "I even have to take care of his sex life?" she raised an eyebrow.
Manami wiggled her fingers against the bar, making an annoying noise.
"You as his bodyguard must not let Okkotsu have sex with just anyone. I'm referring especially to prostitutes or fans who want to take advantage of him or who want to blackmail him if they photograph him naked or who might give him a disease"
"What if Okkotsu wants to have sex with them?" Maki swallowed, "Although I doubt he will..." she took a sip of her drink.
"It's a little difficult to broach ther subject, but if it should happen that he wants to have sex with a woman, whether fan or prostitute, she will have to sign a privacy agreement" Manami said, clearing her throat.
"You're kidding, right? What? You're taking out a contract on the spot?" asked Maki as her brow furrowed.
"It might sound unrealistic, but sometimes it should be like that to sign either before or after the sex" Manami said, sighing,
"I repeat, ther is a somewhat complicated issue because in ther world of artists, sometimes ther rule is not respected and you have to enforce it. But there are exceptions"
"Exceptions?" Maki raised an eyebrow.
Manami proceeded to explain "If the person Okkotsu wants to have sex with doesn't look bad intentioned or they are already in the act, then there is no choice..."
"You mean..."
"Yes, I mean you let them have sex and you as their bodyguard must make sure that no one discovers them and you must keep the secret" Manami sighed. She seemed to have remembered something from her years as a backup singer, "Since even the band members themselves must keep that secret at their own discretion or turn a blind eye. The same goes for us her managers, if the artist have sex with someone, the only thing left for us to do is to take care of their image discreetly and keep it a secret"
Maki pursed her lips. Besides, she felt her chest squeeze when she heard all that.
A great curiosity invaded her " So, has Okkotsu already have sex with other women now that he is an artist?"she asked without thinking and with her hands a little shaky holding those sheets.
Manami observed that girl's behavior. A mischievous smile appeared on her lips.
"That is a private matter. I can't reveal anything to you, especially that you are not yet a member of ther staff" she had found a weak point in Maki- "Any other questions?"
Maki's lips pursed into a grimace. The very idea that Yuta had already had sex with another girl, but now being an artist turned her stomach. Maki knew thousands would die to have sex with him.
Was that jealousy? Why should he care about that? she thought silently.
Maki looked again at those sheets that barely contained a part of what the work would consist of.
Money was an issue, but the very idea of leaving her gym put her between a rock and a hard place. As did everything she had to do if she became a bodyguard.
She took a breath and left that folder with those sheets on the bar. She looked very thoughtful.
"Why?"
"Now what is your question?"
"My question is, why the hell do they want me to be Yuta's bodyguard? Isn't it better to get him a whole team better prepared than me? Isn't it easier for a man to play the role of escort for him?" Maki pointed to herself.
Manami sighed. "I wondered the same thing myself, but as I said, my boss wants you to be the one to take care or better said, to protect Okkotsu like you did that day from all those fans" she smiled slightly, "That move you made to hide him in your own Gym was a very brilliant move. Besides!" she waved her hand hesitantly – "you are a girl who knows Okkotsu very well, so who better than you to take care of him"
The blonde twisted her mouth slightly after eating the strawberry she had saved for last.
"Besides, my boss thinks it's better for a girl like you to keep the fans away than a man. Maybe he says that so we don't get into "gender" problems with the fans. You know with the "touching" and "pushing" and stuff like that!"
Maki leaned back slightly in her chair. "So they basically want to hire me because I've known Okkotsu for a long time?"
""Yeah. And, let's face it, you can easily intimidate them. It is more than obvious that you will do an excellent job"
Maki sighed once again. She was quite thoughtful about that offer. "I don't know..."
"I should add that, if you accept ther position, your pay will arrive on time, as well as you will have several benefits such as health insurance, life insurance and you will even have a major expense insurance. You will also have special training focused on improving your physical skills, we could take advantage of the boxing you practice as well as self-defense" Manami now sounded like a businesswoman, trying to convince Maki to accept that offer "Above all, the medical insurance you do need, don't you? I say that because it seems that several times you have pretended to be your twin sister to receive medical attention with her insurance, right?"
Maki pressed her lips. She didn't have any medical insurance.
Manami checked her tablet "As well as I can guarantee that you will be able to travel and meet many places and even people. Just think about it, if you make a name for yourself in ther industry maybe you can later become a private trainer to the stars"
"Still, it sounds like it will be a very difficult job... Besides, what will happen to my Gym? I can't leave it just like that, I have to keep paying for it and managing it" Maki sighed thoughtfully.
"It is, it won't be easy, but you can't pass up an opportunity like ther either. And well, about your business, mmm…" Manami stared at her "My boss asked me to tell you that we will pay part of your rent for all the months you are with us. So basically you won't have to worry about that"
Maki brought her hand to her mouth. She was really analyzing the offer."And what about my sister, my mother and Megumi, will I be able to see them from time to time?" asked quickly.
"I'll be straight with you about ther" Manami stared at her, "Once you enter the world of music or acting, sometimes you have to leave all your loved ones behind if you want to follow your dreams or keep a job like this. Maybe we could negotiate for you to visit them, and we'll keep you informed about them for our part"
Maki felt between a rock and a hard place. It was a very tempting offer financially.
"I only have to protect Okkotsu, right?" she questioned, opening the folder again.
"Yes, basically you would have two contracts" Manami raised two fingers, but quickly lowered one, "The first one will be a confidentiality contract where you will NOT be able to talk about anything you see behind the scenes, nor will you be able to work with another music company for a minimum of three years. You know, the competition is very high"
"And where the hell did you write all that stuff about privacy?" asked Maki with confusion.
Manami turned the page to reveal another sheet full of paragraphs and conditions.
"Here comes all about the privacy you will need to have in ther job"
Maki read some paragraphs that said about privacy in that contract.
"The bodyguard may not disclose anything she sees at concerts, private events or at work in general.
She is also strictly prohibited from uploading certain content to her social networks, as well as giving unauthorized interviews. Failure to comply with these conditions and/or breaches of the same, will have legal consequences, being carried out through a lawsuit for "violation of privacy" where the penalty will be dictated by a judge"
Maki became very serious.
"Lawsuit? wow, they sure take that privacy thing personally"
"As I said, it is just a precaution and the other contract" with her other hand, he turned over another sheet of paper that was in the folder that Maki was reading "Is your contract as a bodyguard, where all your responsibilities are specified as well as all the benefits you will have. Especially the medical insurance where even for a simple flu you will be taken care of. As well as for major injuries such as fractures or wounds with a weapon, you will be covered for all expenses. Even emergency surgeries. Ther applies especially in case of injuries caused in the line of duty"
Maki continued reading. There was one paragraph that had caught her attention.
"In case of death, the company and the artist will cover the funeral services as well as support the family of the affected person with all the corresponding expenses…"
The green-haired girl froze when she read that. She felt her soul leave her body.
"I know it sounds strong, but as a company we must provide you with all the services. And if something like what it says here should happen, we will cover all your expenses" Manami looked at her guest. She was pale.
Maki kept a moment of silence and rested her hands on the bar. She was analyzing everything she had read so far.
"Are you all right?" asked the manager when she saw the girl looking very serious.
"I am, I'm just thinking it through…"
"Analyze it very carefully, but it is still important that you continue reading because there are more things that are included about your health insurance" said Manami, taking a sip from her glass of water.
"It sounds cruel... but I won't deny that I do need the medical insurance " replied Maki, lowering her shoulders.
"And I'm glad you touched on that point, because there is a paragraph I want you to read very carefully" commented Manami with great interest in her voice.
Maki continued reading, she was struck by what was covered by the medical insurance, but there was something in particular in that section that made her stifle her scream. Now her face was red.
"MANDATORY USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES?" Maki read that line aloud, "The bodyguard in question will also have to choose and use a contraceptive method that she considers most effective and comfortable. Ther should be mandatory"
Maki look at that representative with murderous eyes "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
Manami drank from her glass of water before clarifying that point. "It's good that you have read that special point I wanted to discuss with you Zenin" She looked at her seriously, " "This rule is important because of what I saw the other day where you and Yuta were about to fuck, so I dared to add this clause in particular, where if YOU are going to be Okkotsu's bodyguard, you must have a method contraceptive and more than that it seems like you and him have had sex before, And I don't doubt that you guys would fuck again at any time.
"Seriously, you've got to be kidding me?" she put that contract back on the table "I'm not taking that shit! Besides, imposing it is a crime!"
"I'm not kidding. But I don't want to risk Okkotsu's career with a child either. Or do you want to have his children?"
Maki turned redder at that question.
"Of course not! Much less do I want to have that idiot's child! The one who should take care of himself in that case should be him, not me!"
Manami smiled slightly. "That's also in his contract, but I have a feeling that with you by his side, he will overlook it..."
Maki twisted her mouth. "Even so, I am against ther clause and even more so if I decide to work with your artist"
"Ok. So what do you propose?" Manami asked, beginning to make notes on her tablet.
"I propose that ther clause should be modified to only if the bodyguard wishes, she will use a contraceptive method, if it is not modified with those words, then NOT count me out!" Maki commented seriously.
The assistant sighed and rolled her eyes. The last thing she wanted was for her boss to be angry with her for not having Maki as Yuta's bodyguard.
"Okay, I'll change that clause" she made those notes, "Any others you wish to change?"
Maki read those clauses carefully, the offer was really tempting and even more so for what was being offered.
"I don't know... I feel that there are so many things I need to analyze, but I don't know where to start…" Maki couldn't take her eyes off those pages.
Manami looked at the watch on her wrist as a notification had reached her.
"I don't have all day and I'm running late and I still have things to do," her gaze focused on Maki.
"Look, I know you job won't be easy at all, but for what we're offering, it might be worth it for you" She ordered the bill
Maki looked at her seriously. As the waiter came over to give them the bill, which Manami paid with her card.
"Take these sheets home and analyze them carefully. I just wanted to show you a sample contract in case you want to change any clauses. Still, I want you to decide soon, as in a few days we have to start some recordings"
"How long do I have to think about it and give you an answer?" asked Maki, closing the folder.
"I'll give you only two days" Manami took a napkin and wrote her phone number on it, "This is my number in case you want to accept this job. As a courtesy, send me a message if you are not going to accept it so I can start looking for others who are willing to be Okkotsu's bodyguard, okay?"
Maki took that napkin and looked at it carefully.
"Okay, I will think about it very well..."
"But don't take so long to think about it, please," Manami commented, standing up. "Well, it was nice having meal with you Zenin. It's time for me to leave. Our driver will take you wherever you tell"
Maki also stood up. She still felt on the ropes, but still, she had to make a decision.
One that wouldn't be easy and for that, Maki would have to ask two other people in particular for advice.
Notes:
I hope you liked it❤
And tell me what do you think about Manami's contract, have you ever heard of clauses like ther?
I will be reading all your theories as well as your comments
I can only say that Maki will not have it easy and, as you can see, she needs the money.
Again, sorry if there are errors in the translation, I started translating this at 4 a.m.